Krabi Travelers Recommend

With three days in Krabi, you can wander temples and markets, explore jungles and caves, and chill out on white-sand beaches. There’s even time to try out a few exciting activities, such as climbing, snorkeling, and kayaking. Here’s how to make the most of 72 hours in Krabi.

Day 1: Island hop

Dedicate today to the beautiful islands and beaches off Krabi—with more than 150, you have plenty to choose from. Hire a long-tail boat, speedboat, or yacht to take you to spots such as Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta—or join a full-day guided island-hopping trip. Swim, snorkel, paddle, and enjoy the beaches, hidden lagoons, and caves. Alternatively, visit traditional fishing villages and local temples.

Later, watch the sun set on the Andaman Sea from the deck of a boat or a high viewpoint, before feasting on barbecue or fresh seafood on the beach. Then, go swimming or stand-up paddleboarding with bioluminescent plankton, a magical way to end your first day in Krabi.

Day 2: Different ways to play

Time for some adventure. Try your hand at rock climbing and go vertical on some of the best limestone in the region at Railay Beach. Learn the basics, or have guides show you the top routes on a half-day, full-day, or multi-day tour. If you prefer the water, spend the day snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, or white-water rafting. Looking for more thrills? Try an all-terrain vehicle tour, or go ziplining. If you’d rather take it easy, sign up for a Thai cooking class instead.

After a long day of activity, pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatments, or soak your aching muscles in a hot spring.

Day 3: All things Krabi

Spend the day in Krabi exploring the town itself, as well as nearby rivers, mangroves, and jungles. Make the most of your last day on a guided tour—many itineraries include Krabi highlights such as Tiger Cave, the riverside mountains of Kha Nab Nam, and Emerald Pool.

Finally, savor one more sunset before checking out the night market or taking in a cultural performance or cabaret show. Then, wind down your visit with a relaxing drink on the beach—or go big and join a pub crawl for a memorable final night in paradise.

Many of the world’s most paradisiacal beaches line the islands off Southern Thailand, and Krabi province is no exception. Here are some of the best beaches on and around this easy-going, friendly, and eclectic expanse of coastline.

Railay Beach

Perhaps the most famous of Krabi beaches is Railay Bay Beach, a stretch of coconut-lined white sand backed by verdant jungles and dramatic limestone cliffs. Consistently counted among the best in the world, this beach sits on a peninsula in Krabi province about 30 minutes by boat from Krabi town.

Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang Beach has become one of Krabi’s most developed slivers of coastline, complete with souvenir shops, restaurants, nightlife, high-end resorts, and vendors with water-sports rentals. Soft sand and warm water make Ao Nang an excellent swimming destination.

Phra Nang Beach

Near Railay, Phra Nang Beach has calm, swimming-friendly water and hardly any development, making it a great place for beach bums looking to relax or adventure-seekers looking to scale the limestone cliffs.

Hong Island

Krabi’s seas are dotted with rocky islands; some of the most scenic are located within the Hong Island group, accessible by longtail boat. Koh Hong, one of the largest, enjoys small, quiet stretches of jungle-lined beach and a hidden interior lagoon that’s perfect for kayaking or bird watching.

Koh Phi Phi

Made famous by the film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Island, has become one of the region’s most popular beaches. While you won’t have the beach to yourself, you will be in for some dramatic scenery—and some prime photo opportunities.

A 2-day trip to Krabi gives you time to enjoy world-class beaches and islands; try your hand at fun activities such as rock climbing and sea kayaking; and relax with a renowned Thai massage. Here are a few ways to make the most of two days in Krabi.

Day 1: Islands and Beaches

**Morning:**Spend your first morning getting active. Learn to climb at Railay Beach, a world-class climbing destination, or choose between high-octane activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and white-water rafting. You can also go off-road on an ATV or take to the air zip-lining.

**Afternoon:**Join a guided island-hopping trip and visit islands such as Chicken Island, the Khai Islands, and Poda Island. Tours typically give you time to enjoy the beach and explore hidden lagoons and caves, and conclude with a sunset BBQ on the beach.

**Night:**Enjoy a cultural performance or a cabaret show this evening, or check out the night market if you’re in town during the weekend. Those looking for a big night out can head to Soi RCA or Ao Nang Center Point, or join a guided pub crawl, which give you the inside scoop on Krabi’s best nightlife venues. 

Day 2: Krabi Town and Culture

**Morning:**Join a sightseeing tour to get an introduction to the culture and history of Krabi. Head to the jungles and go for a swim in the Emerald Pools or stay closer to town at the Tiger Cave Temple, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views.

**Afternoon:**Visit a market to experience local life. Enjoy some street food for lunch, or opt for a cooking class to make your own meals and take home recipes for traditional Thai dishes. Alternatively, you could opt for a cruise on the Krabi River or around a mangrove forest.

**Night:**Pamper yourself during your last night in town. Soak in a rejuvenating hot spring, enjoy a Thai massage, or bliss out with some spa treatments before watching a final, magical sunset over the Andaman Sea.

Located in southern Thailand, Krabi is known for its laid-back vibes and scenery that’s characterized by limestone cliffs, jungles, and white-sand beaches. Many attractions are close to the town centre, making it easy to see and do plenty even in a short amount of time. Here’s how to make the most of one day in Krabi.

Morning: Get to Know Krabi

Join a guided tour to maximize your time and avoid the hassle of car hire; tours typically cover highlights in and around Krabi, such as Khlong Thom National Park—where you can go for a swim in the Emerald Pools and soak in a hot spring—and Tiger Cave Temple. Here, you can climb more than 1,000 steps to the top to enjoy Buddhist shrines and panoramic views. 

For the ultimate Krabi experience, combine Tiger Cave Temple with a cruise on the Krabi River and a visit to a local market.

Afternoon: Island Tour and Sunset

With more than 150 islands just off its coast, an island or beach visit is a must in Krabi. Popular options include Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi, and the Khai Islands, but why settle for just one when you can visit a few: island-hopping tours transport you between several islands, such as Koh Poda, Koh Gai, or Koh Mor, and take you to secluded caves and coves that are only accessible by boat. Enjoy the passing scenery, and then swim, snorkel, or just lay on the beach. Plus, tours generally include a sunset BBQ on the beach. 

Night: Experience Local Culture

Get a taste of local culture at a traditional Thai performance or a cabaret show—evening packages sometimes include dinner and round-trip transfers from your Krabi hotel. Those in need of rest and relaxation can go for a traditional Thai massage, and then relax over drinks and live music at a number of bars. 

Nightlife enthusiasts should head to Soi RCA or to Ao Nang Center Point, or join a pub-crawl for tailored nightlife recommendations. On the weekends, be sure to check out the Walking Street Night Market, home to stalls selling street food and souvenirs.