Krabi, Thailand, is a tropical seaside destination with something for every traveller. Its stunning natural beauty and sun-drenched, relaxed vibe make it one of the most visited and well-loved places in the world.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the perfect stretch of white-sand beach, kayak among limestone karsts in vibrant turquoise waters, bathe in soothing natural hot springs, step up your rock climbing game or immerse yourself in the local Southern Thai culture, you will easily find enough activities to make your trip a memorable one!
Here is our quick travel guide to some of the top attractions in Krabi.
1. Ao Nang Beach
For many, Ao Nang Beach is synonymous with the Krabi holiday experience. It is known as one of the best Krabi beaches, and for good reason! It features the area’s famous golden sand, crystal clear water and unforgettable views of limestone karsts and jungle foliage. The many hotels, inns, resorts, restaurants, nightlife spots and tour companies that dot this iconic and gorgeous stretch of the Andaman Coast make it an ideal place to stay.
It features a range of accommodations for travellers of every budget, so it’s the perfect home base for exploring Krabi. A well-established travel destination, Ao Nang offers wonderful dining options, from delectable traditional Southern Thai cuisine to Indian, vegetarian and Western comfort food.
When you’ve gotten yourself rested and nourished, Ao Nang has your adventure needs more than covered. You can access all the best Krabi destinations from here. If your Krabi travel itinerary includes rock climbing on limestone cliffs, hiking in the unspoiled nature of national parks, soaking in hot springs, photographing iconic temples, exploring amazing waterfalls, touring awe-inspiring islands or getting in touch with Thai culture, Ao Nang Beach is the best place to start.
The sandy beach is perfect for relaxing, and a plethora of water sports await, from snorkelling and kayaking to thrilling scuba diving expeditions led by seasoned professionals. You’re never far from the tropical wonders of Krabi’s sea life at Ao Nang Beach.
2. Railay Beach
West Railay Beach is Krabi’s Playground. Renowned by travellers as a must-visit spot in Krabi, Railay offers the perfect blend of relaxed vibes and exhilarating activities. There’s so much to do at Railay Beach that you can spend several days there and still not run out of adventures!
Here are a few of our favourites:
- Rock Climbing: Railay Beach is known as one of the best places in Krabi for rock climbing. The massive, craggy limestone cliffs challenge experienced climbers and beginners alike, and several schools on the beach will provide everything you need to get vertical.
- Kayaking: Exploring the shallow waters around Railay by kayak is easily one of the best activities in Krabi. Get up close and personal with the limestone cliffs and explore the hidden coves along the coastline. It’s easy to rent kayaks by the hour, half day or full day from the many rental spots on the beach.
- Touring Diamond Cave: Some people miss out on this fun Railay activity because the cave is accessible from East Railay Beach, which is a little more out of the way than some of the famous West Railay attractions. It’s definitely worth a peek inside to see the amazing stalactites and stalagmites.
- Hiking to Railay Viewpoints: Hiking through the jungle off the beach at Railay is a great way to get in touch with nature, but it’s also possible to venture up to higher elevations and take in some amazing views of the area. There are two beach viewpoints with clearly marked trails leading up to them. The somewhat strenuous climb will be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Just be sure to wear dependable shoes because flip flops are not recommended.
As you can see, Railay Beach is a bustling hub of outdoor activities in Krabi! Of course, if you just want to chill on the sand and enjoy your Krabi holiday, Railay is one of the best beaches in Krabi for that, too.
Although the beach is only accessible by longtail taxi boat, it is still well-appointed with restaurants, hotels and bars, so you are never far from a beachside snack and a refreshing beverage. Overall, Railay Beach may be the place that best captures the laid-back Krabi feel.
3. The Emerald Pool
An iconic Krabi attraction located in Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, the Emerald Pool is a gorgeous natural pond that features a vivid turquoise hue. Set in the lush jungle and framed by picturesque trees and blue sky, the Emerald Pool is the perfect place to take photos, refresh yourself and soak up those dreamy Southern Thailand vibes.
You can swim in the enchanting waters and explore the nature trails that wind through the park. The park’s entrance fee is 200 baht, and the pool is accessed via an easy 1-kilometre trail. The walk will treat you to views of waterfalls, streams and more pools, as well as a thriving jungle ecosystem. The nearby Blue Pool is equally stunning and well worth a stop, but no swimming is allowed there.
Many travellers book one of the local tours that include a stop at the Emerald Pool, the nearby hot springs and the Tiger Cave Temple as a convenient way to get to this natural wonder. Otherwise, you can get there by motorbike or taxi from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.
4. Krabi Hot Springs
Not far from the Emerald Pool, Klong Thom Hot Springs offer a unique opportunity to soak in relaxing hot water while surrounded by picturesque rainforest. You’ll enjoy stretching out in natural stone tubs filled with water heated below the Earth’s surface to a comfortable 35-42 degrees Celsius.
The rejuvenating mineral-rich waters are perfect for restoring travel-weary muscles as you truly immerse yourself in the gorgeous nature of Krabi. The nearby stream and small waterfalls can provide a fun and refreshingly cool plunge when you’ve had enough heat.
Located around 60 km from Ao Nang and Krabi Town, the hot springs are among the most popular Krabi tourist attractions. To get there, you can book one of the local tours or come by taxi or motorbike. Together with the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve and the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, which are both located nearby, Klong Thom Hot Springs make a wonderful Krabi day trip.
Insider tip: for a little more serenity, you can experience the same naturally healing hot spring waters at Wareerak Hot Spring & Wellness. This intimate local boutique spa and resort offers access to the springs in chic, Japanese-inspired pools. The resort offers fully serviced spa experiences, yoga retreats, traditional Thai healing massage and much more, all among tranquil gardens and lush natural forest.
5. Weekend Night Market
Thailand’s night markets are known for being vibrant, eclectic and packed with delicious treats, and the Krabi Town Weekend Night Market is no exception! Open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, the market hosts over 70 food stalls with inexpensive and tasty dishes, desserts and drinks. Don’t miss the mango sticky rice or the famous coconut ice cream.
You’ll also find clothing, hand-crafted items and souvenirs of all kinds. Plus, you can see musical and theatrical performances that are entertaining for the whole family. If you’re staying in Ao Nang, Krabi Town is just over 20 minutes away by taxi, bus, motorbike or songthaew. Check out the Krabi Town Night Market for one of the most unique local experiences in Krabi.
6. Dragon Crest Mountain
One of the best hikes around Krabi, the trail to the Dragon Crest Mountain Summit viewpoint is not to be missed.
The Khao Ngon Nak Nature Trail (sometimes also called Tub Keak Hike or Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill) meanders through some breathtaking jungle scenes, passing by winding vines, mountain pools and waterfalls before reaching the summit views of dramatic limestone karsts, rolling jungle hills and the expansive Andaman Sea.
Along the trail, you may see monkeys, several species of lizards, insects, spiders and an astonishing array of trees and flowers. Most of the hike to the viewpoint is uphill, which can be strenuous. Some sections include improvements such as bridges and stairs. Proper footwear and a good supply of water are advised. The full 7.2-kilometre round-trip hike can be done in 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stay at the top.
The trail entrance closes at 2:00 p.m. sharp to allow visitors time to return before dark, and the fee for foreign visitors is 200 baht per person. Check with the local Phu Kradueng National Park rangers before you go, as the park may be closed for recovery during the rainy season (June through October). The trail is about 30 minutes from Ao Nang by car or motorbike, and several tour guides offer trips to and from the trailhead.
7. Tiger Cave Temple
Another fantastic Krabi view that you should not miss is the one from the famous Tiger Cave Temple. Wat Tham Sua is an impressive Buddhist temple set high atop a mountain, surrounded by dense jungle. At certain times, clouds of fog weave among the canopy branches below, creating quite a heavenly spectacle. The wat’s harmonious architecture and gorgeous natural setting have made it one of the top cultural attractions in Krabi.
The wat is just 3 km from Krabi Town and conveniently accessible by public bus, taxi, motorbike or tour. When you arrive, expect to climb over 1,000 stairs as there is no other way to get to the wat. The round-trip hike takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.
At the top of the steps, you’ll enjoy beautiful panoramic jungle views and a maze of temple caves to explore. Despite the wat’s nickname, visitors are not likely to see any live tigers. However, you can visit the temple cave where, according to local legend, the famous tiger once lived.
Entry to the temple is free. Be sure to wear respectful clothing and footwear and, as always, bring enough water for the journey.
8. Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay
Maya Bay is one of the most gorgeous and iconic tourist destinations in Krabi. Located within Phi Phi National Park on Koh Phi Phi Leh, the stunning beach at Maya Bay was famously transformed into the secret hideaway where the film “The Beach” was set. The film forever galvanised Maya Bay’s status as the perfect tropical island paradise, so it’s definitely one of the must-see attractions in Krabi.
Due to its popularity with tourists, the area was briefly shut down to allow for restoration of the coral reef and marine life. As of 2024, the area is open to visitors, but no swimming is permitted. Visitors may wade into the sea to try their best Leonardo DiCaprio poses, but the authorities are standing by to impose very expensive fines on anyone who violates the no-swimming rule.
To get to the Bay and its views of spectacular limestone karsts, crystal-clear waters and fine white sand, it’s best to book a tour of the Phi Phi islands. Try to arrive early or late in the day to avoid the largest crowds, and rest assured that the Phi Phi Islands tour will be one of the most memorable things you will do in Thailand!
9. Hong Island
Almost as iconic as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Hong offers a Krabi island experience that’s equally phenomenal — but a little more relaxed. It’s the perfect place to try sea kayaking, both from the beach and in the peaceful lagoon in the centre of the island.
The views of white-sand beaches and surrounding cliffs on Koh Hong are unbelievably breathtaking. Less crowded than some of the other popular Krabi attractions, Koh Hong is one of the best photography spots in Krabi.
It’s easy to book a Hong Island tour from Ao Nang or any nearby Krabi hotel. Most tours have a laid-back vibe with opportunities to swim, snorkel and sunbathe at some of the most beautiful islands around Krabi.
10. 4 Islands Tour
Possibly the most famous island tour route in Krabi, the Four Islands Tour will take you to Chicken Island, Poda Island, Tup Island, Mo Island and Phra Nang Cave. On this tour, you’ll enjoy snorkelling in the pristine Andaman waters and spotting colourful marine life.
At low tide, Koh Tup, Koh Mo and Chicken Island are linked by a sandbar. You can spend your time there lazing in the sand with a blissful feeling of remoteness, as if you’ve discovered your own unspoiled stretch of paradise.
Most versions of the 4 Island Tour start early in the morning and will have you back at your hotel by dinnertime. If you only have time for one Krabi island tour while you’re in the area, this may very well be the one to choose.
Always More Krabi Activities!
With so many things to see and do in Krabi, this list of popular Krabi tourist spots has barely scratched the surface.
You could easily spend a week or more just checking out the world-renowned Krabi beaches. Create cherished holiday memories as you explore the area’s famous national parks, learn about some amazing (and very large) creatures at the Elephant Sanctuary, zoom through the jungle on a mountain bike, chase waterfalls, kayak through the mangroves, visit a traditional floating village or learn to cook Southern Thai food like a local.
Keep an eye on our blog for updates on Krabi’s hidden gems, additional Krabi sightseeing tips and secret off-the-beaten-path Krabi adventures.