Rugged coastline with limestone cliffs rising from the Andaman Sea. Home to wildlife and secluded beaches. Traditional Thai villages and world-class coral reefs for diving.
Krabi, a province in southern Thailand, has limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. You can swim at Railay Beach or explore Koh Lanta island. Visit the Tiger Cave Temple to see a golden Buddha statue. Try local dishes like gaeng som (sour curry with fish) or khua kling (dry curry with minced meat) to experience southern Thai cuisine.
Beaches and Islands of Krabi
Krabi's coastline has many beaches and islands. You can only reach Railay Beach by boat, where tall limestone cliffs surround the shore. Nearby, Phra Nang Cave Beach has a shrine dedicated to a mythical sea princess. For a calmer experience, go to Koh Lanta island. The Phi Phi Islands, which appeared in the movie "The Beach," have good spots for snorkeling and diving.
Rock Climbing and Outdoor Activities
Many climbers come to Railay and Tonsai beaches, where you'll find routes for beginners and experts. If you're new to climbing, take courses and rent equipment from local schools. You can also kayak through mangrove forests, hike in national parks, and explore lagoons in Krabi. Visit Thung Teao Forest Natural Park to walk through jungle trails and swim in the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool.
Buddhist Temples and Cultural Sites
Krabi has several religious and cultural sites. At Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), climb 1,237 steps to see a golden Buddha statue and get a wide view of the area. In Krabi Town, visit Wat Kaew Korawaram to see its white exterior and decorated interior, which shows local Buddhist traditions. Go to the Fossil Shell Beach (Su-san Hoi) in Ban Laem Pho to look at 40-million-year-old shells in limestone slabs.
Local Food and Restaurants
In Krabi, you can eat seafood, southern Thai dishes, and international food. The night market in Krabi Town has local street food like pad thai, roti, and various curries. Beachfront restaurants in Ao Nang and Railay serve fish dishes with sunset views. Try local specialties like gaeng som (sour curry with fish and bamboo shoots) or khua kling (dry curry with minced meat). You'll find more vegetarian and vegan options in areas with many tourists.
Transportation in Krabi
You can fly to Krabi International Airport from major cities in Thailand and some international locations. Take a shuttle bus or taxi from the airport to your hotel. In Krabi, use songthaews (shared pickup trucks) to travel between towns. Ride in traditional longtail boats to reach nearby islands and beaches. You can rent a motorbike or car to explore on your own, but be aware of traffic and road conditions. Many resorts have shuttle buses to take you to nearby attractions.
When to Visit Krabi
November to April is generally the best time to visit Krabi. During these months, you'll likely have sunny weather and calm seas, which are good for beach activities and island trips. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more people at main attractions. From May to October, it rains more, but there are fewer tourists and lower prices. Some boat services might run less frequently during the rainy season, but many attractions stay open, and the landscape becomes very green.
