Krabi adds to the beauty of Thailand with its unique and offbeat natural spots. It pulls in a lot of travellers with its stunning views. You know why there are a lot of the best places to visit in Krabi? Because each place is full of surprises.
Yes, Krabi gained popularity when people started falling in love with the sight they got, and they sure spread it well. Nestled in the southwest of Thailand, you get some of the most offbeat places here.
Krabi, with its emerald green lagoon, dramatically huge limestone cliffs and straight opposite to that, buzzing markets, you get to experience everything here.
I would say it’s a perfect balance of adventure and serenity. So, with a lot of places, you should know which one to pick if you are going with your family, partner or even solo. Let me tell you in the perfectly curated blog.
Krabi with Family: Joyous and Relaxing Destinations
Whoever said Thailand is just for friends and bachelors they are slightly wrong. With incredible natural wonders —beaches, sunsets, cliffs, coral reefs, and many more —these must be experienced by the whole family, including kids. So, let me reveal to you the places to visit in Krabi with your family.
Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is considered the safest for families due to its clean and safe water. It offers a lot of convenience with its beachside amenities and numerous dining options.
You don’t have to worry about finding a good Thai restaurant or even an Indian restaurant on this beach. This is one of the best places to visit in Krabi with family, as you can enjoy a relaxed camping experience there.
But you will also have active things to keep you interested in that place. And if you are going to any other island from here, it’s easy to take a longtail boat and explore.
It’s where families set up camp for a relaxed yet active holiday. The shoreline is long and sandy, perfect for beach games or simply letting the kids build epic sandcastles while you sip a coconut.
Things you can do in Krabi’s Ao Nang Beach are-
- Go island hopping right from the beach: Phra Nang, Chicken Island, Railay, & Phi Phi Island.
- Enjoy Thai massages while kids play on the sand
- Shop for souvenirs at Ao Nang Night Market
- Watch the fire show at sunset
Tip: Go late in the afternoon to avoid rushing crowds and choose the best spot to catch the epic sunset.
Krabi Elephant Shelter
The best part about Thailand is that it’s great how they take care of animals, especially elephants. Many elephant sanctuaries are not run for the benefit of attracting tourism but rather to genuinely spread awareness.
As it is, elephants are always in a group, which teaches a lot about family values. So, this will be the right place to visit in Krabi with family and learn a lot about it.
This Krabi Elephant Shelter lets you interact with elephants in a compassionate environment.
When you visit here, there will be guides who will tell you the back story of each elephant, like how they got rescued, whether they are the quiet or naughty ones.
I am sure your kids will love listening to them, and it will create a friendly bond with animals. Because elephants are kids at heart, they will get along with your kids quickly. And this is the exact definition of kid-friendly places– you can feel it when you take them here.
What can you do inside, apart from elephant stories?
- Cook and feed them
- Bathe them in the mud pit.
- Dress up in traditional attire, take care of them, and take cute pictures.
- Walk through the jungle with your new tusked friends.
- Take family photos with these gentle giants.
Time: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
One thing that stands out in each of the destinations can be any particular food, a historical place, a shop, or many other things. And in Krabi, the Emerald Pool is the standout spot for people coming here.
This is the best place to visit in Krabi for a bit of jungle adventure, which will lead you to Thailand’s most beautiful natural pools.
The walk through the rainforest is exciting, as you can complete it with wooden bridges, and maybe even you can see a sneaky lizard sighting while going to the pool.
Best experiences here-
- Swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
- Explore the nearby Blue Pool.
- Do picnics in the allotted areas
- Spot rare tropical birds
- You can walk around to spot waterfalls
- A short hiking expedition to reach the pool
Tip: Bring grip water shoes and extra clothes. And be mindful of your kids, as the paths can be slippery.
Mud Crab Sculpture
You can easily locate the Mud Crab Sculpture in Pak Nam, Amphoe Mueang Krabi area. It’s one of the quirkiest statues in Thailand, and it has become a popular tourist attraction where people go to take photos with it.
This is the kind of place where family memories happen without planning but end up in your fridge as a silly picture.
The Mud Crab Sculpture is placed just on the riverside, and people can always be seen around this statue. But it will not be crowded, as you can access it at any time of the day, so you can choose the times that seem perfect for you and visit this place.
The best part is that as a family, you will have a laughable time here, making funny poses. If you go during the late afternoon, you can make it an activity which involves taking a breezy walk on the beach side.
Wat Kaew Korawaram
Wat Kaew Korawaram, the Buddhist temple in Krabi, is popularly called the White Temple. As you enter the temple, you will see the majestic stairs on both sides with snake-shaped slides.
Going here will be a break from all the beach bustle. Here, you can find elegant architecture and a stunning Buddha statue that will leave you in awe. We know that when going on a trip with family, temples are a must-visit, and there is no argument over that.
Don’t get upset; the best part about going to temples in other countries is that they are unfamiliar, and for you, it can be a sightseeing trip as well. Even this temple, which sits on the hilltop, gives you a serene view.
Overall, taking your kids to temples is one of the best things to do in Krabi, as it can help you teach them about respect and other cultural values.
Things you can do in Krabi’s Wat Kaew Korawaram-
- Admire the Golden Buddha statue.
- Walk the temple gardens.
- Watch monks going about their day, but be quiet
- Learn about Thai temple etiquette.
Time: 08:00 am – 03:00 pm
Tip: Your shoulders and knees must be covered with no exceptions, and it’s better to carry a sarong or scarf just in case.
Railay Beaches and Caves
When you go to Railay, you will feel like you’re in a fantasy land. It has calm beaches, jungle paths, and sea caves. Railay is, in fact, part of Krabi, which gives you a mini-island experience.
Just visiting this place itself gives you all kinds of experiences, like taking a long-tail boat from Ao Nang Beach. And for the next 15 minutes, get a wonderful boat ride experience.
Giant limestone cliffs surround the beach and offer easy walks between beaches. So, you can experience beautiful cave temples and soft beaches.
What can you do here?
- Beach hopping between West and East Railay
- Visit Phra Nang Cave & the Princess Shrine for a fascinating experience.
- Go paddleboarding or cliff-walking
- Family rock climbing at beginner spots
- Eat fresh fruit, drink shakes, and taste the delicious local seafood at the beach
Lanta Animal Welfare Visitor Centre
Are you an animal-loving family? Then, you should visit Lanta Animal Welfare. This moment will be a heartwarming and educational highlight of your entire trip to Krabi. You will also have the opportunity to cuddle rescued cats, walk dogs and play with them.
This organisation is dedicated entirely to relieving the pain and suffering of the animals. If you feel like they require help or just want to donate for the betterment of these cats and dogs, you can do that. If you want to visit, you must book a tour in advance and not show up without prior notice.
Things you can do here –
- Walk a dog around the peaceful trail
- Pet cats in the free-roam cattery
- Donate or sponsor a pet. You can also adopt.
- Buy handmade crafts from the gift shop
- Volunteer for a few hours if you’re staying long
Krabi for Couples: 10 Romantic Getaways
Krabi is the best place for a honeymoon. Couples will get a lot of things to do in Krabi that will even help strengthen their bond. Let’s explore some of the best places and activities for couples in Krabi.
Thai Cooking Class
Cooking has always been a soothing passion and an art for many of us. It’s a romantic activity when done together. And how wonderful it will be to plan a cooking session to learn the art of Thai dishes.
And unlike usual cooking activities, in Krabi, you will not be caught with any usual stuff. That’s why most of the sessions also involve taking you to local markets where you can shop for the ingredients yourself with the chef.
This activity provides you with a more in-depth understanding of Thai cuisine. And they make sure it’s a hands-on experience, as you will end up making some of the famous dishes- Mango Sticky Rice, Green Curry, Pad Thai, and so many others.
When you finish the trip and return home, you will still carry the traditional cooking of Thailand with you. And you can cook these at home and surprise your partner. Overall, this is one of the best things to do in Krabi, as it provides a true bonding experience.
Cooking classes you can sign up for in Krabi –
- Penny Thai Cookery School in Ao Nang
- Ya’s Krabi Thai Cookery
- Cooking with Dao
- Lanta Thai Cookery School
- Cooking with Mon
Thai Massage
If couples are going on a trip, people assume it will only be for leisure and not many activities. But it totally depends on the individual. Sometimes, as a couple, you do adventure activities, bar hopping, beach parties, and so many other things.
Therefore, after completing everything you want, treat yourself to a Thai massage for relaxation. You can thank me later for suggesting to you the most comforting day of your life. And getting a massage is the best thing to do in Krabi to boost your body after a lot of walking around.
But do you know why massages are very popular in Thailand? Just like Indian Ayurveda, Buddhist practices are involved in these massages, which date back 2000 years. It combines Indian Ayurveda & Chinese acupressure.
There are some massage places you can go to when in Krabi-
- Royal Palm Spa
- Body Kneads Thai Massage
- Radarom Spa
- Massage Corner
Krabi Walking Street
This walking street is the kind of place where you hold hands, eat too much street food, and laugh over quirky souvenirs you find on the way.
While all that is happening, you can just sit and listen to local bands, which is totally free of cost. This area has a warm, romantic vibe once the fairy lights are turned on in the evening.
What can you expect here?
- Taste delicious food at local stalls.
- Buy handmade art, clothes, and wooden souvenirs
- Watch Thai dance, fire shows, and acoustic music
- Perfect colourful walls for Insta-worthy shots
Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest
Kayaking in the Mangrove Forest is one of the most peaceful things to do in Krabi for couples. Imagine paddling together through quiet green waters, under arching trees, and through narrow mangrove tunnels.
This place makes a simple day even more romantic, and you get the excellent opportunity to bond with your partner as well as nature. Romantic and bonding!
Things you can see and do here-
- Look at towering limestone cliffs
- See monkeys, crabs, birds, and mangrove roots along the way
- Sunset reflections on water
- Go kayaking through mangrove tunnels
- Spot wildlife along the riverbanks
- Take romantic photos with nature backdrops
- Book a sunset kayaking session
- Have a small picnic at a hidden beach cove
Romantic Sunset Cruise
Dinner Cruises are the best romantic getaways you can find, but with sunset, it is just magical. Imagine you and your partner sailing through Krabi’s islands during golden hour with a cocktail in hand and dinner under the stars. It’s just living the dream, and it doesn’t get any better.
When you book a cruise, you will be picked up from your hotel. It should be located in central areas, such as Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Klong Muang, or Tub Kaek Beach.
Alternatively, you can simply go to the designated pick-up point, as it varies depending on the cruise you select.
During the cruise, you can experience –
- Candlelit dinner on the deck
- Enjoy live music performances (check when booking a cruise for this particular activity)
- Go around 4 Islands for sightseeing and chilling
- Do activities- Snorkelling & Fishing
- Seeing the Sunset aboard
- Stargaze on the open deck after dinner
Cost: Starts from 5,700 INR per person
Fishing at Gilhams Fishing Resort
Fishing will be a new and exciting experience for many tourists visiting Krabi, especially for Indian tourists. And if you’re looking for something offbeat and peaceful, Gilhams Fishing Resort is a hidden paradise with a private lake, mountain views, and a luxury fishing experience.
It’s one of the best freshwater fishing resorts in Thailand, with rare species like Arapaima and Giant Siamese Carp.
Things to Do-
- Relax lakeside
- Enjoy a romantic lunch at the on-site restaurant
- Get a couple of messages
- Join the cookery school
- Watch the sunset over the private lake
- Go fishing with a guided session
Romantic Dinner at The Grotto
Dining in a real cave, right by the beach, with candles, wine, and soft music? It’s literally dining inside a dream. The Grotto is a restaurant located inside Rayavadee Resort near Railay Beach. And, this dining set-up is most famous for its honeymoon and marriage proposals.
You can walk there from Railay East or take a resort boat transfer if staying at Rayavadee. It’s set under a limestone cliff, with a view of Phra Nang Beach and sea breezes filling the cave. And you can only access the restaurant if you are a guest there.
- Enjoy gourmet Thai and international cuisine.
- Romantic time, as you get soft candlelight and cliff shadows
- Book a private table for sunset dining
- Take dreamy photos of the unique rock formations
Krabi for Solo Travellers: Adventurous & Offbeat Experiences
Thailand is generally famous for solo travelling. And in Krabi, you can find a lot of like-minded people. A less explored place can surprise you and never bore you. So I’ll tell you things you can do in Krabi.
Cabaret Show
The best place to watch this show is in the Bluedragon Cabaret. Watching any show is always best for solo travellers, as you will be undisturbed by friends and family talking during the show.
If you are someone who gets excited about grand performances, you will be in for a surprise when you see this. These performances feature vibrant and colourful outfits that will capture everyone’s attention.
What is expected inside?
- Watch various storytelling acts.
- Listen to music performances.
- Be ready to laugh at the funny skits performed.
- Meet the performers for photos afterwards.
Dragon Crest Mountain (Ngon Nak)
Solo travelling through Krabi gives you more opportunities to explore more adventurous things. If you are someone seeking adventure, then you will end up on this stunning Dragon Crest Mountain, also known as Ngon Nak.
You have to walk on the 3.7 km trail that will take you to the summit of the mountain, where you will feel speechless after seeing the views of limestone mountains and the Andaman Sea. It’s not that difficult to trek up as long as you have grip shoes on.
Important Tips Before Hiking
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Reaching: You will need to take private transportation to get here from Krabi town or your current location. Once you reach the top view, you can only walk up.
Time: Opens at 08:00 am and closes at 02:00 pm for hiking.
Rock Climbing at Railay
If you are someone who is fit and seeking thrilling adventure, rock climbing at Railay is the best thing to do in Krabi. If you haven’t done this already, you can sign up for a beginner’s course and still get experience. Krabi doesn’t leave anyone with FOMO.
So, many people organise rock climbing activities. You just have to sign up with them, and they will provide instructions on warm-ups, how to climb easily, and so much more. All you have to do is have your stamina ready.
Suppose you are scared of heights and want to get over that. This is the perfect time. All the instructors are caring and attentive, as they see a lot of people from other countries. You can simply choose the beginner’s course and try something new when in Krabi.
Here are a few places you can sign up for if you are interested in Rock Climbing-
Muay Thai Class
Sports are never really the famous part when it comes to tourism. But in Thailand, Muay Thai Boxing is greatly celebrated by travellers. And this is also the national sport of the country.
If you are a gym rat, this is your jam. Or you just like nail-biting matches; these fights give you precisely that. You can choose to be the audience or actually learn the art of boxing. That is the best part about Krabi. It gives you more than what you always expected.
Here are a few places you can go to learn the sport-
Wat Tham Suea
You might not be familiar with the name Wat Tham Suea, but you can easily know it by its other name, Tiger Cave Temple in the north of Krabi, and it’s best suited for any kind of traveller.
The reason it’s best for solo travellers is that it’s a bit of a trek, I would say. People go to Krabi and just go to this temple without proper research.
If you do that, you might regret it. Because you need to climb up to 1260 steps, and if you do not have moderate fitness, you will have a hard time while you are already in the process.
But once you reach the stop, you will feel the effort you’ve put in has been rewarded with the stunning scenery. You can see the Golden Big Buddha and get a 360-degree panoramic view of Krabi.
Time: 06:00 am – 06:00 pm
Pro tip: Go early to avoid the heat, carry water and get your best shoes on.
Hot Water Springs
You can find these hot springs just near the Emerald Pool, Khlong Thom District. As a solo traveller and on a budget in Thailand, this is the place you should go to for a natural jacuzzi and mineral-rich water flow.
You can either take a full-day package, which will include a few other places like Emerald Pool, a hot spring and Tiger Cave Temple.
But if you are going independently, book a ride that is more costly than the shared package. I suggest you ask for the excursion types so you can explore other places without any hassle.
Full-day package cost: Approximately 4,800 INR per person, which includes transfer.
Independent: It can cost you 4,000 or even more just for the transfer and see just one spot.
Ao Nang Night Market
Night markets are basically the happening place in any country and the best places to visit in Krabi if you are seeking a vibe. It’s perfect for wandering and eating delicious food at a reasonable cost. And here you can see the life of locals and mingle with them as well.
In the Ao Nang night market, there is always music playing somewhere that will keep you on your toes. As you vibe with the songs and walk around, you can see a variety of authentic Thai street food, as well as fashion stalls where you can buy clothes and unique Thai accessories.
Exciting things to do in Krabi’s Ao Nang Night Market
- Dance to live bands and amazing food
- Buy stylish yet cheap clothes.
- Enjoy the festive vibes.
- Eat from the food carts and vendors
- Buy cute souvenirs to take back home
- Party at cocktail stalls and mini-bars
- Click on aesthetic street photos
Island Tours from Krabi
When you are in Krabi, don’t just spend your time on the mainland. You can visit a nearby island as well. And most of this will only take 15 – 40 minutes to reach from Krabi. When you’re planning an international trip, be sure to explore everything.
Koh Hong Island
When in Krabi, take a longtail or speedboat from Ao Nang or Klong Muang. You will reach Koh Hong Island in just a 35-minute ride with views that will get stuck in your memory forever.
Here, you can find the hidden Hong Lagoon, which is surrounded by high cliffs. For that, you enter through a narrow channel that opens into a peaceful emerald pool. And this island is even less crowded than Phi Phi Island, so you will find peace here.
Things to do here-
- Kayak in the secret lagoon
- Snorkel in calm reef areas with tons of marine life
- Walk forest trails around the island
- Lounge on the main beach
- Enjoy birdwatching and photography with dramatic rock formations around
Koh Poda
This is the underrated tropical paradise for a postcard. Instead of Railay or Phi Phi, consider sending postcards with pictures of Koh Poda. It will feel more unique and special, unlike random hyped places that everyone already knows about.
It has white sand, turquoise waters, and a giant rock jutting out of the sea. Here, a large beach area makes it ideal for group picnics, solo downtime with no disturbance, or romantic photo shoots at any time.
Things to do here-
- Take a walk and enjoy solitude in this vast beach space to roam freely
- For the best Snorkelling, go to the island’s east side- best with coral reefs
- Go beach volleyball or frisbee playing
- Enjoy a beach picnic under the trees
- Try stand-up paddle boarding
Phi Phi Viewpoint
If you’re travelling solo and want to call your family and say, “I did it!” and have those moments, then visit Phi Phi Viewpoint. The hike is steep but manageable if you get even a little bit of practice and willingness. And once you reach the top, you get an amazing 360° view of Phi Phi Island
What can you do?
- Have a fun hike for 25 minutes and reach the top
- See the panoramic view of Loh Dalum and Tonsai Bay
- Watch the sunset/sunrise as the colour changes every minute and takes you over the next hour, magically
- You can buy food and drinks at the Refreshment stalls at the top
Tup Island
One thing that makes Tup Island stand out from other islands is that during low tide, the sandbar that connects it to Chicken Island. You can walk on the sandbar and reach the other island. This is something less common in the Krabi islands.
This place is unmatched for couples, especially when proposing, as it provides a lovely backdrop and is peaceful for solo travellers on a journey to find themselves. To reach the island, take a long-tail boat ride from Ao Nang, which will only take about 30 minutes.
What you’ll experience here
- Shallow waters are perfect for kids.
- Look at the beautiful underwater visibility.
- Walk the sandbar hand-in-hand or barefoot solo
- Try beach cricket or frisbee with your friends and family.
- Snorkel near the rocks.
- Build epic sandcastles with kids.
Phra Nang Beach
This beach has it all: the best scenic views, caves, rock climbing, and local legends. It’s fun, mystical, and relaxing all at once. And you can take a boat from Ao Nang Beach and reach here in just 15 – 20 minutes.
Things to Do-
- Try beginner-level rock climbing.
- Visit the Bat Cave & Princess Cave and make a wish
- Rent a kayak to the nearby islands
- Buy from vendors selling fruit shakes on boats
- Do more activities like swimming, snorkelling, climbing, & hiking
James Bond Island
There will always be one person who is crazy about James Bond movies, and if they are in your family, there is no way you can skip James Bond Island.
This island got its name because the famous 007 movie (The Man with the Golden Gun) was shot here. From Krabi, take a boat ride to this island and get a fantastic view of the rock spire and look at the clear water.
And when you are here, you can take a lot of cinematic pictures. You can also enjoy various water activities, including swimming, kayaking, and sailing.
Mor Island (Koh Mor)
Koh Mor is perfect if you’re looking for a less noisy, shallow beach where kids can splash around while parents can calm down in nature’s beauty.
There is something really special about this place: the sandbar connecting the islands, Koh Mor and Koh Tup. This place is truly a wonder that feels and looks straight out of paradise, perfect for relaxation.
Things you can look forward to here
- Take the iconic sandbar walk.
- Time alone among the dramatic limestone scenery
- Bring snacks and a picnic on the beach
Ko Phi Phi
This is the right place to visit in Krabi for couples, for the list of things you get to do here. And also, between the two of you, there will be a Leonardo DiCaprio fan. If it’s a yes, then it’s more reason to go here.
The famous movie “ The Beach” by DiCaprio was filmed on this island. Unlike James Bond Island, which is crowded, there is something you will not see here. It’s more of a nature-filled experience with fewer people.
On a day when you are tired of bar hopping and want to get away from all the city life, a Ko Phi Phi island tour is the right thing for you.
When you are on Phi Phi Island, you can also easily access these places-
- Viking Cave
- Monkey Beach
- Maya Bay
- Pileh Lagoon
Monkey Beach (Ao Ling)
Solo travelling is all about unexpected moments. Instead of just walking in Krabi, you can take a boat ride to Monkey Beach and play with the monkeys as well. Friendly play is different from disturbing them, so be careful if they turn out aggressive.
And if you are carrying food with you, it won’t go away until you eat it. Most of the time, they just grab it from you.
However, this beach is a hidden strip of soft white sand on Phi Phi Don. It’s surrounded by limestone cliffs and shaded by trees full of monkeys, giving an unexpected nature time.
Things you can do here-
- Watch a dozen wild macaques really close
- The turquoise shallow waters are perfect for snorkelling.
- Take scenic solo shots with cliffs and the sea as supporting characters.
- Kayak from Tonsai Bay (rent a kayak and go solo!)
- Chill under the trees as you read or sunbathe.
Conclusion
Krabi is a treasure nestling in the southwest of Thailand. It is perfect for families, honeymooners and solo travellers for the diving experience it gives.
This blog would have definitely tempted you to make that trip quickly. Imagine this – building sandcastles with your kids on Ao Nang Beach, taking a sunset cruise with your partner, and gazing at the mesmerising limestone cliffs. Do you still want to keep postponing?
While it can be difficult to make any trip, I understand that. It will be hectic making an itinerary, booking flights, hotels, and figuring out what to do when you are actually in the new country.
That’s why you can always choose to have a travel partner who figures everything out for you. But if you are an adventure seeker, you can still plan with the help of multiple blogs and digital nomads out there. But in the end, just make that trip.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Places to Visit in Krabi
When is the best time to visit Krabi?
November to April is the best time to visit Krabi. During this time, you will get the perfect dry, sunny days. And the right conditions for island-hopping, beach picnics, and all kinds of water activities.
How many days can you stay in Krabi as a tourist?
Some of the best places to visit in Krabi require at least 4-5 days to explore. You can also choose to stay longer based on your schedule and budget.
Is Krabi expensive for tourists?
Krabi is a budget-friendly destination if you know how to plan it better. Instead of fancy restaurants and private transfers, you can enjoy street food, local transport, and mid-range accommodations without spending too much.
