Why choose Krabi
Krabi is THE continental province of southern Thailand, facing the Andaman Sea. Its main tourist town is called Ao Nang (do not confuse: Krabi Town = the administrative town 15 minutes away, without tourist interest). From Ao Nang, you directly see the karst cliffs that have made the region famous.
Advantages vs Phuket:
- Less urban, more authentic. Ao Nang remains a town-village.
- Direct access to Railay (15 min by longtail) — peninsula without roads, accessible only by boat.
- Prices 20-30% cheaper than Phuket in comparable hotels.
- Direct flight Bangkok (Thai Smile, AirAsia) — 1h15 and you are there.
Disadvantages:
- Less “life” in the evening (but lots of nice bars)
- A few minutes by boat to go to the islands (vs Phuket which has them directly)
Typical itinerary 3 nights
Day 1 — Arrival and acclimatization
- Bangkok-Krabi flight or ferry from Phi Phi/Phuket
- Check-in at Ao Nang hotel
- Beach time + seafood dinner facing the sea
Day 2 — The 4 islands tour
Must-see tour. Boat departing from Ao Nang to: Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island (spit of sand at the ebb), Phra Nang Beach (Railay).
Options:
- Shared Longtail: ~600 THB, classic group format
- Shared speedboat: faster, ~1200 THB
- Privatized longtail: 4500 THB/day for 4-6 people, you choose the route
📖 4 Islands Tour | Private longtail Krabi
Day 3 — Choose between 3 options
Option A: Hong Islands (“green islands”) Archipelago north of Ao Nang, turquoise lagoons, swimming in a limestone “room” (Hong = room in Thai). Half-day speedboat tour, less crowded than the 4 islands.
📖 Hong Islands & Railay speedboat
Option B: Emerald Pool + thermal springs (land) Head to Khao Phra Bang Khram National Park. Trek 1km in the jungle, swim in the natural emerald pool, then hot thermal springs in waterfalls. Relaxing, not very touristy.
📖 Emerald Pool + thermal springs
Option C: Railay + climbing or relaxing You take a longtail (15 min, 100 THB) to Railay Beach. If you want to try climbing: Krabi is the world's hotspot for cliff climbing, beginners accepted. Otherwise: just the beach which is one of the most beautiful in the country.
Day 4 — Variations
- 7 islands at sunset with bioluminescent plankton: departure 2 p.m., return 7 p.m. Sunset + swimming with plankton.
- Ethical elephant sanctuary: half day, Khao Sok family farm, direct contact with elephants.
- Dragon Crest Mountain Hike: hike 565m (approx. 1h30 climb), panoramic view of the entire bay.
- Tiger Cave Temple: 1237 steps to a Buddhist temple at the top, 360° view.
📖 7 sunset islands | Krabi Elephant Sanctuary | Dragon Crest | Tiger Temple
When to come to Krabi
Same seasonality as Phi Phi (Andaman side):
- November - February: dry, calm sea, high season, +30% on hotels.
- March - May: very hot, still beautiful. April = Songkran (water festival, 13-15).
- June - October: monsoon, brief showers, low prices. Excursions always possible.
Where to sleep in Krabi
Ao Nang center
Hotels and restaurants by the sea, central, practical. The most touristy but also the most convenient.
Nopparat Thara (5 min north of Ao Nang)
Quieter beach, long sandy beach, mid-range hotels. Still close to the center.
Railay
Roadless peninsula. You sleep with the cliffs as your backdrop. Ideal couple or climber. Access only by longtail.
Klong Muang (10 min north)
Upscale resorts, private beach, secluded. Ideal honeymoon.
Do you want to prepare your trip to Krabi?
Our team coordinates Krabi excursions via its partners on site — French-speaking guides, longtail captains, hotels. You book directly by WhatsApp, transparent price, payment on site or online.
📲 WhatsApp: +66 84 250 04 96 🗺️ Krabi catalog: all Krabi excursions 🏝️ Combine with Phi Phi? French-speaking guide Koh Phi Phi — 1h30 by ferry from Ao Nang.
