The Best Destinations in Krabi, Thailand

Enjoy the serene surroundings of Railay Beach in Krabi, Thailand
Enjoy the serene surroundings of Railay Beach in Krabi, Thailand | © Dmitry Molchanov / Alamy
Kyle Hulme

A sun-kissed corner of one of the most stunning countries in the world, Krabi’s mixture of bustling mainland towns and idyllic island paradises offers something for everyone. Can’t decide where to visit? Here are the best destinations.

Want to hit the best beaches and islands around Krabi? Let our Local Insider show you round on Culture Trip’s 10-day Thai island-hopping adventure.

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Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Krabi Town

Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature

Maharaj Road, Krabi town, Thailand
© Peter Forsberg / Alamy

The main town of the province, Krabi Town used to be simply a place to stay for a night before moving on to an island, but, in recent years, it has grown into a must-visit destination. A small town that’s almost like a window into the past, its collection of authentic local eateries, great Western restaurants and happening bars beside the river offers more than enough entertainment to keep you busy for a few days. But its best feature? The weekend night market. Running Friday to Sunday, it features delicious local cuisine, hand-made crafts and local fashions all available at bargain prices.

Koh Lanta

Natural Feature

beach and fishing boat, koh Lanta, Thailand. Image shot 10/2017. Exact date unknown.
© Zoonar GmbH / Alamy

A large island reachable by both van and ferry, Koh Lanta has long been on the lips of travellers, touted as Thailand’s next big thing, but has resisted over-development so far. A large island with a beautiful natural park and several stunning beaches, it’s well-famed for its laid-back vibe that’s almost infectious. That said, it isn’t all yoga sessions and hippy activities here; there are a number of beach bars providing entertainment well into the night, too, if that’s your thing. The rustic, wooden shophouses that make up Saladan and Lanta Old Town and house a variety of different shops and restaurants are well worth checking out, too.

Ao Nang

Natural Feature

Thailand, Krabi, Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara Beach,
© Tibor Bognar / Alamy
The busiest and most popular area on the mainland in the province, Ao Nang has much more to offer than its well-famed beaches. Just behind its popular strip of soft, sandy beach are a number of busy restaurants and bars that have kept punters happy for decades now. Its variety of accommodation options, ranging from low-price to luxury, has ensured Ao Nang’s enduring popularity, while Ao Nang Beach and Nopparat Thara Beach helped put it on the map in the first place. Throw in the excellent shopping experiences, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back.

Railay

Natural Feature

Landscape of scenic big cliffs on seashore coastline on empty West Railay Beach
© Drablenkov / Getty Images
Located to the east of Ao Nang and accessible only by boat, Railay is perhaps the most gorgeous spot in all of Krabi. Featuring a number of sublime beaches with turquoise seas and steep limestone cliffs, it’s truly a place of jaw-dropping beauty — but it has much more to offer than just aesthetics. There’s a fun, laid-back nightlife scene on the island, particularly towards Tonsai Beach, whilst the daytime offers some of the best rock climbing experiences in the country. Only a few minutes from Ao Nang on the boat, it’s a must-visit destination in Krabi, even if you’re not staying the night.

Koh Klang

Park, Natural Feature

Local village on Koh Klang island in Krabi in southern Thailand. Cityscape taken in south east Asia.
© Anna Bieniek / Alamy

A small island just a 5-minute ferry ride away from Krabi Town, Koh Klang is a place you’ll love to visit. Despite being so close to Krabi Town, the atmosphere is completely different. An island comprised nearly wholly of members of southern Thailand’s Muslim community, it provides a glimpse into their world and their relaxed pace of life. Stilted wooden houses take up residence beside the road, while the fields are full of crops and buffaloes, providing an authentic look at rural Thai life and a contrast to the hustle and bustle of nearby Krabi Town. The ferry can take your motorbike across, but the flat roads and gorgeous views make Koh Klang perfect for cycling around.

Koh Phi Phi

Natural Feature

Jungle limestone cliffs around Phi-Phi Leh island with tourist boat parking
© StoryLife / Alamy

Perhaps the most famous island in Thailand, Phi Phi has been one of the star attractions of the Land of Smiles for well over a decade now. With its gorgeous bays, beaches and natural features, Phi Phi has more than earned its glowing reputation, but some would argue that its nightlife is its crowning glory. Famous for beach parties, bars and nightclubs, there’s never a dull moment to be had on Phi Phi, where friends are made in a second and memories last for a lifetime.

Koh Jum

Natural Feature

Palm beach, Golden Pearl Beach, Ko Jum or Koh Pu island, Krabi, Thailand, Southeast Asia
© imageBROKER / Alamy

If Koh Lanta is considered by some to be underdeveloped, then Koh Jum is practically undiscovered. A picturesque island that’s small in size, Koh Jum has a number of scenic beachfront bungalows to choose from that’ll prove to be the envy of all your friends. With little to do other than swim, sunbathe and explore the island, it’s perfect for a relaxing stay in Krabi. Gorgeous beaches, beautiful sunsets and friendly locals — what more could you want?

Klong Muang

Natural Feature

Klong Muang Beach, Krabi Province, Thailand.
© Leonid Serebrennikov / Alamy

Located further west than Ao Nang, Klong Muang is another mainland beach area that’s worth considering in Krabi. With its long stretch of soft sand and clear seas, it’s a quieter and, arguably, more beautiful stretch of beach than Ao Nang is, but it is thought to be a little too laid-back for some. That said, there are bars and restaurants in the area, and taxis can take you to the heart of the action in Ao Nang in just 20 minutes. A perfect place for families.

Ao Thalane

Natural Feature

Sea Kayak at Ao Thalane, Krabi, Thailand
© Shisanu Tongchim / Alamy

Not particularly bothered about the beaches but looking to explore Krabi’s natural spaces? Ao Thalane is the place for you. The top spot in the province for kayaking, Ao Thalane allows visitors to hop aboard a kayak and explore Krabi’s mesmerising mangrove forests. Weaving in, out and around the mangroves lets you experience some of the most beautiful natural spaces in Krabi and makes it possible to get up close and personal with creatures who call it their home. A peaceful and different way to spend a few hours in Krabi, it just might prove to be the highlight of your trip.

Tub Kaek

Natural Feature

View to the Phang-Nga Bay from the Tub Kaek Beach in Krabi, Thailand.
© Andreas Prott / Alamy
Situated on the western edge of Krabi province, Tub Kaek is home to a quiet, mesmerising beach that’s often overlooked by visitors. Usually empty, this special stretch of land is not only a great place to rest and swim, but it’s also perfect for admiring the view of the limestone karsts and mountains that sprout out of the sea in front of you. Away from the beach, a national park offers the best hiking experience in the province, with the gruelling trail up Khao Ngon Nak to the Dragon Crest viewpoint, where you can enjoy unforgettable views of the province.
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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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