The Best Day Trips From Krabi Thailand

Krabi has some of the finest beaches in the world, but you’re mistaken if you think that’s all there is to it. From stunning natural pools to adventures through mangrove forests, there’s a host of adventures just waiting to be taken. Here are some of the best in this South Thailand province.

You can now book and travel with Culture Trip to Krabi and all the beautiful islands and beaches beyond. Led by a local insider, our 10-day tour of Southern Thailand ensures nothing is missed.

Four-Island Tour

Few leave Krabi without taking in the sights of the Four Island tour, and it’s easy to see why. For just a few hundred baht, you can take a wooden long-tail boat and head for the beautiful islands of Koh Poda, Koh Tub, Chicken Island and the bay of Railay. It’s possible to charter a private boat or even a speedboat, which is a much better experience as it would grant extra time at any of the locations. Koh Poda, Koh Tub and Railay offer the chance to relax on the beach and take a dip in the sea, while Chicken Island provides great views and an opportunity to snorkel among colourful fish.

Heading to Phi Phi is a great day trip. Not only does the main island have gorgeous beaches of azure water and powdery sand; it’s also home to Maya Bay, arguably the most beautiful location in all of south-east Asia. Typical tours will also take you to monkey beach – where you can make a bunch of furry friends – and Piley Bay, a stunning spot with huge limestone mountains and clear waters. The small size of Phi Phi means there are no cars or motorbikes on the island. Plus, it’s possible to cover the whole island in just a couple of hours.

Hong Island

Just a 45-minute long-tail boat ride from Ao Nang (or 25 minutes on a speedboat) is the wondrous Hong Island. Hong is famed for the large lagoon in the centre of it, beset on all sides by imposingly beautiful cliffs. There are beaches around the lagoon and on the outer rim of the island, but the real beauty comes from kayaking into the lagoon itself, all while being dwarfed by the mountains around the edge. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of a monkey or monitor lizard.

Emerald Pool and Hot Springs

Only 70km (43mi) from Krabi Town are the hot springs. With water warmed by volcanic chambers deep down below, they provide the opportunity to bathe in warm waters between 35 and 42 degrees Celsius. It can get pretty hot, but not to worry; there’s a river to cool off in. Nearby is the popular Emerald Pool, a freshwater pool with a shockingly emerald hue that’s incredibly pleasant to swim in. After a sweaty walk through the hot, thick jungle, it’s a great way to cool off and get in touch with nature, all while taking in the beauty of the surroundings. Make sure to visit early to avoid crowds and schoolchildren.

Koh Rok

Undoubtedly the best place for diving in Krabi Province, Koh Rok is just a one-hour speedboat trip away from Koh Lanta island. Diving in Koh Rok is like experiencing a whole new world, unearthing treasures such as colourful corals and an abundance of marine life. That includes turtles, eels and maybe even the odd black-tipped shark. It’s also possible to snorkel rather than dive, or just enjoy the beach and the fine, soft sand. Koh Rock is also the best place in Krabi to spot monitor lizards, who often just laze on the beach without a care in the world.

Ao Thalane Mangrove Kayaking

The best spot in Krabi Province for kayaking, Ao Thalane is a short drive from Ao Nang. It’s home to a winding maze of mangrove trees, which can be explored through kayaking on the river. It’s a humbling, peaceful experience, and the odd glimpses of monkeys and crustaceans on the branches add some extra excitement. Kayaking is a sustainable way to see more of Krabi Province and is one of the last truly undeveloped tourist attractions around.

Tha Pon Khlong Song Nam (Two-Water Canal)

The Two-Water Canal is just 34km (21mi) from Krabi Town yet so few foreigners make it here. The name is derived from the fact that saltwater and freshwater meet here, the result being glass-like clear water that you can kayak and swim in. It even turns emerald-coloured during high tide. The surrounding nature is a mixture of banyan and mangrove trees that you can walk between. This is a location that’s as undeveloped and naturally beautiful as you are likely to encounter in such a tourist-heavy province.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.