Krabi is Thailand’s postcard come to life: limestone karsts that vault from the sea, silky beaches, and watercolor lagoons reached by longtail boat. Settled for millennia by maritime traders, the region blossomed as a gateway to the Andaman Sea, where coral gardens and mangroves shelter hornbills, monitor lizards, and neon fish. Whether you rove by speedboat or paddle a kayak under cathedral-like cliffs, Krabi rewards explorers.

Fun facts lend flavor: the longtail boats (ruea hang yao) are wooden craft whose “tails” once housed repurposed truck engines; Maya Bay—the setting for “The Beach”—now limits visitors to protect its reborn reef; and the Tiger Cave Temple’s 1,237 stairs climb to a Buddha with a panorama of forests and limestone towers. Between outings, don’t miss Southern Thai staples: turmeric-laced curries, crab yellow curry, and roti with sweetened condensed milk.

Practical notes: November–April is dry season with calmer seas; May–October brings monsoon swells and occasional tour cancellations. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a light rain jacket. ATM access is easy in Ao Nang and Krabi Town; cards are widely accepted at midrange restaurants and hotels, while street stalls are cash-friendly.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is your breezy beach base, a crescent of sand backed by jungle and cliffs. From here, longtail boats fan out to Railay, Phra Nang, and the 4 Islands, while cafes and night markets keep evenings relaxed. Sunrise paints the karsts pink; sunset drenches the bay in copper and gold.

Top sights and experiences include beach-hopping to Nopparat Thara, a day at Railay (viewpoint, lagoon, and Phra Nang Cave), snorkeling around the islands, and a sunset cruise with a bioluminescent swim. Coffee culture is surprisingly strong, and you’ll find some of Krabi’s tastiest Southern Thai cooking tucked on side streets.

• Where to stay (Ao Nang & Railay): - Beachfront elegance at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi (private bay, free boat shuttle). - Iconic limestone luxury at Rayavadee Resort on Railay (home to The Grotto restaurant). - Compare apartments and villas on VRBO (Ao Nang) or browse hotels on Hotels.com (Ao Nang).
• Getting here: Fly into Krabi (KBV) from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. Check fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Flight time Bangkok–Krabi ~1h25m; typical prices $35–$95 one-way depending on season. Airport to Ao Nang: 35–45 minutes by shared shuttle (~150–200 THB) or taxi (700–900 THB).
• Food & drink favorites: - Breakfast/coffee: Cafe 8.98 (brunch plates, cold brew), Lion & Shark (smoothie bowls, espresso). - Casual Thai: Ton Ma Yom (peppery stir-fries, tom yum), Jungle Kitchen (southern curries; book ahead). - Seafood with a view: Lae Lay Grill (sunset hilltop, whole fish with lime and chili).

Day 1: Arrival, Sand Between Your Toes

Morning: In transit to Krabi. If flying domestically, early flights let you catch afternoon beach time. Compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Afternoon: Check into your Ao Nang hotel. Stroll the promenade and Nopparat Thara Beach, where at low tide you can walk to small islets. Cool down with fresh coconuts and mango sticky rice from beach carts.

Evening: Sunset dinner at Lae Lay Grill—order grilled tiger prawns and pineapple fried rice served in the fruit. Post-dinner, wander Ao Nang Landmark Night Market for roti, pandan waffles, and live music.

Day 2: Phi Phi’s Turquoise Playgrounds (Full-day Tour)

Book: Phi Phi Early Bird & 4 Islands - Day Tour by Speedboat From Krabi. This crack-of-dawn departure beats the crowds to Maya Bay and the best snorkel sites.

Hotel pickup begins pre-sunrise; bring a rash guard, dry bag, and cash for national park fees if applicable. Expect snorkeling over coral gardens, beach time on Bamboo Island, and sightseeing at Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon. Lunch is typically served at a beachside spot.

Evening: Back in Ao Nang, keep it light at Jungle Kitchen—try massaman curry, crispy morning glory, and a young coconut. Finish with a nightcap by the sand at a reggae bar, toes in the sand, fairy lights overhead.

Day 3: Railay Day—Cliffs, Caves, and Sea

Morning: Hop a longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay East (10–15 minutes; posted fares). Hike the Railay Viewpoint track (expect steep, rooty sections) for a cinematic look at the isthmus, then descend to Phra Nang Cave Beach for swimming by stalactites and the spirit shrine.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Grotto (advance reservations recommended) where tables sit under a limestone overhang beside the surf; order soft-shell crab and a tropical salad. Alternatively, Kohinoor Indian serves excellent tandoori if you’re craving spice. Rent a kayak to explore hidden coves along Railay West.

Evening: Return to Ao Nang for street-food grazing: grilled chicken with sticky rice, kanom krok coconut pancakes, and herbal iced tea. If you prefer a sit-down, Ton Ma Yom’s steamed fish with lime is bright and addicting.

Day 4: Hong Islands—Emerald Lagoons by Speedboat (Day Trip)

Book: Krabi Hong Islands Day Trip by Speedboat with Lunch. Nicknamed the “island of rooms,” Koh Hong cradles a jade lagoon accessible through a dramatic sea gate—perfect for photos and a tranquil float.

Expect snorkeling over shallow reefs, time on powdery beaches, and a picnic lunch. Respect local guidelines about reef protection; never stand on coral and use reef-safe sunscreen.

Evening: Treat yourself to a sunset seafood feast: grilled squid, spicy seafood salad, and mango coconut shakes at a seaside terrace. For dessert, find pandan custard buns at a night market stall.

Krabi Town

Krabi Town sits on a wide river bend, more local than beachy, with street art, morning markets, longtail piers, and the weekend Walking Street market. It’s a great base for jungle days—Emerald Pool, hot springs—and for climbing the Tiger Cave Temple stairs at dawn.

Food is the story here: old-family shops cooking crab yellow curry, roti with curry dips, and Southern-style khanom jeen (rice noodles) with fragrant gravies. Evenings bring buskers and craft stalls, while mangrove-lined boardwalks make for leisurely strolls.

• Where to stay (Krabi Town): Social vibes at Pak-Up Hostel (central, clean, great for meeting travelers). Or browse apartments and riverside stays on VRBO (Krabi Town) and Hotels.com (Krabi Town).
• Getting from Ao Nang to Krabi Town: Morning songthaew (shared pickup) 35–45 minutes, ~50–80 THB. Taxi or private transfer 30–40 minutes, ~400–600 THB.
• Where to eat: Ruen Mai (leafy garden setting; Southern curries, turmeric soup), Nong Joke (famed crab yellow curry, Hokkien-Thai classics), Gecko Cabane (Thai with an herb-forward twist), Chalita Cafe (Thai-Italian comfort). Coffee at Coconuts Cafe or Khaothong Terrace for a river view drive.

Day 5: Shift to Krabi Town, Markets & River Walk

Morning: Transfer from Ao Nang to Krabi Town. Drop bags and start with iced coffee and croissants at Coconuts Cafe. Browse Maharat Morning Market for tropical fruit (try mangosteen and snake fruit) and snacks like grilled pork skewers.

Afternoon: Explore the riverside promenade and Wat Kaew Korawaram’s white staircase and murals. Pop into Gecko Cabane for lunch—order stir-fried sator beans with shrimp (classic southern dish) and a lemongrass juice.

Evening: If it’s Fri–Sun, hit Krabi Walking Street market (Soi 8): live music, artisanal soaps, and stalls serving roti pancakes, pad thai, and coconut ice cream. On weeknights, dine at Nong Joke—crab yellow curry and fresh spring rolls are standouts.

Day 6: Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and Tiger Cave (Day Tour)

Book: Discover Krabi - Emerald Pool, Hot Springs & Tiger Cave Temple. This small-group day links Krabi’s greatest inland hits with guiding and transport.

Ease into the day with a soak in naturally warmed mineral springs, then walk the shaded boardwalk to Emerald Pool and the sapphire-hued Blue Lagoon. Cap it with the Tiger Cave Temple climb—set a comfortable pace, bring water, and time your ascent for softer afternoon light.

Evening: Celebrate with dinner at Ruen Mai—try moo kua klua (salted pork), gaeng som (sour curry), and a pomelo salad. Mango sticky rice for dessert is mandatory.

Day 7: Slow Morning and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Chalita Cafe—Thai omelet over rice and a cappuccino. Pick up last-minute souvenirs: coconut wood utensils, spice blends, and local snacks.

Afternoon: Transfer to Krabi Airport (~20–25 minutes by taxi from Krabi Town). Check flight options or manage changes on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you’re continuing overland in Thailand, note there’s no train in Krabi; you can route via Surat Thani using Thai Rail (plan on Trip.com Trains) plus a bus connection.

Evening: Fly onward with salt-tangled hair and a camera roll full of emerald pools and sea caves.

Optional Sunset Bonus (If you kept Day 3 flexible):

Book: Krabi 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + Bioluminescent Swim. An unforgettable afternoon-to-night outing: paddleboards at golden hour, a beach BBQ, and a starry swim among glowing plankton. Pickup available from Ao Nang/Railay; pack a light layer for the ride back.

Insider tips: Bring small notes for park fees and boat fares; carry a dry bag for phones. Maya Bay may restrict swimming and hours—always follow ranger guidance. If seas get choppy (especially May–Oct), switch to inland nature days and cafes.