On Thailand's Andaman coast, Krabi lines up limestone cliffs, turquoise beaches and postcard islands. Railay, Ao Nang, climbing and Four Islands: here's how to enjoy it in 3 days or 1 week.
Krabi at a glance
Province
Andaman coast
Airport
KBV
Ideal stay
3 to 5 days
Budget / day
โฌ25-180
From Bangkok
~1h20 flight
Dry season
Nov to March
Current climate
Best season
In brief
The kingdom of karst cliffs
Limestone towers plunging into a turquoise sea. It's the signature scenery of the southern Andaman, reached by boat.
Railay is only reachable by boat
No road serves the peninsula. The longtail boat from Ao Nang remains the only access, a 15-minute crossing.
Ao Nang, the ideal base
Hotels, restaurants and the boat pier all in one place. You sleep here and head out to the islands by day.
World capital of rock climbing
More than 700 bolted routes at Railay and Tonsai. Beginner to expert level, climbing schools on site.
Gateway to the southern islands
Direct ferries to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. Krabi works as a hub to combine beaches and islands.
Must-see
Cliffs, white-sand beaches and Phra Nang cave. Reachable only by longtail boat.
Often ranked among Thailand's finest beaches. Offering cave at the far end.
Phra Nang, Chicken Island, Tup and Poda in one day. Sandbar between islands at low tide.
1,237 steps to the summit for a 360ยฐ view over rice fields and cliffs.
Bohemian climbers' cove wedged between Railay and Ao Nang. Backpacker vibe, jungle routes.
Enclosed emerald lagoon ringed by cliffs. Kayaking and snorkeling on the menu.
Turquoise natural pool and cascading hot springs in the Khlong Thom jungle.
The resort town's main beach. Pier, promenade, seafood restaurants facing the sunset.
The administrative center, away from the beaches. Weekend night market and authentic local street food.
Nature reserve that holds the Emerald Pool. Shaded trail through primary jungle.
Choose your district
The main resort town. Hotels for every budget, restaurants, boat pier to the islands. From โฌ20/night.
โ Recommended
Isolated peninsula, perfect beaches, no cars. Resorts in pure nature. From โฌ40/night.
Dream setting
Climbers' cove, simple and cheap stays. Adventurer vibe. From โฌ12/night.
Backpack
Authentic town away from the beaches. Handy for transport and tight budgets. From โฌ10/night.
Local
Quiet beaches north of Ao Nang. Upscale resorts facing the islands. From โฌ90/night.
Luxury
Getting around
Longtail boat
The long-tail boat, essential for Railay and Tonsai. Shared fare or private charter.
Songthaew
Shared pick-up between Ao Nang, Krabi Town and the airport. Cheap but slow.
Taxi & Grab
Grab works in Krabi. Handy for the airport and the Tiger Cave Temple.
Ferry to the islands
Daily connections to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta from the Klong Jilad pier.
Climate & crowds
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
Dry season
Nov to March ยท 27-32ยฐC, calm sea ยท Ideal โ guaranteed sun, islands open, high season
Hot shoulder
Apr to May ยท 33-36ยฐC, muggy ยท Fair โ Songkran mid-April, still little rain
Monsoon
May to Oct ยท Showers, rough sea ยท Avoid โ islands sometimes closed, hotels 40% cheaper
How much
Backpacker
โฌ25
per day
Comfort
โฌ85
per day
Premium
โฌ240
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
2h by ferry ยท Maya Bay and lagoons
2h by ferry ยท Quiet beaches
15 min by boat ยท Climbing & beaches
๐ 2h30 by bus ยท The big southern island
FAQ
Marie Laurent โ
ยทSoutheast Asia specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.