Krabi is like stepping into a postcard, with its stunning cliffs, beautiful beaches, and clear blue waters that just seem too perfect to be real. It’s the ultimate getaway for anyone craving a slice of paradise. Whether you’re exploring hidden islands or immersing yourself in local culture at ancient temples, Krabi promises a mix of adventure and relaxation. Let’s dive into the top 6 great things to do in Krabi!
Good to know
The primary areas for accommodation are Ao Nang and Krabi Town, with Ao Nang being the most popular among travelers. Ao Nang is much more beautiful, but it’s also more touristy. However, you might save on tours and private longtail boats since there’s a lot more competition than in Krabi Town!
1. Admire the views at Khaothong Hill
Khaothong Hill is a restaurant that offers stunning views of nearby islands and the Andaman Sea. It’s a must-visit for those seeking a unique and scenic experience. The sunset view is truly magical, but if that’s your plan be prepared for crowds. We visited at 1 PM, rather than sunset, and only saw 5 other people. And don’t think this takes anything away from the whole experience, the view remained breathtaking!
Getting to Khaothong Hill is straightforward, about a 30-minute drive from Ao Nang. We recommend renting a scooter, this is the easiest and cheapest way. The road to get there gets really beautiful the closer you get to Khaothong Hill, amazing. Just keep in mind you can’t take the scooter all the way up to the restaurant. There’s a parking lot at the hill’s base where you can purchase a ticket to get to the top. The price of the ticket is 60 baht (about € 1,50). This covers the shuttle ride up and down, but also includes a 30 baht coupon for the restaurant (excluding drinks). Khaothong Hill is open daily from 10 AM to 7:30 PM.
Pro tip
Don’t forget to use the restroom too! You won’t believe the amazing views from this toilet. We bet you’ll end up staying longer than planned just to enjoy the scenery.
2. Day trip to Railay
Railay is a small peninsula between Krabi and Ao Nang, famous for its stunning limestone formations rising from the emerald-green water. Despite its size, Railay offers a lot to do. You can rock climb, kayak, eat and drink something, chill on the beaches, or hike to viewpoints – you name it! Railay has Krabi’s two most stunning beaches: Phra Nang Beach and Railay Beach. Among them, Phra Nang Beach is definitely our favorite. More secluded and scenic, so dreamy! Railay Beach does have a lot more facilities (like restaurants, guesthouses, and so on). It’s just a 15-minute walk between these two beautiful beaches, the “hike” is well worth it.
Good to know
Railay is only accessible by boat. You can take a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach, which takes about 15 minutes. The round trip costs 200 baht per person (just over € 5), and you can get your ticket from Ao Nang Longtail Boat Service. Boats start at 8 AM, so it’s best to go early to avoid crowds. We arrived at Railay around 8:15 AM and left by 11 AM because it got too crowded.
3. Climb to the top of Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)
If you’re up for an adventure, don’t miss climbing to the top of Wat Tham Sua, also known as Tiger Cave Temple! The climb is quite challenging with almost 1300 steps, but the reward is a breathtaking 360-degree view of Krabi’s valley. It takes about an hour to reach the summit so avoid hiking during the peak hours of the sun’s heat. Just watch out for monkeys, and make sure to keep your belongings close to you at all times. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset.
4. Day trip to Hong Islands
One of the top things to do in Krabi is taking a day trip to Hong Islands. We booked a private longtail boat tour with Ao Nang Longtail Boat Service for 2500 baht (about € 64), covering both Hong Islands and Hong Lagoon. Just remember, the entrance fee for Hong Islands (300 baht, about € 8) isn’t included in this price. You can also visit Pakbiar Island and Koh Lading for more adventure, but it will cost extra (around 500 baht per added destination).
Fun fact
We had hoped to explore Pakbiar Island and Koh Lading as well. However, fate had other plans for us. While enjoying Hong Lagoon and Hong Islands, the motor of our longtail boat unexpectedly broke down! We were stranded on the water for nearly 2 hours, the skipper couldn’t fix the engine. Thankfully, another boat eventually came to rescue us, but at that point we weren’t as excited about further adventures. We decided to call it quits, fortunately we received a refund for the missed stops.
5. Sunset at The Last Fisherman Bar
For the most stunning sunset views, we suggest visiting The Last Fisherman Bar on Ao Nang Beach. It was one of the highlights of our time in Krabi so make sure to put this on your itinerary. It’s known for having the best sunset scenes in Krabi! The food is tasty, and the cocktails are really good! We opted for the strawberry & lychee cocktail bucket, which lasted us the whole night. 😉
The only drawback is that it can get quite busy here, so the service may be a bit slow. We suggest checking out the menu before your visit so that you can order in one go. To ensure a good spot and enjoy your cocktails before sunset, arrive at least half an hour early. We were lucky and snatched the last available table by the beach. After the sun sets, there’s also a fantastic fire show on the beach that we suggest sticking around for.
6. Visit Emerald Pool, Blue Pool, and Krabi Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a day surrounded by nature, Emerald Pool, Blue Pool, and Krabi Hot Springs are ideal choices. Tucked away in a serene rainforest, they offer a peaceful escape from the bustling Ao Nang and Krabi town. Emerald Pool, located in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, is a stunning crystal lagoon. Just a bit further along, you’ll find the mesmerizing Blue Pool. It is completely surrounded by jungle, a really cool vibe. Just keep in mind that swimming is not allowed at Blue Pool. Water can be as hot as 50 °C!
Pairing a visit to Emerald Pool and Blue Pool with a stop at Krabi Hot Springs is a perfect day tour combination, as they are conveniently located along the same route. Krabi Hot Springs is a peaceful spot in a small rainforest where streams create a lovely waterfall and natural pools. Take a 30-minute dip in the warm water and enjoy the amazing views of the river below.
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