Krabi is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
Towering limestone cliffs, emerald pools hidden in the jungle, and beaches so stunning they feel unreal.
Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Krabi delivers.
This guide covers the best things to do, plus how to get around easily so you can spend more time exploring and less time figuring out logistics. Let’s dive in. 😊
1. Thapom Klong Song Nam
a. Why Visit
Known as the “Two-Water Canal”, this is where freshwater springs meet saltwater from the Andaman Sea.
The water shifts from crystal-clear at low tide to emerald-green at high tide.
It’s a stunning natural phenomenon you won’t see anywhere else in Krabi.
A 700-meter elevated boardwalk lets you explore without disturbing the delicate ecosystem below. The photos you’ll get here are unlike anything from the beaches.
b. Best Things to Do
- Walk the nature trail through mangrove and freshwater forest zones
- Photograph the “Emerald Roots”, submerged tree roots visible through the clear water
- Watch tidal shifts at the observation platforms
- Spot local birds adapted to the brackish environment
2. Ao Thalane Mangroves
a. Why Visit
One of Southern Thailand’s most impressive mangrove systems.
Deep-water canyons surrounded by 100-meter limestone cliffs, all explored by kayak only. No motorboats means peaceful paddling and undisturbed wildlife.
You’ll paddle through narrow channels past secluded lagoons, with real chances to spot long-tailed macaques and colorful kingfishers along the way.
b. Best Things to Do
- Kayak through “Big Canyon” and “Small Canyon”
- Watch for long-tailed macaques and kingfishers
- Paddle into the “Hidden Lagoon” during mid-tide
3. Dragon Crest Mountain (Khao Ngon Nak)
a. Why Visit
Krabi’s best hike and a serious workout. The trail climbs 550 meters over 3.7 kilometers (7.4 km round-trip).
Tough going, but the reward is a 360-degree panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay and the coastline.
Important: Entry allowed 08:00-14:00 only. Register at the ranger station before you begin.
b. Best Things to Do
- Reach the summit viewpoint for stunning photography
- Look for Great Hornbills in the forest canopy
- Notice the vegetation change as you climb
- Check in with rangers for safety tracking
4. Klong Root (Clear Water Canal)
a. Why Visit
A quiet, spring-fed canal tucked in a community forest setting.
The water clarity here is remarkable, fed by natural springs beneath the surface.
This is low-key Krabi at its best.
b. Best Things to Do
- Kayak to the “Spring Head” source
- Swim in designated freshwater pools
- Observe fish through the transparent water
5. Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Krabi
a. Why Visit
If you want to interact with elephants ethically, this is the place. The sanctuary focuses on elephant welfare and offers feeding and bathing experiences in a responsible setting.
Both Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary and Krabi Elephant Shelter are certified by Asian Captive Elephant Standards (ACES). No riding allowed, ever.
b. Best Things to Do
- Feed and bathe the elephants under staff guidance
- Learn about elephant welfare from the caretakers
6. Ao Nang Beach
a. Why Visit
Krabi’s main tourism hub and transport center. Not the prettiest beach in the province, but everything connects here.
This is where you catch longtail boats to Railay, Tonsai, and the islands. The 1-kilometer beachfront has tour operators, restaurants, and ticket offices all lined up.
Come in the evening for sunset views. It’s a daily gathering spot for travelers, and for good reason.
b. Best Things to Do
- Swim and relax on the beach when tides and conditions allow
- Buy longtail boat tickets at official counters
- Use Ao Nang as your launching point for day trips to nearby islands
- Hike the “Monkey Trail” to secluded Pai Plong Bay
- Explore Southern Thai street food on the promenade
7. Tonsai Beach
a. Why Visit
Tonsai is famous for one thing: rock climbing. The limestone cliffs here attract climbers from around the world, and the beach has a laid-back, bohemian vibe.
Even if you don’t climb, it’s a unique atmosphere worth experiencing.
b. Best Things to Do
- Try rock climbing from beginner to advanced routes
- Explore “Secret Cave” at low tide
- Catch sunset fire-spinning shows
8. Railay Beach
a. Why Visit
Feels like an island but it’s actually a peninsula. Massive cliffs block all road access, so the only way in is by boat.
Railay West has golden sand and sunset views. Railay East is where boats dock.
Compact, car-free, and stunning. Luxury resorts and adventure activities coexist beautifully.
b. Best Things to Do
- Spend time at Railay West for the best swimming and sunset views
- Soak in the cliff-backed scenery, even without climbing, the landscape is the main attraction
- Hike to Railay East Viewpoint
- Climb the technical path to hidden Princess Lagoon
- Rent sea kayaks to explore offshore caves
- Walk “Walking Street” for dining and shopping
9. Phra Nang Cave Beach
a. Why Visit
Often called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Fine white sand, calm turquoise water, towering cliffs providing shade.
The Phra Nang Cave at the back is an active shrine for local fishermen.
b. Best Things to Do
- Swim in calm waters (best November to April)
- Buy lunch from anchored longtail boat vendors
- Climb the limestone cliffs if you have experience or book a guide
- Kayak, watch the sunset, or play beach games, it’s all popular here
10. Princess Cave
a. Why Visit
A spiritual site, not just a tourist spot. This shrine honors a mythical sea princess believed to protect fishermen.
Hundreds of wooden phallic carvings (lingams) are offered for fertility and prosperity.
Locals still perform rituals here. Please be respectful.
b. Best Things to Do
- Observe wooden offerings and floral tributes
- Learn local legends of maritime worship
- Photograph stalactites framing the entrance
- Watch fishermen make offerings before voyages
11. Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)
a. Why Visit
Krabi’s most important spiritual site and a serious climb. Named for tiger paw prints found in the limestone caves.
The main challenge: 1,260 steep steps (some risers over 30 cm) to a 300-meter summit.
At the top, a golden Buddha overlooks the province with 360-degree views of town, river, and karst mountains.
Here’s the fun part: even if you skip the climb, the lower temple grounds are worth exploring.
b. Best Things to Do
- Climb the stairway if you’re physically up for it, the panoramic view is incredible
- Explore the lower temple grounds before or after your climb
- See the golden Buddha and Buddha footprint
- Visit lower caves (watch for monkeys)
12. Khao Khanab Nam
a. Why Visit
Krabi’s most recognizable landmark. Two 100-meter limestone peaks rise on either side of the Krabi River, forming a symbolic gateway to the town.
Inside are cave systems with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
The caves also hold history. They served as a base for soldiers during World War II, and archaeological evidence suggests human habitation dating back to prehistoric times.
b. Best Things to Do
- Take a longtail boat from Chao Fah Pier (15 minutes)
- Explore caves and archaeological displays
- Go during daylight for the best photo opportunities
- Tour the nearby “Mangrove Tunnel”
- Visit Koh Klang for traditional boat building and batik making
13. Krabi Town Night Market
a. Why Visit
This is where locals eat and shop. The Walking Street market runs Friday through Sunday, 17:00 to 22:00.
It’s the most authentic food and retail experience in the province, catering primarily to locals and domestic travelers.
Expect Southern Thai specialties: spicy curries, grilled seafood, traditional desserts. Plus local handicrafts, live music, and performances on the central stage.
b. Best Things to Do
- Sample Southern Thai street food
- Buy handicrafts directly from artisans
- Catch live cultural performances
- Visit “Mud Crabs Sculpture” for sunset photos of Khao Khanab Nam
14. Khlong Thom Hot Springs
a. Why Visit
Natural hot springs perfect for unwinding.
Water heated by volcanic activity flows over smooth limestone terraces into the cool river below, creating tiered natural pools like organic jacuzzis.
The mineral-rich water is said to improve circulation.
b. Best Things to Do
- Soak in tiered limestone pools
- Try “contrast bathing” between hot pools and cool river
- Walk the short jungle trail
- Use on-site shower and changing facilities
- Allow time for changing and drying if you’re combining this with other inland stops
15. Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
a. Why Visit
The name says it all. Mineral-rich thermal springs filter through limestone, creating water with incredible jade-green transparency.
Located within Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary, known for rare birds including the Gurney’s Pitta.
A 1.4-kilometer trail leads to the Blue Pool source. You can look but swimming is prohibited there to protect the mineral balance.
b. Best Things to Do
- Swim in the emerald-green main lagoon
- Walk the “Piak Chaloem” nature trail
- Visit Blue Pool to see intense natural coloration
- Watch for “shaking sand” caused by rising gas bubbles
Island Hopping
No Krabi trip is complete without getting out on the water.
Here are two island-hopping highlights that deliver stunning scenery and great snorkeling.
Island Hopping #1: Hong Islands
a. Why Visit
Koh Hong is a top Krabi island highlight. The beaches are pristine, the lagoon water is emerald green, and snorkeling is excellent.
b. Best Things to Do and See
- Swim in the lagoon where calm, clear water makes for safe and beautiful swimming
- Snorkel around the island in designated zones
- Climb the 419-step staircase to the viewpoint for panoramic island views
- Relax on the beach between water sessions
Island Hopping #2: Koh Gai (Chicken Island) and Koh Poda
a. Why Visit
Two islands that pair perfectly. Chicken Island has a distinctive curved rock formation and good snorkeling.
Koh Poda offers beautiful beaches with views of a small “sailboat-like” islet.
b. Best Things to Do and See
- Photograph the famous Chicken Island rock formation
- Snorkel around Chicken Island’s coral areas
- Spend beach time on Koh Poda with clear sightlines to the signature islet
- Look for the “Separated Sea” sandbar if your timing aligns with low tide, a sand strip connects the islands when the tide recedes
There’s even more to explore beyond these two. Check out my article 7 Incredible Islands to Visit from Krabi for a deeper dive into the best islands and how to get there.
How to Get Around Krabi
Getting around Krabi is straightforward once you know your options.
1. How to Reach Railay Beach from Ao Nang
Railay has no road connections. You get there by longtail boat.
Where boats depart:
- Ao Nang Beach
- Noppharat Thara Beach
Travel time: About 15 minutes by longtail boat from Ao Nang.
How it works: You can buy join-in longtail boat tickets at the beach.
2. How to Reach Tonsai Beach
Tonsai sits on the same peninsula as Railay, so it’s also boat-access only.
From Ao Nang: Take a longtail boat directly to Tonsai Beach. The ride is similar to the Railay route, around 15 minutes.
From Railay: Take a short longtail boat ride around the headland.
3. In Krabi Town and Ao Nang
- Songthaews (shared pickup trucks): Small pickup trucks with two rows of benches that operate as public transport. They circulate locally and connect to common pier and transfer points.
- Grab (app-based rides): Grab operates in Krabi, including airport transfers. Book through the app for upfront pricing.
- Tuk-tuks: Available for short-distance travel around town. Useful for quick point-to-point trips.
4. Recommended Tours for Easy Travel
Booking organized tours takes the hassle out of logistics, especially for inland attractions or multi-stop days.
Private Transport:
Day Tours (Tiger Cave, Emerald Pool, Hot Springs):
- Krabi: Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour
- Ao Nang: Hot Spring, Emerald Pool and Tiger Cave Temple Tour
- Krabi: Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour
Elephant Experiences:
- Krabi: Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Half Day Tour
- Krabi: Elephant Bathing Session at Krabi Elephant Shelter
Kayaking Tours:
- Krabi: Kayak Adventure through Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest
- Krabi: Half Day Kayak Adventure at Ao Thalane
- Krabi: Klong Root (Crystal Lake) Kayaking Tour
Hiking Tour:
Krabi has something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re climbing limestone cliffs, kayaking through mangroves, or just floating in emerald-green pools, this place delivers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Thailand.
