Krabi

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Krabi commands one of the most photographed coastlines in Asia, a southern province on the Andaman Sea where sheer limestone karsts rise from jade water. The Railay peninsula, cut off by cliffs and reached only by boat, is a world rock-climbing destination beside the famous Phra Nang beach, while Ao Nang serves as the mainland resort hub. Offshore lie the celebrated islands of Ko Phi Phi, laid-back Ko Lanta and the lagoon-ringed Ko Hong group. Inland, the province hides the Tiger Cave Temple with its cliff-top shrine, the Emerald Pool and hot spring waterfalls around Khlong Thom, and mangrove channels near Krabi Town.

November to April is Krabi's dry season, when the Andaman is calm, skies are clearest and island boat trips run in full swing; it is also peak season, so book ahead around the New Year. The southwest monsoon from roughly May to October brings heavier rain, rougher seas and reduced or suspended boat services to some islands, and parts of the marine national parks may close for recovery, so check locally. The green months reward flexible travelers with lower prices and quieter beaches between the downpours.

Krabi International Airport receives frequent domestic flights from Bangkok plus some regional international services, and sits a short drive from Krabi Town and Ao Nang. Overnight buses from Bangkok take roughly twelve hours down the southern highways. There is no train line into Krabi; a common combination is the sleeper train to Surat Thani followed by a connecting bus. Ferries and speedboats link Krabi with Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta and other Andaman islands in season.

White songthaews shuttle between Krabi Town and Ao Nang through the day, and tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis handle short runs. Long-tail boats are the only way onto Railay, which has no road access, and they double as taxis to nearby beaches and islands. Ferries and speedboat tours cover Phi Phi, Lanta and the four-islands circuit. Renting a car or motorbike works well for inland sights such as the Tiger Cave Temple, the Emerald Pool and the hot springs.

Southern Thai flavors run hot in Krabi: gaeng som sour curry, turmeric-rich soups and seafood grilled straight off the Andaman boats. The province's significant Muslim heritage brings excellent roti, satay and massaman-style curries alongside Buddhist-Thai kitchens. Krabi Town's riverside night markets and weekend walking street are the best-value places to eat, with fruit shakes and southern sweets to cool the chili. Beach restaurants at Ao Nang and the islands add international menus for gentler palates.

Loy Krathong in November sets candlelit floats onto rivers and hotel pools across the province, and Songkran in April brings water celebrations to Krabi Town and Ao Nang. Communities with Chinese heritage in the south observe the annual vegetarian festival, usually around September or October, with special food stalls appearing in local markets. Krabi also typically hosts sport and cultural events in high season, from climbing meets to boat gatherings; dates change, so check locally when planning.

Use licensed boat operators, wear the life jackets provided and respect red-flag warnings, especially in the monsoon months. On reef trips, avoid touching coral or feeding fish, and note that marine parks charge entry fees payable in cash. Krabi has a large Muslim population, so dress modestly away from the beach and around villages and mosques. Climb the Tiger Cave Temple's long stairway early in the morning with water in hand, and guard food and loose items from the resident monkeys.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.