After 2 extensive trips to the Krabi region, in Thailand i’ve written this guide will help you with where to stay and what not to miss during your stay in Krabi, Thailand!
Krabi key information:
When to visit Krabi?
đ°âď¸Dry/peak season – November until March (expect crowds & high prices but little rain)
đšđŚď¸Shoulder season – April & May (expect some rain & humidity in exchange for low crowds and low prices!)
How to get there:
Krabi International airport is the main airport for this region and is only around a 30 min drive to Ao Nang and other spots in the Krabi region. Phi Phi Islands can be reached in around 1 hour by ferry, as well as Koh Yao Noi/Yai islands in only 20 min boat transfer.
FlyDubai & Emirates both offer direct flights to/from Dubai.
Ideal trip length? 7-14 days
đââď¸ââĄď¸ Ideal Itinerary for adventure travelers:
Ao Nang: Spend 2-4 nights (Include Hong Island & 4 island tour)
Railay Beach: Spend 1-2 nights
Phi Phi Islands – Spend 2 nights (include trips to Maya Bay, Lagoon & Paradise island)
Koh Yao Noi – Spend 2 nights (Highly recommended stay at Treehouse villas)
Ao Nang – Spend 2-4 nights
đ§ââď¸Ideal Itinerary for relaxed travelers:
Base at Ao Nang 5-8 nights (You can daytrip to Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi & Railay from here)
Koh Yao Noi or Phi Phi Islands – 2-3 nights
How to get around:
Grab is a super easy and affordable way to travel, you can download the app on the google or app store. You can also get a tuktuk for short rides; you can find these on grab or hail one from the street.
Currency:
1 USD = 31 THB (Feb 2026)
Krabi hotel picks:
Top family choice:
Panan Krabi resort 4* – multiple pools, great location in Ao Nang, near to the boat station, beach and main street for restaurants and nightlife, also a great family hotel with a kids slide, kids club, a few restaurants to choose from and a nice infinity pool for rooftop views ($$$)
Top location and views:
Krabi Tipa resort 4* – for the best views of Krabi from their rooftop infinity pool ($$)
Best for a relaxing quiet luxury stay:
Dusit Thani 5* – best for ultimate relaxation in surrounding nature with world class views on a private beach.
Best for large groups and private villa stays:
Aloe Ecological Villas 5* – best for groups with 2 room villas on the beach or 4 bedroom garden jungle villas hosting up to 8 people for your own tropical escape.
Koh Yao Yai hotel pick:
Anantara Koh Yao Yai ($$$$) Ultra luxury stay, for both families or couples, the penthouse with an infinity pool above the bedrooms is not to be missed if you can afford to splurge during your stay.
Koh Yao Noi hotel pick:
Treehouse Koh Yao Noi ($$$) 5* – The best quiet luxury adults-only escape. This resort is one of the best i’ve ever stayed at. Jungle vibes, and your own private treehouses with private swimming pools. Recommended stay 2-3 nights.
Low-cost things to do: ($)
1. Krabi Elephant Shelter
Krabi Elephant shelter features a heard of female elephants from teenagers to almost 80 years old. They offer a few hours visit where you can help with feeding and bathing the elephants. This is suitable for all ages. It costs around $47/40 euros/GBP 35 per person. You can book here.
2. ATV adventure drive
For those who love adrenaline and the adventure that Krabi offers, be sure not to miss out on an ATV drive experience. You can choose between 30 minutes to an hour in the Krabi jungle. Be prepared to get dirty as you ride through the muddy puddles! Youâll follow a local guide and theyâll take you to the scenic photo stops! Prices start from $30/27 euros per person. You can book yours here.
3. Take a Thai cooking class
One of the best things about Thailand is the cuisine! Definitely one of the highlights of my trip as a passionate home cook, or those that just want an authentic local experience. Smart cook is hosted by an elderly thai lady, who cooks great authentic local food. Youâll prepare your own dishes and get a choice for each course between a few options like Yom Yum soup, Pad thai, green/red or yellow curries, chicken basil and mango sticky rice. Itâs great value for money as youâre dinner is included and youâll even get a digital guide to the recipes to take home! You can book this experience here.
4. Visit the night market and watch a Muay thai fight
In the heart of Ao Nang you can find the local night market. Itâs free to enter and you can find lots of local food delicacies and souvenirs to buy. They also have some entertainment and bars inside. Definitely donât miss the muay thai fights, as they are such a fun local experience. You can buy tickets on the door to the fight, just be sure to check the timings to make the most of it.
5. Kayak at Klong Root, Crystal clear lake!
Within around 20 mins from Ao Nang, you can find a crystal clear lake called Klong Root. You can choose to book a tour that includes transportation or make your own way there and rent a kayak. I highly advise wearing swim wear, as there is a swimming spot in the lagoon, where youâll find most people taking a break after kayaking and jumping off the rocks into the water. Itâs super scenic and peaceful. A local guide will guide you, as there are lots of tree branches and stumps to avoid when kayaking, and it will take around 1-2 hours depending on how long you want to stop for swimming. Prices are around $50/42 EUR per person. You can book here.
6. Take a longtail boat to Railay Beach
If youâre not staying in Railay, I highly recommend taking a long tail boat from Ao nang. You can find the counters to buy a round-trip ticket near the beach. Itâs inexpensive, and you can choose timing to suit you. At Railay beach, you can find a stunning beach, with green mountain backdrops. As well as a super hip local town with restaurants, bars and shops. There are also some caves where you can do some rock climbing. You might even spot some rock krabs hidden behind some of the rocks.
Activities for those with a good budget ($$$):
1. Longtail boat tour of 4 islands including Hong Island
One of the best things about traveling to Krabi is that there are so many small local islands nearby that are easily accessible. They offer stunning natural beaches with vibrant landscapes. Longtail boats are very traditional thai boats, and I highly recommend taking one for the experience. Be sure not to miss Hong island as that was our favourite and so I recommend this tour which included all 5 local islands for the day. You can book a shared tour here from just $38/EUR 33 per person here.
2. Take a private boat to the phi phi islands to discover at your own pace
Whatever your budget – you can take a boat trip to the stunning Koh Phi Phi islands. Maya bay is a natural beauty and the Phi Phi islands features a stunning local town full of bars and restaurants, along with amazing beaches. You can even include snorkeling or diving around this area. If you have some extra cash, I recommend booking a private tour so that you have ample space to lounge on the journey which takes up to 2 hours each way and you can custom your tour to spend however much time you wish at each spot. Check this tour here. If you donât have the budget for a private tour, you could still enjoy catching a ferry to Phi Phi islands or taking a shared tour from just $43/EUR 37 per person here. (but beware they get very crowded!)
