You may wonder, 'what are the best things to do when you visit Krabi for the first time?'. Covering an area of over 4,500 Km2 and featuring no less than 154 islands and islets, the province of Krabi is indeed an extensive area that offers a myriad of things to see and do. The different areas of the province have their own characteristics regarding the level of development and the opportunities at hand for dining, shopping, nightlife entertainment and leisure activities.
Our Krabi survival guide is here to help you organise your holiday in this stunning province of southern Thailand. Long-established in the region, we know a fair deal of the nooks and crannies in Krabi. This is why we made this page that introduces the places we personally recommend to our friends and family when they come to visit us in Krabi.
Whether you decide to stay on a beachfront, on a tiny island, or in the hinterland, Krabi offers superb natural surroundings that feature lush vegetation, limestone rock, and warm tropical climate. Less developed than Phuket and Samui, Krabi has a genuine local feel and a quaint slow-paced atmosphere. From the hustle and bustle of Ao Nang to the serene vibe of Koh Jum, everyone can find exactly what they’re looking for in Krabi.
WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT KRABI:
Plenty of islands to explore
Dozens of beaches
Plenty of land and water activities
Good choice of dining and nightlife entertainment options in the most popular destinations
Wide range of hotel prices
Many hotels right on the beach
WHAT IS LESS GOOD:
The most popular places can be crowded during high season
Regarding attractions and activities, Krabi has something for everyone’s taste. From snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of remote islands to hike in the rainforest to reach outstanding viewpoints to lazing on the beach while sipping a cocktail, you can do whatever you like in Krabi, the choice is yours. If this is your first time in Krabi, the following things to do should be on your bucket-list…
All About Railay Beach
The very essence of a tropical paradise; cut off from the rest of the mainland with no roads and no hassle. Railey's Read More»
Koh Poda
Located just 6 kilometres offshore, (around 25 minutes by boat) from Ao Nang, Koh Poda is a small island no more than a Read More»
Krabi Emerald Pool
Krabi is well-known for areas of outstanding natural beauty and one place that should make your must-see list is the Read More»
Nightlife in Krabi has a genuine laid-back feel. From the lively live music bars in Ao Nang to the beach parties on Phi Phi Island to the easygoing mood of the small beach bars in Koh Lanta, the motto of Krabi after dark is to relax and enjoy the moment. If you come for the first time to Krabi, the following venues are not to be missed...
Boogie Bar
Located near the scenic beach front of Ao Nang, in the popular Walking Street, you may hear Boogie Bar before you see Read More»
Tew Lay Bar
Situated on a small cape, Tew Lay Bar has the vintage vibe of the first bars that settled in Railay in the eighties. Read More»
Ao Nang Center Point
Center Point on Ao Nang Beach, Krabi is the place to be when you feel like partying or are thirsty for something Read More»
Krabi almost offers a step back into the past. The province is still rural and its development for tourists remains confined to specific areas. Therefore, shopping options are not as trendy as in Phuket, for instance. You nevertheless can find all that’s required to spend a comfy holiday in the province. If you come for the first time to Krabi, the following shopping opportunities are not to be missed...
Krabi Town Walking Street
Krabi Town Walking Street (Thanon Khon Dern in Thai) is certainly the most important shopping event in Krabi Town. It is Read More»
Nopparat Thara Plaza
Opened in February 2014, this contemporary style shopping and dining plaza offers some cool shopping and dining options Read More»
Ao Nang Walking Street
Opened in 2007, Catalunya Walking Street is a permanent bazaar-like compact shopping complex, in which you will also Read More»
Krabi dining scene is as eclectic as possible. Even in the lesser developed areas you can find excellent restaurants serving delectable local dishes including seafood. The most tourist-oriented destinations feature a wide range of eateries serving cuisines from all around the world. We’ve picked out three absolute must-try restaurants for your first time in Krabi. The first of them is a stylish bistro-style restaurant located in Ao Nang. The second one is a genuine Thai restaurant settled in Railay. The third one is a cool beachfront restaurant located in Ao Nang.
The Last Fisherman
The Last Fisherman is a tropical restaurant dream come true: set right on Ao Nang Beach, this bar and restaurant offers Read More»
Jenna’s Bistro and Wine
Jenna’s Bistro and Wine in Ao Nang offers a good alternative if you want to try some Western style food instead of Thai. Read More»
Local Thai Food Restaurant
Local Thai Food Restaurant offers just what the name suggests: authentic Thai cuisine at local prices. The restaurant is Read More»
Wherever you decide to stay in Krabi, you’ll certainly find the right hotel for your taste and budget. Even the remotest areas in the province has both upscale and cheap accommodation choices nowadays. As this article is about the places we strongly recommend to our friends and family, you’ll find below three highly recommendable hotels, each for a different budget.
We try to provide free information that is as up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, if you are planning to travel it's a good idea to double check specific dates and information to avoid surprises.