With most travel restrictions lifted, our inner wanderlust is itching to fly again! And we think there’s no better destination to go for a quick getaway than Krabi, a popular tourist spot in Thailand. After all, it is surrounded by many sandy islands – great for those who love the sun, sea and sky! Ready to show off your resting beach face (wink)? Here’s an extensively curated list of things to do in Krabi for a relaxing holiday with your friends. Let’s go!
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Where is Krabi located?
Krabi is one of the Southern provinces of Thailand located on the shore of the Andaman Sea. It is surrounded by many islands and beaches which makes it a relaxing holiday destination for many. In fact, it’s estimated that there are around 200 islands and islets around the Krabi coastline. Do note that it is not to be confused with Phuket, a nearby Western province, where you can also access some of the best beaches in Krabi.
What is the best period to visit Krabi?
The best period to visit Krabi is between November and March. This is when the weather is most settled with an average daily maximum temperature of 35°C. However, this is also the peak tourist season, where there are more crowds than usual. Meanwhile, there is heavy rainfall between June and October and is therefore not frequented by many tourists during these months. Considering that most of Krabi’s attractions and activities are outdoors, a majority of tourists to the island are groups of friends on holiday or young couples on honeymoon instead of families with young children.
How many days should I spend in Krabi?
According to multiple travel sites, three days is an ideal duration although some choose to spend up to five days on the island too. Given that it is only a 108 minute flight away from Singapore, it is also possible for a quick weekend getaway with your friends or significant other before the start of another hectic week. Just remember to make sure your Krabi itinerary has enough time for relaxation too!
Things to do in Krabi: Island and beach activities
Southern island hopping in Singapore may be fun, but island hopping in Thailand is on a whole new level! Here are some of the best islands and beaches in Krabi that you can add to your itinerary.
1. Go on a 4-island tour
When planning things to do for your Krabi itinerary with your friends, chances are, you’ll probably have come across the 4-island tour. That’s because it’s one of the more popular tours that visitors go to Thailand for. It takes you on a tour of four different islands which come with breathtaking views and sandy beaches. Here’s a brief overview of the islands:
Island | Why it’s worth visiting |
Tup Island | Has clear waters for snorkelling with an abundance of tropical fish |
Phra Nang Cave Beach | Set against the backdrop of towering limestone cliffs with many different caves to explore |
Chicken Island | An island that looks like a chicken thanks to its unique ‘chicken’s head’ rock formation |
Poda Island | Has calm waters that make it great for water activities like swimming and kayaking |
You can choose to book the tour online beforehand or during the trip itself at Ao Nang Ferry Port. The tour is usually held on a longtail boat and will stop at each island, giving you time to do plenty of activities in Krabi such as swimming, sunbathing and stopping for lunch. Each boat usually houses up to about forty people and a tour guide will be there to ensure you get your money’s worth of information!
Ao Nang Ferry Port
Address: 18 9 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat 81180, Thailand
4-Island Tour
Ticket cost: ~750 baht (around 28 SGD)
National park fee: 400 baht (around 15 SGD)
2. Spend a day at Railay Beach
If you prefer staying at a single location instead of island hopping, then we recommend spending a day at Railay Beach as part of your Krabi itinerary! As one of the best beaches in Krabi, it is accessible only by boat due to the large cliffs on each side cutting it off from the mainland. In fact, there are no roads or cars there at all.
There are definitely many things to do in Krabi just by visiting Railay Beach. Start by exploring the Phra Nang Caves (which is one of the stops for the 4-island tour) that come with a rich history. For instance, the Princess Cave has a colourful shrine that is said to bring the locals prosperity and protect them from the dangers at sea. And if you’re a rock climbing pro, try taking things up a notch (literally) by trying the many rock climbing routes at Railay Beach. Just that this time, you’ll be climbing on actual rocks!
Alternatively, you can choose to rent a kayak with your friends to get a closer look at the limestone cliffs from the sea. Do note that no training or guidance is provided so visitors are assumed to have kayaked before. Otherwise, you can always chill at the beach or take a dip in the sea. Don’t forget to slap on some of the best sunscreens to avoid having burnt red skin!
How to get there:
Rent a long tail boat from Ao Nang Ferry Port
3. Explore Phi Phi Islands
Known for its turquoise water and stunning beaches, Phi Phi Islands is a tropical paradise with many Krabi attractions and activities. For the uninitiated, Phi Phi Islands is actually an island group consisting of six islands between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. Tourists usually come to the islands to soak in the sunshine and snorkel in the sea. Here’s a brief overview of the islands:
Island | Why it’s worth visiting |
Phi Phi Don | Surrounded by vivid turquoise waters teeming with colourful marine life that’s great for snorkelling |
Phi Phi Leh | Has beautiful bays and beaches, including the iconic Maya Bay |
Koh Bida Nok | Great diving spot for adventurers thanks to its clear waters |
Koh Bida Nai | Features stunning corals and beautiful underwater nature |
Koh Yung (Mosquito Island) | Lots of marine life such as black tip reef sharks and turtles to see while snorkelling or diving |
Koh Pai (Bamboo Island) | A heart-shaped island that is covered with lush vegetation and bamboo trees |
Similar to the 4-island tour, you can rent a longtail boat to go to tour the islands with your friends. This can be booked online beforehand or during the trip itself at Ao Nang Ferry Port. The boat will stop at each island (depending on the tour) where you can explore Mother Nature in full glory. It’s also a good time to wear the best bikinis to swim in the sea and the best sunglasses when chilling on the sandy beaches. With so many things to do in Krabi, you’ll never be bored again!
Phi Phi Islands Tour
Ticket cost: ~1,000 baht (around 40 SGD)
National park fee: 400 baht (around 15 SGD)
4. Take a walk on Ao Nang Beach
On the lookout for what things to do in Krabi during your getaway? Sometimes a simple stroll on the beach with your other half can work magic! As one of the best beaches in Krabi, Ao Nang Beach is located next to the main town, making it a highly accessible spot for tourists. The sand there is buttery smooth and boasts a golden hue unlike any other. With a lovely natural backdrop, Ao Nang Beach is also a great spot for taking pictures with your friends. So whip out the best disposable film cameras and capture those precious moments. Who knows, you might even catch a rainbow too!
5. Kayak among the mangroves at Ao Thalene
Kayaking is a popular thing to do in Krabi with friends thanks to its relaxing nature and how it allows you to explore new sights. In particular, we recommend including a kayaking tour at Ao Thalane on your Krabi itinerary. Here, you get to kayak among the most beautiful mangrove forests in the whole of Thailand. The area is covered in dense foliage that wraps all the cliffs and small inlets. You’ll also be cruising around hidden lagoons and caves which sounds like the perfect adventure! Just be sure to bring along all your must-have travel essentials such as a hat and water bottle as there aren’t any stops for the whole journey.
Thalane Bay Kayaking Tour
Price: From 600 baht (23 SGD) per adult, 500 baht (19 SGD) per child
Things to do in Krabi: Land activities
If beaches aren’t really your thing, there are other attractions and activities in Krabi that might be up your alley instead.
6. Ride on an ATV
There are many activities and things to do in Krabi with your friends but nothing is as thrilling as riding an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). As a popular Krabi attraction, we recommend Saithai Mountain ATV Adventure as it is set in the backdrop of gorgeous rubber tree plantations. While there are bumpy tracks and some steep declines to handle, you’ll have a fun time whizzing down these demanding mountain paths. And in case you’re wondering, no, you don’t need a driving licence to ride the ATV. Just pay attention in the pre-briefing so you know how to control the vehicle. Psst, it can also get quite muddy so we suggest wearing some of the best hiking shoes!
Price: From 1,300 baht (50 SGD) per hour
Address: Saithai Mountain ATV Adventure, 231 1 Sai Thai, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am – 5pm
7. Shoot some bullets
Are you a secret marksman that can actually score a bullseye all the time? Impress your friends with your shooting skills at a shooting range! After all, holding a gun is something that you can’t do in Singapore unless you’re serving in the army. Here, you have a choice of over a dozen guns to choose from including the .308 sniper rifle and .357 magnum revolver. While each bullet costs at least 100 baht (about 4 SGD), we assure you that the trigger-happiness will make your money worthwhile. So if you’re still thinking of what things to do in Krabi, fret no more and fire away!
Price: From 1,000 baht (40 SGD) for 10 shots (depending on gun type)
Address: Krabi Shooting Range, Sai Thai, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am – 6pm
8. Say hello to some elephants
With elephants as the official national animal of Thailand, it almost makes sense to include the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary on your Krabi itinerary. Here, you can feed, interact and even bathe the elephants in a natural environment. We suggest bringing along the best action cameras to capture the elephants up close in high definition! At this sanctuary, you can also learn more about elephants’ behaviours and history. Did you know that most elephants in Thailand are overtired in the first halves of their lives as they worked in the logging industry? As such, this is an ethical elephant tourism experience where elephants are welcomed back into their natural habitat and given a new lease of life. What a meaningful thing to do in Krabi during your holiday!
Price: 2,500 baht (100 SGD) for adults, 2,000 baht (80 SGD) for children
Address: 83/13 Ao Luek Tai, Ao Luek District, Krabi 81110, Thailand
Opening Hours: Daily, 7am – 6pm
9. Eat authentic Thai food
When it comes to activities and things to do in Krabi, feasting is a must! With an abundance of authentic Thai restaurants in Krabi Town, you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing a good one to have your meals. Popular Thai dishes that are a must-have include green curry, pad Thai, mango sticky rice, beef noodles and tom yum soup. Alternatively, head on down to the night market for a taste of some Thai street food. This includes spicy fishcakes, spring rolls and mango salads. Boy, we’re hungry already!
Address: Krabi Town Night Market, 3W78+QJ2, Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat 81000, Thailand
Opening Hours:
Fri – Sun: 6pm – 11pm
10. Relax with a Thai massage
After all the outdoor things to do in Krabi, one thing you need to do is go for a solid Thai massage. Traditional Thai massages differ from the usual massage as it combines the use of acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles and assisted yoga postures to soothe your knotty muscles and keep them relaxed. It helps that there are many massage parlours in Krabi Town where you can opt for massages for your leg, back, shoulders and head individually too. Here are some of them:
Body Kneads Thai Massage
Address: 12/14 Chao Fa Alley Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm
Boossabakorn Spa & Beauty
Address: 132/35 Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm
Royal Palm Spa
Address: 1070 Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm
BONUS: Best Krabi resorts for your accommodations
Looking for a place to stay in Krabi that’s on par with the best Bintan resorts and best Batam resorts? Check out the best Krabi resorts that offer stunning views at affordable rates!
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Krabi Home Resort
As a tiny resort with 13 spacious and luxurious bungalows, Krabi Home Resort (viewable on mobile only) is without a doubt one of the best Krabi resorts for a nice getaway. Each bungalow features floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a lush grass lawn and the heavenly Andaman Sea. There’s truly a laid back tropical vibe about the place that we love! And if you’re still wondering what to do in Krabi, this resort provides you with local car rentals so you can get around with more ease.
Price: From $84.52 per room/night with taxes & fees
Address: 247 Moo 3, Tumbol Nongtalay, Muang, Krabi 81180, Thailand
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Ava Sea Krabi Resort
Another of the best Krabi resorts for tourists is the Ava Sea Krabi Resort (viewable on mobile only) that is situated near Ao Nang beach. This means that it is close to most attractions and activities in Krabi so you can cut down on travelling time. It helps that the resort offers world-class amenities such as swimming pools and gyms for you to unwind with your partner before the next day. Did we mention that there are breathtaking views of the sea? How mesmerising!
Price: From $32.25 per room/night with taxes & fees
Address: 834 Moo 2, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Krabi 81180, Thailand
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Panan Krabi Resort
Your stay at Panan Krabi Resort (viewable on mobile only) will be one that is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Touted as one of the best Krabi resorts, it offers 199 tastefully furnished rooms and suites. Families will especially love the place as it has interconnecting rooms, as well as other child-friendly amenities like water slides and a babysitting service. What’s more, this elegant resort is a stone’s throw away from the best beaches in Krabi so you can stroll over anytime for a quick breath of fresh air.
Price: From $149.53 per room/night with taxes & fees
Address: 945 Ao-Nang, Mung Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat 81180, Thailand
It’s time to plan for the many things to do in Krabi!
Now that you have a rough idea of what to do in Krabi, we hope you’re excited to fly! But before you do, don’t forget to get some of the best carry-on luggage to keep all your barang-barang. Need more suggestions on what to do in the Land of Smiles? Here are the best Bangkok cafes to visit and the best Thai snacks you can buy! To cut down on your travel expenses, check out our ongoing partnership with Agoda Hotels, where you can snag the best prices with your Shopee vouchers and coins at over 1 million top-rated hotels worldwide!
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