Krabi Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in 5-Day Itinerary

Krabi, located in southern Thailand, is a tropical paradise that feels like a hidden gem untouched by the hustle and bustle. Unlike the luxurious shopping malls or extravagant nightlife of other destinations in Thailand, Krabi offers natural wonders, warm sunshine, soft sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Here’s a Krabi travel guide to help you make the most of your trip to Krabi👉

Whether you’re into rock climbing, snorkeling, diving, or kayaking, Krabi is the perfect destination to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

We flew to Krabi in mid of December, with round-trip tickets costing approximately $275 USD. Krabi is a small town, and its airport has two terminals: T2 for international arrivals and T1 for domestic flights. The arrival hall is well-equipped with SIM cards shops, travel agents, ATMs, and other essentials.

• Tip: It’s best to exchange Thai Baht in advance, but if you don’t have time, ATMs at the airport or in Krabi Town are convenient.
• Note: Cash is still king in Krabi. Online payments are not widely accepted, and credit cards are only accepted at select stores.

• Taxi: ~30 minutes, costs approximately 400 THB($12) or book the pickup online in advance.

If there are no direct flights from your location to Krabi, you can fly to Bangkok first. Bangkok has multiple daily flights to Krabi, with a flight time of about 1 hour.

Looking for affordable flights to Krabi? Check out Trip.com or Kiwi.

• By Minibus: ~3 hours, costs around 300 THB($9).
• By Ferry: Takes ~2 hours, costs around 750 THB($23).

Find local tranport tickets to Krabi here >> https://12go.asia/en

No trip to Krabi is complete without an island-hopping tour to the stunning Phi Phi Islands. Explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling or simply relax on the pristine beaches. This is truly a must-do activity to experience Krabi’s natural beauty.

Start your morning with a visit to the enchanting Mirror Lake. You can either join a tour or rent a motorbike to get there.

• Motorbike Rental: Cost: ~250 THB($7.5)/day but this require a valid driver’s license.
  • Pros: A great way to experience local life.
  • Cons: It can be tiring if you’re unfamiliar with the routes, especially with kayaking ahead. (We once ended up lost in a local Islamic village!)
• Joining a Tour: Cost: ~XXX THB($)
  • Recommended for convenience and ease. A driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you there via a songthaew. The drive takes around 1 hour. Tours typically allow 3 hours at Mirror Lake, which is plenty of time to kayak and explore.

Rent a kayak by the lake (unlimited time) or hire someone to paddle for you while taking pictures.

In the afternoon, head to Ao Nang Beach to catch the sunset. While the beach itself isn’t the cleanest or most serene, it serves as a hub for tourists with its nearby shopping malls, restaurants, and transportation services to other islands.

If it’s a Friday evening, visit the Krabi Night Market for fresh seafood, Thai street food, tropical fruit shakes, and souvenirs. The flavors here are similar to Bangkok’s but spicier compared to the milder dishes in Chiang Mai.

Embark on a four-island-hopping tour, which takes you to unique spots like Bamboo Island with its long, sandy beach. It’s a romantic escape and the perfect way to disconnect from your daily routine.

Take a boat from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach, a haven for relaxation and adventure. Spend the day lounging on the beach or, for the more adventurous, try rock climbing on the towering limestone cliffs.

Return to Ao Nang in the evening and treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage to wrap up the day.

Spend your last day either unwinding at a resort (Krabi’s resorts are incredibly affordable!) or exploring Krabi Town. Take a tuk-tuk ride and soak in the local vibes.

• Koh Lanta: A laid-back island perfect for a day trip. Details here >>
• Similan Islands: A diver’s paradise for those with certification. Details here >>
• Phuket: Just a short ferry ride away. Details here >>

Planning a romantic trip across Thailand? Check out our complete Thailand best things to do here >>

Krabi is a compact destination where most activities revolve around island hopping and beach exploration. Here’s your essential transport guide:

• Tuk-tuks: best for short distance and there are abundant around Ao Nang Beach. Pro tip: Always negotiate the fare before boarding
• Songthaews (Shared Pick-up Trucks): best for group travel and longer distances and is a budget-friendly shared transport.
• Motorbike Rental: best for being as local and go at anytime. But to notice that it is left-hand driving. Wear a helmet and sunscreen is necessary.

You can choose to stay in Krabi Town or Ao Nang Beach, which are about a 20-minute drive apart.

Krabi Town is slightly more budget-friendly, with local eateries and small shops frequented by locals. Hotels there tend to be more affordable as well.

Ao Nang Beach, on the other hand, is more tourist-oriented, offering a wider range of international chain hotels, branded restaurants, and shopping malls.

You can decide based on your preferences. During our trip, we stayed at a budget resort in Krabi Town and had an excellent experience overall! Compared to other parts of Thailand, accommodations in Krabi are incredibly affordable.

• Romantic and Relaxing Villas: Average $XXX per stay
• Mid-range Resorts with Pools: Average $XXX per stay
• Budget Stays: Average $XXX per stay

The best time to visit Krabi is from November to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and island hopping.

April also brings the excitement of Songkran, Thailand’s famous water festival, where you can join the locals in festive celebrations.

From May to October, however, Krabi experiences its rainy season and sweltering heat, which might not be the best conditions for travel.

• Clothing: Tank tops and t-shirts, swimming attire, light shawl or jacket for air-conditioned spaces, athletic wear (if planning rock climbing)
• Footwear: Water-resistant flip-flops, walking shoes for temple visits, rock climbing shoes (if planning to climb)
• Beach & Outdoor Essentials: High SPF sunscreen, snorkeling gear (mask and mouthpiece), quick-dry towel, waterproof phone case
• Health & Safety: Stomach relief medication, motion sickness medication, personal medications
• Travel Documents: Passport copies, travel insurance details, hotel bookings

Personally, I prefer Krabi over Phuket. It consists of many small islands, has fewer crowds, and retains a more authentic charm and local character.

Krabi is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its stunning landscapes, endless activities, and laid-back vibe, it’s the ideal place to escape the 9-5 routine. Whether you’re kayaking through serene lakes, hopping between tropical islands, or relaxing on sun-soaked beaches, Krabi offers an unforgettable experience.