Krabi
Beautiful beaches, gorgeous islands, emerald-green sea, forests, mangroves, dramatic limestone karsts jutting out of the sea . . . what is there to not like about Krabi. Located in the south of Thailand on the Andaman Coast, the province of Krabi is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. Coupled with the renowned friendliness and hospitality of the region, Krabi makes for a memorable stay.
Where to Stay
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Krabi Town
The provincial capital of the region and a pleasant destination in its own right, commanding a place on the Krabi estuary. Not overloaded with accommodation. but plenty of guest houses and decent standard hotels. Not too much in the way of entertainment, but Krabi Town does have a decent shopping centre, an excellent night market and a few bars dotted around.
Ao Nang
The best option if you want to be near the beaches, but want a bit of entertainment in the evening. Ao Nang basically consists of one road that stretches in a U-shape as it runs adjacent to the beach. The beach itself is pleasant enough, but there are some stunning beaches a 10 minute boat ride away. Ao Nang has a very laid-back vibe in the evening with some superb restaurants and enjoyable spots to enjoy a cold drink or two.
Hat Nopparat Thara
A long and fairly undramatic beach, but popular with locals for picnics and days out because of the shade afforded by the trees. There are a few guest-house and bungalow style operations that tend to be more popular with the backpacker community. As with just about anywhere in Krabi, the views here are beautiful.
Laem Phra Nang
This is the name of the headland a 10 minute boat ride from Ao Nang (there are no roads linking it). The area is home to the following 3 beaches which can all be accessed by walkways linking one another:
East Railay
Another popular location for backpackers, but also with the many rock-climbers who base themselves here giving the area a young and vibrant feel.
West Railay
Accommodation here is generally more expensive, principally because the beach itself is much more attractive than its neighbour.
Ao Phra Nang (also known as Hat Tham Phra Nang)
Probably the most beautiful beach on the headland and the location for the wonderful Rayavadee resort. Prices aren’t cheap, but the resort is outstanding and regularly features in lists of the top hotels in the world.
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Getting To Krabi
Air
Flights from Bangkok are 1 hour 20 minutes.
Road
3-4 hours from Phuket; 4 hours from Surat Thani; 4-5 hours from Hat Yai; 13-14 hours from Bangkok (buses leave from Southern Bus Terminal).
Getting Around
From the airport, a taxi to Ao Nang costs approximately 600 Baht.
Songthaews between Ao Nang and Krabi cost 30 Baht. A combination of tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis and samlors will get you from A-B in Ao Nang and cost from 20 Baht upwards per person.
Boats from Ao Nang to the beaches and islands have fixed prices and can’t be haggled down. There is a booth on Ao Nang beach front to purchase tickets. To Railay and Ao Phra Nang it is 60 Baht per person (one way). There is no charge for children under 12. Ao Nang to Chicken, Poda or Tub island is 300 Baht per person (one way). The boats won’t depart until there are a minimum of 5 people on board. The ticketing system is only operational for outward journeys from Ao Nang. From all the other beaches, you pay the boatman on arrival.
What to See
The area is full of stunning scenery, islands and caves. Take a boat trip for the day to Poda, Tub or Hong islands and enjoy lunch on a tropical beach and gawp at the scenery.
If you decide for a day away from the beaches, a visit to Wat Tham Seua (Tiger Cave Temple) is recommended. Situated just outside Krabi Town, the spot is popular with locals as well as tourists. If you have the energy, a climb up the 1200 steps affords magnificent views over the surrounding area. Take your camera, plenty of water and enjoy.
Krabi Weather
The hot season runs from November-April and is also the tourist high season with the highest prices for accommodation.
The wet season is from May-October. Don’t be put off by coming in the wet season. It doesn’t rain every day and when it does, it’s usually in a few heavy cloudbursts rather than persistent rain which lasts for days on end. The daytime temperature remains fairly consistent whatever the month, averaging around 28C.
| Month | Average Minimum Temp. °C |
Average Maximum Temp. °C |
Average Rainfall (mm) |
Average No. of Days with Rain |
| Jan | 24 | 33 | 7 | 3 |
| Feb | 24 | 34 | 7 | 2 |
| Mar | 25 | 34 | 36 | 3 |
| Apr | 25 | 34 | 120 | 10 |
| May | 25 | 32 | 346 | 21 |
| June | 26 | 32 | 204 | 18 |
| July | 25 | 31 | 297 | 18 |
| Aug | 25 | 31 | 266 | 18 |
| Sept | 25 | 30 | 391 | 22 |
| Oct | 24 | 31 | 345 | 20 |
| Nov | 24 | 31 | 173 | 14 |
| Dec | 24 | 31 | 39 | 6 |