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There is so much to know when it comes to things to do at Krabi, Thailand, and around the area. As one of the bases of South Thailand, this is an awesome area to be able to experience some of the best that this part of the country has to offer.

Stunning beaches, long-tailed boat rides, night markets, and wild nightlife are just some of the things that you can expect on a visit to Krabi.

In this guide we're going to share everything you need to know from how to get there, moving around, and the best things to do at Krabi, Thailand. Let's jump right in!

Where is Krabi, Thailand?

Krabi is a port town in one of the provinces in the south of Thailand, Changwat. It is located right along the Andaman Sea, and is great base for those wanting to explore around the islands of Thailand.

Entry Requirements for Thailand

If you're looking to travel to Krabi, you'll need to keep in mind the requirements in order to enter Thailand. Here is everything you'll need to know for entering this country.

Visa Requirements for Thailand

First thing's first- let's make sure you're able to enter Thailand without any problems due to visa restrictions. Currently, Thailand offers visa-free visits for up to 30 days to 64 different countries, and allows 18 others to receive their visa upon arrival.

If you would like to extend your stay to either 60 or 90 days, you can simply apply at your local embassy, or do so once you are in Thailand, for a fee of $30. Another option can be to leave the country and visit a nearby one, and then return to Thailand to restart your 30 days in the country.

If you'd like a bit more info on the visa process, or to see if you personally need a visa, you can take a look at the list of countries who need a visa for Thailand.

Covid Entry Requirements for Thailand

Thailand, along with many other Asian countries, have been quite conservative with restarting tourism. As of 2022, Thailand is open to tourists who are either fully vaccinated, or obtain a negative Covid test result within 72 hours of flying.

Thailand has no restrictions in regards to Covid-19.

Local Adjustments for Visiting Krabi, Thailand

During your travels there are things that you may forget about, that could be different from where you are coming from. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to Thailand.

Language in Krabi

The official language in Thailand is Thai. If you are a westerner, this language won't be quite so simple to pick up.

I'm not going to lie- I definitely thought there would be much more people with a higher level of English than I experienced throughout Thailand. Especially when dealing with taxis and tuk tuks, it is important to have an app ready to help, such as Google Translate.

Currency in Thailand

The currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht. Currently (April 2024) every 1 USD or 1 Euro is equal to 36.74 Thai Baht.

It is important to note that it is not common to be able to use a credit card in Thailand. Unless you are staying at a big hotel or dining at a fancy restaurant, cash is normally the only method of payment accepted. (There is also a transfer option, but this is only for those that have a bank account in Thailand).

Electrical Outlets in Krabi, Thailand

Thailand is actually great when it comes to their electrical outlets, because they can serve both American and European appliances. Plug types A, B, & C are all accepted throughout the country. The standard voltage in Thailand is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.

This is important to know if you have appliances from the Americas. This is because the plug may fit, but the energy amount may not be the same. In this case, you'll need to buy an energy converter in order to not blow out your electronics.

Is the Water Safe in Krabi?

Generally speaking, the water in the south of Thailand is not very safe to drink. We suggest sticking to bottled water, and getting large jugs in the supermarket to refill your own water bottle.

Tipping Culture in Krabi

The tipping culture in Thailand is not really an exact percentage. Tipping in Thailand isn't very typical. However, the fancier the establishment, the more likely it will be to find others tipping a bit (up to 10%).

For street food, taxis, and salon services though, it isn't necessary at all. We do however suggest you tip those helping you in the hotels.

Things to Do at Krabi, Thailand

Now that you know the basics, it's time for the fun stuff! Here is a list of the top things to do at Krabi, Thailand.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

1. Explore Krabi Town

The town of Krabi is a great place to check out in order to dive right into the food scene of southern Thailand. Located right on the river, this charming town offers plenty of cafes and restaurants to take in the various flavors- both domestic and international.

Want to have an organized tour around Krabi Town and also hit some other highlights? Here are a few tours that you can sign up for:

2. Check Out the Krabi Town Night Market

Thailand has some great night markets, and there is a big one that is right in Krabi Town. Head over here on weekends and you'll find the area full of kiosks with handmade crafts, local food, and live music. Krabi Night Market is located right in the downtown area near the Vogue shopping mall, and has plenty of different options to choose from when it comes to local and international treats.

3. Enjoy Ao Nang Beach

Krabi town is great for its downtown area, but lacks beaches. However, head over to Ao Nang and you'll have plenty of beaches to choose from. With plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops, the beach area of Ao Nang has plenty to offer for tourists looking for things to do at Krabi, Thailand.

4. Browse Ao Nang Night Market

Another super popular night market in Krabi is located in the party beach town of Ao Nang. Located just up the coast from the center of town, this market is a mix of both food stalls and crafts. It isn't quite as impressive as some of the other markets that we saw in Thailand, but still worth a visit for an hour or two.

5. Explore Railay Beach

This has to have been my favorite beach in the country, and definitely at the top of my list for things to do at Krabi, Thailand. This place is best reached by long tail boat, and can either be visited from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.

This iconic stretch of sand sits surrounded by lush greenery and striking rock formations that will make you feel like you are in another world. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotels in the area if you'd like to spend a night (which we definitely suggest!). Additionally, there are several bays and beaches in the area, caves, viewpoints, and monkeys playing in the area. 

Railay Beach is an entire experience in itself, which is why we've written a full guide of everything you need to know!

6. Take a Trip to the Phi Phi Islands

There are a ton of places that you can explore around Krabi by taking a boat. One of the most popular islands to go to is Koh Phi Phi, which is about 2 hours away from Ao Nang. You can take a day trip here, but we definitely suggest spending at least one night on this epically fun and gorgeous island.

Want to know more about the Phi Phi islands? We have a full article about things to do in this island chain, as well as everything to know about staying on Koh Phi Phi. Just click on the link below!

Want to book your trip to Koh Phi Phi ahead of time? You can book your ticket for the Krabi to Koh Phi Phi ferry online beforehand.

Want to organize your day trip to the Phi Phi Islands? We've found some fun tours to sign up for.

7. Take a Long Tail Boat Trip

Taking a long tail boat is a must when it comes to things to do at Krabi, Thailand, and the islands around it. These iconic colorful boats are available for both public and private tours, and can be found in various spots around Krabi. Explore all the beautiful beaches that the area has to offer by renting one for the day. 

Want to take a boat trip around Krabi and see the surrounding islands? Here are a few different options that you can choose from:

8. Hike Dragon's Crest

If you're looking for one of the most rewarding things to do at Krabi, Thailand, then this hike is for you. Dragon's Crest (also known as Khuan Sai) is an epic viewpoint with a rock platform sticking out over lush jungle, surrounded by mountains. The hike is 3.7 km round tip, and takes about 1-2 hours. 

Want to set up an excursion to Dragon's crest and do some other fun activities? Here's a fun one that we recommend.

9. Visit Tiger Cave Temple

Located north east of Krabi, this is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand. The Tiger Cave Temple is known for the tiger paw prints its cave, tall Buddha statues, and an immense flight of 1,260 stairs to reach the top. Sitting high in the hills of Krabi and surrounded by lush jungle, this is definitely one of the top things to do at Krabi, Thailand.

10. Soak in Some Hot Springs

This is another amazing spot tucked away in the jungle. Naturally heated by volcanic soil, the Krabi hot springs are the perfect place to go and relax in nature.

11. Swim in the Emerald Pool

Are you looking for the most beautiful fresh waters to swim in? Look no further than the emerald pool. With its sparkling turquoise waters, and green surroundings, this is another one of the best things to do at Krabi.

Want to do a few of these activities on a tour? Here are a few great options for being able to squeeze it all in.

Things to Do at Krabi, Thailand: Local Food & Drink

Southern Thailand has some great food to try, so we definitely suggest sampling as much as you can at the markets in the area. Thailand is very big on rice and noodles, and our personal favorite dish is Pad Thai. 

Meals in restaurants cost just a couple of dollars, making it super affordable to eat out each meal. There is also a lot of fresh fruits, and plenty of frozen drinks to stay hydrated in the hot weather.

How Do I Get Around in Krabi, Thailand?

This area is actually much bigger than I was originally assuming. There are a ton of things to do at Krabi, Thailand, and in the surroundings. I personally would have loved to have a car or motorcycle to get around. However, there are also plenty of options when it comes to public transportation.

Rent a car in Krabi:

My personal favorite when it comes to getting around is the long tailed boats. You can take them to get to Railay Beach, Ao Nang, and Krabi Town, which are the main highlights of Krabi.

Within the towns there are plenty of tuk tuks and taxis that you can also flag down- just make sure to negotiate, as they tend to try to rip tourists off. If there is a meter in the taxi, make sure they use it as it is much cheaper than what they will actually try to charge you.

Finally, you can download Grab, which is a taxi app that is popular throughout Thailand. This is great to use in case you want to go to further places like Dragon's Crest for example. It isn't the cheapest option, but it eliminates the stress of having to negotiate with the taxi drivers.

Where to Stay in Krabi, Thailand 

When I was coming to the area, I saw that there were a ton of things to do at Krabi, Thailand. Most of the things are pretty spread out, so it can be hard to choose where exactly to base yourself. Here are the different options you should choose from.

Krabi Town

If you want a fun backpacker vibe, and to be in the middle of plenty of bars and restaurants, then Krabi Town is a great place to base yourself. If you want to do day trips from Krabi, we suggest staying a little closer to the port. But if you want to spend time shopping and eating in town, then we suggest staying in the downtown area.

Looking for accommodation in the town of Krabi? Just check the map for all of the different options:

Ao Nang

For those looking to be closer to the beach and some crazier nightlife, then Ao Nang is the place for you. This area also has plenty of great resorts to choose from. We stayed at Krabi Tipa Hotel, and for just $30/ night we had an infinity pool, spacious room, and were even able to order a floating breakfast!

Ao Nang is pretty well located as being a base, as it has a pier to visit Railay beach and nearby islands, and is still close enough to head to Krabi Town, as well as Dragon's Crest in about 20-25 minutes.

Want to look for another place to stay in Ao Nang? Just refer to the map below:

Railay Beach

If you're looking to be immersed in the beach and jungle vibes, then Railay beach is an awesome place to spend at least a night. There is a ton to explore here, and while it may be further from the night markets and Dragon's Crest, it definitely was my favorite spot in all of Krabi.

Want to book your accommodation in Railay Beach? Check the map for the different options:

Is Krabi, Thailand Safe?

Overall, Thailand is a pretty safe country to visit. As Krabi is very touristy, you'll find solo travelers confidently visiting Krabi and other places in Southern Thailand. Walking around at night is perfectly fine, as there are plenty of people out generally.

The only recommendation of being a bit extra careful is with your belongings. Make sure to always watch your things so that you aren't an attraction for petty theft.

Other Things to Know About Visiting Krabi, Thailand

Now that you know how to get around, safety, and the best things to do at Krabi, Thailand, we have just a few more things to share. Here are some other things to keep in mind while visiting.

The Best Time to Visit Krabi, Thailand

When it comes to the best time to visit Krabi and Southern Thailand, it truly depends on your intentions. For the biggest parties and the best weather, you'll definitely want to visit in the high season. (This is also the dry season) from November to February.

I visited in August, and have to say that I personally loved it. There were far less people than there normally are in the dry season, but definitely enough to be able to have a great time (this is when a lot of Europeans travel to Thailand).

The weather was very tempermental though, so if you're craving sunny skies and perfect beach days, then you may want to rethink going during the rainy season.

Another important thing to note is the time of the month. This is something that we messed up on, because we forgot to put the famous full moon party into our planning.

If you're doing a trip that is a few weeks, try to align being in this area during the full moon so that you can experience the epic parties! (They happen on the nearby island of Koh Phangan).

Weather & Packing for a Trip to Krabi, Thailand

Thailand has two seasons- wet and dry. It is ALWAYS hot in Southern Thailand, so here are our recommendations for packing for a trip to Krabi:

• Clothing that is light and casual
• Swim suits
• Towel
• Sneakers (for hiking)
• Insulated Water Bottle (we use Cafago as they hold the temperature) 
• Small Backpack
• Flip Flops (our favorite are Havaiana flip flops)
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are long lasting)
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen (even if it's cloudy)
• Action Camera (for all water activities) we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof
• Drone (You can get epic shots here! We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and high quality)
• Case Mate waterproof phone pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
• Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
• Poncho (if you visit in the rainy season)

Another thing to note is that if you decide on the speed boats from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands or the surrounding islands, and are prone to getting sea sick, you'll want to be prepared. Make sure to bring dramamine, as well as a plastic bag in case things go a little rougher than planned.

There are plenty of great things to do at Krabi, Thailand, and reasons to visit. If you like exotic beaches, shopping, and a bit of nightlife, then you'll love this area of the country. We only spent two nights, but would definitely suggest a couple more.

Are you planning on traveling to other places in Thailand? We have Thailand travel guides for all different cities around the country for you to check out, and some more to come! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates.

Ready to start planning your trip? Well, we can help! Not only are we dedicated to building you your dream vacation, but we're also here to save you money along the way. Want to know exactly how it works? Take a look at the different travel planning services that we offer.

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