Krabi attractions
Krabi is a paradise for nature lovers and visitors who want to enjoy the beauty and diversity of a seaside holiday in a laid–back, casual atmosphere. You’ll find fantastic beaches backed by towering limestone peaks, lovely tropical islands scattered off the coast and colourful coral reefs for diving adventures. Located 800kms south of Bangkok, Krabi is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations.
Most of the attractions in the Krabi area are natural ones, and in fact you’ll find some of the most dramatic seascapes in the world here. We’ve listed some of the most popular attractions here, and suggest that you consult one of the free tourist maps for exact locations.
Ao Nang beach
This is Krabi’s main resort area, comprising a long stretch of beach, half of which has a backdrop of striking karst cliffs and the other half lined with resorts and tourist amenities along the beachfront road. Ao Nang is quite pleasant and a relaxed spot to enjoy your holiday. It’s not overcrowded like Patong in Phuket, and has a far more natural feel, but you’ll have to wander along the beach to avoid the noisy longtail boats that come and go from this point. Sunsets here are particularly good, with offshore islands as a fitting backdrop.
Open: always
Admission: free
Krabi Town
The small provincial capital that provides a glimpse into real Thai life. The town has largely escaped commercial tourism due to its lack of a beach, but it’s an interesting place to visit, having colourful markets, a pleasant walking path that follows the estuary mouth and lots of restaurants offering up local favourites, with seafood being a speciality.
Open: always
Admission: free
Railay Beach
Considered one of the most spectacular of all the Andaman coastal locations. This idyllic spot is a peninsula that can only be reached by boat, as it’s separated from the mainland by sheer limestone cliffs. A few quiet resorts are situated between the two crescent–shaped beaches. In all, there are a number of beautiful beaches to choose from, but Phra Nang attracts most of the day–trippers as it features an ancient shrine inside a cave. Those who are fit can hike up a steep path to the top of the karst and gaze down into a hidden sinkhole lake in the middle.
Open: always
Admission: free
Koh Lanta Marine National Park
Home to Chai Leh, who are known in English as sea gypsies. They typically live in small settlements and are nomadic, earning a living from collecting shells and fishing. The Chai Leh have their own language and set of spiritual beliefs, which are animistic in nature.
At the northern and southern extremes of Koh Lanta, the mountains are covered by virgin rainforest. On the west coast, there are numerous beaches that are wonderfully situated and also heavily developed but in a natural way, such as Khlong Dao, Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Phra Ae, providing views of spectacular seascapes. Along the western side and at the northern tip near Laem Kho Kwang, you’ll find coral reefs. Also at the northern tip’s Saladan pier, there are banks, shops, eateries and tour operators.
Open: daily, 08.00 to 17.00
Admission: 400 baht for national park
Koh Phi Phi Natural Park
This famous island group comprising two smallish, tree–covered, rocky islands: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two, and is world–famous for its coral formations and spectacular beaches. Comfortable but limited accommodation is available along the island’s two scenic bays, Ton Sai and Loh Dalam. Shops at Ton Sai offer diving and snorkelling trips off Phi Phi Don and around the other islands located nearby, such as Koh Phi Phi Le, Koh Mai Phai and Koh Yung. The ferry to Phi Phi from Krabi Town takes 90 minutes and runs twice daily. The Tsunami wiped out most of the development on the island and not much has been rebuilt leaving it in a more natural state.
Open: daily, 08.00 to 17.00
Admission: 400 baht for national park
Nopharat Thara Beach
This lonely beach can be reached on foot from the main Ao Nang Beach area by making your way around the small headland. This is long and lovely stretch of tidal beach that is unspoilt by development and a great spot for an early morning run. There are a few resorts here and a ferry pier at the far end, near the small estuary. When the tide is out, you can actually walk out to some of the nearby islands.
Open: always
Admission: free
Than Bokkharani National Park
Just a half hour’s drive from Ao Nang and you can be in the midst of this other–worldly landscape of steep karst cliffs, waterfalls and pools, and thick tropical forest. The hot springs here originate in the Khao Nor Juji lowland forest and the pools themselves change colour as the day progresses, from deep emerald early in the morning to turquoise as the sun breaks through the forest canopy.
Open: daily, 08.00 to 17.00
Admission: 400 baht
Shell Cemetery
Situated on the coast between Ao Nang and Krabi Town. This prehistoric site comprises slabs of fossilised shells that are over 75 million years old. The composites of fossils are found in many unusual shapes, all along the stretch of beach here.
Open: daily, 08.00 to 17.00
Admission: 400 baht, approach by boat to avoid the overpriced fee.
Wat Khlong Thom Museum
This is really the only museum in Krabi that’s worth a mention. Ancient artefacts on display that have been excavated in the Krabi area include beadwork, bronze items, stone and clay animals and stone tools.
Open: daily, 08.00 to 17.00
Admission: 10 baht
Wat Tham Sueu
This temple inside a cave attracts Thai tourists as well as foreigners. There’s a meditation centre here and fabulous views from the top of the karst peak. A climb of 1,200 steps is required to reach the lookout point, where you’ll also find a chedi and Buddha images.
Open: daily, all hours
Admission: free
