Krabi is proof that every corner of Thailand is teeming with natural beauty. This southern province is every bit as popular as its neighbors, Phuket and Koh Samui, but with a more laid-back vibe and fewer tourists. That means you can enjoy all of Thailand’s best features without the crowds.
This incredible region is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, as well as a wealth of cultural attractions and activities. From exploring the dramatic karst formations that make Krabi so famous to indulging in the best Thai foods you can find, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting corner of the world!
Krabi’s beaches are unsurprisingly its biggest draw, and you’ll find no shortage of activities to keep you entertained here. Whether you’re looking to relax on an idyllic stretch of sand, try your hand at some water sports, or explore the area’s marine life, Krabi’s section of the Andaman Sea is bursting with possibility.
If you want to take a break from swimming and sunbathing, Krabi’s land-based attractions are just as enticing. Thick jungles hide secluded waterfalls, healing hot springs, and winding hiking trails. The mountains are filled with caves and lagoons, and there’s even a seashell graveyard waiting to be discovered.
Krabi Town is a slice of Thailand life as it used to be, with narrow streets bustling with motorbikes and open-air markets selling fresh produce. In the evening, Krabi’s night markets burst with the sounds of sizzling seafood, laughter and conversations, live music, and enthusiastic haggling.
With so many things to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start. So we’ve compiled this ultimate list of the top things to do in Krabi, Thailand. We made sure to include a wide range of activities, so you can pack your Krabi itinerary with as much (or as little!) adventure as you like.
Stick to these Krabi bucket list recommendations, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to one of Thailand’s most beloved regions!
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15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Krabi
1. Explore the Caves and Limestone Cliffs of Railay Beach
If you can only visit one beach in Krabi, make it Railay Beach. It’s a little south of Ao Nang, and you can only reach it by boat – that’s how secluded it is!
This beach is everything you think of when thinking about Thailand – the softest white sand, deep caves, and gigantic limestone cliffs with a hidden lagoon. You can easily spend your entire vacation here and never get bored.
Climbing is a huge activity at Railay Beach, which boasts more than 300 routes on its majestic cliffs. Try lead climbing, rappelling, top-rope rock climbing, or even join a multi-day mountain climbing course.
Add a stop at Diamond Cave to your agenda, and be sure to bring your camera because the stalactites are out of this world. Be sure to wear proper footwear because the cave floors can get slippery.
After all that excitement, you’ll want to float in the water and relax on one of Railay’s pristine stretches of sand. West Railay Beach has a beautiful shoreline with several bars and restaurants. Or, if you’re looking for more of an adventure, head to East Railay Beach, where you can go jungle trekking, birdwatching, and much more.
2. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Mighty Songprak River
Krabi’s landscape is mostly made up of limestone cliffs, so the rivers here are pretty wild! Whitewater rafting is a must-do Krabi activity, and the best place to do it is on the Songprak River.
It’s a full 7 kilometers worth of river, with rapids ranging from Class 2 to 4 – perfect for beginners and experienced rafters alike. If you’ve never been rafting before, that’s not a problem. Your guide will give you full training (and a safety talk) when you arrive. They’ll also ride with you, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
If you’re on a quest for adrenaline-pumping things to do in Krabi, whitewater rafting along the Songprak is the perfect pick!
3. Marvel at the Tiger Cave (Wat Tham Sua)
Wat Tham Sua, or the Tiger Cave, should be at the top of your Krabi bucket list! Aside from being one of the most sacred places in the country, it’s also an adventure in itself.
To reach the temple, you’ll have to climb 1,260 stairs. It’s not as hard as it sounds. You can rest as much as you like along the way, and there are plenty of photo-ops to distract you from the strenuous ascent.
But the real highlight is at the top, where you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and coastline. At the top, you’ll also find a massive golden Buddha statue that you’ll want to take plenty of photos of!
The Tiger Cave is only 9 kilometers away from Krabi Town, making it a perfect half-day excursion if you’re looking for cool things to do in Krabi.
4. Go Diving, Snorkeling, and Kayaking in Krabi
The Krabi coastline is home to about 200 islands, so you can dive, snorkel, and kayak just about anywhere! Some of the best diving spots are around Koh Phi Phi Leh, Koh Haa Yai, Anemone Reef, Shark Point, to name a few places.
You can easily find diving centers that welcome first-timers near Krabi’s most popular beaches. If you’re an advanced diver, there are also plenty of dive spots with stronger currents and more challenging underwater geography.
If you don’t like diving, that’s okay. You can still enjoy the underwater world by snorkeling. We recommend Ao Nang, Tubkaek Beach, and Poda Island. Aside from colorful fish and coral reefs, you might be lucky enough to meet manta rays, turtles, and even sharks!
Kayaking is another fun way to explore the Andaman Sea. Paddle along the limestone cliffs and caves of Bor Thor, or check out the mangroves in Ao Thalane. For something truly unique, head to Koh Hong and paddle through its hidden lagoon!
5. Take a Day Trip to the Krabi Hot Springs and Emerald Pool
Taking a dip in nature’s bathtub at the Krabi Hot Springs is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Krabi, especially since it’s nestled inside a beautiful jungle preserve.
The water here is naturally heated to temperatures of 35-42°C by the earth’s hot interior, and it’s full of minerals and salts that are said to have healing properties. There are even small pools and waterfalls where you can sit and let the bubbling water massage your back! Afterward, cool down at the nearby stream before continuing with your trip.
The Krabi Hot Springs is located less than 15 minutes from one of the best sights in Krabi – the Emerald Pool. As the name suggests, the Emerald Pool looks exactly like a glittering green gem, except you can swim in this one. If you find yourself in this corner of Krabi Province, it’s well worth ticking both of these attractions off your Krabi bucket list!
6. Get a Dose of Authentic Thai Life at Krabi Town
Don’t skip Krabi’s capital city when you’re planning your trip. Krabi Town is a great place to get a taste of the “real Thailand.” It’s not as touristy as the beaches, and you’ll get to see how locals live, work, and play.
Wander around the streets, and you’ll find charming temples, historic buildings, and lively markets. If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to stop for a delicious, cheap meal at one of the town’s many street food stalls. And in the evening, enjoy some live music at one of the local bars.
The town has a river running through it, which is always full of fishing boats. If you like, you can buy your dinner straight from a boat! Grab some jumbo prawns, crabs, and super fresh fish, and then have them grilled or cooked at your hotel.
7. Explore Khao Khanap Nam’s Prehistoric Caves
You can’t go to Krabi without exploring the caves of Khao Khanap Nam. These mountains have been around for millions of years, and they’re full of fascinating caves and tunnels.
There’s a footpath leading into the caves, and you can explore them at your own pace. Inside, you’ll see stalagmites and stalactites, and according to locals, human skeletons have been found here, too.
The best time to visit the caves is early in the morning when the sunlight casts a beautiful glow inside. But come any time of day, and you’re sure to be impressed.
Once you’re finished exploring the caves, make the most of your trip to Khao Khanap Nam by exploring the Thai fishing village and mangrove forest after your cave adventure.
8. Munch on Thai Street BBQ at Koh Lanta Yai Market
If you’ve never had Thai BBQ, prepare yourself for a flavor explosion! It’s a medley of fresh meat, herbs, spices, and sauces, all grilled over hot coals right in the street. One of our favorite places to grab a stick (or 10) is at the Koh Lanta Yai Market.
This outdoor market is a foodie paradise, and it’s always packed with locals and travelers alike. You’ll find all kinds of skewers here, from chicken and pork to squid, quail eggs, prawns, and even insects! If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and try one of everything.
Wash it all down with an ice-cold coconut water, Thai milk tea, or a fruit shake. Still hungry? Follow your nose to one of the many other food stalls serving up Thai curries, noodle dishes, fried rice, and more.
9. Conquer the Trails of Khao Ngon Nak
Khao Ngon Nak, aka Dragon’s Crest Mountain, is as popular with hikers as it is with Instagrammers. It takes a semi-challenging 4-kilometer hike to get there, but it’s well worth the effort. This place is absolutely gorgeous – there’s a reason it’s named after a mythical creature!
You’ll stroll past a cool stream, a gushing waterfall, and two lower viewpoints before reaching the summit. Try to spot wildlife along the way but be careful about the monkeys because they are known to snatch bags and food.
Once you reach the top, the view from Dragon’s Crest will wipe out any memory of the hike being tough. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, surrounded by an ocean of jungle-covered mountains. Relax, take your time at the summit, and take as many photos as you can.
10. Visit the Majestic Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
The Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and biodiverse forests. It’s home to waterfalls, hot springs, rivers, creeks, and hiking trails. Bring your swimsuit because this is actually where you’ll find the Emerald Pool!
But the Emerald Pool is just one of the park’s many highlights. You can also go for a refreshing swim in the hot springs, try to spot the Pitta Gurney bird (previously believed to be extinct), or explore the park’s many caves.
And if you love nature, don’t miss out on the chance to hike through the forest. The Thung Teao Forest Natural Park has several different trails, each with its own unique scenery and challenges. If you’re looking for amazing natural attractions, this is easily one of the best things to do in Krabi.
11. Check Out Fossilized Seashells at Susan Hoi
Exploring Susan Hoi Beach is definitely one of the most unique Krabi activities because the fossilized seashells found on this stretch of sand are millions of years old!
Susan Hoi’s 200-meter shore is basically a cemetery for ancient shellfish. So far, there are only three places like this discovered on the planet, so you can boast about this experience to your friends when you get home.
The best part about Susah Hoi Beach is that you don’t need to be an archaeologist or rock hound to enjoy this place. Just strolling along the shore, admiring the view, and taking in some Krabi history is an experience in itself.
Once you’ve had your fill of Susan Hoi Beach, head to the mangrove forests in the area. There’s also a Chinese temple if you want to meditate or check out some religious architecture.
12. Go Island Hopping Across Krabi
With roughly 200 islands dotting the province, you’ll want to spend at least a day or two island hopping in Krabi. Two of the most famous islands are Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phi Phi Leh, made famous by the film, The Beach. These are dreamy islands with azure waters, towering limestone cliffs, and white-sand beaches.
Koh Lanta is another nearby island we highly recommend. It’s a bit more low-key than Koh Phi Phi, but it has that same old-school Thailand feel. The sunsets here are phenomenal, and if you fancy a cocktail or two, hit up one of the beach bars.
There are also tons of small islands teeming with fish, turtles, and coral reefs if you’re looking to do some snorkeling or scuba diving. Koh Rok’s two islands are home to a colorful coral channel loaded with sea life.
Koh Talabeng, which is also called “Skull Island,” does look like a skull from above! Its craggy, dramatic cliffs make for some thrilling cliff diving. If you want to do some serious swimming, spend some time at Koh Gai and its powdery shore. The water here is so clear you can see straight to the bottom.
Koh Jum is another island worth adding to your Krabi bucket list. You’ll love visiting its fishing communities and taking in the quiet, slow pace of life. There are many ways to reach these islands, including speedboats, long-tail boats, and ferries. You can also book an island hopping tour for a more convenient and carefree way to see Krabi’s best islands.
13. Shop Till You Drop at the Krabi Walking Street Market
The Krabi Walking Street Market is one of the top night markets in Krabi Province and a must-do when you’re in Krabi Town. It’s packed with stalls selling everything you can think of, including Thai spices and snacks, traditional Thai clothing, miniature Buddha and temple statues, kitschy keychains, Thai silk, and so much more.
The street food menu is also incredible. All the Thai classics are here, including satay skewers, mango sticky rice, pad see ew and other Thai noodle dishes, and hot soups and curries. If you’re craving something light and refreshing, you’ll love the fresh fruits and smoothies, too.
Don’t be shy about haggling at the Krabi Walking Street Market. It’s all part of the experience, and you can usually get a good deal if you play your cards right.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch street performers showing off their Muay Thai skills, serenading the crowd with traditional songs, or putting on a show with fire and acrobatics.
14. Get Tipsy at Krabi’s Bars and Clubs
Thailand’s nightlife is as famous as its beaches, and Krabi is no exception. If you’re looking to let loose and have some fun, there are plenty of bars and clubs all over Krabi to keep you busy.
One of the most popular places to party is Railay Beach. Right along the shoreline are dozens of bars, each with its own unique vibe. You can find anything from beach bars serving up refreshing cocktails to dance clubs pumping out the latest Thai and international hits.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Krabi at night, Ao Nang is another awesome place to go bar-hopping. It’s more chill than Railay Beach, but there are still plenty of places to drink, dance, and socialize. It’s super popular with tourists, so if you want to make new friends, Ao Nang is the place to be.
15. Indulge in an Authentic Thai Massage
After all the exploring, swimming, and partying, you’re going to feel pretty sore and exhausted at some point. When that happens, there’s no better pick-me-up than an authentic Thai massage.
You can find Thai massage parlors all over Krabi, but we recommend going to one that’s near the beach. There’s nothing quite like getting a massage while listening to the sound of waves crashing against the shore.
There are many kinds of treatments to choose from, such as Thai oil massages, foot reflexology, and traditional Thai massages. They incorporate elements of yoga and pressure point therapy to release tension from your muscles and help you relax.
Plus, you’ll love how the massages include local ingredients like coconut oil and lemongrass. These tropical ingredients smell heavenly and feel even better!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Krabi, Thailand. What’s your favorite thing to do in Krabi?
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