White sand shores. Turquoise lagoons. Shimmering seas. Dramatic limestone cliffs. These are the best things to do in Krabi.
When to visit Krabi from India
Come between November and April for calm seas, clear water and reliable island-hopping boats, with December to February the busiest and most expensive stretch. The May to October monsoon brings afternoon downpours and choppier crossings but far cheaper rooms and a greener landscape.
How to get to Krabi
There are no direct flights from India to Krabi, so you'll connect through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore before the short hop into Krabi International Airport (KBV) with carriers like Thai AirAsia, Thai VietJet Air or Scoot. Bangkok is the easiest option, with several daily flights taking just over an hour. Alternatively, fly into Phuket, which has more connections from India, and continue to Krabi by bus or taxi in about two and a half hours. From Krabi airport it's roughly 20 minutes to Krabi Town and 45 minutes to Ao Nang.
The best things to do in Krabi
With so many incredible places to visit in Krabi, it's a challenge to narrow down what to do. From exploring temples to rock climbing and from kayaking to jet skiing. You’ll feast on curries – from red to green and yellow. The Tom Yum soup is spicy and reinvigorating and Pad Thai is always a treat. If you're wondering what to do, these are the best things to do in Krabi.
1. Island hop to the Phi Phi Islands
Thailand's most photographed islands
The ferry from Krabi Town's Klong Jilad pier takes around two hours, and speedboat tours get you there in under an hour. The waters around Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don are thick with marine life, making this one of the best snorkelling and diving spots in southern Thailand. Maya Bay, the cove made famous by The Beach, reopened in 2022 under strict conservation rules — entry costs 400 baht, boats land at Loh Samah Bay instead of the beach itself, visitor numbers are capped and you can only wade in knee-deep. The bay closes to landings every year from 1 August to 30 September, though tours still run and view it from the water.
2. Climb to Tiger Cave Temple
Panoramic views at the top of 1,237 steps
Wat Tham Suea sits about 9 km outside Krabi Town, and reaching the golden Buddha at the summit means climbing more than 1,200 uneven steps up a limestone outcrop. It is a demanding 30 to 60 minutes in the heat, so carry water and start early. At the top you get sweeping views across Krabi's karst landscape and mangroves. The temple takes its name from tiger-shaped markings in the cave below, where a small monastic community still lives among the rock shelters.
3. Swim in the Emerald Pool
A turquoise spring in the rainforest
Deep inside Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, the Emerald Pool is a warm, jewel-green spring fed by underground water. The walk in runs about 1.4 km along a shaded boardwalk through thick tropical forest, and a further 400 m path leads to the Blue Pool, an intensely blue spring where swimming is not permitted. Come early in the day before tour buses arrive, and pair it with the nearby Klong Thong hot springs for a proper half-day out.
4. Explore Railay and Phra Nang Cave Beach
Limestone cliffs, climbing routes and hidden sand
Railay is cut off from the mainland by cliffs, so you arrive by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. It is one of Asia's best-known rock climbing destinations, with hundreds of bolted routes on the surrounding karst, and just as good for kayaking, snorkelling and simply doing nothing. Walk across the peninsula to Phra Nang Cave Beach, where fishermen leave carved wooden offerings at a shrine to a sea princess — visit respectfully, and keep a firm hold on your snacks around the resident macaques.
5. Kayak the Ao Luk mangroves and caves
Paddle through tunnels and prehistoric rock art
About an hour north of Ao Nang, guided kayak tours set off from Bor Thor pier into a maze of mangrove channels and limestone caves. You paddle through Tham Lod Nuea and Tham Lod Tai, low water tunnels hung with stalactites, then stop at Tham Phi Hua To, where ancient rock paintings and shell middens line the cave walls. It is calm, shaded paddling suitable for beginners and families, and a good way to see a quieter side of Krabi.
6. Eat your way through Krabi Walking Street
Southern Thai street food at local prices
Krabi Town's weekend night market on Soi Maharaj 8 runs Friday to Sunday from around 5pm to 10pm, with a central stage hosting live music and school performances. Southern Thai food is bolder and spicier than what you find further north, so look out for fresh grilled seafood, southern-style curries, mango sticky rice and roti. Vegetarian options are easy to find. Stalls also sell handmade jewellery, woven baskets and carved wooden souvenirs, with most dishes costing between 20 and 100 baht.
7. Meet the elephants at a Krabi sanctuary
Ethical wildlife tourism done right
Krabi's sanctuaries house rescued and retired elephants, many of them former logging or trekking animals, in forested habitats where riding is not permitted. Morning and afternoon visits typically involve preparing food, feeding the herd and learning each elephant's history from the keepers. Choose carefully — genuine no-riding, no-performance sanctuaries are worth seeking out, and reading recent reviews before booking is the simplest way to check.
Krabi Hotels
Whether you’re looking for all-out luxury or a budget-friendly option, these are three of our favourite hotels in Krabi.
Ready to go to Krabi? Start with our Thailand destination guide for the bigger picture, then check the Thailand visa requirements for what Indian passport holders need before flying. Once you land, our Krabi transport guide covers getting around by longtail boat, tuk-tuk or motorbike, and our guide to where to stay in Krabi helps you choose a base. Pairing Krabi with Phuket? Our guide on getting to the Phi Phi Islands compares ferries and speedboats from both coasts.
