Beautiful beaches. Ancient temples. Isolated islands. There’s so much to see and do in Krabi, and if you explore a little you’ll discover the true wonders of this region.
Our Krabi transport guide has everything you need to know about how to get around Krabi. Soon you’ll be stepping into the shallows from a longboat taxi, renting cars, hopping on a motorbike, travelling in a tuk-tuk and taking the ferry across the water to Koh Phi Phi.
1
Krabi Boat Hire
LOVE THE LONGBOATS
Since so many of the best things to do in Krabi involve a trip on the water, you’ll be stepping on and off boats aplenty during your stay here
For a little independent island hopping, you’ll find many longtail boats on the mainland beaches – you can barter with the driver for your fare for the trip. You’ll also see taxi boats running from Ao Nang to Ton Sai and Railay Beach. They wait until they have enough passengers for the trip, so if you’re first you might be waiting a while. In theory they take between six and eight passengers, but sometimes hold out for 10 or more.
You can buy boat tickets on the ticket booths on either corner of the beach in Ao Nang. Expect to pay around 100 – 150 baht per person for a one way trip from Ao Nang to Ton Sai or Railay.
Insider tip:
If you find a good tuk-tuk driver that you trust, get their phone number or WhatsApp details. Line tends to be a more popular messaging app than WhatsApp in Thailand and may be the preferred option for local drivers. Drop them a message when you want to go somewhere and they’ll either pick you up themselves or send a trusted colleague.
2
Tuk-Tuks
JUST LIKE AT HOME
Of course you’ve seen tuk-tuks everywhere back home and know all about riding in them. And they are everywhere in Krabi, either the old style three-wheel or newer four-wheel tuk-tuks – more likely the older ones in Ao Nang.
Just like at home, agree a set price with the driver before you leave. Then just sit back and enjoy the ride. If you’re visiting a few sites in a day or half a day, agree a fare with the driver so they drop you off and wait for you at each site. From Ao Nang, they’ll take you to most places in the local area on a one way trip for around 50 baht per person. Pay in the exact money if you can too.
3
Songthaew
TRADITIONAL THAI EXPERIENCE
Songthaew are pickup trucks with covered seating in the back. They’re super colourful and you’ll see them rumbling down the streets with tourists in the back. There are a few routes in and around mainland Krabi, and you’ll see where they’re going on the front. The most popular route they run on is from downtown Krabi to Ao Nang. They carry around 10 to 15 people and you simply wave it down like a taxi to get the driver to stop.
Fares start from 41 baht but depend on the length of your journey. Always have cash in hand and pay the exact amount if you can.
Insider tip:
For a little extra cash, a songthaew driver can be persuaded to take a detour to a location, tourist spot or hotel that’s not on their route. You can always try your bargaining skills. Hopefully the other passengers won’t mind.
4
Motorbike Rental
HOP ON AND HOP OFF
Called moto-sai in Thailand, motorbike taxis are just like the ones at home. You’ll find them all around Krabi near the major sites and in Ao Nang. They’re ideal for solo travel with prices starting at around 50 – 100 baht.
Just remember to agree a fixed price before you hop on.
Insider tip:
Not all drivers offer helmets. Even if they’re offering a good price without one, it’s always best to find a driver with a spare helmet. Some of the roads can be a little bumpy and the traffic gets busy in Krabi Town.
5
Samlor
HOP ON AND HOP OFF
Samlor is a traditional Thai form of transport – it’s basically a motorbike with an extended sidecar that can seat two to four people. You’ll see them everywhere in Krabi Town and near Ao Nang Beach.
Again, you’ll need to bargain for a price and agree it before you set off. Samlor drivers are always appreciative of the correct change.
Insider tip:
As the motorbike sits on the right hand side, with the seating around, samlors aren’t that stable. Anything more than two passengers can get a bit wobbly.
6
Car hire in Krabi
EASY AND IN YOUR OWN TIME
Hiring a car in Krabi is one of the easiest ways to get around, and you don’t need to stick to a schedule or constantly bargain with drivers. The roads are much quieter than in Bangkok, and if you’re used to driving at home it’ll be a breeze.
Book a hire car with Skyscanner and pick it up at the airport or select your chosen destination for a meet and great service.
You may also consider hiring a motorbike or scooter from one of the many local options. It’s fairly inexpensive and easy to do. Make sure your insurance covers you, and don’t ride it in flip flops even though you’ll see plenty of people doing it.
7
Ferry
ESSENTIAL FOR ONWARD TRAVEL
As with all coastal spots in Thailand, the ferry is your best and cheapest option to head to nearby islands. From Krabi, you can get the ferry to either Koh Phi Phi (one hour) or Phuket (six hours) from the Klong Jilad ferry terminal. The ferry from Phuket to Krabi is one of the most popular modes of transportation. There are usually around 10 sailings to each daily, and you can buy your tickets at the ferry terminal
Now you know how to get around Krabi, discover the best places to stay, the top hotels and what to see and do.
Thinking of travelling to Krabi? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
