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Your Guide To Visiting Krabi In 2023

The province of Krabi — with its craggy limestone cliffs and tiny isles scattered on the turquoise ocean — is a famous tourist destination in southern Thailand. Idyllic white beaches and towering rock formations make it one of the most beautiful places in the country. At the same time, Krabi is a vibrant cultural hub, with stunning temples and delectable cuisine. If you ever get a chance, it’s definitely worth a visit. Keep reading for KKday’s at-a-glance guide on when to visit, where to stay, and things to do in Krabi.

 

Fast Facts

  • Language: Thai language or Siamese is the official language in Thailand.
  • Currency: The Baht (THB/฿) is the official currency.
  • Airport: Krabi Airport (KBV)
  • New Normal Travel Guidelines: All travelers must get a Thailand Pass, which requires a passport, flight itinerary, and a COVID-19 insurance policy. Vaccinated travelers are also required to provide a certificate of vaccination (at least two doses), while unvaccinated travelers must have an RT-PCR negative test result taken no less than 72 hours before departure (for the no quarantine program) or a quarantine hotel booking for five nights (for the alternative quarantine program).

 

 

Best Time to Visit Krabi

via nextvoyage on Pixabay

As a tropical country, Thailand is generally a year-round travel destination. Travelers who want to enjoy warm-weather activities will find that the best time to visit Krabi is November to March. During these months, the weather tends to be mild and sunny — ideal for exploring Thailand’s beaches and islands.

 

 

How to Get There

International travelers usually enter the country by flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, then catch a flight to Krabi Airport. There are also other nearby airports in Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Meanwhile, tourists from nearby countries Malaysia and Cambodia can cross into Thailand by road.

 

 

Where to Stay in Krabi

So many islands, so little time. It can be overwhelming to choose where to stay in Krabi, but there are a couple of usual tourist spots that would be ideal for first-time travelers.

Krabi Town

via kmarius on Pixabay

The capital of the province, Krabi Town is a small and relaxed town that’s an excellent base for sightseeing and island-hopping tours. Many tourists skip this town because it’s not on the beach, but it does have the Krabi River. Additionally, it’s a great cultural and commercial hub with shops, temples, museums, and even a couple of thriving nightlife spots. The weekend night market is a must-try to sample a wide variety of local cuisine. If you’re wondering where to stay in Krabi Town, there are plenty of good accommodations at different price points.

  • The Brown Hotel
  • Dee Andaman Hotel Pool Bar
  • The Seens Hotel

 

 

Ao Nang

via Erik_Karits on Pixabay

Blessed with the golden Andaman shoreline and towering limestone headlands, Ao Nang is a tourist town through and through. It’s easy to fall in love with the soft sandy shores of Ao Nang Beach, while nearby off-shore snorkeling and diving sites offer fantastic day tour opportunities to tourists eager to explore the underwater world. Dining and nightlife spots make this resort town a lively destination. As the main tourist hub of Krabi, Ao Nang Beach has plenty of hotels, resorts, and hostels for every kind of tourist.

  • Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
  • Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa
  • Panan Krabi Resort Aonang

 

 

Railay Beach

via reginasphotos on Pixabay

Railay Beach is a small peninsula nestled between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, but lofty limestone cliffs surrounding the area cut it off from the region. Instead, it is only accessible by ferry boat. This beach destination actually consists of four main beaches: the stunningly white West Railey Beach, rock climbing idyll Ton Sai Bay, mangrove site East Railay Beach, and the white-sand Phra Nang Beach. The peninsula is a well-loved tourist center, with world-class spots for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and rock climbing. Some travelers visit on day tours from Ao Nang, but travelers who want to stay on Railay Beach for a few nights can also stay in one of the many resorts in town.

  • Rayavadee Hotel
  • Railay Bay Resort & Spa
  • Avatar Railay Resort

 

 

Where to Eat in Krabi

Food is a huge part of any trip to Thailand — and it’s the same in Krabi. Depending on what you want to eat and drink, travelers have their pick of top-notch dining establishments throughout the region.

 

Ruen Mai Restaurant (Klong Chilat)

via Ruen Mai Restaurant Facebook page

At the cozy Ruen Mai, travelers can get a taste of some of the best Thai food in Krabi that’s located just outside Krabi Town. Tasty food in the restaurant includes salads, curry dishes, delicious seafood, and fragrant soups like Tom Yum Nam Sai Gai. Herbs and vegetables are freshly harvested from an on-site garden.

Address: 117 Sai Thai, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi
Service Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Sunday, 10:30 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9:30 PM; Wednesday to Thursday, 10:30 AM to 3 PM; Saturday, 5 PM to 9:30 PM
Website: Facebook

 

 

Jenna’s Fine Bistro & Wine (Ao Nang)

via Jenna’s Bistro Facebook page

A stylish restaurant in Ao Nang, Jenna’s Fine Bistro & Wine serves mouthwatering local and international dishes. It features a wide range of French, Italian, American, and Asian cuisine, including best-sellers like the Angus beef steak, duck in red curry, and even a number of vegetarian fare.

Address: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi
Service Hours: Daily, 5 PM to 11 PM
Website: https://jennasbistro.com, Facebook

 

 

Gecko Cabane (Krabi Town)

via Gecko Cabane Restaurant Paklow Jariya Facebook page

Gecko Cabane is a French-Thai restaurant in Krabi Town with an excellent selection of fusion food, from international favorites to iconic Thai dishes. Crab curry is a guest favorite, along with ultra-tender lamb shanks. It is a charming dinner spot with rustic furnishings, warm lighting, and reasonably priced dishes.

Address: Soi Ruam Jit Tambon Pak Nam, Krabi
Service Hours: Daily, 5 PM to 10 PM
Website: Facebook

 

 

Things to Do in Krabi

Beach

via Libor Bursik on Pixabay

Unsurprisingly, beaches are the main draw of Krabi. The crystal-clear waters and fine white sand of Phra Nang Beach make for a picture-perfect destination, while the world-famous Railey Beach is a rock-climbing haven nearby that boasts white sands and blue seas. Other great beaches in the province include Ao Nang and Tu Kaek.

 

 

Island Hopping

via Peerapon Wanasuntikul on Pixabay

Of course, some of the best beaches in Krabi are in the offshore islands, and island hopping is the number one activity in the province. The top destination is Maya Bay, which shot into fame from the movie The Beach. Other must-visit isles include Bamboo Island, Hong Island, Koh Poda, and the Phi Phi Islands.

 

 

Kayaking

via Max Liew on Pixabay

Kayaking is popular in Krabi, a fun way for sightseeing in the beaches, islands, mangrove areas, and craggy karsts all over the province. Travelers can rent kayaks on an hourly basis and explore kayak-friendly sites like Thalane Bay, Phang Nga Bay, and Tung Yee Peng.

 

 

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

via Phattraporn Dao-ngearn on Pixabay

The reefs around the Krabi region are home to a spectacular array of marine life. Most of the notable snorkeling spots are found offshore, particularly in the Phi Phi islands and Poda islands.

 

 

Head to KKday for more Thailand travel ideas and awesome tour deals.

 

 

*Featured photo via Pixabay

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