Krabi islands review
Krabi is a vast province in Thailand. It is also the name of its main town and is also commonly referred to when describing nearby Krabi islands. Staying in Krabi Town will show you an authentic southern culture while doing an island hopping is effortless since Krabi is well-connected with many islands.
Krabi Town radiates with a local vibe as it’s a transit town, and people don’t stay long here. If you are looking for sunbathing or relaxing on the beach, Krabi Town might not be the best option for you because it is in-land. Being the largest town of the province, Krabi offers colorful local markets, historical temples, breathtaking views, and proximity to many eco-adventures. The most famous tourist site in Krabi is Tiger Cave, which features a temple complex on the top of the hill, providing its visitors with stunning views over the province.
Krabi is an ideal base destination for island hopping and visiting world-class beaches and diving spots. Off the coastline in Ao Nang town, lies a host of lesser-known Krabi island dream-spots for you to explore. From a secret lagoon at Koh Hong, caves at Railay Beach, coral reefs at Koh Pak Bia, white dunes at Koh Poda, and the unusual Chicken Island, you are never far from the sublime sands and beautiful waters of the Andaman Sea.
- AIRPORT Krabi & Phuket
- BEST TIME TO VISIT Nov - May
Beaches
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Why visit Krabi
How to reach Krabi
Krabi Town is located in southern Thailand. It serves as the main transit point to Krabi province in-land, to many nearby Krabi islands, and Phuket for an extended holiday for many travelers. There is an international airport in Krabi that connects it with many countries with an abundance of domestic flights, too. Krabi is 2 hours drive from Phuket (with its airport) and the same distance from Koh Lanta. Many travelers go directly to Ao Nang or Railay Beach from Krabi Town. It is here where most of the boat trips to the Krabi islands start.
Ao Nang is 50 minutes from Koh Phi Phi by private boat. You can take a private boat to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai from Ao Nang, with many other Krabi islands within an easy 1-hour boat trip away. Another popular way to discover the Krabi islands is by taking a private boat tour from Phuket. You can easily charter a speedboat or luxury yacht to experience Krabi islands on a personalized itinerary. Your private boat tour from Phuket will take you across Phang Nga Bay, passing Koh Yao islands. During a day trip, you can visit Koh Hong, Koh Pak Bia, Koh Poda, as well as magnificent Railay Beach.
Best time in Krabi
The best time to visit Krabi is during the high season from November to May, despite being tropically hot year-long in the Krabi region. From November to December, there is less rainfall, and it becomes scorching and busy from January to April. At the same time, the Krabi snorkeling season is in full force from January till April. During this period, the sea is usually calm, and visibility is just excellent, although not immediately next to the Krabi coastline. For better snorkeling opportunities in Krabi, head over to nearby Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and further away from the Krabi coastline.
Rainy season in Krabi
Rainy season in Krabi takes place from May to October, accompanied by heavy rains, high tides, and generally unstable weather. Although temperatures drop just a little during the rainy season, the majority of boat tours aren’t operating because of the rough sea. So if you are planning some island hopping during your Krabi holiday, try to avoid visiting during this period, and especially July-August.
Krabi or Ao Nang
Ao Nang is an iconic beach destination where people usually stay after touching down in Krabi Town. While Ao Nang lacks the local vibe of Krabi Town, the sandy beaches, high limestone mountains, and dense jungle make up for it. The nightlife in Ao Nang is decent, and there is always something going on, while Krabi Town seems like a sleepy town after 10 pm. Since Ao Nang is the coastal center of Krabi province, it is a perfect beach town for starting your island-hopping journey. Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are just under one hour away by private boat from Ao Nang beach. Even closer are a myriad of Krabi islands that include Koh Poda, Koh Pak Bia, and Koh Hong.
Krabi or Railay Beach
Staying in Krabi town doesn’t give many options for island hopping as it is in-land. It’s a perfect place to experience authentic Thai culture and many remarkable sights within easy reach. On Railay Beach, you will feel like the world is left behind. For active travelers, Railay majestic cliffs offer sensational rock climbing, while for those on a romantic getaway, the views of the peninsula are to die for. From Railay Beach, you can take a private boat tour to many islands easily. These include not only many of the Krabi islands but also the Phi Phi islands and Koh Lanta.
Krabi or Phuket
Phuket is the biggest and most developed island in Thailand. The island features never-ending nightlife and beautiful beaches, yet remains a cultural hub of southern Thailand with various temples and historical sights such as in Phuket Town. There is an abundance of eco-adventures in both destinations, including elephant sanctuaries, jungle treks, and hidden waterfalls. However, there is more of the latter in Krabi town, including the famous Tiger Cave Temple and the Emerald Pool. Like Krabi, Phuket can serve as a getaway to any location in Thailand and the world. If you’re looking for a slow-paced place, authentic Thai culture, and spectacular mountains – then head over to Krabi. But for beach life and pristine island-hopping, Phuket is a clear winner.