Krabi holidays

Krabi’s coastline is undeniably gorgeous, but this diverse Thai province is about more than just beaches. Thrill-seekers can get their kicks trekking through jungles and diving in its gentle reefs, while Krabi Town delivers an authentic slice of local life. Want to spend your holiday in Krabi in castaway mode? There are more than 150 offshore islands to explore.

Krabi holiday highlights

© Copyright Thomas Bekker.

Climb soaring cliffs

Krabi’s striking limestone cliffs aren’t just for photo ops. This is one of Asia’s climbing hot spots, pulling in adventurers from across the globe to test their strength against the backdrop of the sparkling Andaman Sea. The best place to start is Railay, which has a handful of climbing schools catering to newbies, experts, and everyone in between.

Explore by kayak

Your holiday in Krabi should definitely involve time on the ocean, and exploring caves and waterways by kayak is an ideal way to start. The natural limestone tunnels of Ban Bor Thor are home to intriguing ancient rock art. For a unique paddling experience, check out the thick mangroves of Ao Luk and Ao Nang, where you’ll spot tropical birds and monkeys in the trees.

Work on your wellbeing

Exhausted after a day out in the wild? Self-care on a holiday to Krabi is a breeze. Keep things traditional and book a massage at a simple beachside shack, or splurge on treatments at a luxury hotel spa. Let nature work its magic at the jungly Khlong Thom Hot Springs, where you can soak your tired limbs in thermal mineral pools.

Krabi: Know before you go

Language

Thai

Currency

Thai baht (฿)

Time zone

UTC+7 (ICT)

High season

October – March

Low season

May – September

Find the best time to go to Krabi

Weather in Krabi

May – November: The monsoon season sets in by May, as do heavier rains and choppier seas. September sees downpours, with frequent storms and high humidity. While outdoor activities can be unpredictable, you’ll also find fewer crowds and discounts on flights and accommodation. Plus, the occasional stretch of sunny weather makes it all worthwhile.

December – April: Krabi’s dry season, from December to February, brings sunny skies, warm temperatures and calm, crystal-clear waters. This is the perfect time for beach days and island hopping. By March and April, occasional showers arrive, along with lush greenery and fragrant ylang-ylang blossoms, making jungle hikes a must.

Events in Krabi

Laanta-Lanta Festival (March to April): This three-day party in Koh Lanta’s Old Town is a celebration of the island’s diverse communities. Expect jazz, reggae, traditional dance, plenty of food and even some Swedish traditions.

Songkran Festival (April): A three-day-long water fight helps ring in the new year in the Theravada Buddhist calendar. And in Krabi, no one is exempt. Kids, police officers and even politicians soak it out to celebrate a fresh start to the year.

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival (November): Roughly translated as ‘Opening the Andaman Sea’, this popular festival marks the end of the rain and the start of the busy tourist season. Find the best action on the beaches with longtail boat races and water sports.

We scan 100 billion prices, so you don’t have to

Compare prices to bag a cheap holiday to Krabi

Book your holiday to Krabi, all in one place

The best neighbourhoods in Krabi

Ao Nang

If you want amenities at your fingertips, Ao Nang is the best area to stay in Krabi. Here you’ll find a host of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and hotels, as well as a blissful beach. When the need for adventure strikes, there’s a steady supply of outdoor activities in the form of watersports, hikes and jungle tours.

Good for: Beaches, nightlife, watersports

Klong Muang

Base yourself at Klong Muang for maximum tranquillity. This laid-back beach resort is lined with upmarket hotels and waterfront restaurants, where quiet drinks and seafood dinners are about as energetic as it gets. The northern end of the beach has the best sunset views, with the offshore Hong Islands as a backdrop.

Good for: Sunset views, luxury, seafood

Krabi Town

Ask locals where to stay in Krabi to be away from the holiday crowds, and they’ll point you here. The provincial capital and transport hub doesn’t revolve around tourism, giving you an unfiltered look into how people live in Krabi. Soak up the atmosphere at the town’s market, try traditional street eats and follow the riverside walkway to the port to watch fishermen go about their day.

Good for: Markets, street food, river walk

Things to do in Krabi

© Copyright Thomas Bekker.

Family friendly things to do

You won’t run out of active things to do with the family in Krabi. Book a trek through the jungle to spot monkeys, reptiles and tropical birds. Or spark your kids’ interest in marine life with a snorkelling session. Scuba diving can be on the cards for kids as young as 10.

Shopping

Yes, there are malls, outlet stores and boutiques, but the best shopping in Krabi revolves around local markets. Both Krabi Town and Ao Nang are home to thriving night markets. Stop by to pick up clothes and souvenirs and to fill your belly with street food, all to a soundtrack of live local bands.

Take in the culture

For a taste of Thai culture in Krabi, head to sacred Wat Tham Suea, a hilltop temple. After you’ve tackled the 1,000-plus steps (watch your footing; they’re a little uneven) you’ll be treated to dramatic views and an impressive golden Buddha statue. The intricately carved Wat Kaew Korawaram temple in Krabi Town is also worth a look.

Nightlife

Ao Nang and Krabi Town have the best nightlife in Krabi. Both attract a mixed local and international crowd and offer late-night bars, pubs and nightclubs. Elsewhere, the vibe is low-key, with quiet beach bars and cafes serving as the main form of evening entertainment.

Places to eat

With its Indonesian and Malaysian influences, Southern Thailand’s cuisine is often spicier than it is in other parts of the country. Be on the lookout for local seafood such as mud crab, mussels and baby squid at restaurants in Krabi. And due to the region’s large Muslim population, you’ll come across some excellent halal dishes.

Beaches

You’ll find a healthy supply of white-sand beaches in Krabi, with soaring limestone cliffs in the background. Among the best are Tubkaek beach, known for its island views, and Railay beach, which is accessible only by boat. For some local flavour, join picnicking Thai families at Nopparat Thara beach.

Plan your holiday to Krabi

Budget

Beach days, night markets and temple hikes are all part of a great cheap holiday to Krabi. An inexpensive but tasty bowl of curry or plate of seafood will cost around 150 Thai baht (฿) here. For drinks, you’re likely to pay around ฿85 for a cappuccino and ฿60 for an ice-cold beer.

Day trips from Krabi

Tear yourself away from the Krabi’s beautiful beaches for a day to do some island hopping. A 45-minute longtail boat ride from Ao Nang takes you to Koh Hong, where emerald waters surround a hidden lagoon. Relax on powdery white sands beneath soaring limestone cliffs. Nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Poda and Koh Tub offer equally breathtaking scenery.

Getting around Krabi

Hiring a car or motorbike is a convenient way to explore Krabi. Rentals are available in most major resort areas. For shorter trips, taxis, tuk-tuks and ‘songthaews’ (shared pickup truck taxis) offer flexible transport options. Getting between islands is also simple, with longtail boats, speedboats and ferries providing regular service to popular destinations.

FAQs about Krabi holidays

With an average rainfall of 42 cm, September is the rainiest month to go on a Krabi holiday. When the skies open up, venture indoors and make the most of the city's shopping malls, art galleries, cafes and more.
Tropical Thailand is a year-round travel destination, but the best time to visit Krabi is during the November to March high season, when it’s warm, dry and ideal for both watersports and beach days. You’ll need an umbrella during September and October, when monsoon season is in full force.
You’ll need at least a week to make the most of your holiday to Krabi. This gives you plenty of time on the beach and allows you to fit in some adventurous activities. If you want to get out and explore the islands, two weeks is recommended.
Thai is what you'll hear most around here. From everyday greetings to colourful local lingo, you'll likely pick up a few new terms during your city break in Krabi.
Krabi has options for everyone. It’s easy to live it up in luxury, but you can also have a cheap holiday to Krabi if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of low-cost hotels and dining options, plus many temples, outdoor activities and other attractions are free. Come during the August to October low season and there are even more bargains to be had.
Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, this city has a way of making every trip unique. If exploring attractions is on your list of things to do in Krabi, you'll want to include Tiger Cave Temple and Ao Nang Beach.
Plan your Krabi trip for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 24ºC (75ºF) is as cold as it gets.
You'll be using the Thai baht (THB) for payments during your trip to Krabi. Pay with a card when you can, but keep a small amount of cash on you for places where card payments aren't an option.
The hottest month in Krabi is April, when temperatures reach a maximum of 31ºC (88ºF).
Krabi is generally considered safe, but it's always a good idea to exercise common sense wherever your travels take you. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and keep a close eye on your belongings. Also use official transport services whenever possible during your holiday to Krabi.