Krabi Province is one of Thailand's most spectacular destinations, renowned for its dramatic karst limestone cliffs rising from emerald Andaman Sea waters, powder-white beaches, and a rich tapestry of islands, caves, and marine life. Located on the southwestern coast of Thailand between Phang Nga and Trang provinces, Krabi encompasses the mainland town along with dozens of islands including the legendary Phi Phi Islands and Ko Lanta. The region draws visitors seeking world-class rock climbing at Railay Beach, island-hopping adventures, snorkeling, and the laid-back beach-town atmosphere of Ao Nang.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Krabi.
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1
Railay Beach
One of Thailand's most breathtaking beaches, Railay is a peninsula surrounded by dramatic karst limestone cliffs and accessible only by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. It encompasses four distinct beaches: Railay West (the main swimming beach), Railay East, Phra Nang Beach (considered one of Thailand's most beautiful), and Tonsai Beach favored by rock climbers.
Tip: Book accommodation in advance during peak season · Last boats back to Ao Nang run around 10pm · Bring cash as ATMs are limited
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2
Phi Phi Islands (Ko Phi Phi Don & Ko Phi Phi Leh)
The legendary Phi Phi archipelago consists of six islands, with Ko Phi Phi Don (inhabited) and Ko Phi Phi Leh (uninhabited, home of Maya Bay) being the stars. Maya Bay gained global fame from the film 'The Beach.' The islands offer stunning snorkeling, crystal-clear water, and vibrant nightlife on Phi Phi Don. Currently, Maya Bay is open with a quota system to protect coral.
Tip: Book speedboat tours for more time on the islands · Stay overnight on Phi Phi Don for sunrise views · Maya Bay has a visitor quota; early arrivals get the best experience
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3
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)
One of Krabi's most famous landmarks, Wat Tham Sua is a forest temple complex featuring a 309-meter summit reached by climbing 1,237 steep steps. The reward is a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view over Krabi Province, rice paddies, and the Andaman Sea. The complex also contains cave temples with Buddhist statues and roosting bats.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the 1,237 steps · Go very early to avoid the midday heat · Bring water – it's a strenuous climb in humid conditions · Monkeys near the top can be aggressive with food
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4
Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
Sa Morakot is a stunning natural hot spring pool with strikingly vivid turquoise-green water, located within Thung Teao Forest Natural Park in Khlong Thom District. The pool is fed by natural mineral springs filtered through layers of limestone. A 10-minute walk through jungle brings you to the Blue Pool, a deeper and more intense shade of cerulean, though swimming is not permitted there.
Tip: Bring a swimsuit and water shoes · Hire a motorbike or join a tour from Krabi Town (~1.5 hours) · Combine with Klong Thom Hot Springs on the same day · No sunscreen allowed in the pool to protect the ecosystem
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5
Phra Nang Cave Beach (Princess Cave)
Often cited as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, Phra Nang Beach features powder-white sand framed by towering limestone cliffs and a sacred cave filled with phallic offerings left by local fishermen who pray to the legendary sea princess (Phra Nang) for safe passage and good catches. The beach is accessible by longtail from Ao Nang and is part of the Railay peninsula.
Tip: Visit the Princess Cave before midday crowds arrive · Respect the religious shrine inside the cave · Snorkeling gear rentals available on the beach
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6
Ao Nang Beach
The main tourist hub of Krabi, Ao Nang Beach stretches over a kilometer with calm waters backed by restaurants, shops, and bars. It serves as the primary launching point for longtail and speedboat excursions to Railay, Phi Phi Islands, and surrounding islands. The beach itself is lined with sunbeds and is pleasant for swimming during calm season.
Tip: Ao Nang is the best base for exploring multiple areas · Sunset watching from beachfront restaurants is popular · Walking Street (Ao Nang Night Market) opens from 5pm
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7
Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta Yai is a large, elongated island 70km south of Krabi Town known for its relaxed atmosphere, long stretches of uncrowded beaches on the west coast, and traditional Chao Leh (Sea Gypsy) villages. Lanta Old Town on the eastern coast preserves Sino-Portuguese shophouses and a Muslim fishing village atmosphere. The island is popular with families and those seeking a more tranquil alternative to Phi Phi.
Tip: Rent a scooter to explore the entire island in a day · Visit Lanta Old Town for authentic local atmosphere · Mu Ko Lanta National Park entry is 200 THB
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8
Four Islands Tour
One of Krabi's most popular day tours visiting four stunning islands: Chicken Island (Ko Kai) with its distinctive rock formation, Tup Island, Mor Island, and Poda Island. The tour includes snorkeling stops, beach time, and lunch. Departing from Ao Nang, the journey showcases some of Krabi's most photogenic limestone island scenery.
Tip: Choose longtail boat tours for a more authentic experience · Speedboat tours visit the islands faster but are bumpier · Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof camera
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9
Klong Thom Hot Springs
Located in the jungle of Khlong Thom District, these natural hot springs feature cascading mineral-rich water flowing over mossy rocks at temperatures between 35-42°C. The springs form natural jacuzzis perfect for relaxing soaks surrounded by dense rainforest. They are often combined with a visit to the nearby Emerald Pool.
Tip: Wear water shoes as rocks can be slippery · Often combined with Emerald Pool visit · No soap or shampoo permitted in the springs
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10
Dragon Crest Mountain (Khao Ngon Nak Trail)
The Dragon Crest Mountain trail (Khao Ngon Nak) is Krabi's most popular hiking trail, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, limestone islands, and surrounding jungle from the 360-meter summit. The 4km round-trip trail takes 2-3 hours and passes through dense forest with wildlife sightings of birds and monkeys.
Tip: Wear proper hiking shoes – trail is steep and can be muddy · Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person · Do not attempt in heavy rain – trail becomes very slippery · Register at the trailhead before starting
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.