Categories > Guides and Tips
12 Things To Do in Krabi
- Ascend the stairs of the Tiger Temple Cave
- Go rock climbing at Railay Beach
- Try the hot springs of Klong Thom
- Learn about prehistory at Khao Khanap Nam
- Feast on some local street food at Koh Lanta Yai
- Live it up at Ao Nang Beach
- Trek to Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint
- Shoot it up at Ao Nang Road
- Hike through Krabi jungles
- Take in the beauty of Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
- Find great deals at Krabi’s night market
- Visit an elephant sanctuary
The name Krabi may not seem very familiar to most, but this location in Southern Thailand is where you need to be if you want to experience the diverse environs of the country. You’ll enjoy lush forests, amazing limestone cliffs, and great beaches!
Some of these Krabi locations include the ever-popular Phi-Phi Islands and Railay Beach. There are a ton of activities for you to do here so we listed them down to give you an idea of where to go when in Krabi!
Ascend the stairs of the Tiger Temple Cave
Address: 35, Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Contact details: +66840684664
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Your trip to Krabi won’t be complete if you don’t visit the Tiger Temple Cave. Locally referred to as Wat Tham Suea, this temple complex is one of the most unique ones in Thailand due to its religious and historical significance.
The religious aspect is pretty straightforward – Tiger Temple Cave has Wat Tham Sua temple where you can observe Buddhist monks meditate and do ceremonies. For history buffs, this location has a ton of archeological wonders to take note of.
One of the most important ancient remnants here are the tiger paw prints discovered in the cave above which you need to see at least once if you’re in this part of Krabi.
At the summit, you’ll get an astounding view of Krabi and the entire region. Feast your eyes on the awesome limestone cliffs and the tropical rainforest with ancient trees while you’re at the top!
Pro tip:
- The hike going up to Tiger Temple Cave is no joke. You’re going to have to walk up 1,260 steps to get to the site so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes if you plan to visit this location.
Go rock climbing at Railay Beach
Address: Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- N/A
If you’re an outdoor kind of person, then you’re in for a treat at Railay Beach. Aside from the water activities you can enjoy, you can hone your skills in some rock climbing when you’re in this area.
Railay Beach is unique and you’ll notice this right away as it’s not just beautiful white sand and blue waters around. Instead, you’ll be mesmerised by the number of limestone cliffs jutting up from the ground across the region.
This is what makes it a climber’s dream spot for rock climbing – whether you are a boulderer or an outdoor rope climber!
And even if you’re a beginner, you’ll find the place enjoyable! This is because there are a few rock climbing schools here that offer different levels of rock climbing lessons.
Pro tip:
- You don’t need to bring your own climbing gear if you want to go rock climbing here at Railay Beach. Instead, just get the rock climbing course package which includes the rental of rock climbing kit s– easy peasy!
Try the hot springs of Klong Thom
Address: 116 Huai Nam Khao, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120, Thailand
Contact details: +66625708175
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Klong Thom is one of the most popular destinations in Krabi and it’s easy to see why. It’s actually a multi-tier waterfall that you can not only visit but also take a dip in!
But what’s unique about the hot springs here is that instead of cold running water from the waterfalls, you get warm (not so hot!) water to help you relax your tense muscles—perfect for unwinding from a day of exploration!
There are three levels to this waterfall, and you can check out the pond at each tier. The surrounding area is dotted with trees and greenery which can help you further ease your mind and calm your soul.
Pro tip:
- Since this hot spring is super popular, we recommend coming here either very early in the morning or after 4:00 PM. During this period, there shouldn’t be a lot of crowds and it’ll be much more relaxing.
Learn about prehistory at Khao Khanap Nam
Address: Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- N/A
Regarded as one of the most popular landmarks and symbols in Krabi, Khao Khanap Nam has a lot of history behind it.
So if you’re a history buff and a nature lover at the same time, you’re going to fall in love with these two limestone hills flanking the Krabi River.
The rich history of Khao Khanap Nam is all thanks to the different locations showing remnants of the region’s past. There’s a shell cemetery here that dates back many millions of years ago where you can see the fossilised remains of these creatures.
You can also check out the cave complexes of the site by renting a long-tailed boat. Here, you’ll see some ancient stalactites and stalagmites – ancient but beautiful rock formations that were created way before any of us were born!
There’s also the village of the Khoa Klang where you can interact with the locals and observe their daily life as rural Southerners. To further immerse yourself in the culture, you can also visit the museum there and check out the locals’ handicraft centre.
Pro tip:
- To get to the different spots around Khao Khanap Nam, we recommend renting a long-tailed boat with a guide. This will set you back around 300 THB but it’s totally worth it, especially with the sights and locales you’ll visit.
Feast on some local street food at Koh Lanta Yai
Address: Sala Dan, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Your taste buds will thank you after you visit the different food stalls at Koh Lanta! There are many street food markets across Thailand, but this one is quite unique as the local community ensures that the distinct Southern Thailand flavour is alive and kicking.
All over the district, you’ll find different food stalls pop up between different times of the day. The trick is to follow where the locals go and if you see a store with long lines of patrons waiting to be served some street food, then you’ve got a winner!
This is really the perfect place for you to try out some authentic and cheap local cuisine. You can try their Southern Thai salads and curries, nam budu, and khao mok gai (rice chicken with some turmeric) to experience how locals eat and what flavours they enjoy.
You can also check out some of the expat restaurants and bars here and try their local and Western fusion dishes. We guarantee you won’t soon forget the taste of a burger with a side of papaya salad!
Pro tip:
- You should check out the food stalls here based on their location and schedule. Khlong Dao on Mondays, Khlong Nin on Tuesdays and Fridays, Saladaan on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Haad Phra Ae on Thursdays.
Old town food stalls are open during Sundays so you might want to check those out if you happen to visit during the weekends.
Live it up at Ao Nang Beach
Address: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- N/A
While Ao Nang Beach is popular for its serene environs and beautiful beaches, it’s a different story in the evenings. The location becomes a lively scene for nightlife and heavy partying– perfect if you are a party animal yourself.
There are tons of bars for you to visit when in Ao Nang Beach and it all depends on your mood or preference. There are clubs that will allow you to drink in peace while there are some that will encourage you to sing and dance as you drink the night away!
Of course, there are also bars that are beside the beach which is perfect if you want to watch that beautiful sunset as you sip a cold one. Better yet, you can bring your partner here to have a romantic meal or snack as you sample their cocktails and wine.
Pro tip:
- You can start looking for your perfect bar by combing through the establishments at Ao Nang Centre Point. This is considered the epicentre of the site’s nightlife where you can get an idea of where you want to club first!
Trek to Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Often considered Thailand’s best viewpoint, Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint is definitely a spot you need to check out if you want to get that wide angle and a fantastic view of Krabi. You need to trek to the viewpoint though and it’ll take around 2 hours on average.
That’s okay though, as your hike to the viewpoint can be a relaxing and enjoyable one. The first hour or so will be a bit steep but you and your group of hikers will be surrounded by different trees and bushes and glimpses and views of the islands around.
After an hour of walking, you’ll reach a more levelled path leading to the viewpoint. From this area, you’ll pass by a spectacular waterfall and some bamboo steps leading you to that amazing viewpoint in all of Krabi.
Once you’re at the top, you’ll be amazed by one beautiful view after another. Take this time to marvel at the wonderful sights around, such as the Hong Islands, Koh Yao Yai, Railay Beach, and of course Krabi Town.
Pro tip:
- Wear decent hiking shoes and bring some hiking gear if you plan to go to this viewpoint. The steep climb can sometimes force you to walk on all fours and some hiking gear might make it easier for you.
Shoot it up at Ao Nang Road
Address: 337ม.5, Sai Thai, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Contact details: +66 93 772 1150
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
We all want to feel like action stars, and what better way to do it than to shoot it up than in a safe and professional environment? The good news is that, at Ao Nang Road, there are a number of firing ranges that can help you hone or just try out your shooting skills.
These firing ranges offer some of the most comprehensive firearms and ammunition in this part of Thailand. You can try out their handguns and their assault rifles and combine those with the different ammunition you’d like to try out.
The staff and the trainers are also very understanding and professional and will help you get the hang of these firearms with no sweat. If you’re really a newbie, they’ll even teach you the basic operations of the firearm (such as loading and cocking).
Most of these firing ranges also offer other exhilarating activities such as ATV driving. With this, you can bring your friends along while a guide leads you to the different points of interest along Ao Nang Road.
Pro tip:
- Bring a change of clothing if you’re planning to try out the ATV tour. Shooting some firearms may get you sweating but the ATV ride can get you really muddy in no time!
Hike through Krabi jungles
Address: Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- N/A
If you want a budget-friendly activity then hiking through a nearby jungle is another activity you may want to try out. Krabi Urban Jungle, as the name implies, right beside Krabi town and you can experience jungle trekking right in the heart of the city.
The path cutting through the dense woods and greenery is paved and you’ll find it pretty easy to traverse. Surrounding this path is a great collection of ancient trees and beautiful plant life for you to enjoy and ogle at adding to the relaxing feel of the area.
While walking, keep an eye out for some wildlife as well. You might not see them on all your hikes here, but you might be fortunate enough to spot some monkeys during one of your walks so just get your cameras ready to snap pictures of them!
You can also walk up to the urban jungle’s watchtower to get some fantastic views of the surrounding area. Or you can simply appreciate the tranquillity of the jungle as you let all that stress and tension go – very meditative if you ask us!
Pro tip:
- If you want to stay near this urban jungle, then there’s a hotel here called The River Front Hotel. You can easily access the hiking path from this property giving you some great opportunities to enjoy the serene spot anytime you wish.
Take in the beauty of Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
Address: Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120, Thailand
Contact details: +66980418171
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park has a serene beauty to it but is bursting with colours thanks to the trees and shrubs surrounding the area. This natural park should be on top of your list (or anyone’s list for that matter) if you love the great outdoors.
Its green hues are also perfectly balanced by the bright blue sky overhead, giving visitors the feeling of staring at a vivid and moving painting. Since this is a forest park, you might be fortunate enough to spot some wildlife as well!
One of the highlights of this park, though, is the Emerald Pool and its green, refreshing waters! Here, you can just sit and admire the uniqueness of the emerald-green waters as the streams of water flow down from the top of the hill.
You can do some bird watching here as well while waiting for the crowds to clear. Once you have the emerald pool by yourself (or once the crowds have thinned out), you can take a dip and treat it like your private jacuzzi – ideal if you want to relax and unwind!
Pro tip:
- Make sure that you respect the park’s rules as this is one of Thailand’s virgin forests. Don’t just throw your trash anywhere and make sure not to harm the park’s flora and fauna while exploring the site.
Find great deals at Krabi’s night market
Address: Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Friday, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Closed from Monday to Thursday
Krabi Night Market is the place to be if you want to find some good food and score some good finds!. There are a ton of food stalls to choose from and you can enjoy some local dishes for cheap.
It has a lively atmosphere too! You’ll probably come for the food and trinkets, but you’ll stay longer because of the festivities and performances of local artists. No wonder it draws not just tourists but locals as well!
In fact, there’s an assortment of things to see and experience here that one night might not be enough for you to try everything out. These include the colourful food stalls, the unique souvenirs on sale, and a great view of the river right (Pak Nam Krabi) beside it.
No worries if you get too tired walking around the market as there are some massage stations you can try out!
Pro tip:
- We recommend that you eat before going around the market to buy some trinkets and souvenirs. It will be harder for you to enjoy moving from one food stall to the next with your shopping items in tow.
Visit an elephant sanctuary
Address: 83/13 Ao Luek Thai, Ao Luek District, Krabi 81110, Thailand
Contact details: +66951265261
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Fees:
- 2,500 THB per adult
- 2,000 THB per child
If you want an ethical elephant sanctuary, then you’ve come to the right place! The Krabi Elephant Sanctuary allows these majestic beasts to roam freely around the camp, allowing visitors to interact with them!
But this means no riding! Though you can pat, feed, bathe, and walk beside these gentle giants.
On top of all this, the guides and the staff of this elephant camp are quite knowledgeable and informative. They’ll talk to you about the history of the elephants here and how most of them were rescued and are now being cared for by the sanctuary.
We think the entrance fees to this park are well worth it as your money goes to caring for these rescued elephants.
Pro tip:
- Aside from the entrance fee, you can also directly donate to the elephant sanctuary by going to their website and clicking on donate. This way, you help the camp rescue and care for more elephants!
