Travel guide · Thailand

Krabi, explained

Krabi is an Andaman coast province of limestone cliffs and islands — Ao Nang is the main beach base, Railay is reachable only by boat, and island-hopping tours leave daily in season.

Checked by Explera DMC's local team · updated

Best time to visit
November to April
Nearest airport
Krabi International (KBV), about 30–45 minutes from Ao Nang
How long to stay
3–5 days
Getting around
Longtail boats, songthaews and private drivers

Krabi is quieter than Phuket and built around the sea: the Four Islands, Hong Islands and Phi Phi tours all leave from its beaches, and Railay's cliffs draw climbers from around the world.

Inland there are hot springs, mangrove kayaking and the Tiger Cave Temple, whose summit shrine sits at the top of more than a thousand steps.

When to go

Best time to visit Krabi

Nov – Apr

Dry season

Calm, clear water and the most reliable island tours. December to February is peak season.

May – Oct

Southwest monsoon

Rain and rougher seas. Island tours run on calmer days but can be cancelled; inland trips are unaffected.

Arriving

Getting to Krabi

  • Krabi International Airport (KBV) has flights from Bangkok and several Asian cities; Ao Nang is about 30–45 minutes away by road.
  • Ferries link Krabi with Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lanta.
  • From Phuket airport, Ao Nang is roughly two and a half to three hours by road.

Private transfers in Krabi start from ฿1,144 — compare 122 options.

On the ground

Getting around Krabi

  • Longtail boats from Ao Nang beach reach Railay in about 15 minutes. Railay has no road access.
  • Songthaews run between Ao Nang and Krabi Town.
  • Ride-hailing coverage is thinner than in Phuket or Bangkok; private drivers fill the gap.
Where to stay

The best areas to stay in Krabi

Ao Nang
The main base: hotels, restaurants and the departure beach for most boat trips.
Railay
A peninsula reached only by boat, with dramatic cliffs and a car-free, small-scale feel.
Klong Muang & Tubkaek
Quiet resort beaches north of Ao Nang, best for a relaxed stay.
Krabi Town
The provincial capital on the river — local markets and cheaper stays, but no beach.
Planning

How many days in Krabi?

Three to five days covers a Four Islands or Hong Islands tour, a day at Railay and an inland day. Add time for Koh Lanta or Phi Phi.

Know before you go

Krabi travel tips

  • Check whether national park entry fees are included in an island tour before you book.
  • Boats land on the beach at Railay and some islands — wear shoes you can get wet.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen; some marine parks ask for it.
FAQ

Krabi travel questions

Is Krabi or Phuket better?

Krabi is quieter and more scenic, with easy access to the islands; Phuket has more beaches, nightlife, hotels and flight connections. Many travellers combine them — they are linked by ferry and road.

How do you get to Railay?

Only by boat — Railay has no road. Longtail boats leave from Ao Nang beach and Krabi Town; from Ao Nang the ride takes about 15 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

November to April, when the sea is calm and island tours run reliably. The monsoon months bring rain and cancelled boat trips.

How much is a private transfer in Krabi?

Private transfers in Krabi start from THB 1,144 on Explera Discover, including the payment processing fee. 122 vehicle and route options are available.

What can I book in Krabi?

Explera Discover lists 99 experiences and 122 private transfers in Krabi, each confirmed by Explera DMC's local team.

Ready to plan

Book Krabi with a local team behind you

Prices include the payment fee. Every booking is confirmed by our local team.

See everything in Krabi