8 PERFECT Day Trips from Krabi

Updated: 9 November, 2024

These are some of the most stunning day trips from Krabi, including trips to the islands and inland areas of the province, with details on how to get there.

Krabi is both a town and the name of the province where you'll find Ao Nang and Railay, two popular coastal towns.

While Krabi itself isn’t particularly stunning, except for a few spots like Railay, it serves as a gateway to the rest of Thailand with its airport and the Andaman islands, which are the main attractions in the area.

Besides the islands, there are a few inland spots worth visiting, which I've included at the end of the article.

If you don't have time to read the whole article, here's a selection of my favorite day trips from Krabi. If not, you’ll find all the transportation options further down. 😉

8 Best Day Trips from Krabi

1. Visit to Phi Phi Islands

Without a doubt, the best day trip from Krabi is to Koh Phi Phi because these islands are renowned for their beauty.

The Phi Phi Islands form an archipelago consisting of 4 islands, although the first 2 are the primary ones. Some day trips include stops at the other 2:

• Phi Phi Dom: the main island where boats dock and hotels are situated. Its main highlights include one of its primary beaches, Loh Dalam, which is among the most beautiful in Thailand. Other notable spots include its quaint village Tonsai, the famous viewpoint offering a panoramic view of both beaches, and Monkey Beach.
• Phi Phi Leh: all tours stop on this island because it is where the unique Mayan beach with its bay is, where the movie was filmed The beach with DiCaprio. Other attractions are Phi Leh Bay and the Pirates' Cave.
• Koh Pai: known as Bamboo Island
• Koh Yung: better known as Mosquito island

How to visit the Phi Phi Islands?

To reach Phi Phi, you can catch a ferry or join day trips from Krabi or Phuket.

Taking the ferry is an excellent choice for leisurely discovering all corners of Phi Phi Don. You can walk around because it's small or hop on a boat or kayak to reach the more secluded beaches.

Alternatively, to visit the secluded Phi Phi Leh, you'll need to book a tour or negotiate with a long-tail boat operator.

That's why many travelers opt for this day trip to Phi Phi from Krabi, which includes transportation by speedboat from Ao Nang, stops at key attractions, lunch, and snorkeling gear.

⭐ You may also be interested in this guide on What to do in Phi Phi. It covers everything from sightseeing to transportation options, nightlife, dining, and plenty of tips.

✅ Friend's Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off!

2. 4 Islands Day Trip

The 4 Islands day trip from Krabi is one of the most popular tours with stops at:

• Koh Thap: also known as Tup Island, a very small and beautiful island, although it can get crowded depending on the season.
• Koh Kai: literally meaning Chicken Island because of the curious shape of the rocks and one of the best snorkeling spots on the tour.
• Koh Poda: the most beautiful island on the entire tour. The main beach is long and with white sand, so beautiful that you feel like staying there forever. To add to its postcard-like charm, there is a small islet in front.
• Phranang: although this stop is not an island, it's well worth it. It's a beach with a cave and is located next to Railay.

How to visit the islands from Krabi?

One way to go about it is to visit each of these 3 islands and the cave individually. The boat ride costs 300 baht (8.45 USD) from Ao Nang, and you'll also need to budget 400 baht (11.27 USD) for the national park entrance fee.

Just a heads up, they might initially ask for more money for the boat, so be prepared to negotiate a lot, to get the price down to 300 baht. 😅

If you're considering visiting each island separately, both Koh Kai and Poda Island can offer a great day of snorkeling or beach relaxation.

However, in my opinion, Koh Thap is too small for a full-day visit, and it can get quite crowded and overwhelming when tour groups arrive.

The most popular option, however, is to join this tour that covers the 3 islands and the cave, which is more affordable than visiting them individually and includes lunch.

For a more comprehensive experience, you might also consider this excursion from Krabi, which includes night snorkeling to see bioluminescent plankton, an experience you can rarely find in other places.

3. Hong Islands Day Trip

This is among the top day trips from Ao Nang, in Krabi.

In my opinion, it's even more enjoyable than the tour to the 4 islands mentioned earlier because the Hong Islands are the epitome of paradise, and there are usually fewer people compared to other islands. At least, that's what I found when I visited them.

Some day trips to Phang Nga Bay include a stop at a Hong Island, which is another island with low visibility in the water, similar to the entire area of that bay.

However, in the Hong Islands near Krabi, the water visibility is excellent, and it couldn't be clearer.

I recommend this day tour which includes lunch, snorkelling kit, transportation and stops on the following islands:

• Hong island: It's the main one and boasts one of the best beaches in Thailand, shaped like a W, with a hidden lagoon on the other side of the island.
• Koh Lao Ladding: Its stunning beach is truly captivating.
• Koh Phak Bia: It's notable for the white sandbar that emerges during low tide, providing access to the islet across from it.

You can check availability and book tickets below because they tend to sell out quickly:

4. Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island Tour

Exploring Phang Nga Bay is one of the most breathtaking experiences in southern Thailand, with its islands boasting towering limestone cliffs and caves.

It's reminiscent of Vietnam's Halong Bay but on a smaller scale.

Some of the most captivating stops along the bay are:

• Koh Khao Phing Kan: Popularly known as James Bond Island among tourists because scenes from The Man with the Golden Gun, featuring Roger Moore, were filmed here.
• Koh Panyee: On this island, there's a small village built on stilts by Muslim fishermen, a very unique site where some scenes from the movie Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason were filmed.

🎥 In this other article you can read more about the locations of these films and others Movies Shot in Thailand.

How to visit Phang Nga Bay?

To discover this area, you can arrange for a day trip by hiring a long-tail boat from a port in the Phang Nga province, as it's quite a distance from Krabi.

Typically, boats charge a minimum of 1,500 baht (42.26 USD) per boat, covering 3 stops, which can be cost-effective if you're traveling with multiple people. You'll also need to negotiate the specific sightseeing stops.

Additionally, you'll need to pay the entrance fee to Phang Nga National Park, which is 300 baht (8.45 USD) per person.

The most convenient option is to join this excursion from Krabi with a stop at Koh Hong (the island in Phang Nga) and Pakbiar Island for snorkeling.

Moreover, it already includes transportation to the port, meals, and park entrance fees.

📢 You may also be interested in this other article about Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island where I give you detailed insights into everything worth seeing.

5. Tiger Cave Temple

In the inland area of Krabi, Tiger Cave Temple, known as Wat Tham Suea, is one of the most popular destinations thanks to its breathtaking views.

This is the Buddhist complex located at the highest altitude in the entire province.

The temple itself is easily accessible, and once inside, you can explore the Tiger Cave where, according to legend, a tiger once lived and left its paw prints on the walls.

Then, you'll find stairs leading to the viewpoint with multiple platforms, featuring a large Buddha statue and a pagoda.

The ascent involves climbing 1,260 steps, which can be tiring if attempted all at once due to the high steps, except at the beginning.

Originally, there were only 1,237 steps, but some were too steep and narrow to comfortably ascend, and you can still see them.

It typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes to reach the top, depending on individual physical condition. Allegedly, the fastest recorded time is just 10 minutes. Are you ready to take on the challenge and beat it? 💨

But don't be scared, anyone can do the climb, because you can take your time to rest on the landings and take in the views in a jungle environment. There are even public toilets on one of the landings.

Once you reach the summit, the 360-degree views are spectacular, providing a panoramic vista of the entire Krabi province stretching all the way to the sea.

Info & Some Tips

• Entry Fee:: Admission is free, but if you can, consider leaving a donation to help with the maintenance of the site.
• Opening Hours: The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, but you can access the upper part outside these hours. With its 360º view, it's a great spot to catch the sunrise and sunset.
• Best Time to Visit: I recommend going early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
• Sunrise or Sunset Visit: Bring a headlight to see the steps clearly and some mosquito repellent.
• Hydration: Make sure to take plenty of water.
• Monkeys and food: Avoid carrying food in your backpack because the long-tailed macaques are known for trying to steal food from tourists.

How to Get There

You can drive to the temple or take a taxi, which usually costs around 700 baht (19.72 USD).

For public transportation, there is a bus from Krabi that drops you off on the main road, and then you’ll need to walk for just under half an hour to reach the temple.

Another option is to join this tour which includes the Emerald Pool and the hot spring waterfalls mentioned in the next section, making it a full day experience.

6. Emerald Pool and Hot Springs

The Emerald Pool, known in Thai as Sa Morakot, is a natural pool with stunning turquoise waters surrounded by jungle, and it's one of the best things to do in Krabi.

The pool is located in a beautiful nature park that's great for a walk. The trail is 1.4 km long and very easy, winding through towering tropical trees.

The water in the Emerald Pool comes from a freshwater hot spring and its temperature ranges between 35 and 40 °C (95-104 °F).

It is said to be ideal for relieving ailments such as rheumatism, circulation problems, and skin issues, though these benefits aren't scientifically proven. Either way, it's great for relaxing.

There's also a spot in the river where you can swim after visiting the Emerald Pool to cool off.

Near the Emerald Pool (about 600 meters away) is the Blue Pool, another deep blue pool that's beautiful for photos, though swimming is not allowed there.

In the opposite direction of the Blue Pool, you'll find the Hot Springs, a waterfall with thermal water.

Although it's small, it's quite unique to enjoy thermal water cascading down like a natural jacuzzi, which has a therapeutic effect. The only downside is that it can get quite crowded.

Info & Some Tips

• Opening Hours: The Emerald Pool area is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, and the Blue Pool is open from 10 AM to 2 PM. Note that the Blue Pool is closed from May to October.
• Best Time and Days to Visit: The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid crowds. It's also better to visit on weekdays, as many Thai families visit on weekends.
• Entry Fee:It costs 200 baht (5.63 USD).
• Water shoes: The rocks in the pool and waterfall are slippery, so I recommend wearing water shoes or any shoes you can get wet. Regular flip-flops are not the best option.
• Mosquito repellent: It is essential in the area between the pools.
• Food and Drinks: There are food and drink stalls on-site, so you don't need to bring much.

How to Get There

If you're going on your own, it's best to drive, as it's too far to go by motorbike. For renting a car in Thailand, I recommend this search engine, where I’ve found cars for less than 22 USD per day.

Another option is to hire a taxi from Krabi, which will charge around 1,200 baht (33.81 USD) for a round trip. It takes about an hour to get there.

The most convenient option is to join this tour mentioned above, which includes the hot springs, pools, and the Tiger Cave Temple.

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7. Trip to Khao Sok

Khao Sok National Park is located in Surat Thani province and is the largest green area in southern Thailand.

Besides its vast size, the park can be divided into two very different zones that are usually visited separately, or you can spend the night there to see both.

These are the jungle area and the reservoir area, both exceptionally beautiful, making this one of the best excursions you can take from Krabi.

The jungle is a vast wildlife reserve home to species such as tigers, Indian bison, and Malayan tapirs.

It also boasts unique plant species, like the Rafflesia arnoldii, a parasitic plant that produces the world’s largest flower.

In the jungle, you can go on daytime or nighttime hikes, visit caves, take canoe rides, or go rafting in the whitewater areas.

Then there's Cheow Lan Reservoir, a huge, picturesque artificial lake filled with tall rock formations and caves, similar to Phang Nga Bay.

This area is perfect for lake tours to admire the breathtaking landscapes, and you can even spend the night in floating cabins on the lake. Waking up there is a wonderful experience that I highly recommend.

How to Get There

To visit from Krabi, you can take a bus on your own, which takes about 4 hours and costs around 12 USD.

Alternatively, you can join this excursion to Cheow Lan reservoir, which includes a boat ride, a jungle hike, and a kayak trip—a full day with lunch and park entrance included.

⭐ In this other article you can read in detail about Khao Sok National Park: visit to the park, lake and caves, where I cover the different ways to get there and accommodations in both areas.

8. Rock Climbing in Krabi

If you enjoy rock climbing or have always wanted to try it, Krabi is the best place in Thailand to climb.

Head to Railay, where the rock formations are perfect for an adventure, offering stunning views of the sea as you climb.

If it's your first time, there are beginner courses with professional climbers that include all the gear at a great price. Check out this one for a small gorup course.

Map of Krabi

How to Get to Krabi

From Bangkok and Northern Thailand

Krabi is well connected with the rest of Thailand via Krabi International Airport (KBV), and you can find budget-friendly flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other cities with low-cost airlines.

To find affordable flights in Thailand, I recommend this search engine.

From Southern Thailand

The most practical option is to drive, which gives you the most flexibility to visit all the places you want.

To find the best deals, this search engine is great, with prices starting at 22 USD per day.

Alternatively, if you prefer public transportation, there are buses to Krabi from major southern cities like Surat Thani, Phang Nga, and Phuket, which take you to Krabi town or directly to Ao Nang.

Note that there are no trains to Krabi.

From Phuket, you can also take a ferry to Ao Nang, which is a bit more expensive but also faster.

This is the best website to check all transportation options in Thailand, in one place, with all the alternatives, prices, and schedules. Plus, you can also book right there to save yourself a trip to the bus station or port.

⭐ Check out also this article about How to get around Thailand? (all transport).

Where to Stay in Krabi: Areas & Hotels

In Krabi province, there are three popular places to stay: Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and Railay.

1. Krabi Town

This is the capital of the province, but in my opinion, it’s the least attractive of the three as there isn’t much to do or see.

However, it’s close to the bus station and the hotels are cheaper.

If you decide to stay in Krabi Town, I recommend the Sleep Whale, a budget-friendly hotel with a beautiful pool and comfortable rooms.

2. Ao Nang

This is definitely the best place to stay in Krabi. It’s where the boats to the islands and ferries depart from. Although the town isn’t amazing, it has its charm and is well-connected, with some buses going directly there.

In Ao Nang, I recommend the Baannai Lake View, one of my favorite accommodations in Thailand. These are villas by a lake in a beautiful, peaceful setting at very affordable price.

3. Railay

This is the most stunning spot in Krabi province, but to explore other areas, you'll need to hop on a boat to Ao Nang.

Railay offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation, rock climbing adventures, and opportunities to rent longtail boats or kayaks. However, I say "relaxing" because depending on the season, it can get quite crowded.

Another factor to keep in mind is that accommodations in Railay tend to be pricier compared to Ao Nang, though there are still some budget-friendly options available.

One of the top choices for accommodation is Railay Village Resort. These villas offer all the comforts in an unbeatable location.

Although they're luxurious and close to the beach, they're reasonably priced. Just be sure to book a couple of months in advance.

This resort is perfect if you're seeking a few days of relaxation in a place with breathtaking scenery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

These day trips from Krabi to paradisiacal islands and lush natural environments are all well worth experiencing.

In this guide to Thailand you can keep reading the main articles I’ve written about this beautiful country.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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