This article may contain affiliate links.
Updated: April 19, 2025
Krabi is one of the most popular destinations in southern Thailand, famous for its paradise islands like the Phi Phi Islands and its breathtaking mainland scenery. In this guide, I share the best day trips from Krabi, covering both island and mainland adventures, so you can make the most of your visit.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, here are my top recommended tours from Krabi. Otherwise, you’ll find all transportation options below. 😉
✅ Phi Phi Islands Tour : A Must-See in Thailand
✅ Hong Islands Day Trip: Paradise islands 💓
✅ Visit Tiger Temple & Emerald Pool: Beautiful views and lush nature
8 Best Day Trips from Krabi
1. Visit to Phi Phi Islands
The best day trip from Krabi is, without a doubt, the Phi Phi Islands—an absolute paradise. The Phi Phi archipelago consists of four islands, though most tours visit only the first two:
- Phi Phi Don: The main island where ferries arrive and hotels are located. Highlights include Loh Dalam Beach, one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, Tonsai Village, the famous viewpoint overlooking the twin bays, and the popular Monkey Beach.
- Phi Phi Leh: A must-see on every tour, as it’s home to the iconic Maya Bay, where The Beach was filmed with Leonardo DiCaprio. Other must-visit spots include the stunning Pileh Bay and the mysterious Viking Cave.
- Koh Pai (Bamboo Island): A small island with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- Koh Yung (Mosquito Island): Known for its coral reefs and marine life.
✔️ How to Visit the Phi Phi Islands?
The only way to visit the Phi Phi Islands in a single day is with a speedboat tour, like the one in the link, which departs from multiple locations in Krabi, including Ao Nang and Railay. The tour takes you to the most spectacular spots and includes lunch and snorkeling gear.
If you’d rather explore at a slower pace, you can visit on your own. Take a ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi Don, stay for at least a couple of nights, and then book a local tour to explore the other islands. Here are some helpful guides:
- How to get from Krabi to Phi Phi: all the alternatives
- Where to Stay in Phi Phi: Best Areas
- What to do in Phi Phi: the Ultimate Guide
- 5 Best Phi Phi Islands Tours
🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this link from Booking to get 15% off your stay.
2. Four Islands Tour
The Four Islands Tour is one of the most popular day trips from Krabi, taking you to these incredible spots:
- Koh Thap(Tup Island): A small but beautiful island that can get quite crowded during peak season.
- Koh Kai(Chicken Island): Named for its rock formations that resemble a chicken. It’s one of the best snorkeling spots on this tour.
- Koh Poda: The most stunning island on the tour, with a white sandy beach and a postcard-perfect islet just offshore.
- Phranang beach: Not an island, but a spectacular beach near Railay, home to a must-visit cave.
✔️ How to Visit These Islands from Krabi?
You can visit each of these islands and the cave on your own. A boat from Ao Nang costs 300 baht, plus an additional 400 baht for the national park entrance fee. Be ready to negotiate to get the best price.
If you’re exploring on your own, Koh Kai and Koh Poda are the best choices for a full day of snorkeling and relaxing. Koh Thap, on the other hand, is too small for a long stay and can get very crowded when tours arrive.
However, the most convenient option is to book this tour to visit the three islands and the cave. It’s cheaper than visiting them individually and includes lunch.
For an even more complete experience, this day trip from Krabi includes night snorkeling to see bioluminescent plankton—a rare experience you won’t want to miss.
3. Hong Islands Day Trip
This is one of the best day trips from Ao Nang, and in my opinion, even better than the Four Islands Tour. The Hong Islands are the kind of paradise that makes you fall in love—white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a more peaceful vibe compared to other tours. At least, that was my experience when I visited.
Just a heads up—some Phang Nga Bay tours include a stop at a Hong Island, but it’s not the same. That one has poor underwater visibility, like the rest of the bay. In contrast, the Hong Islands near Krabi have incredibly clear water, perfect for snorkeling.
I highly recommend this full-day tour, which includes lunch, snorkeling gear, transportation, and stops at these islands:
- Hong Island: The main island, home to one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, shaped like a "W," with a hidden lagoon on the other side.
- Koh Lao Lading: A tiny island with a beach that will leave you speechless.
- Koh Phak Bia: Famous for its white sandbank that, at low tide, connects to a small islet.
Check availability and book your tickets below—they sell out fast!
4. Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island Tour
Phang Nga Bay is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in southern Thailand, with its towering limestone cliffs and mysterious caves. It’s often compared to Halong Bay in Vietnam, but on a much smaller scale. It’s also one of my favorite places.
Some of the best stops in the bay include:
- Koh Khao Phing Khan: Better known as James Bond Island, where The Man with the Golden Gun starring Roger Moore was filmed.
- Koh Panyee: A unique floating Muslim fishing village built on stilts, where parts of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason were filmed.
⭐ Related article: Movies Shot in Thailand
✔️ How to visit Phang Nga Bay?
The only way to visit Phang Nga Bay from Krabi is by tour. I recommend this one, with additional stops at Koh Hong (the one in Phang Nga) and Pak Bia for snorkeling. It includes road transportation to the pier, a boat ride, lunch, and park entry fees, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
If you’re also visiting Phuket or Khao Lak, keep in mind that getting to the bay from those places is faster and easier. In this Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island, I go into detail about everything you can see and all transportation options.
✅ Friendly 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!
5. Tiger Cave Temple
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is one of the most popular sights in Krabi’s inland area. The main reason to visit is the breathtaking view from the top—it’s the highest Buddhist site in the province and a must-visit.
Getting to the temple and cave is easy. According to legend, a tiger once lived there, and you can still see its footprints on the walls.
To reach the viewpoint, you’ll need to climb 1,260 steps—a tough challenge since some are quite steep. Originally, there were only 1,237 steps, but some were too high and narrow, making them difficult to climb. Some of those older steps remain on the side. It takes 30 to 60 minutes to reach the top, though the record is just 10 minutes. Up for the challenge? 💨
The panoramic views from the top are spectacular—you can see across the province all the way to the sea. There are several rest areas along the way, public restrooms, and lots of greenery around.
🔹 Info & Some Tips
- Entrance Fee: Free, but if you can, leave a donation for temple maintenance.
- Opening HoursThe temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, but you can climb to the viewpoint anytime. Sunrise and sunset are the best times.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
- What to pack: If climbing at night, bring mosquito repellent and use your phone’s flashlight for the steps. Don’t forget plenty of water.
- Macaques: Don’t bring food—these monkeys are expert thieves. 😅
✔️ How to Get There?
- Motorbike: The cheapest option.
- Taxi: Around 600 baht (€16.40) from Ao Nang per trip. You can negotiate a better round-trip price.
- Bus: No direct buses, but one from Krabi drops you on the main road. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk.
- Day-Trip: If you want to make the most of your day, the best option is this budget-friendly tour, which also includes the Emerald Pool and hot springs from the next section.
6. Emerald Pool and Hot Springs
The Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is a natural freshwater pool with an incredible turquoise color, surrounded by lush jungle. It’s located inside a nature park, with an easy 1.4 km trail through tropical trees. A true paradise—not super touristy, but loved by locals.
The water comes from a thermal spring and stays between 35 and 40°C. Some say it has healing properties, though that’s not scientifically proven. Either way, it’s perfect for relaxing.
Just 600 meters away is the Blue Pool, a strikingly blue-colored pool where swimming is not allowed. In the other direction, you’ll find the Hot Springs, small thermal waterfalls with a natural jacuzzi effect. The only downside is that they can get crowded, but they’re still a must-visit in the region.
🔹 Info & Some Tips
- Opening Hours: Emerald Pool from 8 AM to 5 PM and Blue Pool from 10 AM to 2 PM, the last one is closed from May to October.
- Best time to visit: Early morning and weekdays to avoid crowds (Thai families often visit on weekends).
- Entry fees: Emerald Pool 400 baht, Hot Springs 200 baht and kids pay half price (as of January 2025).
- Footwear: The pool and waterfall floors are slippery. It’s best to wear water shoes llike these or any that can get wet. Flip-flops aren’t ideal.
- Mosquito repellent: A must-have for the trail between the pools.
- Food & Drinks: There are stalls inside the park where you can buy snacks and drinks.
✔️ How to Get There?
- Car: The best option for exploring the area. I recommend this website —I’ve found rentals for under €20 per day here.
- Taxi: From Krabi, it’s about 1,200 baht (€32.84) round trip.
- Day-Trip: The most convenient option is this tour I mentioned earlier, which includes the hot springs, pools, and Tiger Cave Temple.
👍 My two cents: If you’re looking to stay connected during your trip, 🤳 I recommend this eSIM for Thailand or this one for Asia both with unlimited data and work perfectly. Just use that link for a 5% discount.
7. Khao Sok Tour
Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani is the largest green area in southern Thailand—and in my opinion, the most beautiful. It’s divided into two very different areas: the jungle and Cheow Lan Lake, which you can visit separately or stay overnight in the park.
The jungle is a wildlife reserve home to tigers, Indian bison, and Malayan tapirs. It’s also where you’ll find the Rafflesia arnoldii, the largest flower in the world. You can go on day or night hikes, explore caves, canoe through the jungle, or even go white-water rafting.
Cheow Lan Reservoir is a huge artificial lake surrounded by towering rock formations, similar to Phang Nga Bay. You can take boat tours to admire the stunning scenery or even stay in floating bungalows—an unforgettable experience I highly recommend.
✔️ How to Get There?
The only way to visit Khao Sok in one day is with a tour. If you take public transportation, you'll need to stay overnight. I recommend this Cheow Lan Lake tour, which includes a boat ride, jungle hiking, and kayaking, as well as lunch and park entry.
⭐ Related article: Khao Sok National Park: Visit to the Park, Lake, and Caves—where I go into detail about transportation options and accommodations in both areas.
8. Rock Climbing in Krabi (Railay)
Okay, this isn’t exactly a day trip—I kind of cheated 😅. But if you are an active traveler, this is something you have to try.
Whether you’re an experienced climber or trying it for the first time, Krabi is the best place in Thailand for rock climbing. In Railay, the stunning limestone cliffs create a dream-like setting with spectacular ocean views.
If you’re up for it, I recommend this small-group climbing tour, led by professional climbers, with all gear included at a great price.
Map of Krabi
How to Get to Krabi
✔️ From Bangkok and Northern Thailand
Krabi has an international airport (KBV) with direct flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other cities. Budget airlines offer cheap domestic flights, and you can check schedules, prices, and book your flight on this website.
✔️ From Southern Thailand
The easiest option is to drive, giving you the flexibility to explore the area. I recommend this website, where I’ve found cars for as little as €20 per day.
If you prefer public transport, there are buses from Surat Thani, Phang Nga, and Phuket that go to Krabi Town or directly to Ao Nang.
Keep in mind that there are no trains to Krabi.
From Phuket, you can also take a ferry to Ao Nang. It’s a bit more expensive but faster.
You can check bus and ferry schedules and prices on this website. You can also book directly 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
Ao Nang is one of the best areas to stay in Krabi and the most popular due to its convenience. Most island tours depart from here, and it’s well-connected to the airport and other southern cities.
I can recommend two hotels here: Krabi Heritage, my favorite for its comfort and pool, and Fullmoon, a great budget option near the beach.
Another area I love is Railay—it's absolutely stunning and also a departing point for island tours.
One of the best places to stay is the Railay Village Resort, villas with all the amenities and an unbeatable location just steps from the beach. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay, Railay Garden has simple cottages at a good price.
🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this link from Booking to get 15% off your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
To explore the area at a relaxed pace, I recommend at least five days in Krabi. That way, you’ll have time to visit Phi Phi, take a couple of other tours, and relax for a few days.
To avoid the monsoon, the best months to visit Krabi and its islands are December to March, though it’s high season.
From May to October, it’s the rainy season in this part of Thailand. The worst months are September and October, when heavy rains can cause tour cancellations. April and November are transition months with some rain but are good options if you want to avoid the crowds.
During the monsoon, it doesn’t usually rain all day. Instead, there are heavy showers for a few hours, then it clears up, and you can continue enjoying your trip. Below, you can see a graph of Krabi’s average rainfall throughout the year.
⭐ You may also be interested in this detailed guide on the best time to travel to Thailand where I cover all regions, temperatures, and the burning season.
Final Thoughts
These are the best day-trips from Krabi to stunning islands and lush natural landscapes—must-visit places you won’t want to miss.
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! 😘
More about Krabi
More about the South and Thailand
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.
Hello, I have read your stories and I see that you have a lot of experience in Thailand. I am organizing my trip for January 2025. We could stay from 30 to 45 days. My question is where it would be best for me to stay in the south (we could be 4 or 6 people). I don't know if I should look for a fixed place for the whole period and use it as a base or change areas. Thank you for your answer.
Hello Sandra
If you want to explore and take advantage of seeing many places, it is best to change areas.
In southern Thailand there is a lot of distance between places, so it is impossible to base yourself in one place.
Once you decide what you want to visit, to give you an idea, look at how long the transport takes. Thailand transportation guide it will help you.
If you don't want to move around too much, you can choose several areas and stay in each one for 7 to 10 days. Some places that are good and have plenty to see and do excursions nearby are: Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, maybe I would also add Koh Lanta.
Then there are some places that are smaller, very nice and worth spending a few nights: Phi Phi, Koh Tao, Koh Lipe and Khao Sok.
Have a good trip!