4 Days in Krabi, Thailand
Welcome to our four day tour of Krabi, Thailand. We hope you enjoy traveling with us and are inspired to take your own trip. This trip was part of our seven month journey around the world which began in Flores, Guatemala. See a summary of the destinations we traveled to over our seven months here: link.
Why Travel to Krabi, Thailand ?
We chose to travel to Krabi because of the accessibility to some unbelievable rock climbing locations in Railay Beach and as it was also a logical next stop from our previous location of Koh Phi Phi and then onto Koh Tao. There are also many great day trips that made our stay in Krabi well worth it.
How Long to Stay in Krabi, Thailand ?
We think three days is sufficient. You’ll need one full day for rock climbing in the mecca of climbing – Railay. One day should be enough, unless you are a rock climbing expert with calloused hands. If you are going to add another day of rock climbing we would highly recommend splitting them up. You’ll also need another day to visit the Tiger Cave and explore the town by scooter. Then another day for a day trip of your choice. There are several to choose from including a “four island” tour, a day trip to Koh Phi Phi (where we came from), a trip to the “emerald pool and hot springs” or as we did a trip to Hong Island. You can add more days for additional day trips or activities as needed. We took 4 days because we have a credit card that offered us 4th night free on all of our hotel stays and it was certainly nice to take it slow.
Top Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand
1) Rock Climbing at Railay Beach
Distance: 25-30 minutes by ferry from Krabi port
Duration: 8 hours
Price: 1400 THB (USD $45) per person at time of our travel (currently 2000 THB)
Includes: lunch, water, and several runs at two top rock climbing locations
The southern coast of Krabi is a tropical paradise including the Railay Peninsula, a remote jungle-beach haven with four separate beaches. Railay is a rock climber’s DREAM and must visit for beginning and experienced climbers.
To get to Railay you can purchase a one-way ferry ticket for $200 THB (~ $6 USD) from Krabi to Railay East. You may want to spend one or more nights in Railay to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and/or fit in more rock climbing (if your hands and legs aren’t too sore).
We did a full day rock climbing tour with King Climbers.
This was our first rock climbing experience ever (not including one day on a small artificial indoor wall several years before) and what a way to start. Railay has some epic rock climbing spots consisting of towering limestone cliffs, caves, and unbelievable aerial views of the beaches.
The first climb had some challenges but was definitely a relatively easier run. As an FYI, we did feel safe throughout our whole experience, even though our guide was half of Kurts size and we only had one rope holding us up, but those are just things Kurt thought about as he is uneasy with heights.
We did several climbs during the day in two different distinct locations. The last location was our favorite on the “Massage Secret” climbing wall. It was challenging, yet came with remarkable views.
At the top of this climb, I was rewarded with breathtaking views of stalactites hanging from the limestone cliffs and views of the curving bay. I honestly could have sat there for an hour taking it all in.
2) Railay Beach Sight-Seeing
You don’t have to go rock climbing to enjoy the views from the beaches.
3) Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple) (11 minute drive from downtown Krabi)
Be sure to visit this Buddhist temple complex located within the jungle which is free to enter. The temple gets its name from the nearby Tiger Cave where a monk had discovered tiger prints on the walls of the cave.
The temple is free to enter, however, we bought some food (peanuts for $1 USD) to feed the horde of monkeys around the temple complex.
While feeding the monkeys is fun, the highlight is the trip to “Wonderland”. To get to the top of “Wonderland” you will have to climb 1,237 steps. Be sure to pace yourself and bring water. Enjoy the views from the top and the temple.
After climbing to the top, we hiked back down to the entrance. There was still more to explore as we hadn’t yet visited the Tiger Cave or some of the cave temples within the jungle. These sights were much quicker and less strenuous to get to and worth the effort.
4)Hong Islands Day Trip
2.5 hours from Krabi by boat
We took a Hong Island Day Tour which brought us by Long-tail Boat to Koh Lao Lading, and Hong Island, a couple tropical island gems.
While on Hong Island we swam and snorkeled in the emerald green waters of the lagoon and relaxed on the white sand beaches next to the crystal blue water of the sea.
For those that like to explore a bit, head into the jungle (path is marked), and head to see the unique caves.
5) Rent a Scooter and Enjoy the Town
Renting a scooter is highly recommended as not only can you visit some of the nearby attractions, but you can also visit the restaurants around town and save time walking. We paid just above $5 USD for the day.
6) Ao Nang Night Market
This is a foodies paradise. Hundreds of food and beverage stands are set up waiting for you. You can sample a variety of foods. We enjoyed some fruit shakes to cool us off, some traditional Thai ice cream rolls, and (our “usual”) spring rolls.
Where to Stay in Krabi, Thailand
Aonang Goodwill Resort Krabi
This was a very affordable stay, nothing spectacular, but a good location. One memory that stood out was when the city had a power outage and we lost power in our hotel. It was in the dead of a hot night (as they usually are) so not having AC was not fun.
Where to Eat in Krabi, Thailand
Lion & Shark
This café is truly a hidden gem in the Ao Nang area. It is tucked away on a side street where you’ll have to take a set of stairs up the side of the building to get in. This is dining with a view. Lion & Shark is THE PLACE to go to for a healthy breakfast.
Govinda’s Restaurant
This was a vegan’s paradise serving international cuisines with vegetarian and many vegan options.
Café 8.98 (Ao Nang)
While we thoroughly enjoy a delicious Thai meal for breakfast and lunch we also enjoy having the option for a nice light and healthy Western meal like at this café. You can expect anything from an açai bowl, to a salad, to a sandwich (with vegan options available). We would definitely recommend coming here for both breakfast and/or lunch.
Pirates House Restaurant & Bar
This was under the same name as the location in Koh Phi Phi, where we thoroughly enjoyed the food. Finding this franchised restaurant was a treat as they have a variety of food ranging from Thai to Indian food.
Maharaja Indian Restaurant
There are dozens of Indian restaurants in Krabi, and most of them are quite good.
Rolled Ice Cream
Cool off with some fresh rolled traditional Thai ice cream. At the Ao Nang Night Market there are a handful of ice cream stalls to choose from. I’m sure they are all very similar. At the one we visited, they had a vegan option for me!
Other Recommendations of Things to Do
These are all adventures that we unfortunately didn’t have time to do on our own but would have considered if we had more time:
- Phra Nang Beach (and cave beach in Railay): If you have extra time in Railay, check out this cave, known for its stalactites and stalagmites, and oh yeah, apparently a cave full of phallic shaped statues.
- Khao Phanom Bencha National Park (less than 30 minute drive from Krabi): If you rent a scooter, head north to this beautiful park, known for waterfalls, caves, and wildlife throughout the rainforest.
- Visit Ao Nang Beach (20 minutes drive from Krabi): This beach is one of the busier beaches surrounded by cafés and restaurants.
- Take a load off at Klong Thom Hot Springs (about 50 minutes from Krabi): Check out these natural hot tubs to relax and rejuvenate. The hot spring contains natural mineral salts that have many healing properties.
- Four Island tour (all day tour departing from Krabi): This is a very popular day trip departing from Krabi, as you’ll see the beautiful islands of Koh Poda, Koh Tub, Chicken Island, and the bay of Railay beach. You can experience this tour via long tail boat (slowest) or speedboat if you want to have extra time at each location. Expect snorkeling and beautiful beaches.
Questions For You
- Would you try rock climbing in Railay Beach?
- Where was the most incredible place you have ever rock climbed?
Away We Go 