Krabi-cadabra!

If you're looking for an island paradise, then Krabi is where to go! Read this 3-day itinerary to prepare for your island adventure.

Krabi is a province situated along the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand that has grown in tourist, much like the rest of Thailand, for it's beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes. The areas limestone cliffs and caves, emerald waters and jungle parks make it a fantastic place to visit. Historically, Krabi was a vital trading port which led to a melting pot of various cultures. You can see this in the variety of architecture and local traditions. Today, this rich historical tapestry is seamlessly woven into the vibrant cultural fabric of the region, providing a captivating backdrop for exploration.

When to visit Krabi?

The best time to visit Krabi is during the dry season, which typically extends from December to April. This period ensures sunny days and minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the the country's natural beauty. The months of June to September constitute the monsoon season, characterized by heavy rains and rough seas. While the island's landscape becomes lush and green during this time, it may not be the most suitable for outdoor activities.

How to get to Krabi?

Getting to Krabi is an easy journey with multiple transportation options. If arriving by air, like us, Krabi International Airport serves as a convenient gateway with direct flights from major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Alternatively, travelers can opt for overland transportation, with buses and minivans connecting Krabi to nearby cities and provinces. The scenic route from Phuket or Bangkok via bus offers a chance to enjoy Thailand's diverse landscapes. For those who are island hopping, ferries from nearby islands, such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are also available.

How to get around Krabi?

A common way to get around in south east Asia is to use the app Grab, which is similar to Uber. It is the way to go here in Thailand, and we had no issues in Vietnam either. Rates are very affordable and we never had to wait long for the tuk tuk or car to show up. You can also use it to call scooters if you're travelling alone.

What to do in Krabi?

Day 1: Railay Beach

The number one thing to do in Krabi, or maybe the most common thing to do, is to spend the day at Railay Beach.  Accessible only by boat due to its stunning limestone cliffs cutting it off from the mainland, Railay Beach greets visitors with its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Traditional long-tail boats depart from the beach in Krabi non-stop during the day. You can easily grab tickets from the kiosk, no need to book in advance to get there. However, you do want to book your return ticket and pay attention to the time of the last boat! You will have to walk into the water to get on the long-tail boats so be prepared to get wet up to mid-thigh and keep your valuables at the hotel.

The West Railay Beach, where you'll deboard from the long-tail boats, is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is lined with restaurants and beach clubs if you want to rent chairs or umbrellas. You can walk through town to visit more restaurants and shops, crossing to East Railay Beach. This is a more secluded beach and a prime spot to watch the sunset - just don't miss your boat!

The walk to East Railay beach will also take you past Diamond cave if you'd like to pop in and see a limestone cave up close. The cave's name is derived from the glittering calcite crystals that adorn its walls, resembling glistening diamonds. While relatively small, Diamond Cave is a worth a visit to cool off and listen to the soft echoes of the dripping water while exploring the dimly lit chambers.

Day 2: Koh Phi Phi Tour

It wouldn't be a trip to Krabi without taking a boat tour. There are several to chose from, if you have the time then I would recommend doing at least two. The first being a speed boat tour around Koh Phi Phi. This tour will give lots of options for swimming, snorkelling and admiring the nature. You first stop will be on Bamboo Island, a secluded paradise featuring powdery white sands and vibrant coral reefs beneath its crystal-clear waters. It's a fantastic option to grab some photos, snorkel, swim or sunbathe if you prefer. The next stop will be Pileh Lagoon, an emerald-green natural pool nestled amidst towering limestone cliffs. Enclosed by sheer rock walls, the lagoon provides an enchanting setting for a refreshing swim in its tranquil waters.

The most famous stop on this tour is Maya Bay, the iconic backdrop that once served as the filming location for the movie "The Beach." While Maya Bay has recently reopened after a two-year closure for ecological recovery, many restrictions remain in place. Boats are unable to anchor in the harbour, which means you disembark on the other side of the island in Loh Samah Bay. This gives an opportunity to walk through the jungle on a boardwalk and admire the island's natural growth. You are also not allowed to swim in the bay and this is strictly enforced. There are guards patrolling the beach with whistles and they will stop anyone who goes deeper than mid-calf. Please respect these rules while visiting as the local conservation effort is important.

Day 3: Sunset Tour

The second tour you should consider in Krabi is the sunset tour on a traditional long-tail boat. Since this is a sunset tour, you will depart in the afternoon instead of the typical morning departure. The adventure begins with a snorkeling stop off a limestone island where you'll get to see colourful schools of fish.

Next up will be a visit to Chicken Island, named for a distinctive rock formation that resembles a chicken's head and neck. You'll have a photo opportunity from the water to get the best shot before heading to the beach. You'll have some time to explore around the beach, visiting local shops or grabbing a snack.

Next up will be Tup and Mohr Islands, if your guide is able to time it right then you'll get a unique experience here! These islands have become popular since they have interconnected sandbars that are create a natural pathway during low tide. Note, you'll want to wear something to walk across the sandbar as there are lots of broken shells and little rocks.

From here you'll head to Phra Nang beach to enjoy the sunset. If you remember from your visit to Railay Beach, this is a popular spot. It can be tricky getting photos here since it's so popular, but it will provide a beautiful and colourful experience.

After the sunset you will head to a restaurant near Railay beach for a delicious local dinner. We enjoyed pad thai and curry with rice while getting to know our fellow travelers. After dinner, you'll head to the final adventure of the tour. You'll return to the first snorkeling spot of the day, off a limestone cliff. Here you'll have an opportunity to snorkel at night for a very special reason...biolumiscent plankton! Crazily, Shane and I were the only ones from our boat who wanted to get in the water at this point. The guide will turn off all the boat lights and dump water onto the boat so everyone can see the plankton. It's also possible to watch anyone in the water stirring up the plankton. This last stop was easily one of my favourites, and if you have the chance I recommend jumping in the water for it.

Bonus: Muay Thai fighting

When it comes to entertainment in Krabi, and other parts of Thailand as well, you'll see a lot of Muay Thai fighting shows. You'll even notice pick up trucks driving around with loudspeakers advertising for these shows. This ancient martial art is very popular here. It even attracts fighters training around the world to visit a gym here. Our accommodations actually ended up being across from one of the popular gyms and people were always coming and going. This sport, known as "The Art of Eight Limbs," incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, creating a visually striking and intense spectacle. If you're looking for something different to do in the evenings then check out one of the local shows.