Thailand · Andaman Coast · Krabi

Krabi Travel Guide: Cliffs, Beaches & Island-Hopping

Krabi gives you some of Thailand's most dramatic scenery: limestone cliffs rising out of the sea, longtail boats anchored in turquoise water and beaches backed by jungle. You can base yourself in Ao Nang or Railay, take boat trips to nearby islands and still keep things relaxed.

Use this Krabi travel guide to decide where to stay, how long to spend, which beaches and islands to focus on and how Krabi fits into a wider Thailand itinerary.

Where to Stay in Krabi

Most travellers choose between Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi Town. Each area gives you a different feel and works for a different kind of Thailand holiday.

Ao Nang – easy base

Ao Nang suits you if you want simple access to everything. You can walk to the beach, restaurants and longtail boat piers, and it's easy to arrange day trips from here. The beach itself isn't Thailand's very best, but the location is practical.

Railay – cliffs and coves

Railay feels like an island even though it's part of the mainland. It's only accessible by boat, which keeps cars away and gives you a more secluded feel. You're surrounded by cliffs, caves and smaller beaches, which is ideal if you love scenery and don't mind a slower nightlife.

Krabi Town – local atmosphere

Krabi Town isn't on the beach, but it gives you markets, river views and a more everyday feel. It works if you're watching your budget or you like staying somewhere that feels less like a resort.

Once you have a sense of which area fits you best, you can move on to choosing specific hotels or guesthouses that match your style and budget.

Best Beaches & Islands Around Krabi

Krabi works best when you treat it as a hub for exploring nearby beaches and islands, as well as enjoying the place you're staying in.

• Railay Beach: a peninsula with soft sand, clear water and cliffs all around – great for relaxing and for photos.
• Phra Nang Cave Beach: a short walk from Railay, with dramatic rock formations and good swimming.
• Four Islands & Hong Island: classic day trips from Ao Nang for snorkelling, sandbars and lagoons.

How Long to Spend in Krabi

You can visit Krabi as a short break from Phuket or as the main base of your Thailand beach holiday.

3–4 nights

Enough for a couple of boat days and some time to enjoy your chosen beach area without rushing.

5–7 nights

Lets you combine Ao Nang and Railay or add more relaxed days for wandering markets, trying different restaurants and simply watching the cliffs change colour at sunset.

Practical Tips for Your Krabi Holiday

• Bring reef‑safe sunscreen and dry bags for boat days – you'll use both more than you expect.
• If you're staying in Railay, remember you'll arrive and leave by boat, so pack with that in mind.
• You can reach Krabi by plane from Bangkok or by road from Phuket, which makes it easy to include in a wider Thailand itinerary.

When you're ready to go deeper, you can jump into the dedicated pages for things to do in Krabi and where to stay in Krabi.