Krabi: beautiful and unique beaches and views

Krabi (emphasis on the last syllable) is a Thai province located in southern Thailand. The name “KraBI” has nothing in common with crabs, as some people think, this word (in Thai กระบี่) means the name of a sword-like weapon. In this photo, a baby elephant is holding a krabi.

Krabi is located near the island of Phuket – there is both water and land transport between these provinces.

Also near Krabi are the islands of Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta (these islands are part of the Krabi province). In addition to these islands, near Krabi there are an abundance of other, both smaller and larger islands, some of them are very popular: “Spy Islands”, the island on which the film “The Beach” was filmed and others).

Krabi attracts tourists not only for its famous neighbors; the mainland of Krabi province is also very beautiful and very popular among travelers. First of all, Krabi is associated with beach holidays – both on the islands and on the mainland. In addition to the white sand and turquoise sea, these places boast unique views of mountains and islets – Krabi's beaches are unlike any other place in Thailand.

What makes Krabi very unusual are the bizarre limestone mountains. Views of them open from all sorts of vantage points – from mountains, from islands, from beaches.

The main population center of the province is Mueang Krabi (some call it Krabi Town). This is a fairly large and convenient city for living: there are inexpensive hotels, restaurants, modern Laundromats, many 7-Elevens and more. But from a tourist point of view the city is not very interesting.

Near Mueang Krabi there is a river that flows into the sea. This river washes away all the beaches and is more suitable for walking along it than for relaxing.

Mainland beaches are located some distance from Krabi Town. The most popular beach accessible by land among tourists is Ao Nang Beach. And the best mainland beaches are in the Railay area. Although it is not an island, Railay is surrounded by sea and mountains and is only accessible by boat.

2. How to get to Krabi

Krabi is accessible by land, sea and air. All the details on how to come to Krabi from various places are collected in a separate article: How to get to Krabi

3. Map of tourist places in Krabi. Top attractions in Krabi

This map shows the most popular places in Krabi and the top Krabi attractions to visit.

4. Krabi Beaches

4.1 Railay beaches

Railay has four beaches, two of which are suitable for swimming, and one of which is my favorite on the Krabi mainland.

For details, see the article: Railay: the best beaches in Krabi

4.2 Ao Nang Beach

A small, lively beach with scenic views and many nearby shops, cafes and hotels.

This is a good beach in the center of Ao Nang, sometimes the water is clear, sometimes not so much, you can swim at both low and high tides, since there are no stones, but at low tide it is very shallow. In the evenings every day Fire show, beautiful sunsets. Since there are many boats plying all day long, it is advisable to swim in places specially fenced with buoys.

This beach is located in the most tourist place and there are a lot of people here (during high season). There are a wide variety of shops and restaurants near the beach.

Short video from Ao Nang Beach:

And another video from the most popular Krabi beach:

4.3 Tubkaek Beach

A quiet, sandy beach known for its clear, shallow waters and views of nearby small islands.

The sand is white. There are many restaurants and sun loungers for rent, but we did not see any showers. At low tide it is very shallow.

4.4 Laem Bong Beach

This beach is located in a bay surrounded by industrial docks used by cargo ships laden with ore mined from nearby quarries. However, if you are looking for a secluded place and privacy, the beach is great as you are here alone almost all the time.

At low tide it is quite rocky. The southernmost tip is covered in slippery limestone, so be careful.

4.5 Koh Kwang Beach

Easy access and beautiful sunset views! Public parking is available. The sand is fine and free of debris. I'm not sure if it's worth swimming here because there were a lot of dead jellyfish on the shore.

Quiet and cozy, few people, there are sun loungers, but they belong to the hotel. The bottom of the beach is rocky, you need shoes. Overall, a cozy place without frills and a lot of tourists.

4.6 Klong Muang Beach

I think this is one of the most beautiful beaches you can find just a few minutes from Ao Nang, very quiet and uncrowded. The water is crystal clear and you can admire stunning sunsets over the sea.

There is also a nice restaurant on site with excellent food at affordable prices.

Nice beach, less touristy. Easier to find parking and avoid crowds. The beach itself is nothing special, but that doesn't mean it's bad.

4.7 Antosil beach Krabi

The beach is generally beautiful, but there is little shade. Nice views of the islands. At high tide there is a lot of debris in the water, and at low tide there is very little water and a lot of starfish.

Very calm beach, very few people. The water is usually not in the best condition for swimming, and the bottom appears more muddy than sandy. Sometimes stray dogs also appear. There are a couple of bars on the beach, nothing special, but if you want to be almost alone and just quietly read a book, this is your place.

4.8 Nopharat Thara Beach

An exceptionally good place for walks along the sea, lots of shade. The beach itself is dirty and clearly not the best option for swimming.

At low tide you can walk very far, even reach neighboring islands.

4.9 Hat Noppharat Thara

A good beach for jogging/exercising as there are shady paths. If you want to come here for a beach holiday, then you need to follow the tide schedule, since during high tide the sand disappears under the water and there is no beach as such.

It's quite shallow here. Therefore, on the one hand, it is safe for children, but, on the other hand, during low tide it may take a lot of time to find enough water for swimming.

If you just want to stroll along the beach, there are some nice shaded paths along the entire length of Hut Nopparat Thara.

5. Viewpoints, caves and hiking routes Krabi

On the map, these objects are placed on the “Viewpoints, caves, sculptures” layer.

5.1 Dragon's Crest (Ngon Nak Nature Trail)

This is a National Park with hiking trails on the mountain, with stunning views at the top.

For details, see the article: Dragon’s Crest (Ngon Nak Nature Trail): the most picturesque landscapes in Krabi

5.2 Wat Tham Suea

Wat Tham Suea is a temple complex whose main attractions are the mountain viewpoint and the caves.

For details, see the article: Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Caves Temple): Krabi viewpoint from 309 meters and cave network

5.3 Din Daeng Doi

This place is located near Dragon's Crest (Ngon Nak Nature Trail) – most likely this place can be seen from Ngon Nak, but you need to know where to look. This viewpoint is lower in height than the views from Ngon Nak Nature Trail.

From here you can watch the sunrise.

Entrance here costs 50 baht. You will need to climb up steep stairs to the viewpoint, which will take 10-20 minutes, or you can pay an additional 50 baht and they will take you to the top by car.

There are several viewing platforms, places to sit and a cafeteria.

5.4 Hong Island 360° View point

As the name suggests, this is a 360° viewpoint on Hong Island.

To get here, you first need to get to the island. There is no public water transport going here and you will need to negotiate with a private carrier – more on that below.

You will then have to walk a route of approximately 239 meters, mostly steps (400 steps).

The height of the viewpoint is 109 meters above sea level.

5.5 Laem Chamuk Khwai

A beach with red stones and a stone arch made of a very unusual-looking stone – layered and multi-colored.

At high tide, the beach is completely hidden under water, the arch is partially submerged.

This place is interesting more for its views and unusualness than for its beach holiday.

To get here, you will need to go through a short route through the jungle.

5.6 New bamboo bridge

Bridge going into the sea. At low tide there is no water under the bridge.

The bridge is located on the territory of the cafe, entrance costs 20 baht per person or purchase of any drink.

We arrived at a bad time – it was low tide, but the view was still magnificent.

It’s not worth going especially for this, but if you’re passing by, you’ll like it.

5.7 Thep Pratan Cave

Wonderful temple and cave! Unique landscapes. Deserted, no tourists. There are many bats in the large cave. There are a lot of dark and cramped passages in the small one (to the left of the big one), we did not go there. But you can go right through it and take a walk on the other side of the mountain. There was no light in the small cave, although there were switches (apparently something was broken).

5.8 Klang Cave

An interesting cave system, inside of which there are passages, but no light.

The cost of visiting is 250 baht per person. This price includes a helmet with a head lamp and an accompanying guide.

The tour lasts about 30-40 minutes.

5.9 Khao Phueng Cave

A large cave with large stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a pool, bats and frogs.

5.10 Tham Lot and Phi Hua To Cave

There are several caves here.

It takes about 10 minutes to get to the place by motor boat, and I think about 30-40 minutes by kayak. And back the same way.

For a boat they ask 800 baht, for kayaks 800 for 1 kayak.

The first cave can be viewed from a boat/kayak (depending on what you're on). The length of the cave is 50 meters.

The second cave is nearby. Its length is also 50 meters, at the top there is a mini observation deck. Right at the entrance to the cave at the top there is a rock art dating back to 2000-3000 BC.

Entrance to this cave is 300 baht per person.

In addition to the cave, there is an eco-trail in the form of a wooden bridge 440 meters long, which runs along the cliff above the water through mangroves.

At the end of the trail there is a wild cave, its length is 200 meters. You can even walk through it in flip-flops.

We asked the guide for a flashlight and went together.

There was no one else besides us, so there was a slight feeling of pioneers.

5.11 Khao Khanab Nam

There are three caves opposite the pier in the main town of Krabi. It's actually a pretty cool place with natural cave structures, man-made things, and fake dinosaur bones.

The first cave is very small and many bats can be found inside. But take a flashlight if you want to go further and explore the inside. Because it's very dark and smelly.

In the second cave, which is larger and more beautiful, you may need about 10 minutes to walk around and enjoy its beauty.

The latter is also small, overlooking the river, where you can take beautiful pictures!

You need to cross the river to get to these caves. You can find a person with a boat in different places and under different conditions. For example, you may be charged 300 baht for crossing a river, and 700 baht for a one-hour excursion that includes driving through a mangrove forest. In my opinion it's too expensive.

5.12 Trail up to Kuan Nom Saow viewpoint

The place is unique and not crowded at all. At the top there is a nice cafe powered by solar energy.

Cafe visitors have access to a garden with swings and benches.

This is a trail approximately 900 meters long, along which you can drive up to 600-700 meters by car (you can park 3-5 cars).

As for motorbikes, they can drive all the way and park at the top.

5.13 Sa Kaeo

I really liked the pond with crystal clear water and the cave – all this is definitely worth a visit. If you arrive early, you can see this place without tourists. Entrance costs 100 baht.

The reservoir itself is small, but beautiful. It is even more surprising to learn that the depth of the caves underneath reaches 200 meters, and you can even go diving there!

Tham Sra Kaeo (Sa Kaeo or Sra Kaew) is the second deepest cave in Thailand. It has two exits, which are located 50 m from each other, and connect underground at a depth of 84 m. 200 meters from the lake, if you go through the forest along the path, there is the Sra Namtip Cave. There is a passage up the stairs. There are still passages down.

Interesting cave complex. You can climb for a long time, but there is no lighting. There are many narrow and low passages inside, making it easy to get lost. There are routes up and down, but these are for hardcore extreme sports enthusiasts. The lake itself is also very beautiful, you can swim.

6. Islands of Krabi Province

The Phi Phi Islands are probably no less popular than the Krabi province. But these are not the only islands – there are many small islands that are a rock in the sea, but there are also islands with beautiful bays, beaches and even viewpoints. This section is dedicated to them.

6.1 How to get to the Krabi Islands

Ko Lanta can be reached by land from Krabi Bus Terminal.

To see the Phi Phi Islands, you can take a day tour or take advantage of any of the many tour operators.

From the following places you can get to other islands:

Sai Thai Klong Jilad Pier – water connections (fast boats and ferries) to the islands of Ko Phi Phi, Ko Jum, Ko Pu, Ko Lanta
Laem Kruat Pier – water transport to Koh Jum island
Ao Nang Boat Service Point – water transport to almost any island in Krabi

Ao Nang Boat Service Point Terms and Rates – Please note that you will need to wait for the required number of passengers for your destination, or you will have to pay for the entire boat:

In tourist places you can buy tours that include visits to several islands.

Some islands are part of a national park and for foreigners the cost of visiting them is 200 baht per person. Examples of such islands: Bamboo Island, Ko Phi Phi Lee, Ko Poda. You may or may not be checked for a ticket to visit the National Park – in any case, be prepared for this. Perhaps check this point with the carrier who will deliver you to the island.

6.2 Ko Lanta

A large island, interesting primarily as a transport hub.

The island has many hotels, several beaches, a National Park and several tourist attractions such as boating among the mangroves.

6.3 Phi Phi Islands

A very beautiful island: beautiful beaches and breathtaking viewpoints.

The island has hotels and shops.

6.4 Hong Island

The island is interesting primarily for its viewpoint, which is described above.

There is also a cove with a beach and picturesque sea views for photography.

6.5 Lao Lading Island

This is a mostly rocky uninhabited island, but there is a small beach and a kiosk where you can buy a cold drink.

6.6 Koh Pakbia

An island with a beach and beautiful photo spots.

6.7 Bamboo Island

And another island where there is nothing but a beach.

But this is a place of amazing beauty! Snow-white sand, clear turquoise water, islands in the distance.

6.8 Ko Phi Phi Lee

Again an island with a beach and beautiful views.

There are very unusual views here – high cliffs hanging over clear water.

The bay and beach of Maya Bay are popular because they were shown in the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio (if this tells you anything, after all, a quarter of a century has passed since the release of the film and a generation has changed).

6.9 Ko Poda

The island with the beach is beautiful and breathtaking.

6.10 Ko Kai (Chicken Island)

Chicken Island got its name because the hill near the island is shaped like a chicken.

There is a beach and beautiful views.

6.11 Tub Islands

A very small island, located next to Ko Kai and Ko Poda. It is very beautiful in here.

There is a sandy bridge called Thale Waek to a neighboring island called Ko Thap.

6.12 Koh Jum

Island with hotels. The beaches here are not the best, but overall the place is suitable for a secluded holiday.

6.13 Pha Khom

6.14 Ko Pak Ka

7. Hot springs

I found 3 hot springs in Krabi, see the following links for details:

The most popular (this is the one that taxi drivers take you to) is Hot Stream Krabi. There is both a hot spring and a cold waterfall. During high season there can be a lot of people.

Another less popular hot spring is Saline Hot Spring Khlong Thom. These are more familiar pools with water of different temperatures.

Krabi Hot Spring Park is, first of all, a hotel with swimming pools filled with water from hot springs. You can stay in a hotel and use the pools for free, or buy a ticket.

8. Parks and gardens

8.1 Than Bok Khorani National Park

Entrance 300 baht per person. The land part is quite small in size, but nevertheless beautiful.

The water part of the park includes a swimming area, a small waterfall, mangrove forests and caves that can be explored by kayak.

To be honest, I would not call this place a priority to visit.

8.2 Thara Park

A beautiful and large park along the river. There are many sports facilities such as a football field and a basketball court. Very convenient for running, playing sports or just relaxing with friends or family and eating together. There is a play area for children and in the late afternoon you will find plenty of food vendors.

There is a lot of shade here, even when it is very sunny.

8.3 Flower gardens

Many different flowers, beautiful rocks in the background. Ideal to take lots of great photos. Entrance 50 baht for adults and 20 for children. There are benches in the shade on which water is sprayed – very good for relieving the heat. It may not be worth making a special trip, but if you’re on your way to a mango forest, then it’s definitely worth stopping by here.

It is very hot even in the morning, so it is better to visit this place before 11.00 – after that there are also a lot of people.

You can rent an umbrella here. There is parking and a good road.

8.4 Khao Phanom Bencha National Park

Entrance to the park costs 100 baht. The main attraction is the Huay To Waterfall, but during the dry season the waterfall may be low.

There is a 1.6 km long hiking trail.

8.5 Mangrove Walkway

A fun little walk where you can see crabs and mudskippers. At the end of the walk there are boats you can pay for to take you to the island opposite where you can walk around the cave.

8.6 Fossil Shell Beach Krabi (Susan Hoi)

Fossil Shells of Gastropods.

To the untrained eye, these are just stone slabs. Quite unusual for natural formations, but nothing particularly surprising.

To appreciate this place, you need to be a paleontologist enthusiast.

That is, the most interesting thing you will see here is the inclusion of shells in the stone.

There are a total of two observation platforms in this place. Entrance costs 200 baht.

Perhaps this is semi-finished limestone (which is a sedimentary rock formed by shells), perhaps the shells fell into some other substrate and eventually hardened.

In general, if you think about it, ancient organisms also did not know moderation and multiplied until their remains began to have geological significance: limestone, coal, oil, natural gas – all these are the remains of natural organisms.

Sedimentary rocks are certain chemical elements withdrawn from circulation: limestone is calcium that was part of living organisms, but was ultimately deposited in the form of stone and became inaccessible to organisms. Similarly, oil, coal, natural gas – all this is carbon removed from the circulation of living organisms.

By the way, as a result of carbon sequestration and decreasing levels of greenhouse gases, the Earth's climate was changing. That is, living organisms changed the climate and appearance of planet Earth long before humans. And not to say that this was always beneficial or at least remained unpunished – some mass extinctions, if not completely provoked by such processes, were at least enhanced by them. An example of this is the Devonian extinction, which was triggered by the evolution of plants.

But the biological causes of mass extinctions are very slow. For example, the already mentioned Devonian extinction lasted, according to various estimates, from 0.5 to 15 million years. Which, nevertheless, from the point of view of human civilization is unattainable long time.

8.7 Thapom Klong Song Nam

A short nature trail, pleasant to spend 30-40 minutes here. View of ponds and mangroves. Entrance costs 100 baht.

It is possible to rent a kayak, but at some times of the year the water level is very low.

8.8 Than Khiri Krabi – Kamnan Water Park

A well-maintained park with all the infrastructure and a place for swimming. Many local families with children. There is a cafe with delicious food and normal prices, toilets, parking. You can have a good time, relax and swim. Entrance 20 baht per person.

9. Kayaking, dams, lakes

The next 5 places are kayak rental companies. They are all located in the area of one lake called Nong Thale Crystal lake. A very beautiful natural lake with clear water and many plants growing inside it. Ideal for taking photos, enjoying the views or simply and safely kayaking.

The list of companies is not complete, perhaps you can find others.

9.1 Klong Root (Clear Water Canal)

Here you can kayak. The water is clean. You can swim in open areas or kayak into mangroves.

The route takes 1-3 hours. At the end of the route there is a pond where you can swim.

The cost of renting a kayak for two without a time limit is 300 baht.

9.2 Mirror Lake Krabi

The cost of a kayak is 400 baht, and a transparent bottom kayak is 800 baht.

9.3 South Krabi Kayaking

The cost of a kayak is 300 baht. Free plate of watermelon at the end of the trip. There are changing rooms and toilets that you can use for free if you rent a kayak. You can rent a waterproof bag here.

The cost of a kayak with a guide is 450 baht.

9.4 Kayak KlongRood Kayaking

Kayak rental at Nong Thale Crystal lake.

9.5 Klongrood kayaking Lazanya tour

Kayak rental at Nong Thale Crystal lake. For an additional 100 you can hire a guide.

9.6 Khao Khom Dam

A beautiful lake with huge carp. You can feed the fish; fish food is sold here.

The entrance is free. Swimming is prohibited.

Worth stopping by if you're on the road. It's not worth making a special trip.

9.7 Ao Thalane Kayak

The cost of renting a double kayak without a time limit is 600 baht.

There are large and small circular routes. If you want to take two routes, a large circle and a small one, then you should arrive at 8:30, when the water level in the river is high. If you arrive later, the water will decrease and you will only be able to walk in a small circle.

We took a kayak without a guide, kayaking around two circles, looked at everything and were in no hurry at all, stopped on the beaches and admired the monkeys. The entire trip took 4 hours.

9.8 Nong Thale

It’s a beautiful and very pleasant place, but it’s not a well-maintained park with infrastructure, in case someone is expecting that. It's just a lake with a peaceful landscape in the background

At certain times, you can see the red flowers of the Indian oak and freshwater mangrove trees.

10. Zoos

Tickets for buses, ferries and trains, including connecting routes:

Air tickets to international and local destinations at the lowest prices:

Hotels:

Ko Samui: a beautiful and cozy island for beach holidays and parties (88.2%)
Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Caves Temple): Krabi viewpoint from 309 meters and cave network (85.3%)
Ko Pha Ngan: an island of parties and women without bras (78.7%)
Railay: the best beaches in Krabi (71.2%)
How to get to Railay (68.8%)
Where to play beach volleyball in Pattaya (RANDOM - 1.3%)