Krabi Town & Night Market

About Krabi Town & Night Market

About Krabi Town & Night Market

Krabi Town is often overlooked for beaches like Ao Nang, but it offers an authentic Thai experience with local markets, riverside views, and a laid-back vibe. The Krabi Night Market (Walking Street) is a must-visit for foodies and culture lovers!


🌆 Krabi Town Highlights

  1. Maharat Bridge (Krabi Riverside)

    • Stunning sunset views over the mangrove-lined river.

    • Nearby seafood restaurants (try Ruen Mai or Lung Mae).

  2. Wat Kaew Korawaram (White Temple)

    • A beautiful Buddhist temple with intricate architecture.

    • Peaceful atmosphere, less touristy than Tiger Cave Temple.

  3. Krabi Town Walking Street (Weekend Market)

    • Opens Fri–Sun (5 PM–10 PM).

    • Local handicrafts, clothes, and live music.

  4. Khao Khanab Nam Caves

    • Two limestone caves with a viewpoint over the river.

    • Short boat ride from Krabi Pier (~50 THB).

  5. Thung Talad (Local Morning Market)

    • Fresh fruits, Thai snacks, and cheap breakfast (open 5 AM–12 PM).


🍜 Krabi Night Market (Krabi Walking Street)

📍 Location: Near Vogue Department Store (central Krabi).
🕒 Hours: Daily (5 PM–10 PM), but bigger on weekends.

Must-Try Foods:

✔ Krabi’s famous Khanom Jeen (rice noodles with curry)
✔ Grilled seafood (prawns, squid, fish)
✔ Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
✔ Thai-style BBQ skewers (Moo Ping, Gai Yang)
✔ Crispy Roti (with banana & chocolate)
✔ Fresh coconut ice cream

What Else to Do?

  • Watch live Thai dance & music performances.

  • Buy handmade souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry.

  • Try foot massages (cheap and relaxing after shopping).


🚗 How to Get There

  • From Ao Nang: ~25 min by taxi (~300 THB) or local bus (~50 THB).

  • From Krabi Airport: ~30 min (~500 THB by taxi).

  • Tuk-tuks & Songthaews (shared red trucks) are cheap options.


💡 Insider Tips

  • Best time to visit: Friday–Sunday (more stalls & entertainment).

  • Cash only! Most vendors don’t accept cards.

  • Try lesser-known stalls—they often have the best flavors.

  • Combine with a riverside dinner for a perfect evening.


🏨 Where to Stay in Krabi Town

  • Budget: Pak-Up Hostel (social vibe), K-Bunk Hostel

  • Mid-Range: The L Resort Krabi, Nak Krabi Hotel

  • Luxury: Aonang Fiore Resort (close to town but near the beach)


🔹 Nearby Attractions

  • Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) – 30 min away.

  • Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) – 1-hour drive.

  • Ao Thalane Kayaking – Mangrove forests & hidden lagoons.


Final Tip: If you love local culture, Krabi Town is way more authentic than touristy Ao Nang. The night market is a food paradise—go hungry! 😋

Getting There

🚗 How to Get to Krabi Town

1. From Krabi Airport (KBV)

  • Taxi: ~30 mins, 500–600 THB (fixed rate counters at arrivals).

  • Airport Shuttle Bus: ~100 THB, drops at Krabi Bus Terminal (then take a tuk-tuk to town).

  • Private Transfer: Pre-book online (~700 THB) for hassle-free hotel drop-off.

2. From Phuket

  • Bus: ~3–4 hours, 200–300 THB (from Phuket Bus Terminal to Krabi Town).

  • Private Minivan: ~2.5 hours, 400–500 THB/person (door-to-door).

  • Ferry (Seasonal): ~2 hours from Phuket (Rassada Pier) to Krabi (Ao Nang Pier), then taxi to town.

3. From Bangkok

  • Flight: ~1.5 hours (Thai Airways, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways).

  • Bus: ~12 hours overnight (VIP buses cost ~800–1,200 THB).

  • Train + Bus: Take a train to Surat Thani, then a bus to Krabi (~10 hours total).

4. From Ao Nang/Beach Areas

  • Tuk-Tuk/Songthaew: ~30 mins, 150–200 THB (shared songthaews are cheaper).

  • Motorbike Taxi: ~100 THB (quick but no luggage space).


🌙 Krabi Town Night Market (Krabi Walking Street)

📍 Location: Maharaj Soi 8, near the river (Google Maps: “Krabi Walking Street”).
📅 Open: Friday–Sunday, 5 PM–10 PM (most lively around 6–9 PM).

🍜 Must-Try Foods

  • Khao Mok Gai (Thai yellow chicken biryani)

  • Grilled Seafood (prawns, squid, fish)

  • Mango Sticky Rice (fresh & sweet!)

  • Khanom Jeen (rice noodles with curry)

  • Coconut Ice Cream (topped with peanuts & sticky rice)

🎉 What Else to Do

✔ Live Music & Performances (traditional Thai dance).
✔ Handmade Souvenirs (batik clothing, wooden carvings).
✔ Foot Massages (~200 THB for 30 mins).

💡 Pro Tips

  • Arrive early (6 PM) to avoid crowds.

  • Bring cash (few vendors accept cards).

  • Try the “Krabi Lobo” dessert (local sticky rice cake).


🚶♂️ Getting to the Night Market from Krabi Town

  • Walking: If staying in central Krabi, it’s a 10–15 min stroll from most hotels.

  • Tuk-Tuk: ~50 THB for a short ride (negotiate price first).

  • Grab/Taxi: ~60–80 THB via app (safer at night).


🏨 Where to Stay Near Krabi Town

  • Budget: Pak-Up Hostel (social vibe), K-Bunk Hostel

  • Mid-Range: The L Resort Krabi (pool + river view), Krabi Riverine Resort

  • Luxury: Nakamanda Resort (boutique beachfront)


🔹 Bonus Tips

  • Combine with a riverfront dinner at The Hilltop for sunset views.

  • **Visit the nearby Krabi Weekend Market (Sat-Sun) if you miss the night market.

  • Avoid Mondays—most markets are closed!

What To Do

🌆 Krabi Town Highlights

  1. Krabi Walking Street (Weekend Market)

    • When: Fri–Sun (5–10 PM)

    • What to Do:

      • Try local snacks like Khanom Jeen (rice noodles with curry), grilled squid, and coconut pancakes.

      • Buy handmade souvenirs (batik clothing, wooden carvings).

      • Enjoy live music and cultural performances.

  2. Krabi Town Temples

    • Wat Kaew Korawaram: Striking white temple with a golden Buddha.

    • Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua): Epic climb for panoramic views (30 mins from town).

  3. Krabi Riverside (Maharat Road)

    • Chill at sunset bars (The Hilltop for cocktails with a view).

    • Take a longtail boat ride to mangrove forests or nearby islands.

  4. Krabi Contemporary Art Museum

    • Free entry! Features modern Thai art in a sleek gallery.

  5. **Day Trip to Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) & Hot Springs

    • 1-hour drive from town—natural jade-colored pools and warm thermal baths.


🌙 Krabi Night Market (Chao Fah Night Market)

  • Location: Near Krabi Hospital (5-min walk from town center).

  • Hours: Daily (5–10 PM), but liveliest on weekends.

🍜 Must-Try Foods

  • Pad Thai Boat Noodles – Served in tiny bowls (try multiple flavors!).

  • Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) – Sweet and smoky.

  • Roti Gluay (Banana Roti) – Crispy pancake with condensed milk.

  • Fresh Seafood – Grilled prawns, crab curry, and spicy clams.

  • Exotic Options: Fried insects (crickets, silkworms) for the brave!

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Hand-painted Krabi-themed T-shirts (~150–200 THB).

  • Local spices (massaman curry paste, kaffir lime leaves).

  • Trinkets – Elephant pants, seashell jewelry.

🎶 Entertainment

  • Live bands playing Thai pop covers.

  • Foot massages (~200 THB for 30 mins) to relax after eating.


💡 Insider Tips

  • Go Hungry: Portions are small—sample multiple dishes!

  • Bargain Gently: Prices are already low, but polite haggling works for souvenirs.

  • Cash Only: Few vendors accept cards (ATMs nearby).

  • Combine with a Sunset: Visit the Krabi Riverfront first, then head to the market.


🚗 Getting There

  • From Ao Nang: Taxi (~300 THB) or songthaew (shared truck, ~50 THB/person).

  • From Railay: Take a longtail boat to Krabi Pier (~100 THB), then tuk-tuk.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, prioritize the Weekend Market (bigger and more festive than the daily night market).

Some Tips

Krabi Night Market (Daily)

📍 Location: Near Krabi City Hotel (opens 5–10 PM).
🍜 Must-Try Foods:

  • Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles)
  • Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers)
  • Khanom Jeen (fermented rice noodles with curry)
  • Roti (Thai crispy pancake with banana & condensed milk)
  • Fresh Seafood (grilled squid, fish, prawns)

🛍️ What to Buy:

  • Handmade souvenirs (elephant pants, coconut bowls).
  • Local spices & sauces.
  • Cheap beachwear.

💡 Tips:

  • Arrive early (6 PM) to avoid crowds.
  • Bring cash (small bills preferred).
  • Try the 10 THB coconut ice cream!
  • Combine with a river tour – Sunset longtail boat rides along Krabi River.
  • **Visit the morning market (Talad Sod) for fresh fruit & local breakfast.
  • Avoid weekends if you dislike crowds.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Krabi Town & Krabi Night Market depends on weather, crowds, and local events. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you plan:


1. Best Season to Visit

  • Dry Season (November – April)

    • Weather: Sunny, low humidity, minimal rain (perfect for exploring).

    • Pros: Ideal for combining town visits with beach trips (Ao Nang, Railay).

    • Cons: Peak tourist season (Dec–Feb) = higher prices & crowds.

  • Shoulder Season (May–June, September–October)

    • Weather: Occasional short rains, but still warm.

    • Pros: Fewer tourists, cheaper hotels, lush green landscapes.

  • Rainy Season (July–August)

    • Weather: Heavy but brief downpours (usually in the afternoon).

    • Pros: Empty markets, dramatic skies, lowest prices.

    • Cons: Some outdoor stalls may close during rain.


2. Best Days for Krabi Night Market

  • Weekend Night Market (Fri–Sun, 5 PM–10 PM)

    • Location: Krabi Town Walking Street (Thanon Khong Kha).

    • Why weekends? More stalls, live music, and local performances.

  • Daily Night Market (Chao Fah Night Market)

    • Smaller but still lively (open daily, 4 PM–10 PM).

Pro Tip: Arrive by 6 PM to avoid crowds and get the freshest food!


3. Best Time of Day

  • Late Afternoon (4–5 PM): Explore Krabi Town’s temples (Wat Kaew, Tiger Cave) before sunset.

  • Evening (6–8 PM): Night Market peak time—try grilled seafood, mango sticky rice, and Thai pancakes.

  • After 8 PM: Live music starts, great for chilling with a beer.


4. Special Events & Festivals

  • Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival (Nov–Dec): Street parades, light shows, and floating markets.

  • Loi Krathong (November): Lanterns on the river—magical night market vibe.

  • Songkran (April 13–15): Water fights in town + market festivities.

Avoid: Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) if you dislike crowds—though the market decorations are beautiful!


5. Weather Considerations

  • Hot Months (Mar–Apr): Bring a hat & sunscreen for daytime exploring.

  • Rainy Days (Jul–Oct): Pack a lightweight raincoat—storms usually pass quickly.


6. Tips for the Night Market

✔ Cash Only: Most vendors don’t accept cards (ATMs nearby).
✔ Try Local Dishes: Khanom Jeen (rice noodles), Satay, and Krabi-style crab curry.
✔ Dress Light: It gets humid—wear breathable clothes.
✔ Bargain Politely: For souvenirs, not food.


7. Combine with Other Activities

  • Sunset at Krabi Riverfront: 10-min walk from the market.

  • Tiger Cave Temple: Visit early, then reward yourself with market food.


Final Advice:

For the best balance of good weather and local vibe, visit in November or late April. Prefer peace? September weekdays are quiet but still fun!