Krabi is a stunning province in southern Thailand, famous for its beaches, limestone cliffs, and islands like Railay, Phi Phi, and Phang Nga Bay. Here’s how to reach Krabi from major cities in Thailand and abroad.
Kuala Lumpur – 1h 30m (AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines)
From Krabi Airport to Town/Beaches:
Taxi – 600-800 THB to Ao Nang (30-40 min)
Shared Minivan – 150-200 THB per person
Airport Bus – 90 THB to Krabi Town
🚌 By Bus (Budget Option)
From Bangkok to Krabi
Bus from Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) – 12-14h (500-900 THB)
VIP/Overnight Bus – More comfortable (~800-1,200 THB)
From Phuket to Krabi
Bus/Minivan – 3-4h (200-300 THB)
From Surat Thani to Krabi
Bus/Minivan – 2-3h (150-250 THB)
🚢 By Ferry/Boat (Scenic Route)
From Phuket to Krabi (Ao Nang/Railay)
Speedboat/Ferry – 2h (500-800 THB)
From Phi Phi to Krabi – 1.5h (400-600 THB)
From Koh Lanta to Krabi
Ferry – 1.5-2h (400-600 THB)
🚗 By Private Car/Taxi
From Phuket – 3h (~2,500-3,500 THB)
From Surat Thani – 2.5h (~2,000-2,500 THB)
🚆 By Train (Alternative, but Not Direct)
From Bangkok (Hua Lamphong Station) to Surat Thani – 8-10h
Then take a bus/minivan to Krabi (2-3h)
Ancient & Prehistoric Times
Prehistoric Evidence: Krabi has ancient cave paintings (over 3,000 years old) at Thung Talae and Khao Khanab Nam caves, suggesting early human settlements.
Early Kingdoms: Part of the Langkasuka Kingdom (1st–7th century) and later the Srivijaya Empire (7th–13th century), which influenced culture and trade.
Ayutthaya & Early Thai Rule (14th–18th Century)
Krabi was a small fishing village under the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Name Origin: Legend says an ancient sword (“Krabi” in Thai) was found buried here, giving the province its name.
Chinese & Malay Influence: Due to its location, traders from China, Malaysia, and Arabia visited.
Rattanakosin Era & Modern Krabi (19th–20th Century)
King Rama V (Chulalongkorn) officially established Krabi as a province in 1872.
Tin Mining Boom: In the late 19th–early 20th century, Chinese immigrants arrived for tin mining, shaping Krabi’s economy.
Decline of Mining: By the 1980s, tourism replaced mining as the main industry.
Modern Krabi (1980s–Present)
Tourism Boom: After The Beach (2000) movie featured nearby Phi Phi Islands, Krabi became a global hotspot.
UNESCO Recognition: The Krabi Geopark (2018) highlights its unique limestone karsts and ecosystems.
Key Historical Sites in Krabi
Khao Khanab Nam Caves – Ancient burial sites & prehistoric artifacts.
Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) – A historic Buddhist temple with 1,237 steps to a stunning viewpoint.
Old Krabi Town – Preserves Sino-Portuguese architecture from the tin trade era.
Krabi is a stunning province in southern Thailand, famous for its limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and pristine beaches. Here are the top landmarks and attractions you shouldn’t miss:
🏝️ Must-Visit Beaches & Islands
Railay Beach – Only accessible by boat, famous for rock climbing, caves (like Phra Nang Cave), and stunning sunsets.
Ao Nang Beach – The main tourist hub with restaurants, shops, and boat tours to nearby islands.
Phra Nang Beach (Railay) – Known for its emerald waters and the sacred Phra Nang Nai Cave.
Poda Island – A picture-perfect island with white sand and clear waters (often part of 4-island tours).
Koh Hong (Hong Island) – A hidden lagoon inside a limestone island, ideal for kayaking.
🗿 Natural Landmarks & Viewpoints
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) – A sacred temple with 1,237 steps leading to a breathtaking viewpoint.
Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) & Blue Pool – Natural hot springs and crystal-clear mineral pools in the jungle.
Khao Khanab Nam – Two iconic limestone mountains at Krabi’s river entrance (great for photos).
Dragon Crest Mountain (Khao Ngon Nak) – A challenging 3.7km hike with panoramic views of the coast.
🚤 Waterfalls & Adventure Spots
Than Bok Khorani National Park – Features waterfalls, mangrove forests, and lagoons.
Klong Root (Cleopatra) Pool – A refreshing natural pool with cascading water.
Kayaking in Ao Thalane – Paddle through mangrove forests and limestone caves.
Rock Climbing in Railay – One of the best climbing spots in Thailand.
🛶 Unique Experiences
Krabi Hot Springs (Rak Warin) – Relax in natural thermal waters surrounded by jungle.
Krabi Town Night Market – Try local street food and shop for souvenirs.
Phi Phi Islands (Day Trip) – Famous for Maya Bay (from “The Beach” movie).
James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay Tour) – Iconic limestone karsts (though technically in Phang Nga, many tours depart from Krabi).
Krabi (town and province) has limited public transport compared to big cities like Bangkok, but there are several convenient ways to get around, depending on your budget and destination.
🚌 1. Public Songthaews (Shared Taxis)
What? Open-air trucks with benches, the cheapest way to travel short distances.
Routes:
Krabi Town ↔ Ao Nang (~50 THB, ~30 mins)
Krabi Town ↔ Klong Muang (~60 THB)
Krabi Town ↔ Airport (~60 THB)
How? Flag one down on the main roads. Tell the driver your stop.
🛺 2. Tuk-Tuks & Motorbike Taxis
Tuk-Tuks (Negotiate fare first!)
Short trips (e.g., Krabi Town to nearby temples) ~80–150 THB.
Ao Nang to Railay Pier ~200–300 THB.
Motorbike Taxis (Cheaper, but no helmets sometimes)
Private Boat Charters (~1,500–3,000 THB for 4–6 people).
Krabi offers a mix of traditional markets, night bazaars, and modern shopping spots. Here are the best places to shop for souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts, and local products:
🛍️ Best Shopping Places in Krabi
1. Krabi Town Night Market (Walking Street)
📍 Location: Krabi Town (Maharat Road)
⏰ Hours: Fri-Sun (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
✔ Best for: Local street food, handmade crafts, souvenirs, live music
Try Krabi’s famous coconut pancakes and grilled seafood.
Great for handmade jewelry, batik clothing, and wooden carvings.
2. Ao Nang Landmark Night Market
📍 Location: Near Ao Nang Beach
⏰ Hours: Daily (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
✔ Best for: Beachwear, souvenirs, cheap eats
Buy sarongs, elephant pants, and knockoff sunglasses.
Try mango sticky rice and Thai BBQ skewers.
3. Krabi Weekend Market (Talad Sod Krabi)
📍 Location: Behind Vogue Department Store, Krabi Town
⏰ Hours: Sat-Sun (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
✔ Best for: Authentic local shopping, fresh produce, cheap clothes
Less touristy, more local vibe.
Great for Thai snacks, spices, and handmade soaps.
4. Vogue Shopping Mall (Krabi Town)
📍 Location: Krabi Town Center
⏰ Hours: Daily (10:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
✔ Best for: Air-conditioned shopping, branded stores, supermarket
Has Boots, Watsons, and local fashion brands.
Good for last-minute travel essentials and cosmetics.
5. Shell Cemetery Market (Susan Hoi)
📍 Location: Near Shell Fossil Beach
⏰ Hours: Daily (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
✔ Best for: Unique shell-based souvenirs
Small market selling shell jewelry, fossils, and handicrafts.
🎁 Best Souvenirs to Buy in Krabi
✔ Batik clothing & sarongs (colorful Thai fabrics)
✔ Handmade coconut bowls & wooden carvings
✔ Thai spices & local coffee (great for foodies)
✔ Elephant pants & beachwear (cheap in night markets)
✔ Shell jewelry & fossil souvenirs (unique to Krabi)
