กระบี่Andaman Coast8.09° N · 98.91° E
Towering limestone cliffs, boat-only beaches and island hopping through turquoise water on the Andaman coast. Here is where to stay, which islands to visit and how to time your trip.
Krabi province is the most dramatic stretch of Thailand's Andaman coast. Sheer limestone cliffs rise from the sea and the jungle, draped in greenery and stained orange and grey, with small islands scattered offshore. Wooden longtail boats with painted bows carry visitors between beaches that roads cannot reach.
Most travellers stay in Ao Nang, a lively beach town with plenty of hotels and restaurants, or on the Railay peninsula, which is cut off by cliffs and reached only by boat. From here you can hop between the Hong Islands, the Phi Phi Islands and the small islands of the four islands trip, climb limestone walls with a guide, or kayak through mangroves.
Krabi Town, on the river, is the provincial capital and a more local base, with a night market and easy access to the airport. Three to five nights lets you mix beach days with island trips, and Krabi combines easily with Phuket or Koh Lanta.
Every journey below is private and tailor-made, so you can choose between Ao Nang, Railay or a quieter island and plan your boat days with a local team.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
Reached only by boat, Railay is surrounded by cliffs. Phra Nang has fine sand, clear water and a cave shrine full of offerings to Phra Nang, a protective princess spirit.
A classic longtail trip to Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tup and Phra Nang, with a sandbar you can walk across at low tide.
A hidden lagoon enclosed by cliffs, white beaches and good snorkelling. Usually quieter than Phi Phi, with an early start.
Famous and beautiful, but busy. Maya Bay is now managed with visitor limits, no swimming and a yearly closure to let the reef recover.
Railay is one of Asia's best-known climbing areas, with routes for complete beginners as well as experts. Go with a qualified local guide.
Paddle through narrow channels and around limestone towers at Ao Thalane or Bor Thor, looking for monkeys and old cave paintings.
Climb more than 1,200 steep steps to a gilded Buddha on a hilltop with sweeping views over the coast. Go early, bring water and dress modestly.
A jade-green pool in the forest and natural hot springs inland. A refreshing day away from the beaches.
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The main beach town, with many hotels and restaurants and boats to Railay and the islands.
A peninsula reached only by boat, with spectacular cliffs and beaches. Peaceful once the day-trippers leave.
Calm beaches north of Ao Nang with spacious resorts and views towards the islands.
Tell us your style and our consultants will hand-pick a stay you would never find on your own.
A restored heritage house, a quiet lakeside villa or a family-run boutique: we match the hidden gem to you, and reveal it with your itinerary.
Ask for a surprise stayKrabi Airport has frequent flights from Bangkok and some regional routes. From Phuket it is about two and a half to three hours by road, or by ferry in season. Boats link Ao Nang with Railay, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.
The classic way to reach Railay and the nearby islands.
Best for: BeachesIncluded on our journeys for transfers and inland sights.
Best for: InlandPaddle the mangroves and limestone lagoons with a guide.
Best for: NatureShort hops between Ao Nang, Krabi Town and the airport.
Best for: EveningsPlaces that pair well with Krabi, with approximate travel times.
November to April is the best time, with calm seas, clear water and sunshine; December to February is the busiest period. May to October is the wet season, with rain, choppier seas and some boat trips cancelled, but also greener scenery and fewer people.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes. The limestone scenery, Railay and the islands are among the most beautiful in Thailand, and island hopping by longtail boat is easy. It suits beach lovers, families, couples and active travellers alike.
Ao Nang is more convenient, with more hotels, restaurants and boat departures. Railay is quieter and more scenic, but reached only by boat with luggage. Many travellers stay in Ao Nang and visit Railay for the day, or split their stay.
No. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le reopened with strict rules to protect the reef: visitor numbers are limited, swimming is not allowed, and the bay closes for part of each year. You can still walk on the beach and admire the view.
November to April, when seas are calm and skies are clear. From May to October rain and rough seas can disrupt boat trips, though there are sunny days and fewer crowds.
Krabi is smaller and more scenic, with cliffs and boat-only beaches. Phuket has more choice of hotels, beaches and flights. They are only a few hours apart, so many travellers enjoy both.
Three nights covers Railay, the four islands and the Hong Islands. Five nights gives time to relax, climb or kayak, and add Phi Phi or a trip inland.
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