3 days in Krabi

Day by day

1. Day 1: Railay Beach and Phra Nang Cave Beach

   Railay Beach, Phra Nang Cave Beach and Rock climbing at Railay and Tonsai, then Ao Nang Beach in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Railay Beach

      West Railay's curve of white sand is framed by vertical limestone cliffs, with longtails anchored offshore and sunset views across the Andaman Sea.

   2. Late morning

      Phra Nang Cave Beach

      Come in the morning or late afternoon; at midday tour boats crowd the shoreline.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Gaeng som

      Local curry-and-rice shops in Krabi Town and stalls at the night markets.

   4. Afternoon

      Rock climbing at Railay and Tonsai

      Railay and Tonsai have hundreds of bolted limestone routes, from beginner walls by the beaches to overhanging stalactite routes.

   5. Evening

      Ao Nang Beach

      Walk to the quieter southern end for sunset, or take a longtail to Railay for better swimming.

2. Day 2: Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh and Four Islands tour

   Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Four Islands tour and Hong Islands, then Krabi Town night markets in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh

      Choose an early-morning tour from Phi Phi or Krabi to avoid the peak crowds; the bay usually closes for a couple of months each year in the rainy season.

   2. Late morning

      Four Islands tour

      The classic Krabi boat trip visits Koh Poda's white-sand beach, the bird-shaped Chicken Island, Koh Tup, where a sandbar links two islets at low tide, and Phra Nang Cave Beach.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Gaeng tai pla

      Southern Thai restaurants and rice-and-curry stalls; ask for a small portion if you are unsure.

   4. Afternoon

      Hong Islands

      Go on an early tour to reach the lagoon before larger boats; it is best at higher tides.

   5. Evening

      Krabi Town night markets

      Go hungry and try roti, grilled seafood and southern curries; prices are lower than in Ao Nang.

3. Day 3: Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) and Wat Kaew Korawaram

   Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), Wat Kaew Korawaram and Noppharat Thara Beach, then Ao Nang in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

      About 8 km north-east of Krabi Town, this forest temple has meditation caves and a stairway of more than 1,200 steep steps to a summit shrine with a golden Buddha and 360-degree views over karst peaks and the coast.

   2. Late morning

      Wat Kaew Korawaram

      Combine it with lunch at a local restaurant and a walk on the riverfront promenade.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Khua kling

      Southern Thai restaurants in Krabi Town and Ao Nang.

   4. Afternoon

      Noppharat Thara Beach

      This long, tree-shaded beach just north of Ao Nang is part of a national park and far calmer than its neighbour.

   5. Evening

      Ao Nang

      Bars along the beach road and side streets, with live music and cocktail bars.

Before you go

• Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh: Most visits are by organised boat tour; national park fees are charged on top of tour prices.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Ao Nang keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Railay ($$$) suits couples, beach, luxury and quiet stays. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 33–44 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.7 hours in January to 12.6 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Krabi
• 2 days in Krabi
• 5 days in Krabi

Questions travellers ask