5 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

      Arrive early by longtail from Ao Nang before the day-trip crowds; the viewpoint scramble needs proper shoes and is not for small children. (Full day, free).

   2. Late morning

      Phra Nang Cave Beach

      Come in the morning or late afternoon; at midday tour boats crowd the shoreline. (Half a day, free).

   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

      Climb in the morning when walls are in shade, and choose a school with recent, well-maintained equipment. (Half to full day, mid-priced).

   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. (Half to full day by boat, expensive).

   2. Late morning

      Four Islands tour

      Pick a longtail trip with a small group, and go on a day with low tide around midday to walk the Koh Tup sandbar. (Half to full day, mid-priced).

   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. (Full day, mid-priced).

   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)

      Start the climb at first light with plenty of water; cover shoulders and knees, and keep food away from the monkeys. (2–3 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Wat Kaew Korawaram

      Combine it with lunch at a local restaurant and a walk on the riverfront promenade. (30 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Khua kling

      Southern Thai restaurants in Krabi Town and Ao Nang.

   4. Afternoon

      Noppharat Thara Beach

      Visit at low tide to walk out over the sandbars, and stay for the sunset. (2–3 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Ao Nang

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

4. Day 4: Day trip to Koh Phi Phi

   About 1.5–2 hours by ferry; 45 minutes by speedboat each way. Getting there: Ferry from Krabi or Ao Nang, or speedboat tour.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Koh Phi Phi

      About 1.5–2 hours by ferry; 45 minutes by speedboat (Ferry from Krabi or Ao Nang, or speedboat tour); about 42 km.

   2. Day

      Koh Phi Phi

      Speedboat tours visit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave and snorkelling spots around Phi Phi Leh, with a stop at Phi Phi Don. Best for first-timers, couples and beach.

   3. Evening

      Back in Krabi

      Dinner: try Khao mok gai.

5. Day 5: Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest) trail and Ao Thalane mangrove kayaking

   Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest) trail, Ao Thalane mangrove kayaking and Than Bok Khorani National Park, then East Railay and Tonsai in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest) trail

      Start before 7am to avoid the heat, carry at least two litres of water and avoid it after heavy rain, when it gets slippery. (3–4 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Ao Thalane mangrove kayaking

      Book a trip timed with the tide, which decides which channels are passable. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Khao mok gai

      Muslim restaurants and morning stalls around Krabi Town; Krabi has a large Muslim community.

   4. Afternoon

      Than Bok Khorani National Park

      Combine a swim in the park's freshwater pools with a guided kayak trip to the painted caves. (Half a day, low cost).

   5. Evening

      East Railay and Tonsai

      Relaxed reggae-style bars with fire shows in the evening.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 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 42–56 hours of visiting over 5 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
• 3 days in Krabi

Questions travellers ask