Travel tips · Krabi · Thailand
Krabi travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Luxure, CC BY 3.0 au
Quick answer
Krabi mixes Buddhist and Muslim communities, with mosques and temples side by side and a strong Thai-Muslim food culture. Fishing villages still depend on longtail boats, and the Chao Leh sea nomads live on some islands, including Koh Lanta. Outside the resort strips, life is conservative and quiet.
Key facts
- Language
- Thai
- Currency
- THB
- Plugs
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled water and refill stations are widely available.
- Emergency
- Police 191, ambulance 1669, Tourist Police 1155
Things to know
- Cover up when leaving the beach; swimwear is not appropriate in towns, shops or temples.
- Dress modestly near mosques and in Muslim villages.
- Remove shoes before entering temples, homes and some shops.
- Respect the monarchy; criticism of the royal family is a criminal offence in Thailand.
- Do not touch or stand on coral, and take your rubbish back from islands.
- Book Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh ahead: Most visits are by organised boat tour; national park fees are charged on top of tour prices.
- Stay in Ao Nang or Krabi Town and visit Railay by longtail rather than paying Railay's higher rates.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills, tip boat crews and dive or climbing guides for good service, and give a small tip for massages.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sawasdee krub / ka | Hello |
| Khop khun krub / ka | Thank you |
| Tao rai? | How much? |
| Mai phet | Not spicy |
| Assalamu alaikum | Greeting used in Muslim communities |
What to wear
Beachwear on the sand only; light, loose clothing elsewhere, with shoulders and knees covered for temples and Muslim areas. Reef shoes are useful for rocky beaches and longtail landings.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled water and refill stations are widely available.
- Emergency number
- Police 191, ambulance 1669, Tourist Police 1155
- Phone and internet
- Tourist SIMs are sold at the airport and convenience stores; coverage is good in Ao Nang and Krabi Town but patchy on some islands and around Railay's cliffs.
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
Rip currents are strong on west-facing beaches during the May–October monsoon, so obey red flags. Scooter accidents are common, and wading to longtails at low tide can be slippery. Monkeys at the Tiger Cave Temple and on Railay will grab food and bags.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Thailand's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Krabi?
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills, tip boat crews and dive or climbing guides for good service, and give a small tip for massages.
+Can you drink the tap water in Krabi?
Do not drink tap water; bottled water and refill stations are widely available.
+What plugs are used in Krabi?
Type A, B, C and O sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Krabi?
Thai.