Krabi · Town Guide

Krabi กระบี่

Krabi is a province on Thailand's Andaman seaboard. It is renowned for stunning coastlines with beautiful beaches, limestone peaks, crystal clear seas and spectacular tropical islands.

Krabi has more than 80 surrounding islands including the Lanta and Phi Phi archipelagos. These are popular with yachtsmen, scuba divers, snorkelers and day-trippers from Phuket.

These major destinations make up the province of Krabi:

Krabi Town - the capital city and main entry point into the region

Ao Nang - Krabi's most developed beach, main tourist hot-spot and a great base for exploring the nearby islands

Phi Phi Islands - world-famous archipelago and a popular tourist destination *

Had Yao (Long Beach) - an under-developed beach with great views of Ao Nang's cliff walls

Railay (Rai Leh) Beach - Thailand's most famous spot for rock climbing (see pick below)

Krabi attracts thousands of gay tourists each year, but the main coastal resort town of Ao Nang has yet to establish a gay scene. While it is very likely that you will meet other gay couples enjoying a vacation, Krabi is not a destination for party-goers.

Getting to Krabi

Krabi has its own airport with direct flights to and from Bangkok. There are public and private transfer options at the airport to take you on to mainland destinations such as Ao Nang.

If you are staying on an island resort, then check with your resort who will advise you on transfer options.

Getting around Krabi

'Songthaew' (public passenger pickup vehicle) and taxis are widely available. For island-hopping, you'll have to rely on boats.

The most common type for shorter hops is the long-tail boat ('ruea hang yao'). Most are owner operated. Simply negotiate a daily or hour fee for his service.

Krabi Town is the hub of passenger ferry services that take people between the mainland and Phi Phi and Lanta islands.

There are two ferry piers one in the centre of town (Chao Fah Park Pier) and the other few kilometers from the centre (Klong Jilad Pier). There are direct transfers from the airport to both these piers.

* Phi Phi Islands หมู่เกาะพีพี

Phi-Phi Islands is an archipelago located between Krabi mainland and Phuket. Only one of the six islands, Phi Phi Don, is populated.

These islands are ranked as some of the most naturally beautiful in the world. Despite a rapid growth in tourism, the surrounding waters are still home to a huge amount of coral and sea life.

The islands' sandy beaches, the caves and tropical forest covered limestone mountains remain wonderful sights.

If you are visiting Krabi, you should at least take a day trip to Phi Phi or consider staying a few nights at one of the hotels or resorts that have sprung up on Phi Phi Don in recent years.

Ton Sai Bay is the main tourist area on Phi Phi Don. The area connects the north and south of the island, and you will find a wide selection of bars, restaurants, guesthouses and hotels.

Ferries from Phuket and Krabi arrive and depart from Ton Sai Bay pier, and there are plenty of long-tail boats for hire, making it a great base to explore the archipelago.

There are no cars on the island and just a few motorcycles. Everything is transported by foot, in a wheelbarrow or by boat. For more information, click here to go to the Phi Phi Islands Guide page.

When to Visit

As with most beach destinations in Thailand, the best time for gay travelers to visit Krabi is outside of peak school holiday periods, during the non-monsoon months of October through April.

Where to Stay in Krabi

Ao Nang and Railay Beach are the most popular areas with tourists. Click here to see our Krabi Hotel recommendations.

If you're planning to spend a night or two on Phi Phi island, a number of resorts and Hotels on Koh Phi Phi are worth considering .

Things to See & Do

Most gay visitors come to Krabi to enjoy the beach or explore the surrounding islands, especially the famous Phi Phi islands. Other popular activities include snorkelling, diving and rock climbing. Here are some suggestions for things to do in Krabi.

Krabi Town - For a slice of real Thailand don’t miss an evening in Krabi town. There are at least two night markets to choose from (more on the weekends) with a delicious array of food at reasonable prices. Usually local bands play in one of the various market squares.

Tree Top Adventure Park Krabi - Experience breathtaking views as you engage in a variety of games such as "bicycle in the trees", "rope bridges", "Tarzan swings", and "flying skateboards".

Wat Kaew - one of the main temples in Krabi Town.

Tiger Temple - Temple about 8 km from Krabi Town famous for its mountain top Buddha shrine. To reach the top you need to climb 1,300 very uneven steps. Sweeping views of the mountains and the ocean for those fit enough. Don’t forget to pack water (also available free when you reach the top) and it's recommended to start early. Tiger Temple is also famous for its monkey tribes that live on the path to the mountain top. Don’t take food and watch your belongings carefully.

Krabi Town River Tours - Long-tail boats moor up at various piers along the 1.5 km river walkway and offer 2-3 hour rides up the river towards the two limestone hills that stick out like devils horns. Here there are interesting caves to explore. The mangrove forests and tidal mudflats that surround the river are all a protected area with interesting wildlife can be seen.

Phang Nga Bay - One of the most popular activities is to sea canoe through the limestone caves and around the karst cliffs of famous Phang Nga Bay. Day and overnight trips are available to book at one of the many excursion booths in tourist areas.

Nopparat Thara Beach - scenic beach and national park at the western tip of Ao Nang.

Railay (Rai Leh) Beach - beautiful beach near Ao Nang with hiking trails and popular for rock climbing, snorkeling and cliff diving.

Hong Island - small island with quiet, clean beach; a nice little excursion.

Lanta Islands - stunning islands surrounded by clear blue water. Day cruises available.

Lanta Animal Welfare - non-profit organisation on Lanta island providing care for a wide range of animals; open to visitors daily 11am-5pm.

Maya Bay - world-famous bay with white sandy beach, gigantic limestone cliffs and coral reefs - usually included with "island-hopping tours".