Written by Josh Band
Posted, 19th October 2023
Find yourself asking the question “Is Krabi worth visiting?”
Don’t worry- thousands and thousands of people ask this question every year, and we’ve created a guide with the best reasons to visit Krabi.
Krabi is an incredible province in the west of Thailand which draws in millions of travellers every year looking for unique experiences and many people are left asking the question, “Is Krabi worth visiting?”.
The area is infamous for its white sand beaches and huge and unique rock structures. Krabi is full of luscious jungles and mangroves and the entire area is very much what travel brochures like to promote about Thailand.
Considering whether an area is worth visiting comes down to many factors as no one wants to waste their time or money on a place that they might not enjoy.
We run guided Thailand group tours so we consider ourselves experts in all things Thailand, and this article will give you the answer to “Is Krabi worth visiting?”.
So let’s get on with it!
Is Krabi Worth Visiting?
In a simple answer, yes! Krabi is absolutely worth visiting. The area is so full of life both naturally and socially and it should definitely be on your Thailand itinerary.
We include it in all of our Thailand group tours for a reason 😉.
Krabi is one of the most visited parts of Thailand and it is clear to see why that is! It’s the part of Thailand with both the most incredible beaches and the best national parks.
It’s also the perfect place to start island hopping with infamous islands nearby like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. The port is always busy with ferries going to and from the islands making it easy to move on.
Quick ferry rides will find you in perfect spots for swimming and snorkelling, and white sand beaches for enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.
And Krabi Town – Krabi is actually a province in Thailand, not just a town like many people think – is a centre of culture with a huge list of temples to explore and admire.
For those that like to party, Krabi Town also has some of Thailand’s most thriving nightlife spots and it is relatively cheap too!
All in all, the answer to “Is Krabi worth visiting?” is a definite yes, and we’ll now tell you exactly why in our top reasons to visit Krabi.
Reasons to visit Krabi
Of course, there are endless reasons to visit Krabi and it would be impossible to list all of them. So we’ve narrowed it down to our 10 favourite things about Krabi, and after reading these, you will understand why we answer “yes” to “Is Krabi worth visiting?“.
1. Gorgeous Beaches
Krabi is most well-known for its beautiful coastline and beaches. The white sand and crystal clear water come together to make the beaches in Krabi truly like paradise.
Railay Beach is the most popular of the beaches in Krabi, and many consider it the prettiest. It’s split into 3 sections meaning Railay Beach has space for all sorts of activities.
Railay Beach West is popular for watching the sunset and swimming while being surrounded by the famous limestone cliffs whereas the east end is popular amongst those more adventurous as it is the perfect spot for rock climbing.
2. Diving
Diving in Thailand is a must, and Krabi is the perfect part of the country to do so. The coastline has some incredible reefs and bays to explore, and there are endless diving opportunities.
The limestone rocks and cliffs have created the perfect environment for many different species of fish and marine life- yes, you can see turtles.
With a warm, all-year climate, Krabi is perfect for diving all year round. You are guaranteed an unforgettable experience in Krabi, no doubt about it.
It’s also a great place to get your PADI certificate, as you can get it for a fraction of the price compared to other countries.
3. Tiger Cave Temple
Tiger Cave Temple is a luxurious Buddhist temple found hidden among the jungle in Krabi. The temple is decorated with intricate religious figures and brightly coloured statues.
Tiger Cave Temple is the perfect spot for relaxation and reflection, regardless of whether or not you are religious.
Many people consider it to be one of the most impressive and exclusive temples in all of Thailand as the temple rests atop a tower of limestone rock and is only accessible by visitors willing to climb over 1,200 steps.
But rest assured, the climb gives an incredible view of the Krabi region.
4. Panoramic Views
Tiger Cave Temple isn’t the only place in Krabi with a wonderful view. There are countless locations across Krabi where you can find stunning panoramic views.
The most stunning viewpoints are the ones located on the Phi Phi Islands. To remind you, Krabi is a province of Thailand (kind of like States in America or Counties in the UK) and the Phi Phi Islands are a group of islands in the province of Krabi.
The views from the top of the Phi Phi Islands are amazing and well worth the climbs. It’s like looking into Pandora from Avatar but in real life. The views are hard to believe!
We love the Phi Phi Islands, and they’re a key stop on our Thailand island hopping tours.
5. Island Hopping
Island hopping is one of the most popular things to do when visiting the Krabi region and one of the main reasons that people visit.
The most popular are the Phi Phi Islands. These islands are just a short ferry ride from Krabi Town and draw in many travellers every year.
The vibrant coral reefs are one of the main attractions, perfect for snorkelling and Maya Bay is a popular Instagram spot due to its Leonardo di Caprio feature.
Hong Island is another popular island destination with hidden lagoons and turquoise waters that are so dream-worthy. It’s also a great spot for kayaking and other water activities.
6. Hot Springs
If all of the talk about stunning beaches wasn’t enough to persuade you that Krabi is worth visiting then maybe the hot springs will be.
Krabi has some wonderful hot spring locations – perfect for a period of relaxation on your trip. The most-visited hot spring park is the Emerald Pool in Khlong Thom Nuea.
The Emerald Pool has extremely mineral-rich water which is believed to have therapeutic properties that can soothe muscles and promote relaxation.
Krabi is essentially one huge spa retreat. Clear your mind at Tiger Cave Temple then allow your body to unwind in the hot springs!
7. Waterfalls
Krabi is pretty much a nature lover’s heaven, as it’s also home to an impressive amount of beautiful waterfalls.
The region has lots of natural parks which contain the majority of the hundreds of waterfalls in this area of Thailand. Many waterfalls are popular in Krabi, but Huay To has had a huge rise in numbers over recent years due to social media.
Huay To is known for its stepped formation, travelling through the rainforest in many tiers. Than Bok Khorani National Park is another popular location.
The Than Bok Khorani waterfall is a stunning example of Krabi’s natural beauty. You can also swim in the waterfall’s pool at the bottom which is pretty epic!
8. Night Market
The best place to head in the evening while in Krabi Town is the Krabi Town Night Market. It’s the heart of Krabi and keeps the city beating.
The market is always busy with locals and tourists, all on a mission to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for food, clothing, souvenirs or handmade crafts, you’ll find it all at Krabi Town Night Market. There is, quite literally, everything you could possibly think of.
The huge range of street food available is the perfect chance to try some local delicacies and get a taste of Thailand. It’s also a great place to meet new people if you travel Thailand solo.
9. Opportunities to get active
As we said earlier, there are lots of ways to get active in Krabi. Whether you’re interested in water sports or are more comfortable on the gold old dry land, you’ll find something you’ll love in Krabi.
Kayaking in Mangrove Forest is one of the top-rated locations for the sport and the views from the water are incredible. A kayaking excursion is a great way to get a glimpse of hidden parts of Krabi and get a unique perspective of the region.
Rock climbing is an equally popular activity. Railay Beach has some incredible cliffs worth climbing and the views are well worth your energy. Rock climbing at Railay is relatively inexpensive and so is a perfect way to spend your time if you’d rather not lounge at the beach.
10. It’s Affordable
One of the top reasons that Krabi is worth visiting is due to it being inexpensive- which is why it’s on our ultimate Thailand backpacking route.
Krabi has a huge range of accommodation options and activities that will suit very low-budget travellers. There are lots of hostel options to choose from.
Meals can be made a lot cheaper by eating from local markets and street food stalls while transportation costs can be exceptionally low when you choose to rent scooters or take tuk-tuks.
Watch out for scammers who might try to take advantage of you and make sure you are always clear on prices before committing to paying for things – this will save you from any heated disagreements caused by simple misunderstandings.
It’s the perfect place for anyone on any budget. It’s great that somewhere as magical as Krabi can be visited on a luxurious budget but also on a shoestring.
BONUS: Our group tours 😉
Lastly, one of the best reasons to visit Krabi is our guided tours. We run tours all over Thailand and Krabi features on both our South to North Thailand tour and our island hopping tour.
Whichever you choose, we will help you tick off all of Krabi’s popular locations and hidden gems.
We’d love for you to join us on one of our tours of Krabi, so don’t delay your booking as spots are limited and trust us, they fill up FAST!
And we’d hate for you to be disappointed.
Reasons to visit Krabi: FAQ
Below are some common questions about the reasons to visit Krabi, along with our answers to each question.
Both Krabi and Phuket are incredible destinations. Both offer beautiful beaches, lots of culture, opportunities to get active and in general, have very similar vibes. Choosing between the two destinations is impossible and many people choose to visit both for this reason.
Krabi is an amazing location for a holiday due to the huge range of activities on offer and the warm weather that lasts the entire year.
Absolutely, yes! Krabi is definitely worth visiting. The region’s stunning natural beauty with beaches, jungles, waterfalls and more is the perfect combination for a trip to paradise.
Final Thoughts: Is Krabi Worth Visiting
And there you have it, a complete guide to “Is Krabi worth visiting?“
The answer is yes, Krabi is definitely worth visiting on a trip to Thailand.
Krabi has so much opportunity for adventure and there are plenty of cultural areas that should be explored. Not to mention, it’s relatively cheap and so there are so many chances to try new things and make some memories.
While Krabi is incredible, it would be sinful to stay on the mainland! While visiting Krabi you have to travel to the nearby exotic islands and we promise you will have some unforgettable experiences. The crystal blue water is the perfect place to relax and reflect on how special this corner of Thailand is.
And remember, if you’re thinking of visiting Krabi, make sure to consider one of our amazing tours that will guarantee you the trip of a lifetime!
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.
Here are a few useful links to help with that planning;
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👉🏼 Check out our Reviews
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