If you’re planning a trip to southern Thailand, Krabi should be on your radar. This stunning province on Thailand’s Andaman Coast is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, tropical islands and lush jungles. You’ll no doubt recognise them from their appearance in Hollywood blockbusters such as The Beach (2000), Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), F9: The Fast Saga (2021), and Jurassic World Rebirth (2025).
While many travellers come here for the magnificent beaches, they often leave with lasting memories of island-hopping trips, scenic hikes, wildlife encounters, or relaxing days surrounded by nature they hadn’t quite expected.
For those wanting to do the same, here are eight of the best things to do in Krabi.
Why Is Krabi Such a Popular Tourist Destination For Nature Lovers?
It’s not uncommon to hear people describe Krabi in glowing terms as a postcard that comes to life. This, after all, is a place where dramatic limestone karsts rise out of the sea, while dense mangrove forests line the coast, and hidden lagoons sit between towering cliffs.
One of the reasons Krabi attracts so many visitors is the sheer diversity of experiences it offers. For instance, you can spend the morning kayaking through mangroves. Then spend your afternoon swimming at a tropical beach. Before watching the sunset in the evening from a viewpoint overlooking the sparkling Andaman Sea.
If your idea of a good time is to enjoy natural beauty and adventure rather than nightlife or shopping, then Krabi should be top of your Thailand itinerary.
What Should You Know Before Hiring a Car or Scooter in Krabi?
Many tourists tend to stay around Ao Nang or Railay Beach, both of which have terrific beaches and plenty of great food and accommodation options. Some even choose to hire a scooter or car to give them the freedom to discover more of the province.
This is a worthwhile thing to do, given the scope of attractions and activities the region offers visitors. However, before collecting your vehicle, it’s worth researching your rental car insurance options. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, even involving the most careful of drivers. Some are surprised by the excess charges that may apply after accidents or vehicle damage, which can often feel like salt in the wound.
Here are some more things you should know about visiting Thailand.
8 Things To Do In Krabi
If you do hire a car in Krabi, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of historical sites, attractions, and activities you can drive to. Here are eight you should consider filling your days with.
1. Spend a Day at Railay Beach
Although Railay Beach is one of Krabi’s most famous attractions, it can only be reached by boat. This is because the dramatic limestone cliffs that surround it make it inaccessible in any other way.
Once you do get there, the area offers excellent swimming, rock climbing and hiking opportunities. One of the main highlights is the climb to Railay Viewpoint. It’s a bit on the tough side, but once you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the coastline.
After your physical exertion, there are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a cold beer and some delicious food back on the shoreline.
2. Join a Four Islands Tour
Aside from being one of the most popular activities in Krabi, a Four Islands Tour offers an excellent introduction to the region’s coastal beauty.
There are plenty of excursions on offer, and most will take you out to Chicken Island, Tup Island, Poda Island and Phra Nang Cave Beach. If you so desire, you’ll have opportunities to snorkel, swim and relax on pristine beaches.
During low tide, you can even walk across a sandbar connecting Tup Island and Chicken Island. Just make sure you return before high tide, or you risk getting cut off.
3. Explore the Stunning Hong Islands
For many tourists, a trip to the Hong Islands is often considered their best experience in Krabi.
Located within Than Bok Khorani National Park, these islands feature emerald lagoons, hidden beaches and impressive limestone formations that will bring a lump to your throat.
Many visitors choose to explore the area by kayak, which allows them deeper access to secluded coves that larger boats cannot reach. However you choose to see it, make sure you have plenty of charge on your camera. You’ll want to take hundreds of photos.
4. Take a Day Trip to the Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are among Thailand’s most recognisable destinations and are easily reached from Krabi.
They are known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, which makes the islands a stand-out destination for snorkelling and swimming. Many tours also include a stop at Maya Bay, the famous beach that featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach.
5. Hike to the Top of Dragon Crest Mountain
If you are into incredible views, you’ll want to hike your way up to the imposing-sounding Dragon Crest Mountain.
Also known as Ngon Nak, this challenging 7.2 km out-and-back hike takes about 5 hours to complete. So, you’ll have to take plenty of water, food, and maybe even a couple of changes of tops.
The trail winds through lush tropical forest before reaching a spectacular lookout point that offers views of both the Andaman Sea and the surrounding islands. Given that this walk can be challenging in the heat, it is best to go early in the morning. However, the scenery at the summit makes waking up before normal very worthwhile.
6. Climb the Steps at Tiger Cave Temple
Tiger Cave Temple (also known as Wat Tham Suea) is one of Krabi’s most visited landmarks. This highly revered Buddhist sanctuary is famous for its meditation caves. It is also well known worldwide for its strenuous climb, which involves 1,260 steps to the summit.
It is a very challenging experience, particularly on hot days. So again, make sure you bring plenty of water and start as early as possible. Having said that, once you get to the top, you will get to see a massive golden Buddha and sweeping 360-degree views of the limestone cliffs and jungle that define the province.
