Krabi 3 Days Itinerary

If your time is limited and you can only manage a three-day trip to Krabi, it may be difficult to decide what to do as there is so much to choose from. The following is a suggested three-day itinerary which includes the main sights and popular day trips. At the end of the post, we also listed the top-recommended restaurants where you can chill and enjoy the most delicious food in Krabi.

Day 1: Krabi Hot Springs and Khao Pra-Bang Khram Nature Reserve

The southern part of Krabi Province is home to some beautiful natural wonders including Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve and hot springs. They are located 70kms out of town, about a two-hour drive away, but the time spent in the car will be well worth it upon arrival.

The hot springs are nature’s equivalent to a spa Jacuzzi. Dive into the water that comes from deep underground volcanic chambers and is full of cleansing properties. They can be found in the middle of the pristine jungle and are a great way to cleanse the body and relax while getting rid of all of the stresses of traveling. If you have any muscle pain or skin complaints, these waters are said to contain healing elements.

It is impossible to visit these hot springs without exploring part of the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve. This reserve is home to some beautiful tropical plants as well as a wealth of wildlife. There are many walking trails to follow which will provide an unforgettable experience.

It is possible to book tours to the reserve and hot springs although you could also hire a car and visit in private. There is a small entrance fee of 90 baht to enter the hot springs and a further 200 baht fee for the nature reserve. This trip will take you all day so if you are traveling by yourself, remember to take plenty of water and some food – although there are plenty of Thai food stalls selling a range of snacks.

Once you arrive back in the evening you will have the choice of restaurants, bars, and even a couple of nightclubs. Seafood restaurants abound on the beach while for something with a greater Western influence, the beach road is home to international-themed establishments. Bar themes include wine bars, cocktail bars, pubs, and laid-back beach bars.

Day 2: Day Trip to Phi Phi

Originally a small and non-descript fishing island, Phi Phi Don has grown in popularity at an extraordinary rate. Its neighboring sister island, Phi Phi Ley is still uninhabited and boasts beautiful nature. Both should be explored and enjoyed if you are visiting Krabi.

Although there are several daily ferries to Phi Phi Don, it’s much more practical to take the day tour (or half-day tour which actually takes up most of the day and is better value). This takes in the lovely Phi Phi Ley island – which is difficult to get to independently – and other nature spots for an all-inclusive experience. Unfortunately, the public ferry times make a day trip via that mode unrealistic.

⛵ BEST TOURS TO PHI PHI

Phi Phi Ley has nature trails and these will give you the opportunity to explore one of Thailand’s most famous islands. On tours you get plenty of time to relax on this lovely beach, where no commercial development is allowed therefore you share it only with those also on day tours – which can be as many as a dozen boats at the same you are there. Once back on Phi Phi Don, you can spend your time relaxing until your ferry is due to depart.

Phi Phi Don, being the largest and most famous, is perhaps the most beautiful (if you can imagine it without the development!), and has two large sweeping beach-lined bays, lovely sand, and waters (at higher tide for swimming), as well as viewpoint, and of course, places to eat and down a few beers.

Many people are somewhat reluctant to visit the islands after the tsunami of 2006 for fear that they have been completely destroyed. However, the islands have been cleaned up, renovated, and rebuilt. There are shops aplenty, restaurants, bars, and many guest houses and five-star resorts.

Day 3: Ao Nang Beach or Railay Beach and Tiger Cave Temple

Your final day on Krabi should be about enjoying the local offerings. The beach is one of the main draws and should be enjoyed. Most visitors stay in the seaside resort area of Ao Nang (Krabi town sits on a mangrove estuary 20 km away). Although the beach here is brilliant by any standards, you should not miss Railay Beach.

Longtail boats will take you across to this famous peninsula which is cut off from the mainland by sheer karst cliffs, so you get that island feel. The beach scenery, especially at Tham Phra Nang beach, is simply stunning, with soaring karst rock faces all around you, even in the water offshore. There are some resorts here, where you can enjoy lunch, and the swimming is excellent.

While you are making the most of the sunshine, it is a good time to try some local lunchtime snacks. Many bars and restaurants along the beach sell traditional Thai snacks. Satay, spring rolls, soups, fried rice, and pad Thai (fried noodles) are all popular lunchtime eats and can be enjoyed while looking out across the coastline. Thai salads are also very good although somewhat spicy.

Back in Ao Nang after lunch, taking a trip inland to the temple at Tiger Cave is well worth it, and climbing up the 1,237 stairs to enjoy the view will walk off your lunch. Tiger Cave Temple (as it is known) is set in stunning surroundings, in the middle of a lush forest. There is a nature trail to follow on the grounds of the temple and a famous meditation center. Despite the big climb, views at the top of the temple should not be missed and will provide a unique eagle-eye view of the karst landscape. There is also a religious shrine found here.

Here are some tips for visiting Tiger Cave Temple:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. After all, you have 1,237 stars to climb! 
• Bring water with you. It’s important to keep hydrated, especially if you’re climbing during the summer months (which we don’t recommend).
• Take your time climbing the steps. It takes 40 min to 1 hour to climb all the steps, depending on how fit you are. Taking 2-3 breaks is a good idea.
• Be respectful of the temple and its surroundings. After all, this is a religious site, and there are strict rules about taking your shoes off (there are special signs prompting visitors to do that).

After spending the rest of the day relaxing, dinner on the beach is the perfect way to end your stay in Krabi. The seafood restaurants along the coast serve up traditional Thai recipes as well as fresh fish, shells, prawns, and calamari. If you are a seafood fan, you will not want to miss out on dinner on the beach and will wish you were staying longer just to enjoy more seafood.

Krabi Restaurant Recommendations for Lunch and Dinner

If you have only 3 days, good planning is the key to having a good time! Wouldn’t it be upsetting to waste your time on horrible food or bad service? No worries, we’ve rounded up a list of recommended restaurants that you may wish to try.

• P.P. Wang Ta Fu (in Koh Phi Phi Don) is a popular Thai restaurant that serves authentic Thai and Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is located near the Ton Sai Pier, which is very convenient if you’re waiting for the ferry.
• Red Chilli Thai Cuisine (in Ao Nang) is another great option for Thai food. The restaurant has a wide variety of traditional Thai dishes and even cocktails to choose from, and the prices are very reasonable (200-300 baht per person).
• CRU Kitchen & Bar (in Ao Nang) is a modern Thai restaurant with a stylish setting, and a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a chic place, with the average price per person around 900–1,000 baht.
• Rakhang Thai Bistro & Bar Ao Nang Krabi (in Ao Nang) serves both Thai and European cuisine, and they also have live music which adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The average price per person is 900-1,000 baht.
• Reeve Beach Club Krabi (in Ao Nang) is a beachfront restaurant with stunning views of the Andaman Sea. The menu features a variety of Thai dishes, international cuisine, various drinks, and tasty cocktails. Price per person: 1,000 baht.

Final Words

Three days may seem like a short time, but with proper planning, you’ll enjoy Krabi and cross out those beautiful destinations from your must-see list! So pack your bags, grab comfortable shoes and sunscreen, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Krabi!