Things to Do in Krabi Town
Krabi Town, a bustling little market town, is the provincial capital. Its convenient location and good transport links mean many people choose to stay here for a night or two before leaving for the islands. The mainland beach areas are also accessible from here on a day trip, while Ao Nang is just a 25-minute drive or boat ride away. Krabi Town is a good place to observe the daily lives of locals and get to grips with the authentic Thai culture.
How to Get to Krabi Town
Krabi Town is accessible on a day trip from the mainland beach areas, with the local bus service from Ao Nang being a 20-minute ride. You can also take public transportation from Surat Thani to Krabi, or from Chumphon to Krabi. There’s no need to take a guided tour as the center is quite small, but do take a map with you for guidance. Motorbike taxis and songthaews are the main means of public transport; however, it is easy to walk around the town.
Attractions in Krabi
Go Island-Hopping
Krabi Town is located just a short boat ride away from some of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. Island hopping is a popular activity in Krabi and allows visitors to see multiple islands in a single day. Some of the most popular islands to visit near Krabi Town include Phi Phi Island, Railay Beach, and Maya Bay.
Take a Cooking Class
Krabi Town is known for its delicious seafood, so what better place to learn how to cook Thai food than here? There are a number of cooking schools in Krabi Town that offer classes for both beginners and experienced cooks. After taking a class, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your new skills!
Walk Along The Pak Nam River
The Pak Nam river runs through the heart of Krabi Town, and a walk along its bank is a great way to explore the town’s scenic beauty. There is a footpath along the river that is perfect for an evening stroll. You can watch the sunset, take in the stunning views, and enjoy a refreshing breeze. If you are lucky, you may even spot some monkeys playing in the trees.
Visit Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Krabi Town. The beach is located just 15-17km from the town center and offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea. You can reach it by songthaews, taxi, or motorbike. Ao Nang Beach is also a great place to enjoy some water sports or simply relax on the sand.
Rent a Longtail Boat
One of the best ways to explore Krabi’s coastline is by renting a longtail boat. Longtail boats can be rented from many of the shops along Ao Nang Beach and come with a captain who will take you on a tour of the nearby islands. This is a great activity for those who want to see some of Krabi’s natural beauty without doing too much physical activity.
Get a Thai Massage
After spending all day exploring Krabi Town, you’re going to need a massage! Thai massages are available all over town and are relatively cheap compared to other types of massages. A Thai massage will help you relax and rejuvenate before heading back out to explore more of Krabi Town.
Visit Wat Tham Suea
Also called “Tiger Cave Temple”, this place is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Krabi Town. The temple is located just outside of town and can be reached by taking a short hike up a hill. Tiger Cave temple offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle and is home to several Buddhist artifacts. The temple is located inside a cave and features several Buddha statues as well as stunning views of the surrounding jungle. Wat Tham Suea is also home to many monkeys, which are known to interact with visitors (just be sure not to feed them!).
Go Rock Climbing
Krabi Town is located near some of the best rock climbing spots in Thailand. Several companies offer rock climbing tours, which are perfect for both beginner and experienced climbers alike.
Krabi Town is the perfect starting point for a day of rock climbing in southern Thailand. With its tropical climate and breathtaking limestone scenery, it provides an ideal environment for climbers of all levels to test their skills. Experienced guides offer tips on technique as well as suggestions on which routes or activities might best suit each individual climber.
From Krabi Town, climbers can head to Railay Beach and explore Tonsai Beach and the famous Tiger Wall, amongst many other areas. Here you can scale huge cliffs that have been around since the dawn of time or simply enjoy the view while taking in some fresh air. Rock climbing in Krabi Town will certainly be an unforgettable experience!
Take a Tour of Krabi Old Town
The old town offers tourists an insight into how life used to be in this fishing village.
Narrow streets, old Chinese shophouses, and temples date back hundreds of years ago. It’s charming, the quaint atmosphere makes it one worth visiting. Several tour companies run guided tours through the old town.
Shop at the Krabi Night Market
One cannot leave Thailand without shopping at one of its many night markets. Krabi’s night market has everything from souvenirs to clothes, to delicious street food.
Poo Dam Night Market: located in the heart of Krabi Town, Poo Dam Night Market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The market has more than 70 stalls selling everything from traditional Thai food to handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs. The market is open from Monday to Wednesday from 5 – 10 PM. It is a great place to try some of the local delicacies and indulge in some retail therapy.
Shopping and eating tend to be the two main activities in Krabi Town, for both locals and tourists. From Vogue Department Store to the weekend Walking Street Market, there is something for everyone here, and prices aren’t inflated as much as the tourist resorts. There are also hundreds of authentic Thai eateries to be found around the town center. In the evening, two-night markets are set up, one opposite the City Hotel and the other by the riverside. Both markets sell a wide variety of snacks and sit-down meals, as well as a rainbow of exotic fruits and desserts. You don’t need to speak Thai or have a guide in tow to eat like a local, just point and smile.
Emerald Pool and Hot Springs
Take a day trip to the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs: If you have some extra time, take a day trip to the nearby Emerald Pool and Hot Springs. The Emerald Pool is a stunning green-colored natural pool surrounded by lush greenery. The Hot Springs are a series of thermal springs that are perfect for a relaxing dip. Both attractions are located in the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, about 70 km from Krabi town.
Final Thoughts
As stated in every travel guide for Krabi Town, the locals rise early and the morning market is busy before the crack of dawn. This indoor warehouse is the biggest of its kind in Southern Thailand and is a great place to wander around, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells – maybe even sampling some of the tropical fruit or the delicious ready-prepared snacks on offer.
Later, take a stroll along the riverside, where you can browse many small shops, as well as enjoy a great view of Krabi’s iconic sword-shaped rock formation, Khao Kanab Nam. You can rent a longtail boat from the pier to visit the small island on which they stand and enter the caves located inside the structure. Your boatman doubles up as a guide, although his English may be limited. The boat ride follows the mangrove-lined Krabi River, home to an abundance of wildlife, including many colorful birds.
Many people also like to explore the backwaters of the Krabi River on a half-day kayaking tour. There’s plenty of nature to experience, and most tours also stop off at the traditional floating fishing villages along the way. Kayaking is the best way to get up close and personal with nature in this area – guides are available, but kayaking is relatively easy even for those without a high level of fitness.
Krabi Town’s healthy ex-pat community means there are lively bars and late-night hangouts. Chao Fa Road is the main tourist and ex-pat territory. This long road is home to the majority of the town’s tourist accommodations, bars, and restaurants. Krabi’s only nightclubs are further out of town, but worth a visit just to experience the Thai club scene.
