Krabi, Thailand has some absolutely amazing islands and beaches that will satisfy those looking for beautiful tropical scenery and a place to relax and get some sun. But what if you are more of an adventure traveler like we are? Although we had to peel ourselves away from the beautiful sands and exchange bathing suits for outdoorsy gear, we found plenty of things to do in Krabi that are perfect for activity-seekers.
It’s a hard to compete with the gorgeous beaches, but if you are looking for more adventurous activities, here are five things to do in Krabi during your stay.
01 Kayaking Through Mangroves at Than Bok Khorani National Park
There are many kayaking opportunities in Krabi, but this one was an easygoing trip though a local mangrove forest. We kicked it off at the Baan Bor Thor (บ้านบ่อท่อ) Pier with the local tour guide, Mahn, who was knowledgeable and quite entertaining. We kayaked in calm waters through caves, lagoons, and near the limestone cliffs. We also saw birds and monkeys and had the chance to looked at some ancient drawings at Tham Pee Hau Toe or the Big Headed Ghost Cave.
What is Provided: Life Jackets,Water, Snack or Lunch, Hotel Transfer
What to Bring: Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Hat, and a Dry Bag (for your belongings)
Contact: Mahn (English-speaking guide) at (088) 451-4652, Choke Thara Travel
Cost: 1000 baht ($30 USD) per person half day guided tour, 1700 baht ($55 USD) for a full day; 300 baht ($10 USD) for a rower (optional)
02 Cave Exploring at Tham Klang
If you’re into hiking and cave exploration, Tham Klang (ถ้ําคลัง) or Klang Cave is an incredible place to visit. Located about an hour outside of town, this extensive underground formation is home to thousands of stalactites and stalagmites of all different shapes, textures, and colors. What’s great is that this cave offers a break from the heat, has no stinky bats, and looks practically untouched inside.
A trip to Tham Klang is not for the timid! We did a lot of climbing and clambering over and between rocks and walking past steep drop-offs. We got pretty dirty in the process, too. Tennis shoes are a must! It took us almost two hours to visit six of the twelve rooms in the maze-like superstructure, and it’s one of the best, if not most daunting, caves we’ve ever been in.
What is Provided: Large Flashlight and Water, First Aid On-Site
What to Bring: Bug Spray, Tennis Shoes, Clothes that can get dirty
Contact: Nong (English-speaking guide) at (081) 267-5508; Ao Luek Community Based Tourism Network
Cost: 200 baht ($6 USD) per person
03 Rock Climbing at Railay Beach
There are fantastic rock climbing opportunities in Krabi. We were lucky to be in the area during the annual Krabi Rock & Fire International Contest. We witnessed rock climbers tackle the limestone cliffs and compete on the Phra Nang, Railay, and Tonsai Beaches.
Solo rock climbers are welcomed here at Phra Nang, Railay, Tonsai! Need to rent some climbing gear? There is a small store on East Railay Beach called Tex Rocking Climbing that will take care of you.
Otherwise, there are several companies, such as King Climbers, that offer guided tours. They provide gear and can accommodate any experience level.
What is Provided: Gear, Filming/Photographs, Insurance, First Aid, Water, Hotel Transfer
What to Bring: Sunblock, Comfortable Clothes
Contact: (075) 637-125 King Climbers
Cost: 800 baht per person ($23 USD) half day guided tour, 1,600 baht ($45 USD) full day guided tour, 6,000 baht ($170 USD) for a three day guided tour
04 Nature Trails at Tha Pom Klong Song Nam
Usually a nature trail wouldn’t be reason to make a half hour drive outside of town, but this one is well worth the trip. It’s home to a gorgeous waterway appropriately named “Two Water Canal” that features the joining of saltwater with freshwater.
Elevated above the grounds of the Klong Song Nam (คลองสองน้ำ) is a wooden walkway that twists and turns through the mangroves and swamp forest. This was how were we able to access the crystal clear saltwater waterway, which eventually opens up and meets a cloudy freshwater natural pool. Swimming is allowed here, and we wished we had known to bring our bathing suits! We both agree that this is one of the more beautiful things to do in Krabi that isn’t beach related.
Kayaks and inner-tubes can be rented onsite. There are also several Thai restaurants and food stalls at the entrance of the Tha Pom Klong Song Nam that serve snacks, smoothies, and fresh seafood, so it’s perfect for picnicking.
What to Bring: Bathing Suit and Towel, Bug Spray
Cost: 50 baht ($1.50 USD) per adult, 30 baht ($1 USD) per child
05 Island Hopping in the Andaman Sea
If you want to capture some gorgeous pictures of the nearby islands, as well as have the opportunity to snorkel (and even some cases, open water kayak) rent a speed boat for the day and go island hopping. We visited Railay Beach, Tub Island, Poda Island, Chicken Island, and Hong Island. This full day trip includes gear, water, and even a break for lunch. Our only regret was not putting enough sun block on the backs of our legs!
What is Provided: Snorkeling Gear, Life Jacket, Water, Picnic Lunch, Hotel Transfer
What to Bring: Sunscreen, Bathing Suit, Towel
Contact: (075)-637-730 Ao Nang Travel and Tour
Cost: 1,200 baht ($35 USD) for a full day tour
There are More Than Just Five Things to Do in Krabi…
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Ok, ok, so there are actually more than just five things to do in Krabi. We took note of many other activities while we were there, we just didn’t have enough time to do them ourselves. These can be either arranged through a hotel or booked through the tour agencies throughout the area.
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If you’re looking for a place to stay in Krabi, the Phupha Ao Nang Resort is one of our favorite hotels. We love the bungalow-styled villas nestled among tropical gardens and sky-high limestone cliffs. They offer a free shuttle service down to the beach and complimentary breakfast, too. It doesn’t get much better than that!
On your trip to Krabi would you try any of these activities?
Great list! We’re going to have some visitors from the US while we are in Krabi and Ko Lanta and I hand’t found enough to do but this helps a lot! Thanks!
You’re welcome. The caves and the freshwater & saltwater canal were amazing!
Some great suggestions there guys, the Nature Trail is the most appealing to me these days. They something very similar on Koh Chang at Slakkok, and you can have a very similar kayak ride around the mangroves, it’s a fantastic day out.
I would love to spend a few days in Krabi, sometime in the near future I’m sure…..
Yeah, Krabi is great for the adventurer. Glad you found us!
TTT,
One of my best days in Krabi was spent renting motorbikes and exploring the mainland. I did that in many towns, but Krabi lacked traffic and the sceneries and discoveries were surprising and plentiful. Krabi really has a lot to offer. It’s been about 12 years since I’ve been there. I miss it big time!
-RBD
What a great choice to go exploring inland in that it turned out to be such a memorable day. We’ve always just stayed near the Ao Nang beach area, but we should take your advice and go exploring in Krabi on motorbike on our next visit. Sometimes it’s the most unexpected or simple trips that leave the best impressions.
Awesome list! I actually live in Krabi and haven’t done some of these things yet. Oh the jaded travel bug hits again. I need to explore the backyard more :-p
Definitely! Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the activities in your own town. We keep telling ourselves we’re going to go biking or rock climbing in Chiang Mai :)
Thanks for the great round up of fun in Krabi. We enjoyed our time in Ao Nang, but preferred the quiet of Ko Lanta. Thailand is a great place to explore and there is plenty to do, great food and some of the most amazing beaches anywhere.
Thanks for the tip!
I was looking for a great news like this. Thanks Chris and Angela for this type of king information.
Our pleasure!
Thanks for this post. We’re heading to Thailand in a month and plan on setting up base somewhere for 6-8 weeks. Krabi was definitely near the top of our list so these activities will come in handy. But lately the north is starting to appeal…decisions, decisions!
it amazes me how inexpensive it is to have fun in Thailand. Your information is very detail-oriented. This is what your blog stands out from others. Not to mention, all the beautiful pictures. Couldn’t love it more.
We’re delighted to hear that our blog has made an impression on you. Keep coming back for more great pictures and information :) And of course, to learn about all the inexpensive things in Thailand!
All of this looks incredibly fun! I need to leave Misery… I mean Missouri! :)
Haha, good one!
The rock climbing and kayaking both call my name… I’ll be there when my teaching contract ends… so excited for Thailand. I love your blog too! I’d def be using it for resources.
It looks incredible, right?! Thanks for the feedback and have a wonderful time during your time off :)
I want you to know you are nailing it with your bio line: “inspiring future expats towards amazing lives abroad!” We are working toward going to Chang Mai in 2017. Your story is very inspiring, this post is too. And not only that, but what a great date experience! Thanks for sharing! Steve & Chrissy
Thanks for the kind words! We wish you the very best of luck in your transition. We are so happy that you find our blog helpful. We look forward to hearing more about your journey!
HI, where do you advise to stay for doing the big five ? Ao Nang ? or Krabi ? thanks
We prefer Ao Nang as a central spot. Railay and Krabi are nice, but they are a little bit further away from the things on this list. Enjoy!
Excellent. I will surely visit Krabi and take your advice. When will you guys be back in CM. I’m settled here now.
That is great news, Roger. We’re glad to here that you finally made it! We are in Chiang Mai, but we will be going back to the US for a few weeks (first time in 15 months) pretty soon.