Things to Do in Krabi: Beaches, Climbing, and Islands

Railay Beach

The peninsula of Railay — separated from the mainland by impassable limestone cliffs — is one of the most dramatic beach settings in Thailand. Four beaches occupy the headland: Railay West (sunset-facing, long and accessible), Railay East (mangrove, not swimmable), Phra Nang Cave Beach (the most beautiful, at the southern tip), and Ton Sai (rougher beach, rockclimbing community).

Phra Nang Cave Beach is particularly striking — a curving bay beneath vertical karst walls with a Hindu shrine built into the cave at the far end. The beach is accessible only by a 10-minute walk across the peninsula from Railay West, or by longtail from Ao Nang.

There are no roads on Railay. Everything is reachable on foot in 20–30 minutes.

Rock climbing

Krabi has more developed climbing than anywhere else in Thailand and is considered one of the best single-pitch limestone climbing destinations in Southeast Asia. Around 700 routes have been bolted across the Railay and Ton Sai areas, ranging from 4a to 8b+.

The limestone walls are featured in every photograph of Railay — they’re not just scenery. Most routes top out at 15–30 metres on overhanging yellow and orange limestone with good bolt spacing.

For beginners — Half-day and full-day guided climbing courses are run by multiple operators on Railay. Includes harness, shoes, instruction on basic movement, and 4–8 routes at an appropriate grade. ฿1,200–1,800 per person. No prior experience required.

For experienced climbers — Bring your gear or rent at any climbing shop on Ton Sai. Independent climbers generally congregate on Ton Sai where the scene is more established. The Thaiwand Wall (Railay East side) has the most impressive multi-pitch routes.

Rock climbing guides: Hot Rock and King Climbers on Railay both have strong reputations.

Island day trips

Four Islands tour

The most popular day trip from Ao Nang or Railay. A longtail visits four islands: Koh Mor, Koh Gai (named for its chicken-head-shaped rock), Koh Tub, and Koh Daeng. The sandbar walk between Koh Tub and Koh Mor at low tide is the visual highlight. Snorkel stops at a shallow reef included.

Cost: ฿600–900 per person. Departs 9am–10am. Returns 4pm–5pm. Booked through any guesthouse or longtail operator in Ao Nang.

Hong Islands (Koh Hong)

A group of uninhabited islands 25km north of Ao Nang. The enclosed sea lagoons (hongs) inside the limestone formations are accessible by kayak at the right tide. Clearer water than the Four Islands tour and fewer tour groups. Speedboat tour: ฿1,400–1,800 per person. Highly recommended over the standard Four Islands tour if you have the choice.

Koh Phi Phi day trip

90 minutes by speedboat. The day trip covers snorkelling in the famous turquoise waters around Phi Phi Le (including Maya Bay) and a beach stop on Phi Phi Don. Speedboat: ฿1,500–2,200 including snorkel gear. A full day, not a half-day option.

Sea kayaking

Krabi’s mangrove-lined coast north of Ao Nang has several hours of sea kayak routes through limestone caves and channels. The Bor Thor area (30km north) has the densest mangrove kayaking accessible to independent paddlers. Tours from Ao Nang: ฿900–1,400 half-day. Independent kayak rental: ฿250–400 per person for a single kayak.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

A temple complex in a forest 4km from Krabi Town. The summit involves 1,237 steps up a steep karst — about 30–40 minutes of climbing. The views from the top extend over the Krabi mangroves and river delta to the Andaman. Free to enter; tiger paw footprints at the cave entrance (the temple’s namesake). Best in the morning — hot in midday heat.

Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot) — Koh Muk

Technically accessed from Trang province (2 hours from Krabi) but sometimes included in Krabi day tours. A cave passage swum through at low tide opens into an enclosed beach inside a hollow karst — one of the most dramatic natural features in southern Thailand. Worth the extra effort if dates and logistics allow.