Discover Krabi: Islands, Coastlines and Culture

Ko Phi Phi Don shows how much Krabi is shaped by its bays: within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park lie the two crescent-shaped bays of Ao Tonsai and Ao Loh Dalum. Ko Phi Phi Le is also in the national park. The limestone island is characterized by steep sea cliffs and bays. Freshwater landscapes, mangroves and cultural sites are among the diverse experiences that define the destination. When planning a hotel stay, it is therefore worth first considering which experiences you want to shape your visit.

Bays, Limestone Islands and Beach Time

At the western beach of Railay Beach, you can swim and watch the sunset; limestone cliffs define the beach. Railay East is associated with climbing its high limestone cliffs. Railay therefore offers both beach and climbing landscapes, each with a different focus. At Phra Nang Cave on Railay Beach, stalactites hang down at the entrance like a curtain. Inside the cave is a shrine revered by local boatmen.

Ko Poda lies south of Ao Nang and eight kilometers from the mainland. Its clear seawater is suitable for swimming, and coral reefs can be seen along the coast. At low tide, Talay Waek forms a white sandbar connecting Ko Kai, Ko Thap and Ko Mo. Here, the water level is an important part of the nature experience: the sandbar appears at low tide.

Ko Hong is one of the Hong Islands in Than Bok Khorani National Park and is a limestone island. The water in its lagoon shimmers emerald green; boats can enter, and swimming is possible. At high water, there is only one channel in and out. On Ko Hong, a viewpoint reached via 419 steps offers a 360-degree view of Ko Hong Beach.

Freshwater, Forest and Nature Trails

Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam alternates between brackish and fresh water with the ebb and flow of the tide. A 700-meter wooden nature trail leads through evergreen swamp forest, peat swamp and mangrove forest. There are also designated swimming areas and a canoe rental service. Here, the tides shape both the waterscape and the experience of visiting the nature trail.

The Emerald Pool is in the Khao Pra–Bang Khra Wildlife Sanctuary and can be reached via a 1,400-meter nature trail. The hot spring is in a shady forest, and swimming is permitted. The water is about 30 to 50°C. Comparing these two routes, Tha Pom has a 700-meter wooden trail through different types of forest, while the Emerald Pool has a 1,400-meter route to the spring.

Nong Thale is a large freshwater lake surrounded by limestone mountains, with boat and kayak trips for observing nature. Khlong Nam Sai and Khlong Ru offer another way to experience the water: visitors can swim in the clear freshwater canals and rent kayaks. The salt springs of Khlong Thom are considered Thailand’s only salt springs of this kind and one of just five such sites worldwide.

Communities, Culture and Caves

Ko Klang is a small Muslim island community in the Krabi River estuary, surrounded by mangroves. The community preserves its distinctive local way of life. Visitors can walk around the island or take cycling tours; demonstrations are also available on organic farming, model longboat making and batik.

The Laem Sak community brings together Thai Buddhist, Chinese and Muslim cultures. There, travelers can experience local fishing and aquaculture, walk through Khao Chang Mop mangrove forest, and take a boat to visit sea nomad caves and islands. Khao Kh luk Kapi, a dish typical of the community made with rice and shrimp paste, is associated with Laem Sak. Ban Na Teen near Ao Nang is a center of local craftsmanship, where crafts made from coconut shells and batik clothing are produced. Other experiences include cycling through the village, sampling local specialties and carving miniature Rua Hua Thong boats.

Wat Tham Suea is a meditation and pilgrimage site. A flight of 1,237 steps leads to the viewpoint on Khao Kaeo, which offers a 360-degree view. Phi Hua To Cave in Than Bok Khorani National Park preserves more than 238 ancient paintings and evidence of human habitation from over 3,000 years ago. To visit the cave, visitors first take a boat from the park office to Bo Tho Pier. They then travel the final 1.6 kilometers to the entrance using transport provided by the community.

Khao Khanap Nam also brings together nature and history: the two limestone mountains stand beside the Krabi River, where visitors can take boat trips and explore ancient caves. The speedboat journey to Ko Phi Phi Don from Khlong Jilad Pier or Krabi Marina takes about an hour. Check the schedule before departure.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ao Nang, Krabi Noi, Amphoe Nuea Khlong, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Thab Prik, Ko Siboya, Khlong Khanan, Ao Luek Nuea, Khlong Prasong, Mueang Krabi District, Ko Lanta District, Ao Luek Tai, Khao Yai, Lam Thap, Nong Thale, Khiriwong, Phi Phi Don.

For the overview of the wider destination: Thailand.