By Kylian Dev
Climbing the cliffs of Tonsai & Railay
Over 700 bolted routes rising straight from the Andaman Sea.
Destination guide · Andaman Sea
Krabi: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget
Reachable only by sea due to the colossal karst cliffs surrounding it, the Railay peninsula is a world capital of rock climbing and unforgettable sunsets.
- Best: November to April
- €35 - 70 / day
In short
Krabi & Railay (Andaman Sea) — Dizzying karst cliffs and secret lagoons. Best time to go: November to April; average temperatures 30°C. Budget: about €35 - 70 / day. Weather: 30°C • Glassy, clear sea and a pleasant sea breeze
RegionAndaman Sea
TypeNature & park
Best seasonNovember to April
Avg. temperature30°C
Budget / day€35 - 70 / day
Thai nameกระบี่ / ไร่เลย์
Must-sees
Top 10 things to do in Krabi
Dizzying karst cliffs and secret lagoons
Phra Nang Cave Beach
Immaculate white sand, a sacred fishermen's cave and an iconic limestone spire.
Railay's hidden lagoon
A rope-assisted scramble to a circular lake set into the rock.
More things to do in Krabi
- 4
The four-island tour
Sea & islandsFull dayLongtail or speedboat trip to Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phra Nang Cave. At low tide a sandbar links the islands.
- 5
Ao Nang and its promenade
BeachHalf a day or moreThe main mainland beach, starting point for boats to Railay and the islands. Lively in the evening, with the sea in front.
- 6
Kayaking at Ao Thalane
Nature2 to 3 hPaddle between limestone cliffs and mangroves north of Ao Nang. Calm, green and suitable for beginners.
- 7
The Tiger Cave Temple
TempleHalf day1,260 steps to the top of a hill with a golden Buddha and a view over the whole province. Climb early in the morning.
- 8
Railay viewpoint and lagoon
Viewpoint2 to 3 hA steep and muddy climb with ropes leads to a viewpoint over East and West Railay. Wear good shoes and avoid it after rain.
- 9
The Emerald Pool and hot springs
NatureFull dayAn inland day trip combining the turquoise Emerald Pool, a hot stream waterfall and the forest of Khao Phra Bang Khram.
- 10
Krabi Town's night market
FoodEveningThe weekend walking street in Krabi Town offers street food and local music, far from the tourist beaches.
Great forBeaches & RelaxingJungle & HikingDiving & Reefs
Weather
When to go to Krabi & Railay?
30°C • Glassy, clear sea and a pleasant sea breeze. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayRain / monsoon
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Krabi & Railay: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €35 - 70 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Mid-range
35–70 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~21 €
Food
~13 €
Activities
~11 €
Local transport
~8 €
Transport
How to get to Krabi & Railay
Transport tip
Traditional longtail boat from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao (15-minute crossing, 100 baht).
From Bangkok → Krabi & Railay
Long haul: a domestic flight or night bus/train is usually easier
Flight
~664 km
Nearest destinations
Krabi & Railay → Koh Yao Noi
Road
~28 km · ~1 h by road
Krabi & Railay → Koh Phi Phi
Boat
45 min–1h15
Krabi & Railay → Koh Lanta
Road
~46 km · ~1 h by road
Where is Krabi & Railay?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Krabi & Railay
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Ao Nang
Practical base: restaurants, longtails to Railay and the islands.
Railay West / East
Reachable only by boat, right below the cliffs.
Tonsai
Railay’s neighbour, a climbers’ hangout, more rustic.
Krabi Town
Low prices and night markets, away from the beach.
See hotels in Krabi & RailayPartner
Full guide: where to stay in Krabi & RailayFood
What to eat in Krabi & Railay
Whole catch of the day grilled with sea salt
Massaman curry with sweet potato and cinnamon
Crispy mango-chocolate roti
Can’t decide?
Krabi & Railay or…? Compare
Budget, weather, vibe and activities side by side.
Combine with
Similar destinations
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Krabi & Railay
What are the best things to do in Krabi?
The must-sees are Climbing the cliffs of Tonsai & Railay, Phra Nang Cave Beach, Railay's hidden lagoon. Also worth your time: The four-island tour, Ao Nang and its promenade, Kayaking at Ao Thalane, The Tiger Cave Temple.
How many days should I spend in Krabi & Railay?
Allow at least 2 to 3 days to see the highlights of Krabi & Railay, more if you combine it with nearby destinations.
Build an itinerary with Krabi & RailayWhat is the best time to visit Krabi & Railay?
The best season is November to April. 30°C • Glassy, clear sea and a pleasant sea breeze. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Krabi & Railay?
Plan on roughly €35 - 70 / day per person (Mid-range), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for Krabi & RailayHow do I get to Krabi & Railay?
Traditional longtail boat from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao (15-minute crossing, 100 baht). From Bangkok, Krabi & Railay is about 664 km away as the crow flies.
Bangkok to KrabiWhich area should I stay in, in Krabi & Railay?
The most popular areas are Ao Nang, Railay West / East, Tonsai, Krabi Town. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in Krabi & RailayPlan your trip