3 days in Krabi: The Ultimate Krabi Travel Itinerary
If you have only 3 days in Krabi, we’ve got the perfect Krabi travel itinerary for you. Located on Thailand’s Andaman coast not far from Phuket, Krabi is a coastal town that is home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, spectacular limestone formations, lush green forests, and heaps of tiny islands not far from its shores. It’s similar to Phuket in many ways but offers a more laid-back experience. At the same time, the things to do in Krabi are endless!
This Krabi travel itinerary covers everything from the vibrant bustling streets in Ao Nang Beach, the mesmerizing Railay Beach, a trip to the beautiful Emerald Pool, and a 4 islands trip from Ao Nang.
The best part is whether you spend 3 days or 7 days in Krabi, there are so many things to do including island hopping tours, eating at the night markets, and indulging in some cheap massages. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed holiday, you can island hop and spend time on the many beaches in the area.
This Krabi travel itinerary is a guide for those who are looking to visit Krabi for the first time as part of a wider Thailand trip. You can choose to change things around and add or take things off. The options are endless, so feel free to make it your own.
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Overview of 3 days in Krabi: The Ultimate Krabi Travel Itinerary
Day 1
- Railay Beach
- Ao Nang Beach
- Shopping
- Ao Nang night market
- Krabi nightlife, massage
Day 2
- Island Hopping
- Krabi Town Night markets
- Muay Thai match
Day 3
- Tiger Cave temple
- Emerald Pools
- Hot Springs
- Night markets
3 days in Krabi: The Ultimate Krabi Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Krabi Travel Itinerary – Explore Ao Nang
Assuming you arrive in Krabi first thing in the morning to make the most of your 3 days in Krabi.
Day one is all about relaxing at the beautiful beaches, shopping, and enjoying the nightlife in Ao Nang. Pack a beach bag, grab some snacks from the 7/11 stores near Ao Nang Beach, and get ready to head to the world-famous Railay Beach for some R&R. One of the best things to do in Krabi is to visit Railay Beach.
Overview of Day 1 in Krabi
- Railay Beach
- Ao Nang Beach and watch the sunset
- Shopping along Ao Nang beach promenade
- Ao Nang night markets
- Drinks and a massage
Railay is only accessible by boat and has stunning crystal-clear waters and a picture-perfect backdrop. It gets really busy so depending on when you get there, the beach could be quite crowded already.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, head to Ao Nang Beach, at the very end you’ll find the stands where you can book your ticket to Railay on a longtail boat. With so many boats leaving frequently in the peak season, you won’t be waiting very long once you’ve purchased a ticket.
If you buy a return ticket upfront, they’ll give you a period of time that you can spend at Railay. Instead when you are ready to leave, there’ll be someone selling tickets at Railay to bring you back at Ao Nang. Just make note of the time of the last boat from Railay. The cost is around 100 baht per person one way.
Spend time relaxing at Railay, go rock climbing, or simply wander around finding hidden treasures. You can take a walk to Phra Nang Beach and explore Phra Nang Cave. It’s a day well spent and well worthwhile to visit one of the best beaches in Thailand.
When you get back to Ao Nang, walk along the promenade which has many shops and restaurants. You can find some great souvenirs here to take back home with you.
After shopping, grab some food from the Ao Nang night markets (usually open between 5 and 10 pm). You can eat at the markets or sit down at Ao Nang beach and watch the sunset. They even have a fire show around 8 pm on the beach, so keep an eye out for that.
Finally, grab a drink at one of the many bars and enjoy the great Krabi nightlife. If you are looking for a place to get a nice massage at the end of the night, head to Kaohom Massage just off the main Ao Nang Beach road.
Note:
If you’re staying in Krabi Town, you can spend the day in Ao Nang, as mentioned above, and enjoy the night markets in Krabi Town. If you’re staying in Ao Nang, you can enjoy the nightlife, or head to Krabi Town for a wander around the night markets.
Day 2: Krabi Travel Itinerary – Island Hopping Adventures
After a fun night in Ao Nang, get ready for an awesome day of island hopping in Krabi. Day 2 of your Krabi travel itinerary will be an unforgettable one and probably one of the best days of your Thailand trip.
Krabi island hopping is an absolute must, it’s one of the best things to do in Krabi! There are plenty of island-hopping tours. Which one you’d like to go on completely depends on you and your budget. The four-island tour in Krabi is probably one of the most popular ones. But you can also choose to visit the Phi Phi Islands or Hong Islands from here.
If it’s not too out of your budget, get a private longtail boat to head on one of these tours. If you are traveling with a group of friends or with family, this is the better way to go. You can then customize your day including the islands you visit as well as your start and finish times. Depending on who you book through, you can expect to pay between 3000 and 3500 baht for about 6 or 7 hours. This won’t include any food but you may get some bottled water.
Overview of day 2 in Krabi
- Island Hopping
- Option A: 4 Islands Tour: Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub (and Koh Mar), Railay Beach
- Option B: Phi Phi Islands Tour: Maya Bay, Phi Leh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island
- Option C: Hong Island Tour: Hong Island beach, Ko Lao Landing, Ko Pak Bia
- Dinner at night markets in Krabi Town
- Muay Thai match
Here is some information on some of the island tours.
4 Islands Tour
You’ll visit Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub (and Koh Mar), and of course Railay Beach. This tour is one of the best things to do in Krabi, so make sure you book it well in advance. Now because you would have visited Railay Beach on day one, if you are booking a private tour, ask if you can add Hong Island instead. Otherwise, Railay is so beautiful, that it doesn’t hurt to go back. You get roughly an hour at each place on a private tour. Send us a message and we can give you the details of the person we used.
Taking one of these tours is very affordable and easy to do. You’ll be able to experience some of the bluest waters, with incredible snorkeling all nestled amongst the towering limestone cliffs. Just don’t forget to take your camera or you’ll be kicking yourself.
The great thing about the 4 island tour is if you start early enough you’ll be done with this tour by about 2 or 3 pm, leaving you with the rest of the day to explore Krabi further.
Note: We highly recommend starting at Railay Beach to avoid the large crowds that make their way later in the day.
Phi Phi Islands + 4 Islands
If you are only in Krabi for 3 days and want to make the most out of exploring the nearby islands, we’d suggest taking this Phi Phi Islands + 4 Islands tour.
It covers all the spots in the 4 Islands tour plus includes the famous Maya Bay, Phi Leh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach. It is a long day but think about everything you’ll get to see along the way.
Hong Island Sunset Tour and BBQ Dinner
If you are looking for a slightly different experience, the Hong Island Sunset Tour is an incredible way to spend day 2 in Krabi. This tour includes some nighttime snorkelling so if you are lucky, you may get to see some bioluminescent plankton. You can check out all the details here.
Depending on what tour you decide to go with and when you return back to the mainland, you could either check out Krabi Town and get some dinner at the markets or watch a Muay Thai Match. Alternatively, enjoy the nightlife at one of the many bars in Ao Nang.
Day 3: Krabi Travel Itinerary – Emerald Pool, Hot Springs Tiger Cave and Night Markets
On day 3 of your Krabi travel itinerary, you’ll get to explore the areas outside of Ao Nang. You’ll make your way to the famous Tiger Cave Temple and its viewpoint, the relaxing Krabi hot springs, and the stunning Emerald Pool. You’ll finish off the night with a delicious Thai meal before ending your 3 days in Krabi.
Note: To get to the top of Tiger Cave, you have to climb 1260 steep steps. So, if you aren’t feeling up to it, you may want to skip this and book this tour instead.
Overview of day 3 in Krabi
- Tiger Cave
- Emerald Pools
- Hot Springs
- Night Markets
It’s best to head to Tiger Cave first thing in the morning so you aren’t trying to walk up the 1000 + steps in the scorching heat. Bring a hat and a bottle of water. If you do make it up the top, the views are simply stunning and you’ll also be greeted by a large golden Buddha. Be careful of the monkeys as they are quite aggressive. Do not touch or feed them.
Next, you’ll head to Emerald Pools and the hot springs to relax your legs after all that walking. Emerald Pools is one of the best things on your Krabi Travel Itinerary. It is surrounded by a forest and you have to walk the nature trails to get there. You can only swim in the designated areas.
For dinner, you can choose to visit Krabi town for your last night in Krabi. If you are in Krabi on the weekend, then don’t miss out on the Krabi night markets filled with delicious street food, live performances, and an authentic Thai vibe.
Alternatively, if you want a relaxing dinner after your long day of sightseeing, head to the famous Red Chilli Thai Restaurant for a delicious Thai meal. Don’t forget the shops in Ao Nang will still be open till late, so you can always take a stroll for some last-minute shopping if you are feeling up to it.
While this itinerary gives you an idea of what you can do during your 3 days in Krabi, you can easily swap things out or add things on. If you’d much rather have a relaxing day, head back to Ao Nang Beach or try Klong Muang Beach, a secluded paradise for beach lovers.
Happy Travels!
Note
The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before your trip as things tend to change from time to time.
As always, have a great time in Krabi and if you decide to follow this Krabi travel itinerary, be sure to send us a note or tag us on @travelandtastewithtracy
Krabi Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Krabi
The best time to visit Krabi is usually during the golden months, but these will also be the busiest and most expensive. This is generally during the dry season, which spans from November to April. During these months, Krabi experiences pleasant weather with clear skies, warm temperatures, and lower humidity. So, if you are looking to have great weather and a nice beach holiday, this is probably the best time for you to visit.
However, visitors can still enjoy nice weather in the shoulder months of November and April.
As with any tropical destination, occasional brief rain showers can occur even during the dry season. The climate differs drastically around Thailand. So, if you’re planning to visit other parts of the country, you’ll need to do your research to time everything the best you can.
How to Get Around Krabi
Grab: If you are traveling as a family or in a large group, you may need to consider using Grab’s for shorter distances.
Rent a Motorcycle: Renting a motorcycle when you visit Krabi is almost effortless and is reasonably priced at around 250 Baht per day. It’s easy to find parking and get to attractions all around. Make sure you have your international driver’s license and drive carefully.
Tuk–Tuk: Tuk-tuks are Thai three-wheeled motorized transportation that many tourists use. These can be more expensive than using Grab. Make sure you agree on a price with the driver based on the location you want to go to. You can even rent a tuk-tuk to explore Krabi in a day.
Songthaews: If you want to visit Krabi Town from Ao Nang, take a Songthaews from Ao Nang to get to Krabi Town. These are fairly inexpensive (around 50B one way per person), reliable, and easy to ride. To catch a ride on a songthaew, simply wave your hand to signal the driver. It’s important to have cash on hand and preferably the exact amount of the fare to pay the driver.
Rent a Car: Car rental is the most convenient transportation option for tourists in Krabi. You can have your own schedule and explore some of the attractions that are a bit further away from the main areas. Check out reviews and book in advance as there aren’t as many places in Ao Nang that do car rentals. You can book these at the airport too. Make sure you have your international driver’s license and insurance.
Taxis: Like most places, taxis tend to be the more expensive option. So, try one of the other options before you resort to a taxi.
Where to Stay in Krabi
Krabi has accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels, and incredible 5-star Krabi resorts with massive infinity pools and private villas. It’s one of the best holiday destinations in Thailand due to its close location to both mountains and the sea.
It’s easy to get to Krabi from most main cities in Thailand. Whether you want to stay in a lively town, along one of the world’s best beaches, or at a luxury resort, you’ll have plenty of options in Krabi.
Overview of best areas to stay in Krabi
- Ao Nang: Best all-around holiday area
- Krabi Town: Great location for authentic Thai experiences
- Railay and Tonsai: Best for beaches and rock climbing
- Koh Phi Phi: The best area to stay to explore the Phi Phi Islands
- Koh Lanta: For those who love to explore nature, snorkeling and diving
Ao Nang
This is one of the main areas tourists consider staying in Krabi as it’s right by the beach making it a good base for day trips to the surrounding islands, adventure activities, and affordability. In our
Ao Nang provides the perfect balance between relaxation, nightlife, and adventure. The town makes the perfect tourist town as everything here is within walking distance of each other.
Begin your day with a stroll along the beach, grab a pad thai for lunch, and hop on a longtail boat to Railay Beach, all without a hassle.
Krabi Town
If you are looking for a more local and authentic Thai experience, you’ll find this in Krabi town. You’ll get a taste of the daily with street food stalls and lively markets. You’ll have access to some of the country’s most impressive landscapes and national parks.
The major downside is the absence of a beach in Krabi Town, so please remember this before booking your accommodation here.
Railay and Tonsai
While we stayed in Ao Nang, on our next visit to Krabi, we would consider spending a few days at Railay. The serene landscape and tranquility make Railay one of those unique spots in Thailand.
The only way to get to Railay and Tonsai is by boat, not because it’s an island but because of the limestone cliffs surrounding this area. Staying in Railay means you can wake up early and take a stroll on one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand before the crowds set in. Further, the place also offers great activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking.
Railay West is the most popular, known as Railay Beach. While Railay East has more budget-friendly accommodation. There’s no beach here, but instead, you get a more affordable price. You can easily walk between Railay West and Railay East.
From here you can take many day trips to the 4 islands, Phi Phi Islands, and even head out on a night tour to see some bioluminescent plankton
Just make sure you stock up before you head to Railay, as the options there are limited for food. You won’t find a 7/11 and prices are higher than at Ao Nang. Two or three nights in these places would give you the perfect reset.
Koh Phi Phi Islands
Koh Phi Phi boasts some of Thailand’s most famous beaches and is a great base for island hopping adventures. From diving, nightlife, and delicious restaurant options it has it all.
There is only one island that is inhabited and that is Phi Phi Don. The island is compact and there are no cars. One can walk from one side of the island to the other, where the main beach is located.
There are plenty of nature trails winding through lush greenery. You’ll also come across secret beaches. And of course, as day turns to night, there is a party vibe on the island.
Over the years the island has become more and more crowded, so if this is not your thing, you can always take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands instead of staying here.
It’s extremely important to do some research before booking your accommodation.
Koh Lanta
Located just off the coast of Krabi Koh Lanta is a great island option for those who love to explore nature. It’s not as busy as the other tourist spots in Thailand. The vibe here is way more relaxed and if you are looking to enjoy the tranquil surroundings, snorkeling, and diving, then this is the place for you.
In recent years Koh Lanta has increasingly become popular with digital nomads.
Best places to eat in Krabi
- Red Chilli Thai Restaurant
- Ao Nang Night Markets
- Sunset Bar
- Jungle Kitchen
- Jennas Bistro
- The Last Fisherman
What to pack for Krabi?
- Mosquito Repellent
- Rain Jacket/ Poncho
- Lightweight Clothing
- Beach Towel
- Swimsuit, Sunscreen, Hat
- Toiletries
- Travel Adaptor
- Comfortable shoes, sandals/ slippers
FAQ – Krabi
Which Is the best part of Krabi to stay in?
Ao Nang would be our top spot for its convenience to beaches, island hopping adventures, nightlife, and lots of other activities. It offers a great mix of places to stay that suit all budgets.
How far is it from Krabi town to Ao Nang?
It’s about 20 – 25 minutes by car, making it easy to explore both areas during your stay.
Is Krabi province home to some of Thailand’s best beaches?
Yes, we think so. We loved our time in Krabi and if you are seeking some relaxation, sun, snorkeling, and other water activities, then this Krabi Travel itinerary is definitely for you.
How many days do you need in Krabi?
We think 3 days in Krabi is a good start to cover some of the main tourist attractions. Of course, if you had more time in Krabi, you could visit some more of the nearby islands and spend more time relaxing on the beach.
Which is better, Krabi or Phuket?
This really depends on you. Both places are incredible in their own ways. Phuket has a lot more going on and is one of the most visited places in Thailand. Krabi is the quieter version of Phuket. Both offer incredible beaches, island hopping trips, night markets, and delicious food.
Other Thailand posts you may like to help you plan the perfect holiday
- 3 Day Chiang Mai Travel Itinerary
- Best Places To Visit In Phuket
- 14-Day Thailand Travel Itinerary
- 5 Day Bangkok Itinerary
