Krabi is a beautiful beach city perfect for those who enjoy the more laid back and simple style. This was our very first stop for our month trip to Thailand. We stayed for a total of 3 nights spending our days going to the beach and exploring temples and hot springs.
Getting Here
We flew here from Bali with a connection through Kuala Lumpur. Flights were pretty pricey from Bali to Krabi, with the cheapest airline being Air Asia. Total cost of flights was $223 one way.
Once we arrived in Krabi they have taxis available you can order at the airport although the shuttle was a lot cheaper and dropped us off in the center of the city and then we walked to our hostel from there.
Location: Mueang Krabi District
If you want to be closer to the airport and ferry terminals then this is the area you want to be in. Railay beach is about a 30 minute cab ride from this area but only 10 from the Tiger Temple.
Accommodation: Pak-Up Hostel
Great location near restaurants and bars, only a block away from the Chao Fah Park Pier and the Pak Nam Krabi river where they have daily street markets. Really nice huge beds that are comfortable with good security and storage for your bags + plus A/C which is always a necessity in Thailand. They have a nice bar in the back of the hostel with drink deals and fun games and activities every day.
- Cost per night: $10
Food & Dining
Arun
This place was just down the road from our hostel on the way to the river. We went here every single morning for breakfast for their amazing smoothies! I honestly can say after traveling throughout Asia this place tops any other restaurants just for their smoothies. The food is decent with a great variety and very cheap.
Activities
Hire scooters
The best way to explore the area and have the freedom to come and go as you please is by scooters. Now, I have never ridden one before and this was my first time. I have to admit I was a bit shakey and nervous at first but you get the hang of it after a few practices. Just do be mindful and careful of those around you because you hear of motorcycle accidents all the time in Southeast Asia but I have to say its the best way to see the sites on a budget. Plus the wind in your hair is a pretty freeing feeling!
- Cost: 250baht/day
Emerald & Blue Pool
Emerald Pool is a nice getaway from the city and very beautiful, the perfect way to cool off from the humidity and heat, although there are lots of tourists here which kind of takes away from the scenery. But its a beautiful natural scenery with the pool glistening with a green/emerald color.
The Blue Pool is about 15 minute walk from Emerald Pool, but really cool and different. You cant swim in it because of the hot springs underneath, there’s mud and dirt that can suck you in like quick sand but some people swim in it anyways. There were a lot of lost sandals in the mud so its not an area I would mess around with!
- Distance to city center: 1 hour
Ao Nang Beach
Beautiful long stretch of beach here with a lot of shops and restaurants to eat nearby. There’s also a large cliffside in the distance where monkeys hang out and play with the adults. Just be weary because they are not afraid to climb on you and steal your food!
- Distance from city center: 30 minutes

Tiger Temple
This temple sits on top of a very steep mountain, 1,273 steps to the top but makes for a really nice view. I highly recommend going for sunset or early morning to beat the heat. I consider myself to be pretty fit and athletic and will admit its a hard climb but totally worth the view and the workout =) We also spotted a large family of monkeys who weren’t afraid to jump on us and play around.
- Distance from city center: 15 minutes