Krabi Town

Krabi Town (กระบี่), the capital of Krabi Province, sits a little upstream from the mouth of the Krabi River and is primarily visited en route to the nearby beaches of Ao Nang, Railay, and Had Yao. Unlike its beach resort neighbours, Krabi Town feels like a working Thai provincial capital — dusty strip-mall sprawl along Hwy 4 gives way to a congenial riverside centre where locals outnumber tourists. Its 53,000 inhabitants see few of the droves that pass through, making it a relaxed place worth exploring for a day or two if you want to experience "the real Thailand."

The town has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season from November to April offers the best weather, while the wet season from May to October brings heavy but short downpours. The town is compact and walkable, with most attractions, markets, and eating options clustered around the river and Maharat Road.

By Plane

Krabi International Airport (KBV IATA) is about 15 km from the town centre. Air-conditioned buses meet all arriving flights and drop passengers at the Krabi Provincial Court (schedule to the airport is posted at the same stop). Songthaews run from town to the airport — going to the airport they drop you at the departure terminal; from the airport you walk about 400 m to the main road and flag one down. Motorcycle taxis are available outside the terminal. Domestic flights arrive from Bangkok (Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways) and Ko Samui (Bangkok Airways). International flights connect Krabi to Kuala Lumpur (Air Asia) and, seasonally, to cities across Scandinavia and Russia.

By Train

Krabi does not have a railway station. Surat Thani is the nearest major rail hub; from there transfer onto buses or minivans to Krabi (2–2.5 hr, 150–180 baht). From Thung Song Junction, minivans run hourly between 07:00 and 17:00 for 140 baht.

By Car / Road

Krabi is just off Hwy 4, 784 km south of Bangkok, 165 km from Phuket, and 80 km from Phang Nga. The Krabi Bus Terminal at Talad Kao, about 5 km north of the town centre, is one of Thailand's better bus stations — clean, bilingual signage, free Wi-Fi. Several daily daytime and overnight buses run from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (12 hr). Minivans connect Krabi to Surat Thani, Phuket, Hat Yai, Ao Nang (60 baht, every 10 min during the day), and Georgetown in Malaysia (RM120–130, 7–9 hr).

The town centre is walkable. For longer trips, songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) are colour-coded by route: blue ones go to Tesco Lotus and the airport; brown ones to the bus station (30 baht); white ones to Ao Nang (60 baht). Taxis from the bus station to town centre cost about 100 baht. Motorbike rental is available for 150–200 baht per day and is the cheapest way to explore sites outside town. MotoKrabi Scooter Rental (+66 91 413 7811) offers reliable bikes with free delivery.

• Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) — One of southern Thailand's most famous temples, built into a mountainside about 3 km north-northeast of Krabi Town. The compound features a massive stupa, a cave shrine with Buddhas lining the cliff overhang, and 1,260 steps to a summit with panoramic views and a large Buddha shrine. A second stairway leads to a scenic valley called "Wonderland" with smaller cave shrines. Taxi from town costs about 200 baht. Watch out for monkeys — they bite.

• Wat Kaew Korawaram — A gleaming white temple on Maharat Road resembling a wedding cake. One of the main temples in Krabi town, worth a quick visit for its distinctive architecture.

• Khao Kanab Nam — The symbol of Krabi: two karst rocks standing side by side at the river mouth. A 15-minute longtail boat ride from the pier takes you to the rocks, where stairs lead to the top.

• Contemporary Art Museum of Krabi — Opposite Wat Kaew. Open Thursday to Sunday 10:00–17:00. Small gallery showcasing local contemporary art.

• Dhara Massage and Spa — 1/9 Ruamjit Alley. Inexpensive, expertly done massages by certified therapists including couples massage.

• Snorkelling and kayaking day tours — One-day tours covering the Four Islands, Hong Island, or Phi Phi Islands cost 1,000–1,300 baht depending on longtail or speedboat, typically including hotel transfer, snorkel gear, lunch, fruit, drinking water, insurance and guide.

• Mangrove tour — Half-day tours exploring the Krabi River mangroves, 1,500–2,500 baht.

• Night markets — The weekend night market and the daily walking street market offer local food, shopping, and atmosphere.

• Ruan Mai Restaurant — Riverside dining serving Southern Thai classics including gaeng som (sour curry) and pla pao (grilled fish).
• Krabi Night Market food stalls — Dozens of stalls offering pad thai, satay, som tam, fresh seafood, and mango sticky rice at bargain prices.
• Maharat Road restaurants — A mix of Thai and international options catering to the expat and traveller crowd.
• Ko Suang Restaurant — Popular with locals for its tom yam kung and fried rice, very affordable.

Tap water is not drinkable; stick to bottled water. Fresh fruit shakes are ubiquitous at market stalls. Beer bars line the riverfront, and there are several relaxed cafes on Issara Road. Local whisky (Mekhong or Sang Som) is widely available but best mixed.

• Budget: Pak-Up Hostel — Dorm beds from 250 baht, private rooms from 600 baht. Social atmosphere near the pier. Chan Cha Lay Guesthouse — Basic rooms from 400 baht on the river.
• Mid-range: Krabi River Hotel — 800–1,200 baht for a riverside room with breakfast. K Hotel — Modern rooms from 1,000 baht in the town centre.
• Upscale: Krabi Front Bay Resort — 1,500–2,500 baht with pool overlooking the river.

Krabi Town is far cheaper than Ao Nang. There are two night markets worth exploring: the weekend market on Khalong Road and the daily market near the river. Local crafts, fresh produce, and street food dominate. Bargaining is expected at markets but not in fixed-price shops.

• Ao Nang (15 km, 30 min by songthaew) — Krabi's busiest beach resort town with restaurants, bars, and tour operators.
• Railay (20 min by longtail from the pier) — Stunning peninsula with world-class rock climbing and beautiful beaches accessible only by boat.
• Ko Phi Phi (1.5–2 hr by ferry) — Iconic archipelago with Maya Bay, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant nightlife.
• Ko Lanta (2 hr by ferry) — Relaxed island with long beaches, diving, and a more laid-back vibe than Phi Phi.
• Khao Phanom Bencha National Park (20 km north) — Virgin rainforest with waterfalls, caves, and rare birdlife including Gurney's pitta.
• Phuket (2.5 hr by road) — Thailand's largest island with Patong nightlife, numerous beaches, and Phuket International Airport.