Krabi Holidays

Krabi beach days are one of the best things to do on Thailand holidays. Whether you prefer to run along the sand at sunrise, splash around in the morning waves, soak up the afternoon sun, or gaze out to sea as the day fades away, you’ll never be short of reasons to relax by the sea.

When you feel the ocean calling, take an island-hopping tour on a traditional long-tail boat to snorkel in the shallows, kayak through caves, and walk along castaway beaches. For a different sort of Krabi experience, head to the Tiger Cave Temple of Wat Tham Suea. There are 1,260 stairs to climb, but the resident monkeys will be glad to cheer you along, and the views from the top are worth every step.

With almost 100 miles of coast and more than a dozen beaches, plus more on the offshore islands, there are plenty of sandy spots within easy reach of Krabi beach hotels. At the top of many ‘must-visit’ lists is a trio of beaches close to the central town. Ao Nang is the liveliest and most popular resort with no shortage of facilities, bars, restaurants and shops to frequent.

Alternatively, do as the locals do and walk 10 minutes to Nopparat Thara, with its quieter atmosphere and a small cluster of al fresco restaurants and bars. Finally, accessible only by boat, the stunning Railay Beach offers Insta-perfect scenery of limestone cliffs, soft sand, and deep blue sea. For those who want to take their Krabi beach holidays off the beaten track, Ton Sai Beach offers tranquillity between two cliffs, while the tiny island of Koh Mai Phai is the ultimate castaway retreat.

500 miles south of Bangkok, Krabi sits at the eastern edge of Phang Nga Bay, protected from the Andaman Sea waves by Phuket, Koh Yao Yai, and Koh Yao Noi. It’s best accessed by flight from Bangkok or Koh Samui, though some international flights do arrive direct from Singapore and Malaysia for those who choose to add a beautiful beach to their city break outside Thailand.

A three-hour drive from Patong to Ao Nang makes Krabi and Phuket holidays one of the easiest ways to combine two beach destinations in one trip. However you choose to get there, Krabi is a fantastic addition to any Thailand holiday.

It’s hot all year in Thailand, but the Krabi weather is best between December and March. Low humidity, minimal rain, and daily temperatures in the mid-twenties make these months perfect for the beach, sightseeing, hiking, and even climbing temple steps. This time of year also offers a gentle breeze to keep you refreshed while the sea stays close to 30°C so you can swim without trepidation.

Temperatures soar to the mid-thirties in April and May, which is great for days by the pool or on the beach but can make moving around a little more work, especially at the peak of the day.

June to October brings the monsoon rains, followed by the beginning of the dry season in November. Christmas and New Year are some of the best times to visit Krabi, but book early; the festive season is extremely popular with international and local visitors alike.