Krabi is a very small Thai town that has been gradually increasing in visitors each year as there is overflow from Phuket Island which has become unbearably crowded.
Krabi town has three main roads running in the same general direction from Highway 4 toward town: Uttaradit (Uttarakit) Road; Maharat Road; and Krabi Road.
There are not many locals in Krabi, the bulk of people you’ll see are foreigners in town during high season (November to May). Krabi is a stopping off point for hundreds of thousands of backpackers and others traveling to Ko Lanta, Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Phuket.
Krabi has an international airport (Code: KBV) with flights to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, and Singapore as well as some other international destinations on occasion.
Where is Krabi Province and Town?
Krabi is a province south of Suratthani and east of Phang Nga Provinces. It is on the border of the Andaman Sea, just like Phuket Island. Krabi is NOT an island, but we do have some islands in Krabi like Ko Phi Phi islands, Ko Jum, Ko Yai and Ko Lanta.
Krabi Town is inland from the beaches of Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara about 12 kilometers (about 7 miles). Krabi is a Thai town with a lot of places for foreign visitors to stop and eat western food and shop for souvenirs. There are lots of things to do in Krabi.
What Are Krabi’s Main Areas?
Krabi Town
We just talked about town. It’s kind of central between everything. Thais say “Ampur Muang” for the center district in town.
Ao Nang Beach
Just 11 kilometers west of Krabi Town are the Ao Nang Beaches. This is where you can take a longtail boat to Railay beach or a speedboat to Koh Phi Phi and from there to Phuket.
The one problem here is DOGS THAT ATTACK KIDS. No joke. Do not leave your toddler’s side. There have been a number of instances of this. Krabi police, politicians, nobody… wants to SOLVE THE PROBLEM by moving the dogs.
Noppharat Thara Beach
Just 2 kilometers west of Ao Nang Beach is Noppharat Thara Beach. This one is more beautiful, has more sand, and has trees to block the harsh sun during mid-day.
DOG PROBLEM HERE TOO.
Thalen Bay
You can take kayaks out to a little island. This is a great place to see limestone karst rising up out of the ocean near the coast at Thalen Bay. There are vans that will take you from Krabi Town or Ao Nang all the way to the kayak excursions.
Phi Phi Islands
Built up now with a lot of hotels and restaurants. Many people like the vibe. Will be good until Chinese or some other huge group comes and destroys any ambiance left.
Koh Lanta Islands
A bustling island that has seen a lot of growth before the Covid situation. Now it’s rather deserted. Maybe things will open again as backpackers fill the air with ganja. Probably!
Gradually businesses are re-opening here in Lanta and people are starting to explore the island again. There are some exceptional villas on the beach here. If you want one
Koh Jum
An idyllic little island just east of Krabi Town. This requires a drive down Highway 4 and a right down toward the island. A boat is necessary, and it’s a 15 minute ride at full blast to reach the dock where you can take a taxi or songthaew to your accommodations of choice.
I HIGHLY recommend Koh Jum Beach Villas. A bit expensive, but it’s nothing for all the value you get. The beach is fantastic. The food is great. The India Pale Ale beer is brilliant.
To reach Koh Jum go south on Highway 4 toward Trang, but not that far. The island is just 30 minutes from Krabi Town. Take a boat across, if you’re staying with Koh Jum Villas, they have a private dinghy to whisk you from the mainland to Koh Jum Island. I mean, FAST. Still, it takes about 15 minutes for the boat ride.
Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi
Between Koh Phi Phi islands and Phuket is this group of 2 large and stunning islands. Not built up much, really quite nice.
