Thailand, a jewel in Southeast Asia, beckons travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. From idyllic islands and sun-kissed beaches to bustling cities and ancient temples, Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler. Choosing the perfect destination within this captivating country can be exciting yet overwhelming. If you’re dreaming of that quintessential Thai getaway, look no further than Krabi. In my experience, Krabi stands out as an exceptional place to immerse yourself in the magic of Thailand, offering stunning natural beauty, delectable cuisine, and easy access to explore.
Tourists relaxing on Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Thai culture is truly inspiring, and the people are incredibly kind and helpful, making travel around Thailand a pure delight. My own journey through Thailand, shared with a friend, was filled with a sense of safety and wonder, reinforcing its reputation as a welcoming destination for all, including solo female travelers and couples seeking a romantic escape.
Why Krabi is a Top Place to Visit in Thailand
While Thailand boasts a plethora of incredible destinations such as Chiang Mai, Pai, Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Samui, and Phang Nga, Krabi has consistently impressed me as a standout choice. Although I haven’t explored every corner of Thailand, Krabi offered a unique blend of convenience and authentic Thai experiences. It’s remarkably pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate and explore. Booking tours and excursions was a breeze, and the variety of food options catered to every taste. Moreover, Thailand remains an affordable travel destination, especially if you choose accommodations similar to where we stayed – a comfortable resort with a pool for around $80 per night. Dining was also budget-friendly, with delicious meals averaging between $4-$8, often including refreshing fruit smoothies. Shopping in Krabi offered great value, with many items priced lower than in the USA.
Exploring Ao Nang Beach in Krabi
Ao Nang Beach, stretching along the coast of Krabi, is a vibrant hub and a fantastic base for your Thai adventure. Staying in the Mueang Krabi District, specifically Ao Nang, felt like the perfect location. From our accommodation, a short stroll led directly to the beach, and in either direction, we discovered a wealth of shops, restaurants, and local markets. The lively night markets and the vibrant nightlife scene added another layer of enjoyment to our evenings in Ao Nang.
Noppharat Thara Beach at low tide in Krabi, Thailand
Hat Noppharat Thara National Park and Nopharat Thara Beach
A leisurely walk of about a mile from our resort brought us to the beautiful Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Venturing further into the park, we discovered the secluded Nopharat Thara Beach. Here, a heartwarming encounter with playful puppies, known as Soi dogs in Thailand, became a memorable highlight. Seeing bowls of food nearby, we shared some of our snacks with these adorable creatures, an experience that added a special touch to our beach visit. Beyond the puppy encounter, swimming at Nopharat Thara Beach was simply divine.
Soi dog relaxing at Hat Noppharat Thara National Park, Krabi
This national park also serves as the departure point for boat trips to the renowned Phi Phi Islands. Interestingly, we had a minor adventure getting temporarily “stranded” on Phi Phi Island due to a boat issue after a storm. However, even this unexpected delay led to a charming encounter with a friendly cat and ultimately became a funny travel story.
Island Hopping to the Phi Phi Islands
Booking a tour to the Phi Phi Islands is incredibly easy, with numerous tour operators lining the streets of Ao Nang Beach. While prices were generally consistent, we opted for a tour based on the promise of a newer boat – a decision that later proved slightly ironic!
The Phi Phi Islands excursion begins at Hat Noppharat Thara National Park, where we joined around 25 other travelers on our boat. Our first stop was Ko Mai Phai, a stunning white sand beach in the Strait of Malacca, approximately 30 minutes from the mainland. The crystal-clear waters of Ko Mai Phai were perfect for swimming. After a refreshing swim, we continued to a lunch stop near the Phi Phi pier.
Turquoise waters and white sand beach of Ko Mai Phai, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Next, we enjoyed a fantastic snorkeling session just off the coast of Ko Phi Phi Don. The visibility was exceptional, and we were amazed by the abundance of colorful fish. The snorkeling spot was near Monkey Beach, and our guide offered a closer look at the monkeys. However, the sight of a large monkey aggressively jumping onto a boat, followed by the boat driver’s frantic efforts to deter it, convinced us to admire them from a distance. Our anticipation then built for the highlight of the tour: Maya Bay.
The Iconic Beauty of Maya Bay
Visiting Maya Bay is truly an unforgettable experience. The scenery is simply breathtaking, with pristine white sand, unbelievably clear turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs encircling the bay. However, be prepared for crowds, as Maya Bay is an incredibly popular destination. Fortunately, our tour guide timed our arrival perfectly, coinciding with the departure of a large number of tourists. While still busy, the beach was less congested than usual, allowing us to capture photos without throngs of people in the background – a definite win! While swimming is currently restricted in Maya Bay (as of November 2023), wading in the shallows and soaking in the beauty of this iconic bay is absolutely worthwhile.
Discovering Railay Beach
Railay Beach is another must-see destination in Krabi, often featured in postcards and travel magazines showcasing Thailand’s beach paradise. Its beauty is undeniable, but getting there is part of the adventure, as it’s only accessible by boat. We chose to stay in Ao Nang and take a day trip to Railay Beach, a short and affordable 15-minute boat shuttle away. Accommodation on Railay Beach tends to be more expensive, making Ao Nang a more budget-friendly base. Railay Beach is perfect for relaxing on the sand and swimming in the stunningly clear water.
Longtail boats anchored at Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Tourists enjoying the beach at Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
During our visit to Railay, we experienced a sudden downpour and had to wait for the boat back to Ao Nang. Boats typically wait until they have around 8 passengers before departing. Despite the rain, it wasn’t a major inconvenience as we were in swimsuits, and the boat ride back was quick. Bringing a light sweater might be a good idea, though, as it can get a little chilly after swimming, especially if it rains.
Beyond Krabi: Phuket and Bangkok
When planning our trip, we were initially torn between Krabi and Phuket and decided to spend approximately 4-5 days in each. Looking back, Krabi definitely captured our hearts more. While Phuket is often more affordable for flights, the 5.5-hour bus transfer from Krabi to Phuket highlighted the distance between these destinations. Our main reason for visiting Phuket was to get tattoos, as the city is known for its talented tattoo artists, and we had excellent fine line tattoos done at Little Ink Studio. Getting a tattoo can be a unique and memorable activity to include in your Thailand itinerary.
On a previous trip to Thailand in 2018 with my husband, we explored Bangkok and Pattaya City. While we enjoyed aspects of Bangkok, we found ourselves drawn more to the coastal regions of Thailand. Bangkok is generally more budget-friendly for international flights, whether arriving from the USA or Cambodia, as was the case for my trip with Chloe. To reach Krabi, we flew into Bangkok and then took a short 1.5-hour domestic flight to Krabi. Getting transportation from Krabi airport to the city was straightforward. I highly recommend getting a local e-SIM card upon arrival at Bangkok airport for easy navigation and communication throughout your trip.
Spending two to three nights in Bangkok can be a great addition to your Thailand itinerary. It’s an ideal place to adjust to the time difference after a long flight, indulge in delicious and affordable street food, explore bustling markets, and experience the city’s unique cultural attractions. Pattaya City, also located on the coast, offered another beachside destination to explore, and we enjoyed a boat tour to nearby islands.
More Places to Explore in Thailand
Northern Thailand has also been highly recommended to me, although I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. My friend Chloe raves about Pai as one of her favorite travel destinations, and Chiang Mai is frequently praised for its cultural richness and natural beauty. Beyond Krabi, Phuket, and Bangkok, Thailand is home to countless other stunning islands, each with its own distinct charm, although some may be slightly more challenging to reach. If a relaxing beach escape is what you seek, Krabi remains my top recommendation.
Palm trees and longtail boats on Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Essential Packing Tips for Thailand
Packing for a trip to Southeast Asia is relatively simple. Focus on lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm and humid weather, and don’t forget your swimsuits! We visited in November and found a light rain jacket useful for occasional showers. Comfortable shoes are essential. I brought sneakers for the airport and any walking or hiking (these are the exact ones: https://amzn.to/3NAbQ2E), and sturdy sandals for the beach (similar pair here: https://amzn.to/3NGBItH).
As a backpacker, I swear by packing cubes for efficient packing and space compression. Traveling with just a backpack (my 35-liter Osprey) and a smaller daypack provides incredible freedom and flexibility. I highly recommend this style of travel! These are the packing cubes I use: https://amzn.to/41y8Idi.
For modern travel convenience, especially in Southeast and Eastern Asia, consider exploring Moreta, a QR code wallet designed for travelers (launching soon): https://moreta.io.
For more travel inspiration and glimpses into my Thailand trip from November 2023, check out my Instagram highlight reel. Wishing you safe and wonderful travels!
