Stunning Krabi, with its golden beaches and limestone islands rising dramatically from an emerald sea, is arguably the most beautiful place in all of Thailand. If you’re looking for a less crowded beach holiday destination, Krabi might be the one – so read on!
Phuket has traditionally been the most popular Thailand destination for families, but savvy holidaymakers are increasingly turning to Krabi as an alternative to Phuket or Koh Samui. Just to the east on the other side of Phang Nga Bay, Krabi is around nine times bigger than Phuket but attracts less than half as many visitors.
Famous for its sheer limestone cliffs, there are also more than 150 islands scattered through the bay, and boat trips are the most popular way of experiencing the region. Rock climbing is popular with all ages here, while sea kayaking is another popular way for families to explore hidden sea caves, or hongs.
Top things to do in Krabi with family
Go rock-climbing at Railay Beach
Renowned as a rock climbers’ paradise, boat-access only Railay Beach is arguably the prettiest beach of all. Krabi Rock Climbing School offers courses for beginners, in which you learn how to tie knots, about rope security and safety and climbing techniques. Its instructors are fluent in English and great with kids.
Families also love the Real Rocks Climbing School, which is based amidst the craggy limestone cliffs of Krabi. They offer small group, low impact adventures that are ideal for families with kids aged five years and over, with stunning views across the islands and beaches of southwest Thailand guaranteed.
👉 BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE: Half-day Krabi rock climbing tour (from $75 pp)
Visit the night markets in Krabi Town
Catch a taxi or local bus, called a songthaew, to Krabi Town to check out the large and bustling night markets. Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, the bazaar has dozens of stalls selling clothes and accessories, as well as delicious street food which can be eaten in the large open-air plaza. It’s also a great place to see cultural performances and artisans at work making Thai handicrafts.
Take a Thai cooking lesson as a family
Ya’s Cookery School in Krabi offers private classes and special seafood programs drawing on the bounty of Phang Nga Bay. Since opening in 2000, the school has built a strong reputation and has taught students from around the world, including UK celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
Take in the sight of Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)
Swim in the region's incredible hot springs
In the south of the province in the middle of the jungle in Klong Thom district, Krabi Hot Springs is a must-visit. As well as astonishingly beautiful, naturally formed, tiered rock pools, there’s also larger man-made pools so there’s enough room for everyone. While you’re there, take a dip in the striking Emerald Pool in nearby Khao Phra-Bang Khram Nature Reserve.
👉 BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE: Krabi hot springs tours and day trips
Dine on the waterfront at Ao Nang
Top island-hopping destinations from Krabi
Koh Phi Phi is, of course, the main drawcard, as the place where the movie The Beach was filmed. However, there are plenty of other islands in the archipelago to discover. Boat trips also go to Koh Hong, where you can swim or kayak on a beautiful lagoon, while the Krabi Four Island tour takes you to the Poda Islands group.
The 1km-long Koh Poda is the largest in the group and has a coral reef around 20m offshore, while the islets of Koh Tup and Koh Mor are known for their crystal-clear waters, which are great for snorkelling. They are linked by a sand bar and at low tide you can walk to Koh Gai, also known as Chicken Island after the shape of the rock that forms its southern tip.
A short boat ride away is the island of Koh Klang – a rural Muslim enclave where you can enjoy authentic local experiences such as learning how rice is harvested and how batik is made, as well as kayaking through mangroves to explore hidden caves.
For those looking for a quieter option, the Koh Lanta island district, 70km south of Krabi, is an undeveloped paradise known for its long beaches, inviting waterfalls and family-friendly resorts. The largest of the islands, Koh Lanta Yai, is accessible via car or passenger ferry.
👉 BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE: Phi Phi Islands full-day and half-day tours
Where to stay in Krabi with kids
With its large selection of hotels, shops and restaurants, the resort town of Ao Nang makes an ideal base – but there are plenty more resort enclaves and hidden beaches to discover around Krabi.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi
An exclusive hideaway for families and couples alike, five-star Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi is set in a private and secluded bay amongst a background of towering green limestone cliffs. The extensive range of facilities includes a kids’ club with daily activities, 500-metre private beach, multiple pools, including a children’s pool and spa.
Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi
There’s a complimentary shuttle running to Ao Nang, or you can stay right in the middle of the action at Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi, just a short stroll from beaches and restaurants. Featuring a large pool with a waterslide, a swim-up bar and children’s pool, the wide range of accommodation types includes direct pool access rooms.
Centara Ao Nang Resort & Spa Krabi
At the quieter end of Ao Nang Beach, Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi is a fun place for families to stay, including a fantastic kids’ club and elevated beachfront pool with ocean views. The wide selection of room types includes family residences complete with bunk beds and rooms with a private plunge pool.
Centara Life Phu Pano resort Krabi
Contemporary yet exotic, Centara Life Phu Pano Resort Krabi is a relaxing and intimate resort. It’s suitable for families and small groups, located just a 15-minute walk or a short drive from Ao Nang. All rooms have stunning views of the limestone mountains, while family residences are equipped with bunk beds and are suitable for teenagers and adults. The resort also boasts an infinity pool and complimentary WiFi.
KEEP EXPLORING: 5 of the best family resorts in Krabi
Discover more Thailand holiday gems
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🏝️ CHOOSE YOUR ISLAND: The ultimate island holiday showdown: Phuket or Koh Samui?
In partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand and Centara Hotels & Resorts
Opening image: See an elephant get a check-up at Phang Nga Elephant Park
