The Coolest Things to Do in Krabi in 2026

Everyone talks about the Phi Phi Islands, but after seeing how over-industrialized they’ve become, I wouldn’t recommend them. Luckily, I’ve found lesser-known spots that are just as stunning and way more local.

From yours truly, a Thai local who’s spent months living in Krabi, here comes my version of local things to do in Krabi, including where to eat, and the best islands still loved by locals.

If you’re tired of the overcrowded Phi Phi Islands and the street hustlers in Ao Nang, too, you’re in the right place!

Why Krabi Is Still Worth Visiting in 2026

I first fell in love with Krabi in 2014, when I had to live there for about 3 months while on a British TV show set. Although we didn’t have time to do much except shop for food at local night markets after work on weekdays, we were able to explore a lot of it on weekends.

I went again ten years later, and although the streets of Ao Nang have become completely infested with tourist traps and crappy restaurants, there are still so many gems left that make Krabi worth visiting.

I’ll share those gems with you, along with tips to enhance your experience there!

Getting Around Krabi (Read This First!)

Grab drivers in Krabi are being terrorized by the local taxis.

If they sometimes act strangely… like parking 200 meters away from where you’re waiting and telling you they can’t come any closer, assume that you’re waiting in the local taxi territory, and walk over.

But Is It Safe?

Yes, absolutely. The drivers are saving themselves (and you) the drama by not invading the local taxi zones. As long as you compromise and meet them where they’re at, your rides will be just as safe as in Bangkok.

The 6 Best Things to Do in Krabi in 2026

While it’s impossible to find a completely non-touristy place in Krabi today, the list below is my best effort to steer you away from the main tourist tracks.

Except for Railay, of course. It’s not a visit to Krabi without seeing Railay and its gorgeous limestone cliffs!

1. Ditch the 4 Islands Tour and Go to Koh Hong Instead

True to form, I’m leading with the most obvious and saving the best ones for later.

But just because it’s an obvious option doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing! I just always tell people to avoid the heavily industrialized Phi Phi Islands and opt for Koh Hong instead. Koh (เกาะ) means “island” in Thai, so you’ll sometimes see it written as Koh Hong.

Just like on the Phi Phi Islands, you get pristine white sand beaches and very clear water with colorful fish in Koh Hong as well. Another thing it has in common is that you can hike 15 minutes up to the viewpoint above the island!

Recommended Way to Visit Koh Hong

If you wish to spend more time on each island, you could rent a boat for yourself for the day.

I joined this day tour that took me to Koh Hong and the nearby Koh Lao Lading, which is packed with fascinating live corals in shallow water. I must have spent a whole hour just floating around and admiring them.

2. Rock Climb at Railay and Phra Nang Beach

For the longest time, I thought Railay was an island… because every time we wanted to go there on a weekend, we had to hop on a longtail boat.

But it’s actually a beach, a peninsula, right on the coast of the mainland. You just have to reach it from the sea because land access is blocked off by limestone mountains! Oh, Krabi, aren’t you fascinating…

Vibe: Epic cliffs, epic caves, local climber scene

Getting There from Ao Nang

Buy your longtail boat tickets at the Ao Nang Longtail Boat Service Club for 200 THB per person. They’ll give you 2 tickets for the trips there and back, so don’t lose them! Give your first ticket to one of the boatmen waiting on the bench nearby, and they’ll lead you to their boat.

To get back from Railay, hand your ticket to any of the boatmen waiting on the beach, and they’ll direct you to the boat that can take you back.

LEARN MORE: Full Guide to Visiting the Railay Peninsula

3. Climb 1,260 Steps to Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)

Moving on to the more cultural parts of our list. You can’t really say you’ve been to Krabi without at least visiting Wat Tham Suea or the Tiger Cave Temple.

Be careful not to confuse it with the Tiger Cave Temple in Kanchanaburi.

There are two parts of the temple: the ground level, where all the monk quarters and sanctuaries are, and the platform atop a limestone mountain above. The view up top is, of course, the selling point.

To get up there, you have to climb 1,260 steps of narrow and steep stairs. So, I wouldn’t recommend this for very young children and older people.

Once up there, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of everything from Krabi town all the way out to Ao Nang and the coast. Also on the platform is a stupa containing the Buddha’s relic, a giant golden Buddha image, and the famous Buddha’s footprints.

Vibe: Spiritual sweat session

Wat Tham Suea Visitors’ Information

• Hours of Operation: 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Admission Fee: FREE, donations accepted
• Address: 35, Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000

4. Explore Wat Kaew Korawaram

Perched on a hill overlooking the heart of Krabi Town is Wat Kaew Korawaram, one of the oldest temples in the area, dating back to the 1880s.

Accessing it from Krabi town, you’ll ascend a set of stairs lined with beautiful golden Nagas. The first thing you will see when you reach the top of the hill is its unusual sanctuary, painted in white and blue.

Vibe: Quiet, local

• Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Admission Fee: FREE, donations accepted
• Address: Sai Thai, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000

5. Eat Your Way Through Black Crab Market

Come hungry and bring cash! The Black Crab Night Market is a foodie’s paradise, selling everything from a variety of Thai street food and desserts to sushi. (PSA: Avoid the sushi as they’ve been sitting out in Thailand’s hot weather for who knows how long.)

Also, don’t forget to take a good shot of the famous Mud Crabs Statue right across the street. The crab is this market’s namesake, as mud crabs in the Thai language are called black crabs!

Vibe: Local, vibrant, budget-friendly

• Hours of Operation: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Address: 92/27 Vicar Rd, Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000

If the food options at Black Crab are not enough for you, walk around the corner to the more local Krabi Night Market and get ready to find more food!

6. Catch a Fire Show at the Ao Nang Landmark Market

Another “come hungry and bring cash” foodie’s paradise. If you are in the Ao Nang area, this market can pretty much be your daily dinner spot.

Not only is this market packed with great food, but there are also cool performances every night in the seating courtyard, sometimes Thai boxing, sometimes a fire show.

Be aware, it is very touristy, but the food selection makes it all worth it.

Vibe: Lively, loud, louder food 😍

• Hours of Operation: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Address: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000

Final Thoughts

As this list has shown you somewhat, Krabi offers a world of adventures, so don’t limit yourself only to beach clubs, but take this opportunity to get cozy with the local culture as well.

By culture, food is included, ESPECIALLY at the Black Crab Market. You won’t be disappointed!

Before You Arrive in Thailand…

Learn some basic phrases to win more smiles from the locals, learn the dos and don’ts to avoid embarrassing situations, and read a bit about our culture so you can understand us better.

For more planning inspiration, check out my Southern Thailand Photo Album.

More guides for other parts of Thailand are on my Thailand Travel Guides page.

Common Questions About Krabi

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