KRABI AND KHAO LAK CITY GUIDE
Welcome
Thailand’s southern gems, Krabi and Khao Lak, offer a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. From Krabi’s striking limestone cliffs and vibrant island life to Khao Lak’s tranquil beaches and lush rainforests, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences. Let’s uncover the best of both worlds!
How to get there: Traveling between Krabi and Khao Lak is easy and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by car or taxi, offering a scenic drive through Thailand’s southern landscapes. For flexibility, renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace, turning the journey into an adventure of its own.
When to go: The ideal time to visit both Krabi and Khao Lak is from November to January, when the weather is sunny and cool, perfect for beach activities and exploration. During the rainy season (May to October), the region is quieter, and prices are lower, although certain marine activities may be limited.
Welcome
Thailand’s southern gems, Krabi and Khao Lak, offer a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. From Krabi’s striking limestone cliffs and vibrant island life to Khao Lak’s tranquil beaches and lush rainforests, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences. Let’s uncover the best of both worlds!
How to get there: Traveling between Krabi and Khao Lak is easy and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by car or taxi, offering a scenic drive through Thailand’s southern landscapes. For flexibility, renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace, turning the journey into an adventure of its own.
When to go: The ideal time to visit both Krabi and Khao Lak is from November to January, when the weather is sunny and cool, perfect for beach activities and exploration. During the rainy season (May to October), the region is quieter, and prices are lower, although certain marine activities may be limited.
Our favourite neighbourhoods
Krabi
Choosing the best neighborhood to stay in as a tourist depends on your interests, preferences, and what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some of the most popular and diverse neighborhoods that offer fantastic experiences for tourists:
Ao Nang
This lively beach area is full of energy, with a range of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. It’s a great base for travelers, offering easy access to nearby islands for day trips.
Railay Beach
Only accessible by boat, Railay is a must-visit for its dramatic limestone cliffs, clear waters, and world-renowned rock climbing spots. It’s a paradise for adventurers and those looking for stunning sunset views.
Klong Muang
A quieter area known for upscale resorts, Klong Muang is perfect for those who want to relax in peaceful surroundings while still being close to Krabi’s popular attractions.
Wat Tham Suea
This temple is quite famous in Krabi because of the legend of Buddha's footprint. To reach this temple, you will have to conquer 1,237 steps.
Tree Top Adventure Park Krabi
This park is located deep in the forest and surrounded by limestone cliffs. Here you will experience thrilling games such as: zipline, Tarzan swing.
Khao Lak
Choosing the best neighborhood to stay in as a tourist depends on your interests, preferences, and what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some of the most popular and diverse neighborhoods that offer fantastic experiences for tourists:
Bang Niang Beach
Known for the bustling Bang Niang Market, this area is full of local charm with an array of beachside resorts, local restaurants, and casual bars.
Nang Thong Beach
A beautiful stretch that offers a calm atmosphere and scenic views. It’s great for snorkeling, diving, and sunset beach walks.
Khao Sok National Park
Although not technically in Khao Lak, Khao Sok is close enough for a day trip and offers lush rainforests, jungle trekking, canoeing, and some of Thailand’s most stunning landscapes.
Wat Khuk Khak
The complex is quite green and equally impressive, especially the main building. Surrounding the main building are a bunch of smaller statues and sometimes also monks.
Our favourite neighbourhoods
Krabi
Choosing the best neighborhood to stay in as a tourist depends on your interests, preferences, and what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some of the most popular and diverse neighborhoods that offer fantastic experiences for tourists:
Ao Nang
This lively beach area is full of energy, with a range of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. It’s a great base for travelers, offering easy access to nearby islands for day trips.
Railay Beach
Only accessible by boat, Railay is a must-visit for its dramatic limestone cliffs, clear waters, and world-renowned rock climbing spots. It’s a paradise for adventurers and those looking for stunning sunset views.
Klong Muang
A quieter area known for upscale resorts, Klong Muang is perfect for those who want to relax in peaceful surroundings while still being close to Krabi’s popular attractions.
Wat Tham Suea
This temple is quite famous in Krabi because of the legend of Buddha's footprint. To reach this temple, you will have to conquer 1,237 steps.
Tree Top Adventure Park Krabi
This park is located deep in the forest and surrounded by limestone cliffs. Here you will experience thrilling games such as: zipline, Tarzan swing.
Khao Lak
Choosing the best neighborhood to stay in as a tourist depends on your interests, preferences, and what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some of the most popular and diverse neighborhoods that offer fantastic experiences for tourists:
Bang Niang Beach
Known for the bustling Bang Niang Market, this area is full of local charm with an array of beachside resorts, local restaurants, and casual bars.
Nang Thong Beach
A beautiful stretch that offers a calm atmosphere and scenic views. It’s great for snorkeling, diving, and sunset beach walks.
Khao Sok National Park
Although not technically in Khao Lak, Khao Sok is close enough for a day trip and offers lush rainforests, jungle trekking, canoeing, and some of Thailand’s most stunning landscapes.
Wat Khuk Khak
The complex is quite green and equally impressive, especially the main building. Surrounding the main building are a bunch of smaller statues and sometimes also monks.
KRABI'S EXPERIENCES
Swimming In Emerald Pool
The natural wonder in the middle of the mangrove forest of Thung Teao Forest Natural Park astonishes travelers with its azure waters and lush greenery. Taking a dip in the Emerald Pool refreshes your senses and makes a lasting impression. The striking emerald green creates a mystical and crystal-clear effect everyone admires.
A Dip In Klong Thom Hot Springs
Located amid the dense jungle, this site has naturally hollowed-out ‘bathtubs’ made of smooth stones. These hot spring tubs are among the popular Krabi tourist attractions. The water contains minerals that act as natural healers and are suitable for your health.
Krabi Sunset Cruise
Cruises in Thailand, particularly Krabi, are among the thrilling excursions, inviting you to witness the vibrant city and sunsets. You even have the opportunity to spot exotic aquatic life. So, if you wish to make your trip to Krabi the best one, then do not miss out on being on a dazzling cruise against the stunning backdrop of breathtaking skies, sea vastness, and lush greenery.
Kayaking in Ao Thalane and Bo Thor
Ao Thalane is a mangrove forest with rugged canyons and towering limestone mountains. Kayaking through the forest is a great way to explore the tropical flora and fauna here.
Krabi Rock Climbing
Krabi is a province with many steep limestone mountains along the coast. Therefore, this is also an attractive destination for climbers everywhere. The main climbing spots will be concentrated in Ton Sai, Railay and Phra Nang with a beautiful view of the Andaman Sea.
KHAO LAK'S EXPERIENCES
Khao Kai Nui
Experience the serene beauty of Khao Kai Nui at sunrise, where mist blankets the landscape, creating a magical, cloud-like view. Enjoy a peaceful morning with breathtaking scenery and a light Thai snack before returning to Khao Lak.
Riverside Thai Cooking
Visit a local market (morning classes), choose from over 20 dishes, and learn to make authentic Thai spring rolls. Cook in a cozy riverside kitchen with a small, interactive class setting.
RECOMMENDED SHOPPING IN KRABI
Krabi Walking Street
Krabi Walking Street, also referred to as Krabi Night Market or Krabi Town Walking Street (Thanon Khon Dern in Thai), is the town’s most important shopping event. With around 50 stalls selling a wide range of products, the walking street draws a large crowd for such a small area – every weekend. The market event also takes place on the large plaza right behind Vogue Shopping Center in downtown Krabi.
Chock Dee Handmade
Chock Dee Handmade is a long-established silver and gold jewelry boutique on Ao Nang's beachfront. It has a wide choice of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more. The particularity of the jewels sold at Chock Dee Handmade is that they are all original creations made of precious, semi-precious and rare materials – besides gold and silver, there are also items made with stone, marble, and even fossils.
Khlong Moung Shopping Center
Khlong Moung Shopping Center is a small square featuring antique and handicraft shops, massage and beauty parlors, cafes, and boutiques. It is the antithesis of Bangkok shopping in that it’s clean, quiet, and relaxed. The small plaza is about 50 meters before the entrance of Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort.
RECOMMENDED SHOPPING IN KHAO LAK
Petchkasem Road
Petchkasem Road is the main highway that runs through Khao Lak along the coast. Along a stretch of this road that forms the center of Khao Lak, you can shop at a diverse range of local stores. Some of the top-rated tailors on Petchkasem Road include Khaolak Mark One Tailor, Mr Tailor Khao Lak and The Best Tailor, which stays open until way past sunset.
Bang Niang Market
This is Khao Lak’s most popular street food and night market. At the Biang Niang Market, you can browse local goods such as clothes, beachwear, handicrafts and souvenirs displayed across hundreds of stalls. This popular market also has an excellent street food section, where you can fill up on seafood and meat skewers plus a range of Thai delicacies until 10 pm.
T.T. Plaza
T.T. Plaza is a shopping mall that occupies around 2,000 square meters, making it an ideal destination for a shopping spree during your stay in Khao Lak. At this market-like mall, you can buy clothing, beachwear, electronic devices, toys, cosmetics and much more, and you’re likely to appreciate the great value price tags.
SIGNATURE DISHES IN KRABI AND KHAO LAK
Hor Mok
This dish is made from a very special hor mok curry. The main ingredients to make this dish are coconut milk and fish fillets.
Mango Sticky Rice
A collection of small restaurants that serves giant boxes of stuffed dumplings. There are a variety of dumpling fillings. They have Original, Cheese, Spicy Mala, Larb and Teriyaki as well as three different meat options (Pork, Meat and Shrimp).
Pancake
This is the most famous dish in Ao Nang. Just hearing the sizzling sound in the rich butter pan, the fragrant aroma and the golden color of the round pancakes makes us want to "eat it right away".
Coastal seafood
Krabi is a coastal area with an extremely rich source of seafood. Traveling to Krabi without enjoying fresh seafood is such a waste.
TOP DINING IN KRABI
Gecko Cabane Restaurant
Gecko Cabane Restaurant in Krabi Town offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with charming decor and delicious, authentic Thai cuisine. The friendly owner and flavorful dishes make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy traditional Thai food in a cozy setting.
Khaothong Hill
Khaothong Hill Restaurant offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere, making it a popular spot for a picturesque dining experience, particularly at sunset. Known for its friendly and attentive staff, the restaurant serves a delightful blend of authentic Thai and international fusion dishes, ensuring a memorable meal for every guest.
Saffron
Saffron, the award-winning Thai restaurant at Banyan Tree Krabi, offers an exceptional culinary experience with authentic Thai dishes infused with a modern twist. Surrounded by refined elegance and natural beauty, it promises unforgettable dining moments with each visit.
TOP DINING IN KHAO LAK
Motown on Fire Steakhouse
Motown On Fire blends music with delicious food, including amazing steaks and BBQ. The opulent setting is probably Khaolak's most casual fine dining venue.
Waterfront Khao Lak International Dining
This is a casual, contemporary restaurant blending East and West flavors, featuring renowned buffets and à la carte options. Signature dishes include Butter Chicken, Marriott Burger, and Caesar Salad with Prawns, offering a delightful dining experience.
Chill-lay Restaurant & Bar
Chill-lay Restaurant & Bar, established in 2017, is located on the beautiful Pak Weep Beach, Khao Lak. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring authentic Thai cuisine, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options, complemented by a well-stocked bar for a perfect beachside dining experience.
We start in Krabi and Khao Lak
Check out 3 of our handmade itineraries that all begin in Tokyo, each promising aunique and thrilling journey. Discover distinct adventures that unfold beyond the city's boundaries, each one offering its own blend of experiences and memories waiting to be made. Your Tokyo starting point is just the beginning of these unforgettable escapades.
FAMILY TRAVEL
DISCOVERY TRAVEL
PRIVATE TRAVEL
LUXPERIA APPROVED HOTELS
We've carefully curated a diverse range of options to cater to all preferences, from luxurious 5 star city-center choices to charming 3 star boutique hotels in unique neighborhoods.
Our selection ensures top-notch quality and service, guaranteeing a memorable stay. Benefit from insider knowledge to make the most of your Bangkok visit. Whether you're a business traveler, a family, or a couple, Luxperia Approved hotels are the perfect choice for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, backed by trusted hoteliers.
Rayavadee Resort
Rayavadee- SHA Extra Plus is a luxurious 5-star resort nestled along Krabi's stunning Andaman Coast, adjacent to Krabi Marine National Park. Surrounded by tropical gardens and beaches, the resort offers exceptional dining, a full-service spa, and unique natural experiences, all within easy reach of Bamboo and Phi Phi Islands.
Rayavadee Resort
Nestled in the heart of Krabi’s stunning Phranang Peninsula, Rayavadee Resort offers a luxurious escape amidst towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Accessible only by boat, this five-star resort blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings with elegant pavilions and villas, many featuring private pools. With exclusive access to pristine beaches, guided island excursions, and immersive local experiences, Rayavadee is the epitome of tropical elegance and the perfect retreat for travelers seeking unparalleled beauty and world-class service.
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