The workaday provincial capital inland on the river — Krabi Town, a relaxed, local place with cheaper guesthouses, a superb weekend night market, riverside walks and the main bus and transport connections, plus the launchpad for the inland jungle, temples and hot springs. Authentic, friendly and great value, a short songthaew from the beaches; the base for budget travellers and anyone wanting local flavour and the interior over the beach resorts. Krabi off the tourist strip. Down-to-earth and cheap.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€25–50
typical per night in Thailand
Easy on the wallet
Among the cheapest areas to sleep in Krabi.
Where it sits
The circle is Krabi Town and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- Ao Nang nightlife32 min taxi10.5 km
- Ao Nang Beach & promenade33 min taxi11.0 km
- Ao Nang (beach)33 min taxi11.1 km
- Railay Beach35 min taxi11.6 km
- Phra Nang Cave Beach35 min taxi11.7 km
- Rock climbing at Railay35 min taxi11.7 km
- The Four Islands tour39 min taxi12.8 km
- The Hong Islands & lagoon62 min taxi20.8 km
- Phi Phi Islands day trip123 min taxi40.9 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 6.Tiger Cave Temple — A leg-burning climb to one of the finest views in the south — the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua), where a punishing staircase of 1,237 steps zigzags up a jungle-clad karst to a golden Buddha and stupa on the summit, with a breathtaking 360° panorama over the limestone mountains, the patchwork countryside and the sea beyond. It's a genuine workout (go early before the heat), but the reward at the top is spectacular, and the forest temple at the base, with its caves and resident monkeys, is worth a look too. A memorable, rewarding highlight. Tough but worth every step. Dress modestly.
- 9.Emerald Pool & Hot Springs — A refreshing escape into Krabi's jungle interior — the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot), a natural spring-fed pool of astonishing, glowing blue-green water deep in the rainforest of the Khao Nor Chuchi wildlife reserve, where you can swim in the cool, clear water surrounded by dense jungle and birdsong. Nearby, the Krabi Hot Springs cascade into smooth stone 'bathtubs' of naturally warm mineral water for a soak. A lovely, cooling half-day away from the beaches and boats, deep in nature; combine the two. A beautiful, refreshing highlight. Bring your swimmers and mozzie spray.
- 10.Krabi Town night market — For a taste of local life and superb cheap food, head into Krabi Town for its lively weekend walking-street night market — rows of stalls sizzling up southern Thai street food, fresh seafood, grilled skewers, curries, sweets and fruit shakes, with a stage of live music and a friendly, local buzz. It's where residents eat and hang out, far cheaper and more authentic than the tourist strips, and a brilliant, tasty evening. Graze your way along the stalls, try the local specialities, and soak up the atmosphere. A fun, delicious and very local highlight. Come hungry. Cash only.
- 12.Sea-kayaking the mangroves — A serene, beautiful contrast to the beaches — sea-kayaking through the karst-and-mangrove wonderland of Ao Thalane or the Bor Thor caves, paddling at your own pace along calm channels that wind between towering limestone cliffs, through mangrove tunnels and into hidden lagoons and caves (some with ancient rock paintings). It's peaceful, gentle and gorgeous, with a good chance of spotting monkeys, kingfishers, mudskippers and sea eagles along the way. A lovely, low-key half-day among some of Krabi's most dramatic and untouched scenery. Tranquil and stunning. Great for all ages.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Krabi Town; flights via Google Flights.