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There are many destinations and islands to choose from when planning a trip to Thailand, and it’s not always easy to pick one over another. If you’re wondering why visit Krabi, our experience during a recent adults-only family holiday might help you decide. Here’s what made Krabi the right choice for us – and what might make it the right choice for you too.
1. Easy to reach from Bangkok
Getting to Krabi was stress-free. We flew directly from Bangkok on a short, easy flight – no long travel days or complicated transfers. This was ideal for our group, as we wanted to maximise holiday time.
From Krabi Airport, we could easily rent vehicles and explore at our own pace without detailed planning. For those who prefer not to drive, there are plenty of taxis and transfer services to get you where you need to go.
2. Two destinations in one trip
We split our stay between two very different locations:
- Near Krabi Town/Ao Nang – where we stayed in a beautiful villa with a pool and incredible views of the iconic limestone cliffs. This peaceful base had easy access to tours and beaches.
- Koh Lanta – just a short car and ferry trip away (or even a passenger boat from Krabi town in the peak season), with a slower pace and more laid-back island atmosphere.
This combination meant we could experience two distinct sides of Krabi without wasting time on long transfers.
Not enough time to visit both? Read this comparison between Ao Nang and Koh Lanta to help you choose!
3. Staying in a villa with a view
One of the highlights was our villa near Krabi Town, Moon Pool Villa. It wasn’t just about comfort – it offered excellent value compared to similar stays in other Thai destinations. The limestone cliff views were like a living postcard, and the private pool meant those who felt unwell or simply wanted a relaxing day could still enjoy the holiday without heading to a busy beach.
We also had a villa with a pool on Koh Lanta, Villa Siam Lanna, which was perfect for downtime between activities. Staying in villas allowed us to spend quality time together and also enjoy quiet moments – a much better fit for our rhythm and style on this trip than separate hotel rooms.
4. Activities for everyone
Travelling as a group meant different energy levels and interests, especially with the heat at the end of April. Krabi worked perfectly because it offered something for everyone:
- For all ages – beach days, boat cruises, snorkelling, and night markets.
- For the more active – climbing the Tiger Cave Temple steps, kayaking through mangroves, exploring Koh Lanta National Park, scuba diving or even trying outdoor rock climbing.
We could easily book tours just the day before, via our accommodation or GetYourGuide. This flexibility, along with the convenience of our villas, made it easy to split up or come together without complicated planning. With good phone reception and eSIMs, we could easily coordinate plans throughout the day.
New to the concept of eSIM? Prepare to be amazed. We find that when travelling abroad, nothing beats the ease of setting up and topping up an eSIM. It’s not just convenient, it’s also more affordable than traditional SIM cards. Plus, you can say goodbye to the anxiety of risking your precious home SIM card. While eSIMs sometimes only cater to data usage, you can still make calls using WhatsApp if your interlocutor uses it. For reliable eSIMs, we recommend Airalo. Find out if your phone is compatible here!
5. Easy island-hopping
Krabi makes it simple to explore other places on day trips. From Ao Nang, longtail boats and tours can take you to Railay Beach, the Hong Islands, or even the Phi Phi Islands (although we didn’t go that far). The turquoise waters and limestone cliffs around these islands were some of the most striking scenery we saw in Thailand.
We also found many tours from Koh Lanta to beautiful snorkelling spots (Koh Rok and Koh Haa) and the truly special Emerald Cave.
6. More relaxed than Phuket
Krabi is well set up for visitors but feels calmer and less overwhelming than Phuket. Even in the busier areas, you can find quiet corners, while places like Koh Lanta have a slower pace that’s perfect for unwinding.
Planning a trip to Koh Lanta? I’ve also shared how many days you need on Koh Lanta, including 3, 4 or 5-day itineraries to help you plan your stay.
So, should you visit Krabi?
For us, Krabi ticked all the boxes – easy to reach, a choice of atmospheres, great value accommodation, plenty of activities for all abilities, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or in a family group, Krabi offers the right mix of relaxation and adventure without the stress of constantly moving around.
However, if you’re after an off-the-beaten-track adventure and have already experienced limestone landscapes elsewhere, you may prefer more remote destinations in Thailand, such as Koh Lipe or Koh Tao, which are harder to reach but offer a very different atmosphere.
Have you visited Krabi? Share your experience in the comments below!
Where is Krabi?
Krabi Province is in southern Thailand on the Andaman Sea, about 780 km south of Bangkok. It’s known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, and easy access to some of Thailand’s most famous islands. The main town, Krabi Town, is inland and close to the airport, while popular beach hubs like Ao Nang are just a short drive away. Koh Lanta and Railay are also part of Krabi Province, making it a diverse base for exploring the region.
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Planning a trip to Thailand? Save this Why Visit Krabi guide on Pinterest so you can find it easily later.
