Krabi Itinerary - how to spend 3, 5 or 7 days in Krabi

Discover the essence of tropical bliss with our customized Krabi itineraries. Whether you have 3, 5 or 7 days, take a dip in turquoise waters, explore limestone wonders and enjoy the vibrant local culture. Discover hidden gems, savor mouthwatering Thai cuisine and relax on unforgettable beaches.

Check out our Thailand itineraries below or get inspired by the duration and destinations: 7 days - 10 days - 14 days - Chiang Mai - Phuket - Northern Thailand - Southern Thailand

3 day Krabi itinerary

Start this 3-day Krabi itinerary by immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Krabi Town. Browse the local markets, sample authentic Thai street food, and soak up the lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua).

Spend the second day at the world-famous Railay Beach. Go rock climbing, relax on the sandy shores and capture a stunning sunset against a backdrop of dramatic limestone formations.

Then take a tour around the islands of Phi Phi on day three. Soak up the atmosphere of a tropical paradise and return to Krabi in the evening to complete your 3-day Krabi itinerary.

Day 1: Krabi Town

Start your trip in Krabi Town, wandering through its bustling markets and sampling street food like fried banana or mango sticky rice. In the afternoon, climb the 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple. The sweaty trek is worth it for the panoramic views over limestone cliffs and lush forests. Feeling energized (or utterly exhausted), head back to your hotel for a relaxing evening in Krabi.

Day 2: Railay Beach

Spend your second day soaking up the tropical atmosphere of Railay Beach. This piece of paradise is only accessible by boat, so hop on a longtail boat and claim your patch of soft sand. Cool off with a swim, explore hidden caves or try rock climbing. By evening, return to Krabi for another peaceful night.

Day 3: Phi Phi Islands

Take a boat trip to the famous islands of Phi Phi. Snorkel with colorful fish on Bamboo Island, admire the sheer cliffs of Maya Bay, or simply enjoy a boat ride between limestone karsts. Return to Krabi in the evening after a fun-filled day spent on the beach and postcard-worthy views.

Long tail boat on tropical beach with limestone rock, Krabi, Thailand © Shutterstock

Long tail boat on tropical beach with limestone rock, Krabi, Thailand © Shutterstock

5 day Krabi itinerary

Experience the wonders of Krabi with our carefully planned 5-day Krabi Beach itinerary. 

On the first day, you will be met at Krabi Airport and checked into your hotel and on day two, you'll explore Krabi's rainforest and travel through the lush landscapes of Khao Nor Chu Chi National Park.

Day three promises island bliss with a day trip to Phi Phi and the Bamboo Islands. Day four is a free day to explore the island at your own pace: laze by the pool, stroll the beach or take in the local sights.

Finally, on the fifth day, make your return journey from Krabi Airport and say goodbye to Krabi with cherished memories.

Day 1: Krabi Town

Touch down in Krabi and ease into island life. Spend your free day however you like — stroll along the Krabi riverside, sip a chilled coconut, or simply relax at your hotel. No pressure, no itinerary, just a chance to settle in and enjoy the laid-back vibe.

Day 2: Krabi Rainforest

Dive into Krabi’s lush interior on a rainforest day tour. Wander through emerald-green jungles, take a dip in the thermal waters of the Emerald Pool, and marvel at the hot springs. Don’t miss a visit to the towering Big Tree, a natural giant in Thung Teao Forest.

Day 3: Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands

Set off on a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands. Swim, snorkel, or simply bask on the powdery sands of Bamboo Island. Snap a photo of the dramatic cliffs at Maya Bay before returning to Krabi with salt in your hair and a smile on your face.

Day 4: Krabi Town

Enjoy a leisurely day in Krabi. Hit the local markets, rent a scooter to explore nearby beaches, or just relax by the pool with a good book. It’s your call — no alarm clocks, no rush.

Day 5: Krabi Town

It’s time to say goodbye. Head to Krabi Airport with sandy toes and a suitcase full of memories. Until next time!

Thai boxer © Sirisak_baokaew/Shutterstock

Thai man practising thai boxing @ Shutterstock

7-day Krabi itinerary

Truly experience Krabi with 7-day Thailand itinerary. Arrive on day one and have free time in this tropical paradise. On day two, you'll take a speedboat to the Four Islands: Phra Nang Cave, Tub Island, Chicken Island and Poda Island.

On the third day, you will experience the wonders of the Khao Sok Nature Tour, explore the rainforest, and meet elephants and on day four enjoy a relaxing vacation. 

Day five offers relaxation at the Waree Raksa Hot Spring Spa, while day six is dedicated to exploring the Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands. Finish the trip on day seven with Krabi sightseeing and a cultural trip to Koh Klang Island.

Day 1: Krabi Town

Arrive in Krabi and take the day to unwind. Explore Krabi Town’s riverside promenade, grab a casual bite at a local eatery, or simply relax at your hotel. It’s the perfect way to ease into your trip.

Day 2: Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach

Hop aboard a speedboat for a day of island-hopping. Visit Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach. Swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, and enjoy a beachside Thai lunch.

Day 3: Khao Sok

Experience the lush beauty of Khao Sok National Park. Hike through ancient rainforests, canoe down serene rivers and marvel at limestone karsts rising from the greenery. A true escape into nature before returning to Krabi.

Day 4: Krabi Town

Today’s all yours — relax by the pool, explore Ao Nang’s shops, or find a hidden beach to call your own. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a cooking class or rent a kayak for a paddle through the mangroves.

Day 5: Waree Raksa Hot Spring

Unwind in style with a visit to Waree Raksa Hot Spring Spa. Soak in thermal mineral pools, enjoy a Thai herbal compress massage, and feast on a delicious Thai lunch. It’s relaxation at its finest.

Day 6: Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands

Head back to the sea for a day trip to the iconic Phi Phi Islands and the serene Bamboo Island. Snorkel in vivid blue waters, snap photos of Maya Bay’s dramatic cliffs, and lounge on pristine beaches before returning to Krabi.

Day 7: Krabi Town

Wrap up your trip with a sightseeing tour of Krabi. Visit landmarks like the Krabi Town temples, the Khao Khanab Nam caves, and local markets. Savor one last authentic Thai meal before reflecting on a week packed with adventure and relaxation.

View over Cheow Lan Lake, Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand © Shutterstock

View over Cheow Lan Lake, Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand © Shutterstock

How many days do you need in Krabi?

The optimal length of your Krabi itinerary depends on the degree of exploration and relaxation you desire. If you're looking for a vacation in a pinch, a 3-day trip will introduce you to the highlights of Krabi.

By extending your stay to 5 days, you can explore the island even further. Visit the forested Thung Teao Nature Park with its Emerald Pool and hot springs, or head to the bustling markets of Ao Nang. You'll have time for water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking or even rock climbing on Railay.

A leisurely 7-day vacation opens the door to all-round discovery. Immerse yourself in the cultural fabric of Krabi, exploring local villages and taking in panoramic views of the Tiger Cave Temple. Enjoy a spa break, relax on the beach and sample a variety of culinary delights.

Be sure to check out all Thailand itineraries and find out how to get to Thailand.

View from Tiger Temple (Wat Tham Sua) - South Thailand, Krabi © Shutterstock

View from Tiger Temple (Wat Tham Sua) - South Thailand, Krabi © Shutterstock

How to plan a perfect Krabi itinerary

Putting together the perfect Krabi itinerary can be a challenge. Start by determining the length of your stay, whether it's a short 3-day vacation, a standard 5-day trip, or a leisurely 7-day adventure.

Choosing the right base is crucial. Ao Nang, Railay Beach and Tubkek Beach offer different atmospheres to suit different preferences. Once you settle here, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Krabi's famous beaches. Railay, Ao Nang and Phra Nang Cave Beach beckon with their pristine beauty. 

For the adventurous, Railay is a rock climbers paradise, also offering kayaking and snorkeling opportunities. For culture, visit the local markets in Ao Nang or take a boat trip to the traditional fishing village of Ban Bor Tor. Nature lovers will find solace in the forested Thung Teao Nature Park.

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

The best time to visit Krabi is the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather at this time is pleasant with less rainfall, making it ideal for beach vacations, island-hopping or exploring the natural beauty of the region. The peak tourist season, on the other hand, is between December and February, when the weather gets cooler. 

You can also consider the shoulder months of November and March-April - at this time there are fewer crowds and quite favorable weather conditions.

For a clearer understanding of the weather conditions throughout the year, study our guide to the best time to visit Thailand.

Railay beach in Krabi, Thailand © Shutterstock

Railay beach in Krabi, Thailand © Shutterstock

Getting to & around Krabi

Getting to Krabi and its surroundings is quite convenient as there are various transport options. The most common way to get to Krabi is to fly into Krabi International Airport, which is well connected to major cities. From the airport you can take a cab or shuttle to your accommodation.

In Krabi itself, local transportation includes cabs, tuk-tuks and rented scooters, giving you the freedom to explore the town and its surroundings. Longtail boats are popular for island tours and visiting remote beaches.

To explore more remote places or neighboring provinces, buses and minivans depart from the Krabi Bus Terminal. You can also arrange private transfers or organized tours for a more comfortable trip.

For more transportation tips check our guide to getting around Thailand.

Cost of traveling in Krabi

Daily spending in Krabi depends on your preferences. Budget travelers can spend between $40 and $70, enjoying affordable accommodation, local restaurants and basic transportation. Mid-level travelers can expect to spend between $70 and $150 per day, in turn getting more comfort and more varied dining options. 

Luxury travelers whose budgets exceed $150 can indulge in upscale resorts, fine dining and private transfers.

Pad thai is also served at the Woky Ko © gowithsotck/Shutterstock

Stir fried pad thai dish with shrimps @ Shutterstock

Planning your dream Krabi itinerary

Daunted by the prospect of planning? No problem! Talk to our local Thailand travel experts. We'll craft a personalized itinerary just for you.

Prefer to do it alone? Feel free to browse our pre-designed Thailand itineraries for ideas, and remember that all can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For more inspiration, discover some of the best things to do in Thailand.

Prefer to do it alone? Get yourself a copy of The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands and start planning your trip with our Thailand travel tips.

Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 05.06.2024

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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