Krabi Province
Dream Islands and Beaches Southeast of Phuket
Krabi is a province in southern Thailand located approximately 200 km by road southeast of Phuket. Less developed for tourism than the "Pearl of the Andaman", Krabi is famous for its hundred or so islands surrounded by turquoise waters, spectacular limestone cliffs and karst formations, and iconic beaches such as Ao Nang and Railay, which have become popular holiday destinations.
My first visit to Krabi was to the Phi Phi Islands, the province's most famous island group, which gained much of its international recognition following the release of The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, in 2000. Over the following years, I had the opportunity to visit and professionally photograph many of the province's best-known attractions as well as some of its lesser-known places.
From Koh Lanta to Krabi Town and from Tub Kaek Beach to the Emerald Pool, Krabi has something to offer almost every type of traveller. Come and discover one of the most beautiful provinces in southern Thailand.
Krabi Beaches: Ao Nang, Railay Beach, and More...
Krabi's coastline is home to some of southern Thailand's most spectacular beaches, many of them framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Ao Nang is the province's main beach resort and one of the most convenient bases for exploring the surrounding islands, with a wide choice of hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Nearby Railay Beachis accessible only by boat and is famous for its spectacular limestone scenery, beautiful beaches, and world-class rock-climbing opportunities.
Further north, Tub Kaek Beach and Klong Muang Beach offer a quieter atmosphere away from the busier resort areas. Other beaches, including those around the Noppharathara and Phra Nang areas, provide more opportunities to enjoy Krabi's remarkable combination of sand, sea, and limestone landscapes.
Krabi Islands: Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and More...
Krabi's islands are undoubtedly among the province's greatest attractions, ranging from famous destinations visited by thousands of tourists to small, uninhabited islands accessible only by boat. The Phi Phi Islands are by far the most internationally renowned, thanks in part to the spectacular scenery featured in The Beach, while Koh Lanta offers a much larger and more relaxed island experience with long beaches, fishing communities, and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Closer to the mainland, islands such as Koh Hong, Koh Poda, and Koh Kai can easily be visited on day trips from Ao Nang or Railay. Their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and spectacular limestone surroundings make them ideal for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and island hopping. Several marine areas also offer excellent opportunities for diving and discovering Krabi's underwater world.
Krabi Town and Inland Attractions
Krabi is much more than its beaches and islands, and the province's inland attractions reveal another side of this spectacular destination. Krabi Town, located along the Krabi River, provides a glimpse of everyday life away from the tourist resorts and is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Inland, lush forests conceal waterfalls, caves, hot springs, and natural pools, including the famous Emerald Pool and Blue Pool in the Khlong Thom area.
The Khao Phanom Bencha mountain range offers opportunities for hiking through dense rainforest, while the striking Tiger Cave Temple is known for its steep staircase and panoramic views from the summit. The province's distinctive limestone landscape also creates numerous viewpoints and outdoor adventures, making the interior of Krabi well worth exploring beyond the coastline.
Summary
Krabi combines some of Thailand's most spectacular beaches and islands with dramatic limestone scenery and a surprisingly diverse inland landscape. Whether you are looking for a lively beach resort, a peaceful island escape, outdoor adventures, or opportunities to discover nature and local life, the province offers an impressive variety of experiences. First-time visitors can easily spend several days exploring the beaches and islands around Ao Nang and Railay, while those with more time can venture towards Koh Lanta, Krabi Town, and the province's inland attractions.
Krabi's relatively compact geography also makes it possible to combine several different experiences in a single trip, from swimming in turquoise waters and exploring hidden lagoons to hiking through tropical forests and visiting temples. Its location on the Andaman coast, around 200 km from Phuket by road, also makes Krabi an excellent addition to a wider southern Thailand itinerary.
Last visit & photos: Krabi — 26 December 2019
Krabi Province Photos
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
