Krabi is home to gorgeous powder-white beaches, towering limestone cliffs and a picture-perfect coastline that boasts more than 100 offshore islands and as many secluded coves for the ultimate beach honeymoon.
Krabi offers couples a choice of relaxing or active options along its picture-perfect coastline.
The Krabi peninsula is home to several gorgeous powder-white beaches, from the bustling Ao Phra Nang to the quiet and secluded Klong Muang. With each of the main beaches hosting a choice of accommodation options, Krabi is the perfect honeymoon destination.
From Railay Beach in the southeast to Tubkaak Beach in the northwest, Krabi's best beaches include the following…
Choose from four gorgeous white-sand beaches that nestle beneath the towering, picturesque cliffs of the Phra Nang Peninsula. Railay consist of four main areas: Pranang, West Railay, East Railay and Tonsai.
Separated by a rocky headland (to the south of Ao Nang Beach) and accessible only by boat, Railay offers the very essence of a tropical paradise.
Here you can sunbathe and unwind on soft powder-white sand, swim in a hidden lagoon, explore several caves by kayak, snorkel the nearby islands of Ko Poda and Hua Kwan.
Or rock climb and abseil the soaring limestone cliffs – try the towering Thaiwand Wall and be rewarded with breathtaking views across Pra Nang Beach and the cerulean waters of the Andaman Sea.
Visit three of the beaches on a track that winds around the base of the cliffs or hike one of the walking trails to scenic clifftop viewpoints.
This west-facing strip of wide, soft white sand is perfect for watching the sunset while relaxing with a cold drink at one of the informal beachside restaurants, as well as sunbathing, swimming and joining the locals in a local game of takraw (played with a woven ball).
A walking track links the beach with Railay East and Phra Nang beach (a 45-minute walk). Beachside cliffs offer challenging climbs for those who dare.
This narrow beach – which isn’t good for swimming – is the place to find a water taxi back to Ao Nang Beach, Krabi town and neighbouring beaches.
Relax in the shade with a cool drink at one of the beachside restaurants and bars then join the beach party, which usually gets going after sunset.
Dig your toes into the soft white sand, swim in clear shallow water, snorkel the reef and explore beachfront rock pools and caves, which are easily accessible at low tide.
Pop into the Princess Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nok) and check out the collection of phallic symbols, garlands and offerings made by local fishermen in the hope of increased potency.
The cave, which sits at the base of the limestone cliffs, is dedicated to an ancient fertility goddess. Hang out at the beach for a day or splash out at the deluxe Rayavadee Premier Resort, nestling unobtrusively in a manicured beachside garden.
The quietest of the Railay beaches is just the place to snooze, sunbathe or read a book. Or rock climb and abseil the soaring limestone cliffs.
Later, snack on fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants and sip a cold drink at one of the local bars.
Framed by massive limestone cliffs, this long tree-fringed strip of white sand fronts a lively strip of small town shops, hotels, bars and open-air seafood restaurants.
However, Krabi's most popular beach can get noisy during the day as water taxis ferry passengers to nearby islands and beaches.
For the best swimming and sunbathing head to the southeast end of the beach, about a kilometre from the commercial centre, or visit neighbouring Noppharat Thara Beach to the west.
Pick your own secluded spot on the white sands of this quiet 3km-long beach.
Fringed by swaying casuarina trees and the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, the beach is a popular weekend getaway for locals.
Sunbathe on the hot sand, cool off with a swim and picnic in the shade on fried chicken and spicy Thai salad, washed down with chilled coconut supplied by one of the many local food vendors.
Shaped like a bird’s wing, Klong Muang’s twin crescents of white sand lie quiet and undisturbed except for a few local fishermen and the exclusive guests of the deluxe beachside Sofitel Phokeethra and Sheraton Krabi Beach Hotel properties, which nestle among manicure tropical gardens.
Here you are assured of luxurious accommodation and a range of creature comforts.
Stroll the beach and wander out to the small island that lies at the apex of the beach to spot local seabirds and marine life in rock pools that are exposed at low tide. Watch the setting sun silhouette a handful of islands that dot the horizon.
To the south, set high on the jungle-clad headland of Laem Hang Nak Cape, sits a palace that was constructed and presented to the Thai Royal Family by the people of Krabi.
This long white-sand beach lies to the north of Klong Muang, adjacent to Kao Hang Nak Natural Forest, facing the picturesque Koh Hong Islands.
Relax and recharge your batteries on this uncrowded beach or head out to the stunning Hong Islands for a day of swimming and snorkelling the shallow coral reefs and enjoying a picnic on a secluded beach.
Tubkaak is very quiet and hosts only two resorts, one of them being the 4-star Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort (photo). If you crave a more lively nightlife, the resort centre of Ao Nang is only a 20-minute drive away.
Unwind beneath swaying palm fronds on a white-sand beach and be revitalised by the soothing fingers of a Thai masseuse.
Or paddle a kayak among the soaring limestone outcrops that lie scattered along the shoreline and venture inside collapsed caverns, known locally as hongs (rooms) – perfect for adventurous couples.
Hop on a water taxi and visit neighbouring beaches or snorkel coral reefs and offshore islets. Take an elephant safari through tropical rainforest looking out for native wildlife or whitewater raft the fast flowing rapids of the Songpak River.
As well as hosting gorgeous powder-white beaches, towering limestone cliffs and a picture-perfect coastline, Krabi also offers several must-see sightseeing attractions, including the following…
With its stunning location amid limestone cliffs surrounded by a dense tropical forest, Wat Tham Seua (Tiger Cave Temple) is home to one of southern Thailand’s most famous meditation centres and offers spectacular panoramic vistas.
Beyond the main temple buildings lies a small valley. From here, take a few deep breaths and prepare yourself for a challenging 40-minute climb up the steep 1272-step stone stairway to the summit of a 600m-high limestone pinnacle. You’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views over the rugged Andaman coastline.
Admire the large seated Buddha, a gilded stupa and a small temple built inside a long, shallow limestone cave lined in places by kùtì (meditation cells). The temple is said to be home to around 250 monks and nuns.
A second stairway, next to a large statue of Kuan Yin (the Mahayana Buddhist Goddess of Mercy), leads into a valley of tall trees and limestone caves. Continue along the path past dozens of kùtì (meditation cells) and you’ll eventually find yourself back where you began, at the foot of the staircase.
Look out for human skulls and skeletons dotted around the compound and close-up photos of human entrails and internal organs in the large main cave temple – all reminders of the impermanence of the body, a fundamental tenet of Buddhist philosophy.
Watch monks in silent meditation and later enjoy a friendly chat with them; the abbot speaks English and welcomes foreign students of meditation.
The best time to visit Wat Tham Seua is either in the early morning or the late afternoon to avoid the tropical heat.
Note: Be wary of the many over-friendly monkeys. Remember to dress modestly if you plan to visit the temple.
Location: Around 8km from of Krabi town; Cost: Private taxi from Krabi – 250 Baht.
Stretching along the Krabi coastline and extending into the Andaman Sea, Hat Noppharat Thara National Park is one of southern Thailand’s largest national parks.
Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park (to use its full name) covers an area of 390 square kilometres taking in around 80 offshore islands, including the Phi Phi islands.
Spot wildlife on an elephant safari or explore the park on foot along trails fringing the park’s coastal reaches from both Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara beaches.
For panoramic views, climb Khao Hang Nak, the highest elevation at 498m-high.
Along the way, don’t miss the amazing ‘Seashell Cemetery’ at Fossil Shell Beach (or Su-san Hoi). Here you can examine thousands of tiny, perfectly preserved 40-million-year-old fossil shells embedded in great concrete-like slabs that lie along the shoreline. The fossils date back to an age when the area was a large freshwater swamp.
Fossil Shell Beach is one of only three similar sites in the world – the other two are in the US and Japan. There's a small visitors centre, with geological displays and various stalls selling snacks.
Su-san Hoi is located on Cape Laem Poh facing the Chicken and Poda islands, around 7km west of Ao Nang.
Location: Shell Cemetery – Around 7km west of Ao Nang; Admission: 50 Baht; Hours: Visitors Centre 8.30am-4.30pm.
Choose from numerous hiking trails to explore this densely forested park packed with picturesque waterfalls and caves.
Check out the large shimmering stalactites and stalagmite formations inside Tham Khao Ping cave and admire the plunging cascades at Namtok Huai Sade, Namtok Klong Hang and the three-tier Namtok Huay Toh waterfall; the latter is just a 350m walk from the park headquarters.
The park is home to abundant wildlife including the Asian tapir, Sumatran serow and the Asiatic black bear, but only the monkeys are commonly seen.
Try to spot some of the extensive birdlife including white-crowned and helmeted hornbills, argus pheasants and the extremely rare Gurney's pitta.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park covers an area of 50 square kilometres ranging along the spine of 1350m-high Khao Phanom Bencha.
Adventurous couple may wish to take on the challenging three- four-day hike to the peak of Khao Phanom Bencha – two routes are available with overnight stops at Khuan Namkhang.
Accommodation can be found at the Phanom Bencha Mountain Resort (www.phanombenchamountainresort.com).
Location: Around 20km north of Krabi; Admission: 200 Baht; Hours: 8.30am-4.30pm.
Explore on foot or by elephant the last region of lowland tropical rainforest left in Thailand, which is all pleasantly bisected with streams and tumbling cascades.
Along the way try to spot some of the more than 300 species of birds that flitter through the trees, including the rare Gurney’s pitta, green broadbill, black-breasted pitta, chestnut-collared kingfishers, black hornbills and crestwood partridges.
Khao Nor Chuchi covers around 30,000 hectares and is one the last places in the world where it’s still possible to see the rare Gurney’s pitta, a colourful ground-living bird.
Admire native plants from the shaded 2.7km-long Thung Teao Trail that leads to a freshwater pool known as the ‘crystal pool’ and the Thung Teao waterfall where you can stop and swim, or continue on to bathe in the nearby hot springs.
Now surrounded by commercial rubber plantations and oil palm plantations, Khao Nor Chuchi‘s remaining lowland jungle is a glimpse into how Southern Thailand once looked.
Accommodation can be found at the nearby Morakot Resort, 15 Moo 2 Klongtom-Bangtyo Rd., Tumbon Khlong Thom Nua, Amphoe Khlong Thom, Changwat, Krabi 81120.
Location: Around 20km north of Krabi; Cost: Park admission 200 Baht; Hours: 8.30am-4.30pm.
As one of Thailand's top honeyoon destinations, Krabi offers a wide choice of beachfront hotels and resorts to suit all budgets, including the 5-star Rayavadee, which is located at the heart of the stunning Phranang Peninsular on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park.
Discover some of the best resorts in Krabi, including the following…
Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Location: Tab Kaek Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD858 per pavillion
Description: The 5-star Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton Reserve is located along the shores of Andaman Sea in Krabi. Boasting 24-hour butler services, it also has an infinity pool, spa and 5 restaurants. Luxurious and set within tropical gardens, rooms at Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton feature beautiful Thai wooden décor and stylish bathrooms. Each is equipped with a flat-screen cable/satellite TV and DVD player. Ocean views and fresh evening breeze can be enjoyed from the private veranda. ESPA at Phulay Bay features private treatment rooms, a spa pool and fresh fruit juice at RAW Spa Café. Guests may exercise at the fitness centre, or take part in a unique cultural experience with Thai cooking and batik painting lessons. Asian and Western delights can be enjoyed at Jampoon International Restaurant and Plai Fah Restaurant. The best of Thai cooking is available at Sri Tang, while grilled fresh seafood is served at Lae Lay Pavilion. Chomtawan Lounge offers beautiful sunset views and refreshing cocktails.
Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is approximately 26 km from Krabi International Airport.
Rayavadee
Location: Raillay Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD719 per pavillion
Description: The 5-star Rayavadee features luxurious beachfront accommodation along Krabi's Andaman Coast in the heart of the stunning Phranang Peninsular on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park. The resort nestles amid tropical gardens and coconut groves against a backdrop of sheer cliffs, lush jungle foliage and the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Spacious two-story rondavels (circular pavilions) and beachfront villas are spread over 26 acres of coconut groves offering every modern convenience. Ground-floor sitting rooms have a central, double-size hanging lounger with cushions; upper-story bedrooms are all silk and teak, and private bathrooms have big Jacuzzi tubs and luxury products. Some feature private gardens with hammocks or (unheated) whirlpools. Via speedboat, Rayavadee is a 25-minute journey from Bamboo Island and a 35-minute journey from Phi Phi Island. It is less than 2 hours’ driving from Phuket International Airport.
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Location: Tab Kaek Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD490 per room
Description: Nestled within abundant greenery, The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort offers beachfront accommodation on Tubkaak Beach. Offering spacious rooms, it also features a full-service spa and an outdoor pool. This beachfront boutique resort faces a private beach and enjoys superb views of the region's famous limestone outcrops that rise from the sea. Guestrooms are tastefully designed, with lavish use of traditional Thai materials such as teak and silk, and feature balconies with garden or pool views. Amenities include refrigerators, complimentary wireless Internet access, air conditioning and LCD televisions with satellite channels. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort is 20 minutes’ drive from Ao Nang Beach. Krabi Airport is a 45-minute drive away.
Facilities incl.: restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, fitness facility, spa and watersports.
Nakamanda Resort & Spa
Location: Klong Muang Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD263 per pavillion
Description: Overlooking the mountain landscapes of Khao Phanom Bencha, the luxurious Nakamanda Resort & Spa is located directly on Klong Muang Beach. Offering an outdoor pool and fitness centre, it also has spacious villas with free Wi-Fi. Surrounded by mangrove forests and plantations, villas are decorated in a tropical Thai style. Featuring a balcony or terrace, all come with a day bed, satellite TV and tea/coffee maker. Large bathrooms have a plunge bathtub and separate showers. The Naga Spa has beautiful views of the Andaman Sea, and provides rejuvenating beauty treatments. Guests can read a book in the library, arrange day trips at the tour desk, or enjoy scenic strolls by the beach. The beachfront Kitchen Restaurant serves Thai and Western dishes. English high tea and refreshing cocktails are offered at The Living Bar.Nakamanda Resort is a 20-minute drive from Ao Nang Beach and a 40-minute drive from Krabi International Airport. Via speedboat, it is 15 minutes from Hong Island and 1 hour, 45 minutes from Phi Phi Island.
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Location: Khlong Mouang Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD260 per room
Description: Surrounded by a lush rainforest, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra features comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality and recreational facilities, including a huge 7000 m² outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by coconut groves. The resorts boasts an opulent mix of Thai and colonial architecture, with magnificent sea views. Spacious guestrooms are classically furnished, with polished teak floors and wide balconies. Beds feature premium bedding. Satellite television is provided. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with handheld showerheads. This resort is located near Ao Nang, as well as the popular Phi Phi and James Bond Island. Facilities incl.: 3 restaurants, 5 bars, outdoor pool, fitness centre, tennis courts, room service, wireless Internet, Lancôme spa and watersports.
The best time to honeymoon in Krabi is during the dry season from early-December through to mid-March when the skies are clear and sunny and the temperature averages 27°C (80°F), with January and February the ideal months.
The wet season lasts from May through November, with an average daily high temperature above 34°C (93°F).
Krabi experiences a tropical monsoon climate with hot temperatures year round and two distinct seasons: the hot, dry season and the hot, wet season.
More information about Krabi weather…
Krabi is located 814km (505mi) south of Bangkok, 165km (102mi) east of Phuket and 42km (26mi) east of Koh Phi Phi.
The most convenient route to Krabi is by air to Krabi Airport (KBV), located around 14km (8.6mi) east of Krabi town centre.
From most overseas destinations this requires first flying into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), or Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN), followed by a connecting flight to Krabi Airport (KBV).
Alternatively, fly into Phuket and take an air-conditioned bus to Krabi.
A daily boat service connect Koh Phi Phi and Ko Lanta to Krabi, with onward connections by speedboat to Railey and Khlong Muang beach, among others; a songtaew (pickup truck) service runs between Krabi Town and Ao Nang Beach.
More information about how to get to Krabi…
Latest update: Where to honeymoon in Krabi: 11 June, 2022
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