Krabi is home to several popular attractions and nearby destinations. Just thirty minutes from Krabi, the beach town of Ao Nang offers beautiful seaside landscapes with towering limestone karsts. From Krabi, visitors can also easily visit the legendary Railay Beach. Those who like a challenge can try to hike the Tiger Cave Temple’s 1,260 steps to its mountain top view of the surrounding landscape.
Travellers who want to make the most of their trip can rent a car in Krabi. This offers plenty of flexibility in planning, and it can save plenty of money compared with taxi fares to destinations outside of town. Here are some things you can see with a rental car and a few spare hours:
In and Around Krabi Town
Vacationers staying in and around Krabi or visiting from nearby Ao Nang can see the following attractions:
Andaman Cultural Study Center
This small art and cultural centre is located to the south of downtown Krabi. It features a mix of contemporary and traditional work from artists throughout the province, as well as several permanent and rotating exhibits for visitors to see. There are also several sculptures outside that range from the artful to the absurd.
Wat Tham Suea Krabi (Tiger Cave Temple)
These expansive temple grounds feature several temples and shrines throughout the complex. The primary feature is the 1,260 steps up the side of a limestone karst to reach the 300-metre summit. Those who manage the climb are rewarded with stunning views of distant towns and mountains.
Even for visitors unable to climb the steps, the surrounding shrines and temples offer plenty to see, do, and even eat while waiting for any co-adventurers to finish their hike.
Krabi Night Market
After you’ve worked up an appetite at the Andaman Cultural Center and Tiger Temple, head to the night market for some serious street food. Excellent seafood isn’t the only thing to find–plenty of shops offer handmade goods from across the province.
Outside of Krabi Town
Many tourists wonder how many days in Krabi is enough. For Krabi itself, a day or two is fine. However, travellers may not realise that Krabi isn’t just a city–it is a province, and it includes some destinations that are famous in their own right.
One such location is the Koh Phi Phi Islands. This archipelago was made famous in the 2000 movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. You could spend two weeks or more exploring everything the province has to offer.
Here are some other nearby attractions:
Ao Nang and Railay Beach
Ao Nang is a tranquil beach town with relaxed vibes just a short drive from Krabi Town. It offers an array of restaurants to suit every taste and features a nightly market along a beachfront road. Many visitors to Krabi prefer to stay here rather than in Krabi Town.
Even though it features an impressive beach some 600 metres long, many visitors opt for a short boat ride to nearby Railay Beach. This hideaway is more of a mini-town than a beach and is only accessible by boat.
Surrounded by towering limestone karsts coming straight out of the water, the beach makes for stunning photos. Travellers can lounge comfortably or swim in the turquoise water as they watch longtail boats speed by in the distance.
Emerald Pool
An hour southeast of Krabi Town lies the Emerald Pool and hot springs. Fed by spring water year-round, this attraction features a one-kilometre walk through a natural green paradise. Travellers can enjoy the sounds of the jungle while strolling on a raised wooden walkway, and there are three main pools to choose from. Each is warmer than expected, but none are overly hot thanks to their spring source.
The water is crystal clear and gives off a deep blue appearance. Visitors can walk, swim, and lounge around as they wish. Restrooms are available at several locations.
Nearby Destinations
Those wanting to make seeing Southern Thailand a multi-day experience can visit several cities within a few hours. Koh Lanta, located further south, is a top choice for locals. It is a large island that is accessible via a brief ride on a ferry.
Further away and more inland is the city of Trang. While not a traditional tourist destination itself, its primary draw for vacationers is its proximity to Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park. This park is dotted with reservoirs, mountains, and waterfalls. All are accessible via winding mountain roads with several viewpoints.
Making the Most of Krabi
With so much to see and do both in Krabi and the surrounding areas, renting a car offers both convenience and unparalleled flexibility. That’s why Drive Car Rental offers a convenient Krabi airport location, so visitors can access their vehicle on arrival.
For those planning to visit other large cities, we also offer guests the option to pick up their car in one location and drop it off in another. Just make sure you book early for the best selection and prices!