The Ultimate 5-Day Krabi Backpacking Itinerary - The Ultimate Krabi Travel Guide

The Ultimate 5-Day Krabi Backpacking Itinerary

The Ultimate Krabi Travel Guide
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
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There is no doubt that Krabi is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, and for good reason. This coastal province in Southern Thailand has everything for everyone, from rock climbing for adrenaline junkies to islands and beaches for beach-goers.

If this is your first time in Krabi, you might be a bit overwhelmed by all the things you can do here and are probably wondering how many days you should spend here. Well, I've got your back.

Within this travel guide, you will find a complete 3 to 5-day backpacking itinerary for Krabi, with all the information you need to have a great time here and see why Krabi is one of the best travel destinations in Thailand. Let's first take a look at this itinerary on the map I created below:

One Month Backpacking Thailand ItineraryOne Month Backpacking Thailand Itinerary

Backpacking Krabi Itinerary Map

Backpacking Krabi Itinerary Map

☀️ Day 1: Hiking the Dragon Crest Trail and Relaxing
☀️ Day 2: The 4-Island Boat Trip
☀️ Day 3: Hike Wat Tham Suea, Visit Emerald Pools, and Hot Springs Waterfalls
☀️ Day 4: Ko Phi Phi Boat Trip
☀️ Day 5: Relaxing Beach Day at Ao Nang/Railay

3 - 5 Days Itinerary in Krabi

Day 1: Hiking the Dragon Crest Trail and Relaxing

A person sitting at the Dragon Crest viewpoint in Krabi

After arriving in Krabi, spend the first night resting up and preparing some snacks, as well as at least 2 liters of water, because the next day we will be tackling one of the prettiest viewpoints in Krabi early in the morning.

The views from the Dragon Crest Viewpoint in Krabi

The Dragon Crest viewpoint, or as it is known locally, Khao Ngon Nak, is probably one of the best viewpoints in Krabi. The trail is located inside the Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, and it will take you up to the top of Khao Ngon Nak mountain where you will be able to have an unobstructed view of Krabi and see why it is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand.

The entrance to the Dragon Crest Trail in Krabi

The trail itself is about 3.7 km long one way, and it can take you from 2-4 hours to reach the top, depending on your fitness level. The trail starts out relatively flat, but it becomes quite steep between the second and fourth kilometers before reaching the summit. Therefore, ensure you are in good shape before taking on the trail.

Planning to visit soon?

A steep trail to the top of Dragon Crest mountain in Krabi

The trail goes through the forest, and it is well-covered with foliage, so the sun shouldn't be much of a problem. The big problem with this trail is the humidity. Since you are surrounded by tall trees, you rarely ever get any wind along the trail, so expect a sweaty hike as you will probably sweat much more on this trail than on others.

Ao Nang beach seen from the Dragon Cresh viewpoint in Krabi

Once you arrive at the top, you will be able to see Ao Nang beach, as well as all the vertical limestone mountains scattered throughout the area. Seeing Krabi from above really reminds me of why this place is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. It is almost as if you are staring at Halong Bay on land.

The landscape around Krabi seen from the Dragon Crest Viewpoint

The entire hike should take about 4-5 hours, and to help make your experience a little more bearable, I highly recommend you start the trail as early as 8 AM when the weather is a little more manageable. If you start hiking at 8 AM, right when the national park opens, you should be back down by 12, in time for lunch.

A view of the ocean from the Dragon Crest Viewpoint in Krabi

After hiking, spend the rest of the day relaxing at Ao Nang beach and resting up because you are going to need it for the next day. We will be taking a boat and going island-hopping around Krabi's stunning coastline.

13 Best Things to Do in Krabi13 Best Things to Do in Krabi

Day 2: The 4-Island Boat Trip

A person walking on the beach on Poda Island, Krabi

On your second day, we are going to go on an organized tour to explore the islands of Krabi, which is one of the most popular things to do here. Be sure to book the 4 islands day trip beforehand so that they can reserve you a spot and arrange a pickup time. The trip will take an entire day from 9 AM to 3-4 PM, and be sure to pack swimsuits!

A line of long tail boats on the beach at Tup Island, Krabi

The 4 islands tour will take you to Poda Island, Tup Island, Chicken Island, and Railay with 2 modes of transportation, the classic long-tail boat, and a speed boat, with the former being a little cheaper and taking a bit longer than the latter.

A person walking at the beach on Tup Island, Krabi

With the tours, you will be spending at least 6-8 hours hopping between these 4 islands, and depending on the tide level that day, the order of the islands you visit may shuffle around a bit to allow you to get the best out of your visit.

People walking across the separated sea at Tup Island, Krabi

Tup Island is especially beautiful at low tide, as you will be able to see the Thale Waek phenomenon (the separated sea), and you can walk across the island on a shallow strip of sand. If the tide is low in the morning, you will likely be heading to this island first.

The Chicken Island in Krabi

You will have approximately an hour at each stop, except for Chicken Island. There is no beach for you to stop, and you will only be cruising around a chicken-shaped cliff, where the island got its name, for photos before heading to the next island.

The snorkeling area at Poda Beach in Krabi

Poda Island is the highlight of this trip for me, as you will finally have time to snorkel and witness all the beautiful coral reefs and marine life of Krabi. The coral reef isn't as colorful as some of the snorkeling spots further south, like Ko Lipe, but there are plenty of beautiful fish to be seen here.

The empty beach on Poda Island, Krabi

After snorkeling, the boat will anchor at Poda Island beach where you will have either a packed lunchbox or a buffet (depending on the number of people on the boat). You will also have time to chill on the beach for another 1 hour. Be sure to take a photo of the iconic cliff rock that Poda is known for before leaving.

Long tail boats parked at Railay Beach in Krabi

Last but not least, you will be visiting Railay Beach, which technically isn't an island as it is part of the Krabi mainland. However, due to the inaccessible vertical limestone mountain that cuts the area off, the only way you can get there is by boat, which makes it feel more like an island than just a beach on Krabi's mainland.

Phra Nang Beach in Krabi

You will have around an hour at Railay, which should be enough to visit Phra Nang Cave and relax at Phra Nang Beach (if it isn't too crowded). There are many cool things you can do at Railay, but you will need to visit the place separately later as you will need at least a day or two to see them all.

The sandy Phra Nang Beach in Krabi

After Railay, you will be ushered back to Ao Nang and transferred back to your hotel by 3 - 4 PM, concluding your 4-island day trip. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your accommodation or strolling along the beach and resting up for the next day, as you will be going on another adventure-filled day.

Day 3: Hike Wat Tham Suea, Visit Emerald Pools, and Hot Springs Waterfalls

Wat Tham Suea viewpoint surrounded by sea of fog in Krabi

On your third day, I highly recommend you get up as early as 6 AM and drive to Wat Tham Suea to hike up to the viewpoint. If you are lucky, as I was, you might be able to witness the sea of clouds, which is pretty rare in Krabi.

An aerial shot of Wat Tham Suea viewpoint surrounded by sea of fog in Krabi

Wat Tham Suea is a mountain temple known for its cave, where a tiger once resided, as well as the epic pilgrimage trail that will take you to the top of a limestone mountain. From there, you will be able to see an unobstructed panoramic view of Krabi town and all its surroundings.

The trail head to the top of Wat Tham Suea viewpoint in Krabi

The pilgrimage trail at Wat Tham Suea consists of around 1200 steps, and it can take you about 30 minutes to an hour to hike to the top. Some of these 1200 steps are not your regular human steps but more like steps for giants, as they are crazy steep at times. Be sure you are in good shape before tackling the trail.

A person sitting at the top of the stairs on the Wat Tham Suea hiking trail

Along the way, you will see several poles with a number of steps painted on them, giving you a glimpse of hope as you continue to defy gravity and power through the steps. There are 2 toilet stops at the 500th step and again at the 1000th step.

A large Buddha image at Wat Tham Suea viewpoint in Krabi

Once you arrive at the top, you will see a large Buddha image, as well as a platform where you will be able to see a 360° view of Krabi town and all its surroundings.

The platform at the top of Wat Tham Suea viewpoint in Krabi

On one side, you'd see the small towns near Wat Tham Suea, while on the other, you will see rolling hills of limestone mountains as far as the eye can see. It is a truly worthy reward for the 1200 steps we have to climb.

Krabi town covered in clouds seen from Wat Tham Suea viewpoint in Krabi

Once you are done, start making your way down slowly and feel free to explore the temple grounds, as there are quite a few caves and interesting structures to visit in the temple. If you do not want to ride a motorbike yourself, you can visit Wat Tham Suea as part of an organized tour as well, which should include Wat Tham Suea among other places in Krabi Town.

Coconut pancake at Kanom Krok Tham Suea in Krabi

If you are looking for a nice, sweet snack for breakfast after you have climbed the pilgrimage trail at Wat Tham Suea, be sure to stop by the small stall selling the grilled coconut pancake or Kanom Krok at Kanom Krok Tham Suea.

The store front of Kanom Krok Tham Suea in Krabi

A box of 10 coconut pancakes is only 20 THB, and they are delicious, crispy, and sweet. They were just the sugar hit I needed after hiking the Wat Tham Suea trail. If you are visiting Wat Tham Suea, be sure to check out Kanom Krok Tham Suea.

People swimming at the Hot Springs Waterfall in Krabi

After Wat Tham Suea, we continue on to our next destination, the Hot Springs Waterfall, another cool place to visit in Krabi, and the perfect place to freshen up after hiking Wat Tham Suea.

Pools at the Hot Springs Waterfall in Krabi

The place is known for its bubbling thermal pools, right above small cascades, surrounded by tropical forests where one can freshen up and enjoy the tranquility and a relaxing time in nature.

Spa area at the Hot Springs Waterfall in Krabi

There are several spa areas that source the water from the thermal pools as well, if you prefer a more comfortable, less crowded experience at the Hot Springs Waterfall.

The Hot Springs Waterfall in Krabi

The place opens from 8:30 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 100 THB per person. If you do not want to ride to the Hot Springs Waterfall by yourself, you can also visit this place as part of a day trip from Krabi Town. The tour will also take you to the Emerald Pool, which is where we are heading next.

Emerald pool in Krabi

Emerald Pool is probably one of the most picturesque places in Krabi. With its remote location, the extremely clear water, and the emerald color that glows when the sun hits it, it is one of the sights that you really have to see to believe exists.

The chamgpagne lake at the Emerald Pool in Krabi

Once you arrive at the pool, you can either walk directly to the Emerald Pool itself along the 800 m trail, or you can take the 1.4 km nature trail, which I highly recommend. It will take you to the Emerald Pool through the forest, passing many beautiful pools along the way. You can do the nature trail on your way there and take the faster route back, or vice versa.

A walking path around the Emerald Pool in Krabi

Once you arrive, you will enter an opening where you will be able to finally swim in the glistening Emerald Pool. There are wooden decks you can walk on, as well as other small trails you can explore. If you want to swim, there are bathrooms where you can wash yourself, and plenty of space for you to enjoy the refreshing water. Just be careful around wet rocks as they can be extremely slippery at times.

Tourists swimming at the Emerald Pool in Krabi

The Emerald Pool opens from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and it costs 200 THB for a ticket to enter the premises. The place is truly beautiful, and you are going to love it.

A crowded Krabi night market

Visiting these three places should occupy your entire day. If you are there on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, be sure to drop by Krabi Night Market and indulge yourself in all the delicious street food there.

Seafood on sticks at Krabi Night Market

You will find plenty of street food stalls selling all kinds of food, from seafood on sticks to drinks, and even a mobile cocktail bar. There is also a stage where local performers often come to entertain visitors.

Dining table area at Krabi Night Market

There are several designated tables for dining right in front of the stage, so you can go around and buy all the street food to try, and have a place to sit and indulge yourself in Thailand's night market vibe.

food stalls at Krabi Night Market

After the night market, you can drive back to Ao Nang and retreat to your hotel and call it a night. With this 3-day itinerary, you should have experienced almost all the best things you can do in Krabi.

8 Best Things to Do in Krabi Town8 Best Things to Do in Krabi Town

Day 4: Ko Phi Phi Boat Trip (Optional)

Koh Phi Phi from the viewpoint in Thailand

Another popular day trip to make from Krabi is to visit the Phi Phi Islands, which, even though are often visited from Phuket, are in fact located within Krabi province. It is a bit nearer to go from Ao Nang, so if you have not been to Phi Phi Islands, now is the time to do so.

A yacht in the ocean at sunset in Phuket

Since the island is a little further away from Ao Nang than the 4 islands, your only option when it comes to transportation is a speed boat. There are several organized tours you can go with, but I highly recommend this "Phi Phi Island Speed Boat Tour", which should take you on a full-day trip around Phi Phi islands as well as other smaller islands like Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, and more.

An aerial shot of the Phi Phi Island in Thailand

The trip should take an entire day, starting from 8:30 AM and ending at 4:30 PM. The tour should include a transfer to and from your hotel, as well as lunch, snorkeling gear, and more.

A party cruise in the ocean in Phuket

However, the tour doesn't include the entrance fee to Phi Phi National Park, which is an extra 400 THB per person. If you are traveling during COVID, the entrance fee is currently cut in half to 200 THB per person. So, if you have a day to spare in Krabi, I highly recommend you go on a day trip to visit Phi Phi island. There's no better time to do so than now.

Day 5: Relaxing Beach Day at Ao Nang/Railay (Optional)

Boats parked near Railay in Krabi

If you have another day to spare, you can spend the rest of your time soaking in all the beauty of Krabi and enjoy a nice rest day, strolling along Ao Nang Beach or taking a local boat and really spending time exploring all the attractions in Railay that you might not be able to see during the 4 islands tour.

A couple taking selfies at Phra Nang Beach in Krabi

You can visit the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach and the Phra Nang Cave shrine outside of tourist hours, and get to see the true beauty of the place when it is not bombarded by day-trippers.

The trail head to the Lagoon in Railay, Krabi

For a truly challenging hike, you can also climb up to the viewpoint, which requires you to scramble your way up steep cliffs with ropes for about 100m and hike another 100m to reach the viewpoint.

A boat service kiosk in Ao Nang, Krabi

Getting to Railay Beach and back is not difficult, but there are a few tricks you need to know to avoid being stranded there. The boat clerks are often trying to upsell you a roundtrip ticket.

A long tail boat approaching Railay in Krabi

There are several boat kiosks at Ao Nang, and they both sell a 100 THB ticket for a one-way trip to Railay Beach. You can get the ticket and travel to Railay from there.

Boat operators in Krabi

While purchasing the ticket, the clerk might try to upsell you a roundtrip ticket. Do not do it, as you will have to take the boat operated by the same company back, and it can be hours before they leave.

A person walking in a clear water beach in Krabi

The better way is to just buy a one-way ticket and when you want to go back, find an empty spot on any outgoing boat and pay the boat operator directly to take you back. That way, you do not have to wait for the boat to be filled up, which may keep you waiting for hours and sometimes into the night, leaving you stranded unless you pay for more.

Inside a speed boat in Krabi

Other than that, Railay beach is a great place to spend your last day in Krabi and a great way to end your trip. Again, you can also just do nothing and relax in Ao Nang for the rest of the day. After four days of jam-packed action, you deserve a good rest. After all, you are on a holiday, so why not take your time and enjoy the beauty of doing nothing for a day.

More Krabi Activities

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When to Visit Krabi?

The sea of clouds from Wat Tham Suea viewpoint in Krabi

Krabi is a coastal province located by the Andaman Sea, and the weather can be as unreliable as the Thai bus schedule. So, expect the weather to change rapidly during your visit.

Ideally, the best time to visit Krabi is between December and March when the weather is at its calmest and you have a higher chance of clear days. You might still experience some rainy days, but you are unlikely to experience tropical storms during this period.

The weather is also a little less humid and hot during this period. Mind you, it is still pretty hot in Krabi during the best months due to its proximity to the sea, but it won't be as bad as if you were to visit in April or July. Just keep in mind that this is considered the high season, so expect large crowds while you are here.

From April to November, the sea can get pretty rough, which may hinder your chance of relaxing on sunny beaches, going on boat trips, and seeing the surrounding nature spots. That said, it will likely only rain in the evening and only for a few hours. The good thing about visiting Krabi during this time is the fewer tourists you will see.

All in all, when to visit will depend entirely on what you want to prioritize. If you prefer the best weather, visit between December and March. If you prefer fewer tourists, visit between April and November.

How to Get to Krabi?

Long tail boats parked at Tup Island in Krabi

To get to Krabi, you can either fly to Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi International Airport, or if there's a flight directly to Krabi (usually from neighboring countries like Singapore), you can also fly directly there too.

If you fly into Bangkok, you can then catch a domestic flight to Krabi with airlines like AirAsia or NokAir for a very affordable price. The journey should take a little over an hour before you arrive in Krabi.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok and Krabi, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one for your trip.

How to Get Around Krabi?

People riding motorbikes at Ao Nang in Krabi

By Motorbike: With this itinerary, you can visit each place independently (except the islands) with a rented motorbike, which I think is the best way to get around Krabi as you will have the flexibility to travel between Ao Nang and Krabi Town whenever you like, and they are around 30 minutes ride apart.

There are many motorbike rental shops in Ao Nang that you can choose from. Some hotels might even provide a rental service, so be sure to check with your hotel while you are there.

If not, you can also rent one at Mr. Kord Car & Bike Rental, a reputable rental shop for all things motorbike located not too far from Ao Nang beach. Usually, the going price is around 200 THB per day with a deposit of about 3000 THB, but the price may vary a bit from place to place.

By Car: This is the fastest and most comfortable way to get around Krabi. There are several car rental companies operating right from the Krabi airport with a price range of between 700 and 1500 THB, depending on how big the car is.

To rent a car in Krabi, be sure to check out some of the offerings here: Rent a car in Krabi.

How Much Money Do I Need For 3+ Days in Krabi?

For 3 days in Krabi, we can calculate approximately how much money you will spend at a minimum as follows:

Accommodation: With a total of 4 nights in Krabi, you will be paying around 18 USD (700 THB).

Food: Food costs about 70 THB minimum in Krabi, so you can expect to pay around 630 THB for 3 days.

Transportation: Since you will be renting a motorbike for 3 days, you can expect to pay 1500 THB for transportation, plus gas.

Activities: The 4-island tour should cost 1,000 THB, 400 THB for the national park's entrance fee, 200 THB for entry to Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park for the Dragon Crest Trail, 400 THB for entry to Hot Springs Waterfall and the Emerald Pool, so in total, you will be paying around 2,000 THB for activities.

Total Budget for 3 days in Krabi: 4,830 THB (137 USD)

Is it Safe in Krabi?

Krabi, like most of Thailand's tourist cities, is generally pretty safe. However, always second-guess people who approach you and try to offer something that seems too good to be true because, honestly, if it is too good to be true, it probably is. This is a sure way to avoid any scam attempts from taxis or other scammers that might approach you.

Always keep your belongings with you and take the usual precautions when visiting a new foreign city. Other than that, there's nothing to worry about. If you are planning to drive around, be very careful on the road as Thai people aren't known for being great drivers, and our roads aren't the widest.

And, as always, please exercise precautions, like you would when traveling in any foreign country. Do not leave your belongings unattended and watch out for your belongings at all times.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Krabi?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Krabi, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Krabi, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. I personally use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone, and they have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand. Their coverage hasn't failed me yet, so if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fits your itinerary the most.

With these three packages, you can top up more if you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Krabi?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Krabi, Thailand:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Krabi, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing ListWhat to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Southern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Southern Thailand? Here are some articles about Southern Thailand that you might find useful:

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