Destination · Southern Thailand

Krabi

Four beaches. Only one of them suits you.

Limestone comes straight out of the water here, and four very different places sit underneath it. Which one you pick decides the whole trip — so pick it before you pick the hotel.

• Ao Nang

  For a first trip. Shops, restaurants and the boats leave from the beach itself.

• Railay

  If you want to be cut off. No road in — you arrive by longtail, and that is the point.

• Klong Muang

  If you are travelling with children. Quiet, flat water, resorts set back from the road.

• Tub Kaek

  Furthest out and quietest. Come here to read a book, not to find a bar.

Local insight

1,237 steps, and you should start at six.

The climb to Tiger Cave Temple is 1,237 steps and there is no shade on it. Go at first light and it is a different walk. The Hong Islands lagoons are best before the day boats arrive from Ao Nang. Phi Phi is a boat ride, not a base — go for the day, sleep in Krabi.

When to come, and what to eat

The dry season runs November to April. Days sit between 24 and 32°C year round, so the season is about rain, not heat. Eat gaeng som — a sour fish curry that locals order far more than tourists do — and tom yum talay where the boats come in.

Journeys through Krabi

Krabi, without the 6am start.

Tell us who is travelling and which of the four suits you. We will build the rest.