Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–15 | $25–60 |
| Food | $5–10 | $10–25 |
| Transport | $3–8 | $10–20 |
| Activities | $10–20 | $30–60 |
| Island Tours | $15–25 | $30–50 |
| Daily Total | $25–60 | $80–180 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most nationalities get 30-day visa-free entry to Thailand — extendable for 30 days at Krabi immigration office for 1,900 baht
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport — some hotels require it for check-in
- Krabi International Airport has direct flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore
Health & Safety
- Jellyfish can be present during monsoon season (May-Oct) — check locally before swimming
- Mosquitoes carry dengue fever year-round — use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential — the nearest major hospital is in Krabi Town
Getting Around
- Longtail boats are the main transport to Railay and offshore islands — prices are fixed and displayed at piers
- Scooter rental (250-350 baht/day) is essential for inland sights. Songthaews run between Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and the airport
- Grab is not widely available in Krabi — negotiate taxi prices in advance or use hotel-arranged transport
Connectivity
- Buy a Thai SIM card at the airport or any 7-Eleven — AIS and TrueMove tourist packages offer good data coverage
- WiFi is available at most accommodation and cafes in Ao Nang — coverage on islands and inland sights is patchy
- Download offline maps before heading to remote beaches and jungle trails where signal drops out
Money
- Currency: THB (Thai Baht). Cash is essential for longtail boats, street food, and smaller businesses
- ATMs in Ao Nang and Krabi Town charge 220 baht per withdrawal for foreign cards — withdraw larger amounts less often
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated — rounding up or leaving 20-50 baht at restaurants is generous
Packing Tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen is essential — Krabi's coral reefs are under pressure from chemical sunscreens
- Pack climbing-appropriate clothing if you plan to climb — long trousers and closed shoes protect against sharp limestone
- A dry bag is invaluable for longtail boat trips — spray from waves soaks everything in the front of the boat
Cultural tips
Temple Etiquette
Krabi province is deeply Buddhist. When visiting Tiger Cave Temple or other wats, dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Do not touch Buddha images or turn your back on them for photos. Women should not touch or hand objects directly to monks.
Marine Conservation
Krabi's marine ecosystems are fragile and under pressure from tourism. Use reef-safe sunscreen, do not touch or stand on coral, and never feed fish. Respect the restoration zones at Maya Bay and other protected areas. Take all rubbish with you — especially from islands and beaches.
Photography Etiquette
Ask permission before photographing monks, temple ceremonies, or Muslim communities (Krabi has a significant Muslim population). Drone flying is restricted over national parks and military areas — check regulations before flying.
Language & Communication
Basic Thai phrases go a long way — sawadee khrap/ka (hello), khop khun (thank you), and aroy (delicious) will earn smiles. Southern Thailand has its own dialect that differs from Bangkok Thai, but standard Thai is understood everywhere.
Support Local Communities
Choose locally-owned guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators over international chains. Buy from local market vendors and artisans. Krabi's economy depends heavily on tourism — directing your spending to local businesses maximises positive impact.
Weather & Flexibility
Krabi's weather can change quickly — boat tours may be cancelled during rough seas. Build flexibility into your itinerary and have backup plans for rainy days. The wet season (May-Oct) has fewer tourists and dramatic scenery but some islands are inaccessible.
