The province of Krabi on Thailand’s west coast is famous for one thing above all: limestone cliffs that rise steeply out of the sea. Between them lie pale beaches, mangroves and more than a hundred islands. From Krabi you can reach many of them by longtail boat in a few minutes. The region is quieter than Phuket on the other side of the bay.
Where to stay
| Place | Good for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ao Nang | Excursions, restaurants, a good choice of hotels | Main resort, starting point for boats |
| Railay | Cliffs, climbing, a beach without cars | Only reachable by boat |
| Klong Muang and Tubkaek | Peace, large hotel resorts | A little out of the way, more for relaxing |
| Koh Lanta | Long beaches, relaxed atmosphere | Island, reached by minibus and car ferry |
| Koh Phi Phi | Diving, young crowd | Crowded, loud in the evening |
Ao Nang is the liveliest resort on the coast. There are hotels in every price range, street food stalls and restaurants. Longtail boats leave the beach all day for the islands and for Railay.
Railay lies on a peninsula enclosed by cliffs. There is no road, and you can only arrive by boat. That is exactly what makes it special. Phra Nang beach with its cave is one of the most beautiful in Thailand, and climbers from all over the world practise on the rock faces.
The islands
The Four Islands tour is the classic. In half a day you visit small islands off Ao Nang, including a sandbar that links two islands at low tide. The Hong Islands, with a lagoon completely enclosed by cliffs, are just as popular.
Koh Phi Phi is about an hour and a half away by ferry. Most visitors stay on the larger island of Phi Phi Don. The smaller Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited and became famous for Maya Bay.
Koh Lanta is the choice for anyone looking for peace. The island is long and narrow, and on the west coast one beach follows another. In the evening you are more likely to sit in a beach bar watching the sunset than in a club. The islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay are also quiet and unspoilt.
When is the best time to go?
From November to April it is the dry season on the Andaman Sea. The air is 31 to 34 °C during the day, the sea around 29 °C. The sea is usually calm, and visibility under water is good. This is the high season, and prices are highest around Christmas and New Year.
From May to October the monsoon brings rain and wind. It often rains heavily, but only for a few hours, and then the sun comes back. The waves are higher, some boat trips are cancelled, and some places to stay on small islands close. In return everything is cheaper and greener.
Respect for the country and its people
Thailand is a welcoming country where a few rules matter. In temples, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off before entering. Never speak disparagingly about the royal family, which is strictly forbidden. And a smile almost always helps, even when something does not work out.
Good to know
From Germany you fly with one change to Krabi or to Phuket, from where it is about two hours by car. The clocks go forward six hours in winter and five in summer. German citizens currently need no visa for a holiday, but they do need a passport and a digital arrival card filled in online before arrival. You pay in baht, and cards are accepted in restaurants and hotels.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
