Krabi, Thailand

We couldn’t go to Thailand without heading to the islands for a couple days! We were recommended Krabi over Phuket, and took the recommendation. We knew we only wanted to do an island tour, so we chose Krabi – knowing we would get additional beach hangs when heading to Bali afterward! If you’re on the fence about Krabi vs Phuket, Hotels.com has a great resource comparing the two, here.

How to get to Krabi: We flew from Chiang Mai. Flights were about 2 hours and around $75 (time of year may vary) – but beware of the weight limits. They are NOT the same as international flights to Thailand, and we got royally screwed on all of our flights 🙂 We flew Air Asia and it was not nearly as bad in terms of bag overages as a prior flight on Thai Lion, but we still paid a pretty penny for our luggage – nearly negating the cheaper flight (face-palm)!

Once we arrived at the airport, we simply went to one of the few van transportation companies. A/C transportation, with multiple hotel stops was about $15. Fully private transpiration is available, but likely for more. We knew we were one of the first stops, based on their map, so it didn’t bother us to be in a large, multi-person van.

Where to stay: Aonang Hill @ 11/1. This hotel is THE perfect spot to be in Krabi. Even if you don’t stay here, stay in the vicinity further away from the airport, and closer to the beaches. We drove through Krabi Town central on our way to Aonang beach area and it looks like spring break ran through with a vengeance – a bit rough.

The hotel is a total gem. The rooms are large, clean and comfortable, but the view is what got us. It’s stunning and makes you want to stay put right at the pool all day. You also cannot beat the price for this hotel! And definitely take advantage of the breakfast (if you go through Booking.com you get it free) – it was quite the amazing spread! They also have villas surrounding the pools (seen below) that you can book if you want more space, or have a larger group.

The main reason we came to Krabi was to tour the various islands. We booked a full day “Hong and Four Island” private long tail boat tour through https://krabitrek.com/ . You’re going to want to pay to get the private long tail boat to yourselves – it’s amazing and worth every penny. The entire day is centered around you and seeing what you want, and staying however long you want at each island. Also, this company does a great job at making sure you don’t hit “rush hour” on each island. They were strategic about which ones we went to first so that we had the islands all to our selves at some points!

Essentially, they just tour you around the water all day long, dropping you off at various islands. You’ll pass some of the major land marks (Phi Phi Island, James Bond Island, etc.) At some islands we just relaxed, others we snorkeled (they provided gear on the boat), and two there were sights to walk around and see. Railay Bay was probably the most populated one, as it also a resort, unlike the others. We got off, saw what needed to be seen and basically ran back to the boat to seek a new quiet island! I’ll let you Google for yourselves what is ‘notable’ on Railay Bay 🙂

Overall, the tour was incredible – and Derek and I were actually the ones who ended it early! After our 5th island, and brewing sunburns, our guide asked us if we wanted to stop at another and we could hardly keep our heads up long enough to shake no. Such a full and exhausting, but amazing day!

We paid extra for the lunch provided, so we didn’t have to figure out getting our own prior to getting on the boat, and the English tour guide. I wasn’t 100% sure we needed her, but from meeting others on one of the islands, they said they struggled not having one because they were unsure they understood where they were going, how long they had in each place, and where to meet after, etc. with the long tail driver. The drivers speak no English and are mostly natives. And I mean, our English guide was basically our own photographer all day lol. She also came onto each island with us and stayed with our stuff while we played in the water and toured the beaches and snapped candid photos. WORTH IT.

If you choose to stay in Krabi longer – most hotels have shuttles down the strip of Aonang Beach all day long. The main road is lined with beautiful beaches, restaurants and bars. Originally, after checking into our hotel, we planned to take a taxi to Tiger Cave Temple and Wat Phra Singh. I was told they’re amazing. Well, the flood gates opened as soon as we got into our room. And with a 30 minute taxi to these spots, from the Aonang Beach area, so we just didn’t have the time after a storm blew through. If you have the time, certainty take the trip to these spots!