Krabi 4-Day Itinerary: Ao Nang, Railay Beach and the Four Islands Tour
Four days is the right length for Krabi. Here is how to spend it on Ao Nang, Railay, the Four Islands tour and one slower day.
Quick answer: Base yourself in Ao Nang, spend one day at Railay Beach, one day on a Four Islands boat tour, and keep one day free. Four days covers Krabi well. Add Phuket before or after if you have more time.
Where should you stay in Krabi?
Ao Nang is the practical choice. It has the most restaurants, shops, boat departures and hotel options, and it is where most island tours start. Railay is better for a quiet, scenic stay, but you reach it only by longtail boat and luggage is a hassle. Krabi Town is cheaper and less touristy but is not on the beach.
Day 1: Arrive and Ao Nang
Krabi's airport is roughly 25 to 30 km from Ao Nang: about 35 to 60 minutes by private car, and up to around 2 hours on a shared shuttle that stops at several hotels. Check in, walk the beachfront and book your tours at your hotel or a trusted desk. Ao Nang beach is better for sunsets than for swimming, so save your beach day for elsewhere.
Day 2: Railay Beach
Take the longtail boat from Ao Nang and spend the day at Railay West and Phra Nang Beach. The limestone cliffs are the draw. If you are comfortable with heights, the viewpoint walk is rewarding, but wear proper shoes, since it is steep and muddy after rain. Return by the late afternoon boat, since the last sailings depend on tide and weather.
Day 3: Four Islands tour
A longtail or speedboat tour that usually covers Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phra Nang Cave Beach. It is the classic Krabi day. Go early, take a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, and do not leave valuables on the boat. Sandbars between islands appear and disappear with the tide, so itineraries vary by day.
Day 4: Slow day or Tiger Cave Temple
Tiger Cave Temple involves 1,237 steps and most guides put the climb at about 40 to 60 minutes up, so it suits fit travellers and early starts only. The alternative is a spa morning, a cooking class or the Ao Nang night market.
What should you skip?
Do not try to fit Phi Phi, James Bond Island and the Four Islands tour into a short stay. Pick one or two. Our island tour comparison explains which suits whom.
Is Krabi good for couples and honeymoons?
Yes. It is quieter than Phuket and the scenery does the work. Our Thailand honeymoon package includes Krabi for this reason.
When is the best time to go?
November to April is the dry, calm season. During the monsoon some boat tours are cancelled or rerouted. Read the month-by-month guide to Phuket and Krabi.
How do you add Phuket?
Most travellers add three to four nights of Phuket before or after. See Phuket to Krabi by ferry, road or air, and compare it all in Phuket vs Krabi.
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