Set Sail in Krabi For An Unforgettable Adventure of A Lifetime
If you are looking for a tropical destination that offers stunning scenery, diverse attractions, and plenty of opportunities for boating adventures, look no further than Krabi. Located on the west coast of southern Thailand, Krabi is a province that boasts over 200 islands, white sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, and lush jungles. Whether you want to sail around the turquoise waters, explore hidden caves and lagoons, or relax on the shore, Krabi has something for everyone.
In this article, we will give you some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your boating trip in Krabi. We will cover the best nearby destinations that you can reach by boat, the top experiences that you can enjoy on land and water, the best beaches that you can visit, and some safety and emergency information that you should know before you go. So, get ready to discover why Krabi is a boating paradise in Thailand!
One of the best ways to experience Krabi is to rent a boat and hop from one island to another. There are many options for boat rentals in Krabi, ranging from sailboat rentals in Phuket to yacht charters in Ao Nang. You can also choose between private party boat rentals in Ao Nang or yacht charters in Koh Chang with captain, depending on your preference and budget. If you want to have more freedom and flexibility, you can opt for a yacht rentals in Koh Samui and plan your own itinerary. However, if you want to have more convenience and guidance, you can opt for a sailboat charters in Koh Samui and let them take care of everything.
No matter what kind of boat rental you choose, you will be amazed by the variety and beauty of the islands that you can visit from Krabi. Here are some of the top nearby destinations that you should not miss:
Phi Phi Islands: The Phi Phi Islands are probably the most famous and popular islands in Krabi. They consist of six islands: Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, Bida Nok, and Bida Nai. Each island has its own charm and attraction, but some of the highlights include Maya Bay (the filming location of The Beach), Pileh Lagoon (a stunning turquoise bay surrounded by cliffs), Monkey Beach (a beach where you can see wild monkeys), and Viking Cave (a cave with ancient paintings and bird’s nests). You can also enjoy snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking on the Phi Phi Islands with motor boat rentals in Koh Samui.
Hong Islands: The Hong Islands are a group of four islands: Koh Hong (the main island), Koh Lao Lading (also known as Paradise Island), Koh Pakbia (a small island with a sandbar), and Koh Rai (a rocky island with a hidden beach). The Hong Islands are known for their natural beauty and tranquility. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters, relax on the white sand beaches, or explore the Hong Lagoon (a large lagoon inside Koh Hong that can only be accessed by boat) with catamaran charters in Koh Samui. The Hong Islands are also great for snorkeling and kayaking.
James Bond Island: James Bond Island is the nickname of Koh Tapu (meaning Nail Island), a small island with a distinctive rock formation that was featured in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun. The island is located in Phang Nga Bay, a scenic area with hundreds of limestone islands and caves. You can visit James Bond Island by boat from Krabi and admire its unique shape and scenery with party boat rentals in Koh Samui. You can also visit other attractions in Phang Nga Bay, such as Koh Panyee (a floating Muslim village), Koh Panak (an island with hidden caves and lagoons), and Koh Khao Phing Kan (an island with two leaning rocks).
Koh Poda: Koh Poda is one of the four islands in the Poda Group, along with Koh Kai (also known as Chicken Island), Koh Tub (a small island connected to Koh Kai by a sandbar), and Koh Mor (a rocky island). Koh Poda is the largest and most developed island in the group, with a long beach, a coral reef, and a few resorts. You can visit Koh Poda by boat from Krabi and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or picnicking on the beach with motor boat charters in Phuket. You can also visit the other islands in the group and see their interesting shapes and features.
Railay Beach: Railay Beach is not an island, but a peninsula that is cut off from the mainland by limestone cliffs. It is accessible only by boat from Krabi or Ao Nang. Railay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, with soft sand, clear water, and stunning views of the cliffs. It is also one of the best places for rock climbing in Thailand, with hundreds of routes for all levels of climbers. You can visit Railay Beach by boat from Krabi and enjoy its natural beauty and adventure activities with yacht rentals in Pattaya.
Krabi is not only about the islands and the beaches. There are also many other attractions and experiences that you can enjoy on land and water. Here are some of the top experiences that you should try in Krabi:
Visit the Tiger Cave Temple: The Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is a Buddhist temple complex located about 3 km from Krabi Town. It is famous for its 1,237 steps that lead to a summit with a large golden Buddha statue and panoramic views of the surrounding area. The temple also has a network of caves that contain various relics and statues. The temple is named after a legend that says that a tiger used to live in one of the caves.
Swim in the Emerald Pool: The Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is a natural pool of turquoise water located in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, about 70 km from Krabi Town. The pool is fed by a hot spring and has a constant temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius. You can swim in the pool and enjoy its refreshing and healing properties. You can also visit the nearby Blue Pool (Sa Nam Phut), another natural pool with a deeper blue color.
Relax at the Hot Spring Waterfall: The Hot Spring Waterfall (Namtok Ron) is another attraction in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, about 2 km from the Emerald Pool. It is a waterfall that flows into several natural pools of hot water, ranging from 35 to 50 degrees Celsius. The water is rich in minerals and is said to have therapeutic benefits for the skin and muscles. You can relax at the waterfall and soak in the warm water.
Stroll along the Pak Nam River Boardwalk: The Pak Nam River Boardwalk is a wooden walkway that runs along the Pak Nam River in Krabi Town. It is a pleasant place to stroll and enjoy the views of the river, the mangroves, and the limestone cliffs. You can also see some local wildlife, such as birds, crabs, and monkeys. The boardwalk is about 2 km long and has several benches and pavilions along the way.
Walk Through the Mangrove Walkway: The Mangrove Walkway is another wooden walkway that leads to the Khao Khanap Nam Cave, one of the landmarks of Krabi. The cave is located on a hill that rises from the river and has two large openings that can be seen from afar. Inside the cave, you can see various stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations, as well as some prehistoric paintings and human skeletons. The walkway is about 1 km long and passes through a mangrove forest that hosts various plants and animals.
Krabi offers a wide range of activities for all kinds of travelers, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture. Here are some of the best activities that you can do in Krabi:
Snorkeling: Snorkeling is one of the most popular water sports in Krabi, as it allows you to see and enjoy the colorful coral reefs and marine life that abound in the area. You can snorkel at many places in Krabi, such as Phi Phi Islands, Hong Islands, Koh Poda, Koh Kai, Koh Tub, Koh Mor, Ao Nang Beach, Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, and more. You can rent snorkeling equipment from many shops or join a snorkeling tour that includes boat transfers, equipment, lunch, and guide.
Rock Climbing: Rock climbing is another popular activity in Krabi, especially at Railay Beach, where you can find hundreds of routes for all levels of climbers. You can climb on the limestone cliffs that overlook the sea and enjoy the adrenaline rush and the amazing views. You can rent climbing equipment from many shops or join a climbing tour that includes equipment, instructor, insurance, lunch, and water.
Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to explore the hidden caves and lagoons that are scattered around Krabi’s islands and coastline. You can paddle through the calm waters and admire the scenery and wildlife along the way. You can kayak at many places in Krabi, such as Phi Phi Islands, Hong Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Ao Thalane Bay, Bor Thor Village, Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam, and more. You can rent kayaks from many shops or join a kayaking tour that includes equipment, guide, lunch, and water.
Cooking Class: Cooking class is a fun activity that lets you learn how to make some of the delicious Thai dishes that you can enjoy in Krabi. You can join a cooking class at several places in Krabi, such as Krabi Thai Cookery School (a cooking school with a garden and a sea view), Ao Nang Thai Cookery School (a cooking school with a market tour and a pool), or Ya’s Cookery School (a cooking school with a farm and an organic garden). You can book your cooking class online or at some local travel agencies or hotels. You can expect to pay around 1,000 to 1,500 baht per person for a cooking class, depending on the school and the menu.
Krabi has some of the best beaches in Thailand, with soft sand, clear water, and stunning views. Here are some of the best beaches that you can visit in Krabi:
Ao Nang Beach: Ao Nang Beach is the main beach in Krabi, where you can find many hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars. It is a long and wide beach with a lively atmosphere and a variety of water sports. You can also take a boat from Ao Nang Beach to other nearby islands and beaches, such as Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, Koh Poda, Koh Kai, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor.
Railay Beach: Railay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, with soft sand, clear water, and stunning views of the limestone cliffs. It is also one of the best places for rock climbing in Thailand, with hundreds of routes for all levels of climbers. You can access Railay Beach only by boat from Krabi or Ao Nang. There are four sections of Railay Beach: Railay West (the main beach with many resorts and restaurants), Railay East (the quieter beach with mangroves and bars), Phra Nang Beach (the most scenic beach with a cave and a shrine), and Tonsai Beach (the most secluded beach with a hippie vibe).
Klong Muang Beach: Klong Muang Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach in Krabi, where you can find some luxury resorts and villas. It is a long and sandy beach with a calm sea and a view of the islands. You can relax on the beach or enjoy some activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or golfing at the nearby Tubkaak Golf Course.
Nopparat Thara Beach: Nopparat Thara Beach is a beach that is located next to Ao Nang Beach, but has a more natural and local feel. It is a long and sandy beach that stretches for about 3 km and has a national park at its end. You can see many local fishermen and their boats on the beach, as well as some crabs and shells. You can also walk to some small islands at low tide or take a boat to other nearby islands.
Tubkaak Beach: Tubkaak Beach is a secluded and romantic beach in Krabi, where you can find some boutique resorts and spas. It is a short and curved beach with fine sand and clear water. You can enjoy the view of the Hong Islands from the beach or watch the sunset over the sea. You can also indulge in some pampering treatments at the spas or dine at the fine restaurants on the beach.
Krabi is generally a safe destination for travelers, but there are some things that you should be aware of before you go. In case of any emergency, you can contact the following numbers: Police: 191, Fire: 199, Ambulance: 1669, Tourist Police: 1155, Krabi Hospital: 075-611212.
We hope that this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to enjoy your boating trip in Krabi. Krabi is a boating paradise in Thailand that offers stunning scenery, diverse attractions, and plenty of opportunities for boating adventures. Whether you want to sail around the turquoise waters, explore hidden caves and lagoons, or relax on the shore, Krabi has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Book your boat rental in Krabi today and get ready to discover why Krabi is a boating paradise in Thailand!