Krabi Province — on the Andaman coast of southern Thailand, midway between Phuket and the Malaysian border — has the most dramatic coastal scenery in mainland Thailand: towering limestone karst towers rising vertically from the sea and the mangrove-lined rivermouth, their cliff faces draped with jungle vegetation and riddled with caves, providing the backdrop for some of the finest beaches, kayaking routes and rock climbing in Southeast Asia. The provincial capital (Krabi Town, on the Krabi River estuary) is a working town rather than a tourist resort, but the coastline to its south — the beaches of Ao Nang, the extraordinary enclosed peninsulas of Railay and Phra Nang — are among the Andaman's most beautiful.
Railay Beach — a peninsula between two beaches (Railay West and Railay East), separated from the mainland by sheer limestone cliffs that make road access impossible and ensure it is reached only by longtail boat from Ao Nang (15 minutes, running all day until midnight) — is both the most photographed and the most practically rewarding destination in Krabi. The cliffs that isolate it also make it one of the world's premier rock climbing destinations: over 700 documented routes on bolted limestone, catering to all levels from beginner to extreme, with several climbing schools operating directly from Railay West beach. The famous Phra Nang Cave Beach, at the southern tip of the peninsula, has one of the finest beach settings in Thailand.
Railay & Phra Nang Cave
Railay West is the main beach — a wide crescent of white sand with calm, swimmable water (October–May) and the main boat landing. Railay East (a 10-minute walk across the narrow peninsula through the hotel development) faces the mangrove-lined coast and is less swimmy but has the main restaurants, bars and budget accommodation. The walk between the two crosses a dramatic saddle of rock with views of both Railay West's turquoise bay and the Ao Nang coastline beyond. Phra Nang Cave Beach — a 20-minute walk south from Railay West along the cliff face, or by longtail boat — has an extraordinary setting: a deep cave in the base of the cliff, filled with wooden phallus offerings left by local fishermen for the spirit of a drowned princess (Phra Nang), with a beach of white sand and turquoise water that emerges from the cliff's shadow in the afternoon light. It is genuinely one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
Rock Climbing
Krabi's rock climbing — over 700 bolted routes on the limestone karst towers of Railay and Tonsai — is among the finest sport climbing in Asia and has attracted a community of climbers (both resident and visiting) that has built a substantial local expertise. The limestone is sharp and pocketed, with routes from 5a to 8c+. The most popular beginner crags are directly above Railay West beach; the more demanding routes (including a spectacular overhang route above the Phra Nang Cave) require guides. Several dedicated climbing schools (King Climbers, Hot Rock) offer full-day beginner instruction from approximately £40 per person including all equipment — the experience of climbing above a turquoise bay with limestone towers as your backdrop, regardless of the grade, is one of Krabi's most memorable activities for visitors with no prior climbing experience.
Island Hopping & Four Islands
The "Four Islands" tour from Ao Nang or Railay — a longtail boat day trip visiting the sandy beaches and snorkelling reefs around Koh Poda, Koh Gai (Chicken Island, named for its profile), Koh Tub and the Phra Nang Cave area — is the standard island-hopping itinerary from Krabi and excellent value (approximately £10–15 per person, booked at the pier). The snorkelling around Koh Poda is reliably good: coral in reasonable condition with abundant fish. Private longtail hire (approximately £50–70 per day) gives more flexibility in timing and allows avoiding the organised tour group boats. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua), on a forest-covered limestone outcrop 3km from Krabi Town, has 1,237 steps to a summit Buddha with panoramic views over the province — worth the climb for the view.
