Excursions in Krabi: activities not to be missed!

✅ Article updated on August 23, 2025so you'll always have the latest news!

KrabiIt's not just postcard beaches.

It's also about excursions that mark you for life, between swaying longtails, hidden lagoons and guides who treat you like a pal.

I burned under the sun, struggled in the waves, ate sand... and unforgettable moments.

Having tried out a number of excursions on our own, with friends and as a couple, here are the ones that are really worth the effort.

👉 2 experiences not to be missed :

• Visit Phi Phi Early Bird + 4 islands combo speedboat (to see Maya Bay without the crowds)
  
  
• A trip to Hong Islandfar from the crowds, with an emerald lagoon

Plus my problems, tips for the field and scams to avoid.

🛶 The ultimate combo: Phi Phi + 4 Islands by Speedboat (8 sites in one day)

⏱ Duration: full day (6:30am-5:30pm)
💰 Price : From 2100 baht (≈55€) with GetYourGuide
🚤 Advantage : Fast speedboat + ultra-early departure = almost deserted sites

Why this tour is a game-changer

This is an Early Bird tour, which means : early morning departure at 6.30 a.m., so that you can arrive at Maya Bay before the tourist invasion.

While the other tours are still calling, you land on THE beach from "The Beach" with just a few boats.

⚡ Speedboat vs Longtail: yes, it's more expensive than a local longtail, but you're covered 8 sites in one day instead of 4.

And above all, you arrivals everywhere at first.

🎯 The complete program :

• Maya Bay (Phi Phi): THE beach from the film "The Beach" before the crowds
  
  
• Pileh Lagoon Natural emerald pool surrounded by cliffs
  
  
• Phi Phi Viewpoint Postcard panorama
  
  
• Monkey Beach Beach with free roaming monkeys
  
  
• Koh Poda pristine white sand + lunch
  
  
• Chicken Island Snorkeling in the corals
  
  
• Tup Island The famous magic sandbar
  
  
• Railay Beach World-famous climbing beach

My highlights of the trip

Maya Bay at 7:30 a.m. : you arrive ahead of the crowds at the beach made famous by "The Beach".

Turquoise water, white sand, cliffs... and only 2-3 other boats. Magic.

Pileh Lagoon: this emerald-coloured natural pool, completely enclosed by the cliffs.

The water is so clear that the speedboat seems to float in the void.

Monkey Beach: free-roaming macaque monkeys drinking at the water's edge.

Keep your distance, they can be aggressive.

Tup Island sandbar: At low tide, you literally walk from island to island on a white sandbank.

Timing is everything!

Why book with GetYourGuide?

✅ Guaranteed departure : no unpleasant last-minute cancellations

✅ Pick-up included : pick-up from your hotel (Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Klong Muang)

✅ English-speaking guide : clear explanations of each site

✅ Insurance : coverage in the event of a problem

✅ Verified opinions : genuine customer feedback

👉 Book this Phi Phi + 4 Islands Early Bird tour (from 2100 bahts)

What you need to know before booking

🕕 Mandatory morning wake-up call : pick-up between 6am and 6.30am. It stings, but it's worth it to avoid the crowds.

☀️ Maximum sun protection : 11h at sea under the Thai sun, SPF 50+ waterproof cream mandatory.

📸 Waterproof camera : The moments at Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay are worthy of beautiful underwater photos.

🏞️ Hong Island: A secret lagoon far from the crowds

⏱ Duration: Full day (8h)
💰 Average price : 1350 bahts (≈35€) with GetYourGuide
🚤 Start : Ao Nang or Klong Muang

Why it's different from anything you've seen

🏊 Emerald lagoon surrounded by cliffs :

You enter this lagoon enclosed by a rocky tunnel, and there... the water is so transparent that the boat seems to float in a vacuum.

This unreal emerald color, no Instagram filter needed.

🐠 Tranquil snorkeling, Zen atmosphere
Less crowded than Phi Phi, more authentic.

I came across a school of multicolored parrot fish that had obviously never seen a human being.

Book with a reputable local Ao Nang agency or with GetYourGuide to ensure a quality excursion and your safety.

🌴 Which island to choose around Krabi?

I gave you the sea to the mouth with islands?

But let's be honest: between all these islands with names that already smell of coconut, it's not easy to know which one is really worth your time.

Don't panic, here's a quick comparison (pocket guide style) to help you decide according to your travel mood.

🧭 Nature adventures in Krabi: my other favorites

🛶 Kayaking at Ao Thalane: a contemplative experience

⏱ Duration: 4h30
💰 Average price : 1050 bahts (≈28€) with GetYourGuide
😉 Level : Beginner OK

Rowing among karst cliffs and mangroves is the ultimate therapy.

You sail through canals where mangrove roots form green cathedrals.

Ao Thalane vs Ban Bor Thor:

• Ao Thalane: Wilder, less crowded, perfect for clearing your head
  
  
• Ban Bor Thor: More touristy, but caves with interesting cave paintings

My highlight: I came across a family of macaque monkeys drinking at the water's edge. The guide cut the engine, and we drifted in silence for 10 minutes watching them.

🌿 Hot Springs & Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot): relax after exercise

🎟️ Admission fee : 400 baht for adults, 200 baht for children + transport
🕰️ Ideal timing : before 9:30 a.m.

Ideal after a rainy morning or a hike.

Khlong Thom hot springs (natural 40°C), then the jade-colored Emerald Pool.

The hot-cold contrast is insane.

Get there early, it's packed after 10 a.m. you won't enjoy anything with 200 tourists.

🏔️ Dragon Crest Mountain (Ngon Nak): the panoramic hike

⏱ Duration: 2h30 to 3h uphill (and as much downhill)
🎟️ Admission : 200 baht (≈5€)
😖 Level : Moderate to difficult
🏆 Award: Panoramic view of the entire bay

A hike that makes you sweat like never before, but the view from the summit makes up for it all.

You see the islands, the boats like toys, that feeling of being on top of the world.

Plan on 3 liters of water, it's a dry climb.

And leave at 8am before the heat.

🐒 Tiger Temple (Wat Tham Sua): the ordeal of 1260 steps

⏱ Duration: 2h30 to 3h uphill (and as much downhill)
🎟️ Admission : free of charge
😖 Level : Tearing up the calves
🏆 Award: Incredible panorama + 18m golden Buddha

I sweated like never before, but reaching the summit almost erases everything.

And watch out for the monkeys! The ones at the top are professional thieves.

My plan of attack:

• 8 a.m. (otherwise it's thermal hell)
  
  
• Climb in 200-step increments with a break
  
  
• The descent is worse for the knees

🛶 Koh Klang village: pure authenticity

⏱ Duration: 3h30
💰 Average price : 3200 baht per group (up to 4 people, i.e. ≈21per person) with GetYourGuide
🚤 Start : Chao Fah Park pier in Krabi Town

This traditional Muslim village immerses you in real local life.

Batik workshops, wood carving, warm, authentic welcome.

My favorite part: I learned to tie fishing knots with an old fisherman who spoke 3 words of English.

We communicated by gesture for 20 minutes and it was great.

🧠 My recommendations

Perfect timing

• Early morning (7am-9am): empty sites, perfect light, temperature OK
  
  
• Late afternoon (4-6pm): golden atmosphere, less crowds

Essential equipment

• Waterproof sun cream indice 50+ (the Thai sun is unforgiving)
  
  
• Waterproof bag for phone
  
  
• Personal mask and snorkel (hygiene)

Anti-Scam

• Check the weather before booking activities at sea
  
  
• Compare 3-4 agencies in Ao Nang or prefer GetYourGuide for a turnkey solution

Krabi is the perfect base for exploring the sea, the jungle and the local culture.

Excursions here aren't just "activities", they're memories that stick with you.

And believe me, after seeing your body glisten underwater, sailing in a secret emerald lagoon or sharing a curry with a fishing familyyou'll understand why many never really leave Krabi... even after flying out.

The secret? Take your time, avoid the rush of excursions and let yourself be surprised.

Krabi rewards those who know how to slow down.

Have you tried any of these excursions? Tell me about your experience in the comments, especially if you've discovered a secret spot!

Article based on my field experiences in Krabi (2023-2025). Prices and conditions may vary according to season.

❓ FAQ : Your questions, my answers terrain

Can we go on excursions all year round?

Yes, but the sea is calmer from November to April.
In the rainy season (June-October), opt for jungle activities and watch out for sunny spells.

Do I need to book in advance?

Not always. In high season, or for Christmas, New Year and Songkran, it can be useful.
If you use GetYourGuide, cancellation is free, so you risk nothing!

Are excursions suitable for children?

YES : 4 islands, Hong Islands, hot springs, Koh Klang, Tiger Temples (doable, but strenuous for children)
NO : Dragon Crest (too physical)

What's the least touristy excursion?

Kayak to Ao Thalane early in the morning or Koh Klang village.
You meet more locals than tourists.