Guided Tours & Things to Do in Krabi

It's Krabi's signature day trip, visiting Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phra Nang Cave Beach. The highlight is the sandbar between Tup and Chicken Island that emerges at low tide so you can walk between them. Yes, it's worth doing — it covers the scenery Krabi is famous for in one day. Choose between the traditional longtail boat version, a premium catamaran with clear kayaks, or an afternoon departure that avoids the morning crowds.

Longtails are the traditional wooden boats — slower, more atmospheric, and better for the nearby 4 Islands where distances are short. Speedboats cover far more ground and are the practical choice for Phi Phi or Hong Islands. Longtails also handle rough water less well, so speedboats are safer in marginal conditions.

Yes. Maya Bay reopened with visitor limits and no swimming inside the bay itself. Getting there early matters — our early bird Phi Phi trip and sunrise speedboat with Poda breakfast both aim to arrive before the main fleet.

Railay is only reachable by boat — limestone headlands cut it off from the road network. Longtails run from Ao Nang in about 15 minutes. Several island tours include a Railay or Phra Nang Cave Beach stop, including the 4-Island longtail trip.

The ones we list are — no riding. At the Ao Nang sanctuary you prepare food and feed the herd, and at the Krabi Elephant Shelter the programme is a bathing and splashing session with rescued animals.

The Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is a natural spring-fed pool in the Khao Phra Bang Khram rainforest, coloured a vivid green-blue by dissolved minerals. It's safe and popular for swimming. Most trips pair it with the nearby hot spring waterfalls, where warm mineral water runs over smooth rock into natural bathing pools.

Certain nights the water around Krabi carries bioluminescent plankton that glow blue when disturbed. Several evening trips — including the 7 Islands sunset cruise and the small-group dinner cruise — include a night swim to see it. It depends on natural conditions, so it can never be guaranteed.

Four days is a good target. Day 1: the 4-Island longtail trip. Day 2: Phi Phi and Maya Bay by speedboat. Day 3: inland for the Emerald Pool, hot springs and Tiger Cave Temple. Day 4: something slower — mangrove kayaking, a cooking class, or a sunset cruise to finish.