Ao Nang

Railay is a peninsula in Krabi Province, between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, with steep limestone cliffs cutting it off from the mainland. No road leads here: you arrive by longtail boat from Ao Nang (around 15 minutes) or from the Krabi coast; departures depend on wind and sea conditions.The peninsula has several sides: Railay West (wide sandy beach, promenade, boat pier), Railay East (mangrove bay, not for swimming, but cheaper accommodation), and Phra Nang Beach (south, under overhanging rocks, famous cave shrine). North of this is Tonsai, the climbers' and backpackers' quarter.Railay is one of Asia's most renowned sport climbing areas, boasting over 700 bolted routes. Local schools rent equipment and offer courses for beginners.A steep, rope-secured path leads to the viewpoint and the Sa Phra Nang lagoon; it's slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes are required. Macaques live on the beaches, deliberately grabbing bags and edibles.

Krabi Town is the administrative hub of the province and, for many travelers, primarily the gateway to the islands of the Andaman Sea. The town is situated on the Krabi River amidst mangroves and limestone cliffs, revealing authentic Thai daily life that the surrounding beach resorts rarely offer, most vividly at its night markets. Staying here for a night or two offers more affordable accommodation, easy access to Wat Tham Suea and the mangrove canals, and a convenient base for excursions to Ao Nang, Railay, and the islands.

Koh Yao Noi is located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, offering views of limestone karsts rising from the shallow waters. Its name translates to "small long island." To its south lies the larger sister island, Koh Yao Yai.The island is predominantly Muslim and thrives on fishing, rubber cultivation, and rice farming. It features villages, a ring road, mosques, and a number of resorts and homestays, but no nightlife. You'll mostly get around by scooter.The beaches on the east coast are very shallow, and the tidal range is significant. At low tide, the sea recedes considerably. The beaches are only suitable for swimming around high tide; plan according to the tide calendar.Nonetheless, the island is an excellent base for kayak and boat tours to the bay's rocky islands. As the population lives conservatively, swimwear is inappropriate outside of beach and pool areas.

The Phi Phi Islands are located between Phuket and Krabi. The largest are the inhabited Phi Phi Don and the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, both part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Limestone cliffs drop almost vertically into the sea here, with narrow sandy coves nestled between them.All ferries reach Phi Phi Don at Tonsai Pier. The village, situated on a flat land bridge between two bays, is car-free; you travel on foot or by longtail boat. From the village, steps lead to viewpoints above the double bay; quieter beaches like Long Beach are located further southeast.On Phi Phi Leh lies Maya Bay, which was closed for years due to overuse and is now accessible with restrictions: swimming in the bay is prohibited, and it remains closed every year from August to September. In the evenings, nightlife centers on Loh Dalum Bay, featuring beach bars and fire shows. High season runs from November to April.

Phang Nga Bay, north of Phuket, has been protected as Ao Phang Nga National Park since 1981, covering around 400 square kilometers. Here, steep limestone islands rise from the shallow sea, and along the coast grows Thailand's largest contiguous original mangrove forest.The bay is primarily known for Khao Phing Kan, the James Bond Island, where scenes from the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun were filmed. In front of it stands the narrow rock pinnacle Ko Tapu. Another destination is the stilt village of Ko Panyi.Most visitors arrive by boat tour from Phuket, Krabi, or the mainland near Phang Nga. On weekends and during high season, the popular spots can get very crowded; early departures are quieter.