NoorWhy Travel To Krabi?
When we think of Thai beaches our mind instantly jumps to the well-tried, tested, and trashed Phuket. But fear no more my friends there is a newer and classier kid on the block, and that is Krabi. This itinerary will show you how to spend 5 Days In Krabi, before the flock of tourists discovers this little hidden gem.
Solo Female Travel
I personally made this trip to Krabi as a first time Solo Female Traveller and I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I had spent 4 days in Krabi, but 5 days in Krabi should really be the minimum to enjoy this part of Thailand’s hospitality.
Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide – a must-read for every Solo Female Traveller
Where do I even begin? As a Solo Female Traveller, I felt incredibly safe and welcomed the entire time that I was in Krabi. Whether I was island hopping, taking a stroll through Ao Nang’s shopping areas, sunset watching, or trying to catch a taxi after nightfall (despite always advising against this), I felt incredibly safe. The friendliness of the people of Krabi is second to none. Not to mention the views, if you’re a limestone cliff lover like myself you have chosen the right place.
But of course, still remain vigilant when you’re out and about. Here’s my Ultimate Top 10 Travel Safety Tips which you should always read when you are Travel Planning.
Muslim Friendly
Are you a Muslim traveller that refuses to go anywhere where you would have to starve of your precious Halal meats? Well, you’re in the right place. Although Buddhism is the dominant religion in Krabi, it’s closely followed by Islam where 33% of the population are Muslims.
For the Halal meat-eaters, you would be happy to know that Halal meat is readily available in Ao Nang Krabi. This includes restaurants, street vendors, and the famous Krabi Night Market, so you can go crazy and eat your heart out.
TIP: There’s an array of Halal street vendors that will pop up around the Ao Nang Mosque on Fridays after Jummah (early afternoon Friday prayer). The vendors here are welcoming to all!
420/14-15 4203, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Where To Stay In Krabi?
The two main areas to consider staying in when visiting Krabi are Ao Nang and Railay. For the Solo Female Traveller, I would highly recommend staying within Ao Nang as Railay is a lot more secluded. Not to mention that the hotels in Railay are more expensive.
For the Muslim travellers you will be happy to know that the majority of the hotels in Ao Nang are certified Halal.
Ban Sanai Resort
If you’re looking for inspiration, a personal favourite of mine is the Ban Sanai Resort. The resort offers up personal cottages that comes beautifully furnished with every amenity that you could possibly desire.
In terms of food, they are fully Halal. And they serve up a scrumptious breakfast, which is a combination of a buffet and off the menu. Their poolside menu is also highly recommended.
TIP: They are a dry hotel though, meaning that they don’t serve any alcohol.
Plus as a Solo Female Traveller, the staff kept an extra eye on me to make sure I was always comfortable and that I got back in safely every night. In fact, they even went the extra mile and drove me to the doorstep of my cottage at the end of my daily adventures.
Now that we have the why and the where out of the way, let’s jump straight into the what (or the how). In particular, how to spend 5 days in Krabi Thailand.
If you’re arriving to Ao Nang Krabi from Bangkok, here’s an inspiring itinerary to help you spend 1 Day in Bangkok. Or if you’re visiting for longer, here’s a 3-5 Days in Bangkok itinerary.
Day 1 Of 5 Days In Krabi
Morning – Selfcare
If you’re coming to Krabi, then relaxation, massages, island hopping and water activities must be on your bucket list. So let’s start day 1 of your 5 days in Krabi poolside.
Start your morning by treating yourself to a scrumptious buffet then head over to the pool for a lazy morning. Trust me you’ll need this for what we have planned next.
Breathe in the fresh air, take in the views, eat the morning away, or skip it all and opt for a massage. Whatever you choose to do, make it your own. Ensure that this morning is all about you winding down and preparing yourself to enjoy your 5 days in Krabi.
TIP: if anyone plans on working on their tan, here’s your chance to get a pre-tan scrub.
Half Day Rock Climbing On Day 1 of 5 Days In Krabi
For the first official activity of your 5 days in Krabi, let’s get your blood flowing with an afternoon spent rock climbing at Railay Beach. Don’t worry, the course is perfectly suitable even for complete beginners.
For this activity, you would have to prebook it. You can choose to book via your hotel or online before you arrive, or you can run out in the morning to try and hunt down the best deal in Ao Nang.
My personal option would be to prebook your excursion with a reputable seller that will include your transfers, and guarantee that they will put your safety first. One of the best ways to do this is to check other traveller’s reviews.
For additional tips when it comes to prebooking your travel, here’s my Essential Guide To Pre Booking Your Travel.
Best Rated Rock Climbing Tours
Beginner’s Half-Day Rock Climbing Tours at Railay Beach Krabi – £31.30 per person available here
Half Day Krabi Rock Climbing Adventure – £30.49 per person available here
Sunset Watch at Ao Nang Beach
Once you’re safely back on land, you would be more than ready to sit down and take a break. So why not take a seat at Ao Nang beach ( you will see many other people doing this) and wait out the sunset.
Between the long tail boats pulling up for the night, people playing on the beaches, and the general stillness, this will be a sunset that you won’t soon forget.
Krabi Night Market
What better way is there to end your first day out of 5 days in Krabi than at the night market? Here you will be presented with endless food options (Halal included) and lots of shopping stalls to keep you busy.
You can head there by taxi, or you can purchase a shuttle ticket that will provide you with return tickets to the Krabi night market. My shuttle driver was kind enough to drop me off at my hotel as it was located close to the main Ao Nang strip. If you’re also staying close by, you will be in luck.
TIP: Purchase your ticket from the merchants opposite Ao Nang beach
Day 2 Of 5 Days In Krabi
On day 2 of 5 days in Krabi, we’ll be taking our first full day island hopping tour.
Hong Island, James Bond Island And More
Today’s tour will take us to some of the most gorgeous islands and sea green water that Thailand has to offer. Did I mention that they will also take you to the famous James Bond location where you will get to have your own photo opportunity?
Recommended Tour – Offered By Thalassa Tour
Island Hopping from Hong to James Bond Islands from Krabi with Speedboat – £90.39, available here
I highly recommend the above tour as it’s one that I’ve personally done and loved!
First off, as a solo female traveller, the staff couldn’t do enough to make me feel welcomed. From pointing out photo opportunities to engaging in conversation and making me laugh my head off, this crew is a very special one!
It is slightly more expensive than the larger boats, but that’s because of the more intimate feeling and the top quality service on offer. Not to mention that they are the only well-rated tour to visit James Bond Island from Krabi.
One of my favourite highlights offered only on this tour was the lunch buffet offered on a secluded island. Not only did this make us feel like we were the only people in the world, but the buffet served was amazing.
For the Muslim traveller, rest assured that the meal served on this day tour is Halal. If you have any allergies, do let them know in advance, and they will prepare your very own meal box!
What a better way is there to spend your 2nd day of your 5 days in Krabi?
Other Tour Options
Snorkeling Tour to Hong Islands by Long Tail Boat From Krabi – £32.58 per person, available here
Day 3 Of 5 Days In Krabi
Free Morning
After yesterday’s adventures and early morning wake-up call, start the 3rd day of your 5 days in Krabi with a lie-in. Don’t forget to wake up in time to catch your hotel’s breakfast though!
Thereafter, you’re free to spend it how you like, as the official activity of this day will not start until the afternoon.
Sail Into The Sunset On Day 3 of 5 Days In Krabi
This afternoon we’ll be back out on the water to carry on with our 5 days in Krabi itinerary. However, this will be with a twist, as today we’ll be literally sailing off into the sunset.
Popular Sunset Cruise Tour
Krabi Sunset Cruises – £72.92 Available here
This tour will take you through the 5 islands laying in front of the Krabi coastline aboard a wooden Siamese Junk boat. During the daylight hours, there will be plenty of swimming, SUP, kayaking and snorkeling opportunities available around the 5 islands.
And by night, that’s when things get interesting, as you will have the opportunity to swim with the bioluminescent plankton near Pranang Beach. And did I mention that there will be a gorgeous Thai buffet served in between the activities?
Budget Friendly Tours
For a budget-friendly tour on the 3rd day of your 5 days in Krabi, below are some tour options to consider.
Hong Island Sunset + Bioluminescence – £36.82, available here
This tour will take you to Hong island after the crowds have dispersed for the day. If you loved visiting Hong Island on the 2nd day of your 5 days in Krabi, well here’s your chance to go back.
You’ll have the opportunity to view the sunset from Hong island before witnessing the bioluminescent planktons.
Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Buffet BBQ Dinner – £27.67, available here
This tour will take you around the 7 islands surrounding Krabi’s shoreline with swimming opportunities available. Once you’ve had your fill of the water and taken in the sunset, you’ll settle down on the beach for a BBQ dinner.
Day 4 Of 5 Days In Krabi
On day 4 of your 5 days in Krabi, today we will stay firmly on land. You can choose to take a free day and spend it how you like, or you can visit some of the popular sights that Krabi has to offer on land.
Emerald Pool & Krabi Hot Springs
If you’re after a relaxing adventure on day 4 of 5 days in Krabi, then head to the Emerald Pool and Hot Spring, for the morning or entire day.
Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120, Thailand
Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120, Thailand
You can choose to hire a car and drive there yourself giving you the freedom to stop along the way. Or you can book a tour that will include hotel transfers and potentially some additional stops.
Do you want a sneak peek at what the Emerald Pool is like? Well here’s Divert living’s vlog
This entire trip was only possible because Divert Living’s vlogs gave me the confidence to solo travel to Thailand. So it’s only right that I mention them here!
Popular Tour Options For Day 4 of 5 Days In Krabi
Jungle Tour to Emerald Pool, Krabi Hot Spring, and Tiger Cave Temple – From £32.46 per person, available here
As the name says, this day tour will take you through Krabi’s tropical forest before stopping off at the Tiger Cave Temple, The Emerald Pool, and Hot Spring Waterfall.
Yes the Tiger Cave Temple is situated in a temple, however there’s no longer any tigers living within the cave temple.
Half-Day Jungle Tour to Emerald pool and Krabi Hot Spring – From £25.32 per person, available here
This tour runs in the same way as the above tour, however, it excludes the visit to the Tiger Cave Temple.
Jungle Hot Spring Spa Day (Krabi, Kinaree Long Song) – From £72.70, available here
As your 5 days in Krabi will come to an end tomorrow, spend the day relaxing in a lush tropical rain forest. This will give your body a chance to rejuvenate from the island hopping and sun exposure over the past few days.
You will have access to a private hot spring pool and if that isn’t enough, a neck and shoulder massage is also included.
Sunset Watch, Dinner & Shopping In Ao Nang
Depending on what time you get back, this afternoon would be the perfect time to grab some souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones to take back home. And if you arrive before sunset, be sure to catch it. Trust me when I tell you, no two sunsets are the same in Krabi.
Once you are ready to end day 4 of your 5 days in Krabi, catch dinner in Ao Nang before heading back to your hotel. Or if you would rather, take another trip to Krabi’s night market.
Halal Restaurant Recommendations In Ao Nang
Thai Food & Seafood Halal – Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
Arnijj Restaurant – 15 420/14-15 4203, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Silmee Restaurant – Halal Food – เลขที่ 85/1 อาคารศูนย์พัฒนาอาชีพ, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Day 5 Of 5 Days In Krabi
On the last day of your 5 days in Krabi, we’re going to be taking to the ocean again. This time, we’ll be heading to the famous Phi Phi Islands, which most people come to Krabi to explore.
The Phi Phi Islands are famous for their clear waters and fantastic snorkelling opportunities. Not to mention that the archipelago is home to Maya Bay, the famous beach made popular by Leonardo di Caprio in the film “The Beach“.
In fact, Maya Bay became so popular over the years, that the beach has now been forced to close down to allow the ecosystem to recover. Don’t fret, although you can’t run along the shores of Maya Bay, you can still view it from the ocean side.
Other than Maya Bay, you’ll also experience many hidden jewels on this day tour including swimming monkeys at Monkey Beach. What a perfect memory to make on day 5 of your 5 days in Krabi.
Phi Phi Islands Day Tour From Krabi
Full-Day Phi Phi Islands Tour with Lunch from Krabi – From £66.75 per person, available here
Phi Phi Island Speed Boat Tour by Sea Eagle from Krabi – From £40.51 per person, available here
Krabi to Phi Phi Day Tour by Speedboat or Speed Catamaran (Operated by TTD) – From £30.75, available here
Rejuvenating Evening
After a day out on the water and enjoying the sun, why don’t you end your 5 days in Krabi in a relaxing manner? After all, you should leave this trip feeling rejuvenated.
So why don’t you head back to your hotel and check yourself into a relaxing late afternoon massage package and order in some room service? If your hotel doesn’t have any spa facilities or the prices are out of your budget, head to a massage parlour in Ao Nang.
Well Rated Massage Parlours In Ao Nang Krabi
All Day Massage And Sea – 247 M.2 Tumbon, Ao Nang, Amphermeung, Krabi 81180, Thailand
New Life Massage Beauty&Salon – 245/26 อ่าวนาง Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
La Belle Beauty and Spa – Soi 13, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
The Veiled Explorer Takeaway
This itinerary has taken us from mainland Krabi to Hong Island in the north, right through to the Phi Phi Islands in the south and everything in between. By the end of this trip, you should be feeling well-travelled, gorgeously tanned, and relatively rested.
Have you been to Krabi yet? What was your favourite thing to do there? Or if you haven’t been yet, what are you most looking forward to? Leave a comment down below.
Wow! It makes me want to visit now 🙂
Definitely add it onto your bucket list!
Beautiful vacation and I love it is muslim friendly.
Yes I would highly recommend it for muslim travellers!
Nice vacation and beautiful pictures