7 AWESOME THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN KRABI
Planning a family holiday to Krabi, are we? Or perhaps you've just landed and you're ready to fill your itinerary? Either way, kudos to you! Krabi is a magical destination brimming with a vibrant mix of breathtaking nature, thrilling adventures and soothing tranquility. Our experience here was nothing short of spectacular.
Krabi, with its jaw-dropping beaches and mind-boggling scenery caters to every whim and fancy. If you're hunting for the perfect launchpad for your family's Krabi adventures, we’d suggest the lively beachside locale of Ao Nang. This buzzing hub provides the perfect base to explore famed attractions such as Railay Beach and several idyllic islands, either through organised tours or private long-tail boats. Here’s seven awesome things to do with kids in Krabi:
1. Jump on a boat to Railay Beach
This is an absolute must-do when visiting Krabi. Known for its super clear waters and limestone cliffs, Railay Beach is a real stunner. The calm and shallow areas are ideal for young ones to splash around and enjoy the gentle waves. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard here and take it through the mangroves, hidden caves, or just enjoy the gorgeous coastal views.
If your family is up for an adventure, you could try rock climbing or bouldering with experienced guides. This fun activity allows kids to test their strength and conquer the limestone cliffs.
Keep in mind that Railay Beach is only accessible by boat. It’s easy to reach though - just jump on a longtail boat from Ao Nang and you’ll be there in about 10 minutes. As with most popular places, we recommend going early in the morning to beat the crowds!
2. Make friends at the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary
Get up close and personal with gentle giants at the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary.
This ethical elephant experience isn’t just entertaining, it’s also educational. Kids have the chance to learn about the incredible life of elephants, their behaviors, and the importance of protecting these beautiful creatures.
The sanctuary provides a safe and ethical environment where you can observe elephants in their natural habitat and even participate in activities like feeding and bathing them.
By supporting this sanctuary, you are contributing to the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants from the tourism and logging industries, giving them a chance to live a peaceful life.
3. Discover the Emerald Pool
If you’re craving a break from the busyness of Krabi town and Ao Nang and feel like time in nature, then take a day trip to Emerald Pool. It’s a bit of a journey to reach (70 km from Ao Nang) but you’ll quickly forget about the drive when you’re sitting in the mineral rich pool that shimmers with a beautiful shade of emerald. Also known as the Crystal Pool or Sa Morakot, it’s a natural wonder that sets itself apart from other attractions in Krabi.
The 70km journey from Ao Nang Beach to the Emerald Pool takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road, depending on traffic. If you have time, you can also visit the Krabi Hot Springs and Tiger Cave Temple which are on the way to the Emerald Pool. And as always, heading out early will better your chances of beating the crowds.
4. Spend the day island hopping
The Four Island Tour is an absolute must-do when visiting Krabi! Hop aboard a long-tail boat and set off to explore the beautiful islands of Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach.
Each island offers its own unique charm and attractions. You’ll be blown away by the crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, mind-boggling landscape and colourful fish.
Tip: Book your own private tour and leave as early as possible. We would leave just before first light and watch the sunrise on the boat - it was magical.
5. Explore the Tiger Cave Temple
If you have older kids and are up for a challenge, this one is for you. The Tiger Cave Temple, known locally as Wat Tham Sua, is a remarkable cultural site that sits on the foothills of a limestone karst mountain. One of the main highlights of the Tiger Cave Temple is the challenging climb to the summit, which rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Krabi.
The climb consists of 1,237 steps and along the way, you may even meet some friendly monkeys. Just remember not to feed them.
6. Visit the stunning Phi Phi islands
Jump on a boat and head out to this iconic island group, located just 40km southeast of Krabi. The journey, which takes about 45 minutes by speedboat or two hours on a ferry, will take you through sparkling blue waters flanked by towering limestone cliffs. It’s magic!
For those who need an introduction, The Phi Phi Islands are the jewel in Thailand's coastal crown, boasting postcard-perfect beaches, vibrant marine life and turquoise waters. This is home to one of the world’s most beautiful spots, Maya Bay, which was made famous by ‘The Beach’ movie.
But it's important to note that swimming is strictly prohibited here. Ever since the bay's natural beauty suffered due to over tourism, the authorities have taken measures to allow this precious marine ecosystem to recover. You can, nevertheless, dip your toes in and admire the beauty of Maya Bay from the shore.
Also, if you venture into the heart of Phi Phi Don, the largest island, you'll find a lively atmosphere brimming with quaint shops, bustling markets and an array of restaurants serving yummy Thai cuisine.
7. Visit the Khao Khanab Nam caves
For something a little different, you can take a short 10-minute long-tail boat journey from Krabi to explore hidden caves at Khao Khanab Nam. The caves nestled within the mountains are truly fascinating. As you step inside, you'll see impressive stalactites and stalagmites. But the surprises don't stop here. There are a number of things to see inside, including scenes of Japanese soldiers from WWII and replica cave paintings. And be warned, the caves have a more somber side too! They are also home to a number of ancient human skeletal remains, providing a haunting, yet intriguing glimpse into the region's rich history. Archaeologists believe that the area was once a large settlement, hinting at a fascinating past. Before stepping inside the caves, you’ll see a replica of a human skeleton once found here.
Tip: You can catch a long-tail boat from Chao Fa Pier. We paid 500 baht and keep in mind, the cost is per boat, not per person.