Krabi is located on the west coast of Thailand’s southern body. With the island of Phuket only a few miles to the west, this southern area is among the most popular destinations in the country. Millions flock to this portion of Thailand in order to bask in the warm sun, enjoy the local cuisine and more.
While Thailand is often heralded as the perfect destination for solo backpackers, Krabi is quickly becoming known as a great family destination. There are enough amenities and activities to make for a perfect vacation for a family of any size. Here is a sample itinerary for what a family can do in Krabi over four days.
Day 1: Ao Nang Beach
The first day in Krabi should be spent around the local town and at the pristine Ao Nang Beach. A morning stroll along this coastline will make anyone instantly fall in love with the area. The white sand beaches create a natural barrier between the blue ocean and massive limestone cliffs that protrude from the surrounding forests.
From water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking to simply relaxing on the beach, there is enough to keep every member of the family busy and content. Towards the end of the evening, families can head to the town of Krabi and enjoy the night markets and the famous Thai street cuisine. These markets are also the perfect opportunity for travelers to find unique souvenirs and knick-knacks to take back home. There are more than enough things to do in Ao Nang for families!
Day 2: Island Day Trips
No trip to the southwestern portion of Thailand is complete without seeing the stunning islands in the Andaman Sea. For a day trip, families can take the Krabi Four Islands Tour to see a group of islands closest to the coast either with a tour group or on a private charter. This tour takes you to Koh Poda, Koh Gai, Koh Tub and Koh Mor. There may also be a stop at the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach on the Railay peninsular, which is inaccessible by road.
You can also opt to go to Phuket. There are countless boats leaving from Krabi on a daily basis. The trip only takes a few hours and offers some incredible views along the way. Families also have the option of taking the bus. The trip is more affordable, but it takes the same amount of time with fewer views of Thailand’s coastline. After visiting some of the beaches and natural surroundings in Phuket, a family can return to Krabi in the evening in time for a relaxing dinner to end the day.
Day 3: Active Day
During the third day in Krabi, families may want to add some activity to their vacation. You could start the morning with a nice sightseeing bike ride around the town of Krabi, through the markets, city centre and other interesting sights. Then, families can decide between a short hike along the coast, zip lining opportunitie, sor a rock climbing adventure. For the latter, Krabi boasts fantastic cliffs with operators that can accommodate rock climbers of any age.
Day 4: Relaxing at Nopparat Thara Beach
Spend the final day relaxing and taking in the sheer beauty of the surroundings. The beach of Nopparat Thara is the perfect place to get away from the crowds of tourists. It is only a short walk from all of the family-friendly hotels in Ao Nang Beach, and is more popular with the locals. The waters in this area of Krabi also tend to be shallower, making it the ideal beach in which younger children can enjoy the water safely.
After a long, relaxing day, families can choose from the many dining options that this beach offers. There are several restaurants lining Nopparat Thara that serve local Thai cuisine at affordable prices. Time your dinner with the setting of the sun for some stunning views — a memorable way to end four great days in Krabi with the family!
About the author: Riya is an inspired writer passionate about traveling and lifestyle, and encouraging small businesses. As a freelancer, she understands the importance of productivity at work. Connect with Riya via twitter, @sanderriya.