Why Visit Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta?

Krabi Province in southern Thailand is a tropical paradise known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and idyllic islands. Among its many gems, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta stand out as must-visit destinations for beach lovers, adventurers, and those seeking relaxation. During my first trip to Phuket, I sadly didn’t have a chance to visit Krabi province, and I really regretted it! So, when AirAsia launched direct flights from Bali to Phuket, I jumped at the opportunity to book a ticket and explore this beautiful part of Thailand. I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed! I’d love to share my adventures with you as I ventured to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Krabi.

The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April) when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm. That’s why I planned my trip at the end of February. Unfortunately, the weather was not that good, as you will see in the photos. And the dive center canceled the dives I booked due to a rough sea. But the trip was nevertheless spectacular! Another reason to come back…

I arrived at Phuket airport in the late afternoon. After a long wait to get through immigration, I headed straight to Phuket Old Town. It was convenient to stay close to Rassada Pier, where the boats depart for Koh Phi Phi. From Koh Phi Phi, I took another boat to Koh Lanta and then to Krabi. A few days later, I returned to Phuket. Let’s dive in!

Koh Phi Phi: The Iconic Island Escape

Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi

There is almost no road network in Koh Phi Phi. So you will have to explore the island and the nearby island Pi Leh, where most of the tourist spots lie, by boat. If your hotel is not right next to the port, you will also have to reach it by boat. Most of the hotels propose a shuttle service, but it is not very flexible. You may also find yourself trapped in the hotel if you want to book specific activities such as scuba diving.

Therefore, it is important to choose wisely between two options. Either a hotel near the port, or a resort located on a beautiful, more remote beach. If you plan to stay several days in Koh Phi Phi and your main goal is to relax on the beach, I recommend booking a nice resort. However, if you are only staying for one or two nights and intend to go on tours or scuba diving, I suggest staying close to the port.

I booked my stay at Phi Phi Relax Beach, which is a nice resort. The deluxe bungalows have sea views that overlook the water and provide a relaxing experience. However, I arranged a long-tail boat tour through the resort. They canceled it at the last minute due to rough sea conditions and didn’t offer any alternatives. Fortunately, I found a cheaper option at Koh Phi Phi port.I also wanted to go diving. Most dive centers start their day at 7 a.m. from the port. Unfortunately, the hotel did not provide a shuttle service at that early hour. Next time, I will book a hotel near the port for more flexibility.

Best Beaches in Koh Phi Phi

Choose your Koh Phi Phi boat tour properly

Most of the Koh Phi Phi boat tours propose to visit the same beaches. But you need to make several choices for your trip:

• 1. Choose between a long-tail boat or a speed boat. The long-tail boat offers a more traditional experience. But is less comfortable and may be canceled if the sea is choppy.
• 2. Decide on a half-day tour or a full-day tour. A half-day tour will take you to Maya Bay, Phi Ley Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Bay, and a snorkeling spot. In contrast, a full-day tour usually includes additional stops at Shark Point and Bamboo Island. Daily tours to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket, Koh Lanta, or Krabi typically focus on Maya Bay and Phi Ley Lagoon.
• 3. Select a private tour or a shared boat experience. The price for a shared half-day trip is approximately 800 THB per person for a shared long tail boat and 1,200 THB for a shared speed boat. A private trip will be much more expensive.

Maya Bay

Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Maya Bay became world-famous after featuring in the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Its powdery white sand and vibrant marine life make it a must-visit spot. Due to environmental concerns, Maya Bay was temporarily closed for restoration. But it has since reopened with sustainable tourism measures in place. The visitors’ number is indeed now limited. And swimming is forbidden to protect the delicate coral ecosystem and the black-tip sharks that repopulated the bay. It’s quite amusing, yet good, to hear the guard shouting through his megaphone, “Sexy lady, please get out of the water!” every time a girl wanders a bit too far into the bay to capture the perfect photo.

Viking Cave

Located on the northeastern side of Koh Phi Phi Leh, Viking Cave is a limestone cavern known for its ancient wall paintings. The cave gets its name from the centuries-old depictions of ships on its walls, which resemble Viking longboats. Though they were likely drawn by Chinese or Malay sailors! While visitors cannot enter the cave, boat tours stop nearby. You can then admire its striking limestone formations and learn about its cultural significance.

Monkey Bay

Located on the beautiful southwestern side of Koh Phi Phi Don, Monkey Beach is a charming little spot backed by stunning limestone cliffs and filled with lively wild monkeys! You can reach this hidden gem by kayak or longtail boat, making it a fantastic adventure. It’s fun to watch these playful monkeys in their natural home. But remember to keep a respectful distance and avoid feeding them. It’s all about keeping the monkeys and their habitat safe and happy! Enjoy your visit!

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Koh Phi Phi is a nice destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Its crystal-clear waters are teeming with marine life. One of the top snorkeling spots is Shark Point. There, lucky visitors can spot blacktip reef sharks gliding through the water alongside schools of colorful tropical fish.

I snorkeled close to Viking Cave at Pi Leh. We were hoping to see baby blacktip reef sharks. But instead, we only found a school of small fish, a tiny octopus, and a well-camouflaged stonefish! The site was beautiful and a pleasant way to spend 20 minutes swimming. No fins were provided to snorkelers to prevent damage to the coral, which is a great idea for marine conservation. We also spotted some scuba divers exploring deeper waters. Though, honestly, I’m not sure I would have appreciated paying for a full-hour dive here.

For scuba divers, Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai are supposed to be among the best dive sites in the area. These limestone pinnacles are home to stunning coral formations, vibrant sea fans, and abundant marine species, from barracudas and moray eels to graceful manta rays. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter a leopard shark.

Koh Lanta: Adventure and Relaxation

Just an hour away from Koh Phi Phi by ferry, Koh Lanta was meant to be my gateway to some of Thailand’s best diving. My plan was to dive at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. These two world-famous dive sites are known for their dramatic underwater pinnacles, vibrant coral, and the chance to see manta rays. However, due to rough seas and bad weather, the dive center—who told me they almost never cancel—had to call off the trip. It was an exceptionally rare occurrence during the dry season, and unfortunately, I was out of luck. Instead, I decided to make the most of my time by exploring Mu Koh Lanta National Park.

Mu Koh Lanta National Park: A Jungle and Coastal Paradise

Located at the southern tip of the island, Mu Koh Lanta National Park is a stunning blend of tropical jungle, rugged coastline, and pristine beaches. The park’s highlight is the iconic lighthouse, perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Andaman Sea—perfect for panoramic views. I hiked through the lush rainforest trails, where I encountered curious monkeys and heard the sounds of tropical birds. The secluded beaches within the park, with their golden sand and turquoise waters, made for an ideal spot to relax. The double beach configuration, with a small hill in the middle, reminded me Koka Beach in Indonesia and Porto Timoni in Corfu. Maybe I will write one day an article about all the double beaches I visited in the world!

Best Beaches in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is home to some of the most serene and unspoiled beaches in Thailand. Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach) is one of the most popular, with its soft sand and lively beach bars—great for catching the sunset. Kantiang Bay, further south, offers a quieter and more picturesque escape, surrounded by lush hills. For complete tranquility, Bamboo Bay is a hidden gem at the edge of the national park, with crystal-clear waters and almost no crowds. Each beach on Koh Lanta has its own charm, catering to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind.

Snorkeling and Diving Around Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is known to offer fantastic underwater experiences. The nearby Koh Rok islands are a top snorkeling destination, with pristine reefs and an abundance of marine life. The Four Islands Tour takes you to snorkeling spots and even includes a visit to the Emerald Cave, where you swim through a dark tunnel to reach a hidden lagoon.

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang: Thailand’s Best Deep-Dive Sites

Located in the open sea south of Koh Lanta, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are two of Thailand’s most spectacular dive sites. Hin Daeng, also known as Red Rock, is famous for its deep drop-offs. There, you can see red soft corals, schools of trevallies, barracudas, and occasionally even manta rays or whale sharks. Just a short distance away, Hin Muang, or Purple Rock, is Thailand’s deepest reef, renowned for its stunning purple corals and large pelagic fish. Due to the strong currents and depths exceeding 60 meters, these sites are best suited for advanced divers seeking thrilling underwater encounters. I was disappointed that I couldn’t dive these two sites, but I will certainly return!

I was suggested to dive at Koh Haa instead. Dive centers promote it as a spectacular dive site with caves, caverns, and diverse marine life. However, some friends mentioned that while the site is nice, I might be disappointed compared to the best dive sites in Indonesia, where I live.

Koh Lanta Old Town: A Step Back in Time

Unlike the resort areas, Koh Lanta Old Town offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history. This charming fishing village, with its wooden stilt houses and colorful shops, has a laid-back and authentic feel. Originally a trading port for Thai, Chinese, and Muslim communities, the town still reflects this cultural mix. I wandered through the small streets, browsing handmade crafts and enjoying a meal at a waterfront restaurant with stunning sea views. The slower pace and welcoming atmosphere made it a refreshing contrast to the island’s beach life.

Top Things to Do in Krabi

The easiest and most common way to travel from Koh Lanta to Krabi is by boat. Ferries and speedboats run regularly and take about 1.5 to 2 hours. However, I met some friends from Koh Samui who drove their car to Koh Lanta. Instead of the boat, we decided to take a road trip back to Krabi. We took a car ferry from Koh Lanta Noi to the mainland and then drove for about 3 to 4 hours. Along the way, we stopped at the amazing Emerald Cave, a hidden lagoon you can only reach by swimming through a dark tunnel. This route made our journey more adventurous and let us explore some sights along the way.

Emerald Pool, a Natural Wonder in Krabi

If you’re looking for a refreshing break from the beaches, the Emerald Pool in Krabi is an absolute must-visit! Tucked away in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, this natural hot spring-fed pool is famous for its stunning crystal-clear turquoise water, perfect for a relaxing swim. Getting there is part of the adventure—you’ll take a short, scenic walk through a lush rainforest, where you might spot colorful birds, butterflies, or even a gibbon swinging through the trees. If you have time, don’t miss the Blue Pool, a deeper, even more vibrant blue pond just a short walk away. Whether you’re looking to cool off, soak in the peaceful jungle vibes, or snap some incredible photos, the Emerald Pool is a magical spot that’s well worth the visit!

Explore Railay Beach & Phra Nang Cave Beach

If you’re in Ao Nang, hopping on a shuttle longtail boat (200 THB round trip) to Railay Beach is a must! This stunning peninsula, only accessible by boat, is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, soft white sand, and crystal-clear water. If the tide is high, it’s better to spend some time at the beach first, as it is much more enjoyable then. If the tide is low, it’s best to visit Diamond Cave, the viewpoint, and Phra Nang Beach directly.

Diamond Cave: A Hidden Gem in Railay

Diamond Cave, or Tham Phra Nang Nai, is a must-visit spot for those exploring Railay Beach. Just a short walk from the main area, this cave is famous for its stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering mineral formations that sparkle under the dim lights inside. A wooden boardwalk makes it easy to explore, and the cave is home to a colony of bats that you might hear squeaking overhead. The entrance fee is worth it (about 200 THB for foreigners). The cave’s eerie yet magical atmosphere is a great way to experience Railay’s stunning natural beauty beyond its beaches.

Railay Viewpoint & The Hidden Lagoon: A Climb Worth the Effort

For those up for an adventure, the Railay Viewpoint and Lagoon hike is a challenge with a rewarding payoff. The hike starts near East Railay and quickly turns into a steep climb, with ropes to help you navigate the slippery, red clay trail. At the top, you’re treated to a breathtaking view of Railay Beach, the surrounding limestone cliffs, and the turquoise waters below.

But the real adventure begins if you decide to continue down to the hidden lagoon—a stunning, enclosed pool surrounded by towering cliffs. The descent is trickier, requiring some rock scrambling. But the sense of isolation and natural beauty of the lagoon make it feel like a secret paradise. If you’re up for the challenge, make sure to wear proper shoes and go on a dry day, as the path can get dangerously slippery after rain. To be frank I went to the viewpoint, but I did not dare going down to the lagoon with my flip flops…

Phra Nang Beach & The Mysterious Princess Cave

Just a short walk from Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. With crystal-clear waters, fine white sand, and massive limestone cliffs, it’s a postcard-perfect tropical escape. But beyond its beauty, Phra Nang is famous for its mysterious cave shrine, known as Princess Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nok). This cave is filled with colorful wooden phallic offerings, placed by fishermen and locals as a tribute to the legendary sea princess who is believed to grant safe voyages and fertility. While the shrine may seem unusual, it’s an important cultural site that reflects Thailand’s blend of spirituality and folklore. Whether you’re kayaking, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach, Phra Nang is a place where nature and mythology come together in a truly unique way.

Island Hopping Tours

• 4-Island Tour: Visit Chicken Island, Poda Island, Tup Island & Phra Nang Beach.
• Hong Islands Tour: Explore the hidden lagoons and dramatic cliffs of Koh Hong.
• Bioluminescent Plankton Tour: Experience the magic of glowing plankton at night.

How to Get to Krabi & Transportation Between Islands

Getting to Krabi

• By Air: Krabi International Airport (KBV) serves direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and major Thai cities.
• By Bus: From Bangkok, overnight buses take around 10-12 hours to Krabi Town.
• By Boat: If coming from Phuket, ferries and speedboats take 1 hour to 2.5 hours. I recommend using Bundhaya.

Getting to Koh Phi Phi & Koh Lanta

• Krabi to Koh Phi Phi:
  • Ferry (2 hours) from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or Railay Beach.
  • Speedboat (45 minutes) for a faster, but pricier option.
• Phuket to Koh Phi Phi:
  • Ferry (2 hours) from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town, with departures in the morning and early afternoon.
  • Speedboat (1 hour) for a quicker, more flexible option.
• Krabi to Koh Lanta:
  • Ferry (2 hours) from Krabi Town or Ao Nang.
  • Minivan + Car Ferry (3-4 hours) if traveling by land.
• Island-Hopping Transport: Longtail boats and speedboats are the best way to explore smaller islands between Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta.

Where to Eat & Drink in Krabi, Koh Phi Phi & Koh Lanta

• Best Thai food in Krabi: Kodam Kitchen. Be prepared to wait a long time as the restaurant is very popular
• Best Thai food in Koh Phi Phi: P.P. Wang Ta Fu

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Krabi, Koh Phi Phi & Koh Lanta

• Packing List: Swimsuit, waterproof bag, reef-safe sunscreen, and flip-flops.
• Best Time to Visit: November to April for ideal weather.
• Currency & ATMs: Thai Baht (THB), and cash is preferred on the islands.
• Travel Safety: Watch out for rip currents, sunburn, and common tourist scams.

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Krabi, Koh Phi Phi & Koh Lanta

Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta offer the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you want to snorkel with reef sharks, hike to scenic viewpoints, or enjoy a quiet beach retreat, these destinations have it all. My personal highlight? Watching the sun set over Railay Beach with a cocktail in hand—pure magic.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make sure to add Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta to your itinerary. You won’t regret it!