How to reach Krabi
Flight time: Flights to Krabi from the UK take around 15 to 17 hours, with a stop at major hubs like Dubai or Singapore. You can also fly directly to Bangkok from London (11 to 12 hours) and catch a domestic flight from there, which is just over an hour.
Transfer time: From Krabi International Airport it’s about a 15-minute taxi ride into the town centre or 30 to 40 minutes to popular areas such as Ao Nang. Shuttle buses take a little longer.
Price:
A taxi from the airport into town costs B300–B400 (£7–£9), or to Ao Nang it will cost about B600–B800 (£13.50–£18).
Shuttle buses cost from B100 (£2.25) per person to Krabi, or B150 (£3.50) to Ao Nang.
Best time to visit Krabi
Krabi’s climate is tropical, with high temperatures generally varying little (27°C to 30°C), and occasional showers year-round. Some seasons are drier than others, so here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
November to February: The best time to visit, especially for beach lovers, Krabi’s high season is sunny and pleasantly warm, with low rainfall. It’s perfect for island-hopping and outdoor activities, but expect higher prices and larger crowds.
March to May: These months bring hotter weather, with temperatures peaking over 30°C, but still with low rainfall. It’s a great time for those who like the heat and prefer quieter beaches.
June to October: Krabi’s rainy season comes with the southwest monsoon, with regular heavy downpours, although usually only for a few hours in the afternoon or evening and they often clear up quickly. If you don’t mind a bit of rain and humidity, this period offers lush scenery, fewer tourists and better deals on accommodation and flights. Just be prepared for the occasional tropical storm and rough seas, so some water activities might be limited.
Practical information
Spoken languages: Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Thai phrases will go a long way in winning smiles and getting better treatment.
Local habits and customs: Thai people are known for their politeness and gentle manner, so showing respect and a friendly attitude will help a lot. It’s considered rude to touch someone’s head or point your feet at people or sacred objects. Dress modestly away from the beach, especially when visiting temples, including removing your shoes.
Currency: The Thai currency is the baht (B). ATMs are plentiful, and most major credit or debit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for markets, taxis and smaller purchases.
Getting around: Songthaews (vans or trucks with basic seating) are a cheap and useful way of getting around Krabi. For other trips, boats or buses head to the nearby beaches and other destinations. Many people rent scooters, but the roads are pretty dangerous, so be cautious.
Electricity and plug types: Thailand uses a 220V supply with two-prong round- or flat-pin plugs. UK travellers should take a multi-travel adaptor.
Time zone: Thailand is on Indochina Time (ICT), 7 hours ahead of GMT.