Krabi Most Underrated Province
Krabi – Thailand’s Most Underrated Province
When travellers think of Thailand, the first names that come to mind are usually Phuket, Koh Samui, or Koh Phangan. Yet hidden in plain sight is Krabi Province, arguably the most underrated destination in the entire country. Centered around the cozy beach town of Ao Nang, Krabi offers breathtaking nature, authentic Thai vibes, and the best access point for island tours to world-famous gems like Phi Phi Islands, Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Hong Island. The list of one-day island tours is long enough to keep you busy during the Krabi part of your vacation. For anyone looking for the perfect mix of convenience, affordability, and adventure, Krabi is the secret paradise you’ve been searching for.
Ao Nang
Why Krabi Deserves More Attention
Hong Island
The best hub for island tours in Thailand
Unlike Phuket, where traffic and mass tourism can feel overwhelming, Krabi is a relaxed and scenic hub for island hopping. From Ao Nang you can book a speedboat or longtail-boat tour to the most iconic islands in the Andaman Sea, often at half the price of Phuket. From Ao Nang pier, travelers can choose from a wide range of tours: full-day trips to the famous Phi Phi Islands, relaxing cruises to Hong Islands, snorkeling adventures around Chicken and Poda Islands, half-day escapes to 4 Islands, and even romantic sunset tours, where – if you’re lucky – you might witness the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton dancing in the water. All these are easy to book online.
Hong Island
Island vibes on the mainland
The landscapes of Krabi are jaw-dropping — think towering limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and palm-lined beaches that look like a scene from Jurassic Park. On the mainland, you still feel the same island vibe thanks to the dramatic cliffs and lush jungles that surround Ao Nang. World-class views are guaranteed. Add in fair prices on food and accommodation, and it’s easy to see why more and more travelers are calling Krabi their favorite destination in Thailand.
Krabi Roads
The Real Picture (Pros and Cons of Ao Nang)
Railay Beach
Postcard-perfect beaches
Ao Nang beaches may not always have the purest white sand or the clearest blue waters, but they offer something truly unique – breathtaking views of lush green hills and dramatic limestone islands scattered across the horizon. This is perfectly balanced by the fact that from Ao Nang you can easily join a Phi Phi Islands tour and visit Bamboo Island, where you’ll find the paradise beach experience you might be dreaming of. If Ao Nang beaches are not jaw-dropping enough for you and you don’t feel like going on a full-day island tour, for just a cheap longtail boat ride you can swim at Railay’s world-famous Phra Nang Cave Beach or head to quiet Klong Muang Beach.
Railay Beach
What Krabi doesn’t have (yet)
Another thing you won’t find on the beaches of Ao Nang or Klong Muang are endless rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, but that’s intentional — local authorities want to preserve the natural coastline. Mass tourism doesn’t feel that mass here.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang Beach
Unlike Phuket, Ao Nang doesn’t have flashy nightlife districts. While a huge downside for some, it’s a blessing for others. When the day turns to evening, enjoying the sunset right from the shoreline becomes one of Ao Nang’s must-do activities, a magical experience that will stay with you long after your trip. For an even more unforgettable evening, many travellers choose a sunset boat tour, where you can watch the sun melt into the sea, share a BBQ dinner with fellow explorers right on the beach, and, if you’re lucky, witness the glow of bioluminescent plankton in the water.
In contrast to Phuket or Samui, there aren’t massive Western-style malls or global network restaurants, and the selection of mid-range hotels can feel limited. But honestly? That’s what makes Krabi special.
Ao Nang Beach
Isn’t That the Point of Traveling?
Think about it: do we really fly halfway around the world for shopping malls and familiar restaurant chains? Or do we travel to experience something different, to live a small “other life” for a while? Krabi may not have the polished resort vibe, but it has authenticity, beauty, and adventure in every direction.
The Charm of Ao Nang and Beyond
Ao Nang itself is a small, charming beach town. Everything a traveler needs is here — large supermarkets for comfort food, countless restaurants, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven on every corner, selling travel-sized essentials from shampoo to snacks. But the real magic of Krabi begins the moment you leave the main road. One turn and you’ll stumble upon a hidden cave, a crystal-clear blue lagoon, a temple tucked inside a mountain, or an unknown viewpoint overlooking limestone peaks. The province feels like a living movie set.
Thapom Klong Song Nam
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Most importantly, the cheapest and easiest way to visit the iconic islands of the Andaman Sea is from Ao Nang. A half-day or full-day boat tour takes you to Phi Phi, Chicken, Poda, Hong, Bamboo Island, and more. And since Krabi is on the mainland (not an island), you can also rent a car and explore neighboring provinces like Phang Nga or Surat Thani, enjoying epic temples, sky-high viewpoints, and authentic Thai culture along the way.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Don’t Wait Too Long
Krabi is changing quickly. Tourists who were here just five years ago can hardly recognize Ao Nang today. But the province hasn’t yet turned into Phuket — the charm, raw beauty, and authenticity are still intact. The question is: how long will it stay this way? Don’t miss your chance to experience Krabi before it becomes just another overdeveloped Thai hotspot.