Krabi – 10 things to do with kids

Krabi is our family’s favourite destination in Thailand.  With more than 100 islands around the Andaman Sea boasting pristine beaches and clear emerald green water, Krabi is a perfect destination for those who love beaches and fun outdoor activities,  It is not too busy like in Bangkok, and not too touristy like in Phuket.   It is also family-friendly with hardly any rowdy and raunchy bars on the mainland.

Krabi Day 1 

1. Ao Nang Dining and Shopping

Ao Nang has a long stretch of road lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops.  The road turns towards Ao Nang Beach with many more hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Since Aonang village is a predominantly Muslim village, most of the restaurants along the stretch of road are halal.   There were also many clean-cut and cheap massage parlours offering not only Thai massage, but also other types of massages like aromatherapy massage.  The rest of the shops were mostly selling souvenirs and beachwear.

Krabi Day 2 

2. Ao Nang Beach

As the tour did not start until 11am, we had time to walk along Aonang Beach.

In the morning, the beach were lined with many traditional long tail boats that were probably waiting for customers.

As we did not see anyone swimming and as there were no lifeguards, we decided to swim at our hotel pool instead.

3. Krabi Emerald Pool

The Emerald Pool (also known as the Crystal Pool) is a large natural pool filled with ambient temperature spring water in the middle of the forest.  The pool can be reached by an 800 m natural trail through tropical trees and plants.

As we were there on a weekend and in the early afternoon, the pool was extremely crowded.  The natural pool is fresh and cool with water about 1 – 1.2m deep.

Some parts of the ground were quite slippery, so it was a good thing that we had water booties that we purchased in Aonang.

4. Blue Lagoon

A short walk away from the Emerald Pool is an amazing natural pool.

It takes about 400m on foot  to reach the Blue Lagoon from the Emerald Pool.  Unlike the natural trail leading to Emerald Pool, there is a raised platform trail leading to the Blue Lagoon.

In a jungle of greens and browns,  the Blue Lagoon with its amazingly natural bright blue colour is like an oasis in the middle of the jungle.

The water is so clear that you can see details of the the white sand below. The Blue lagoon is not for swimming though as the water is too hot and the lagoon is surrounded by quicksand.  It is nature’s way of keeping itself unspoilt so that many can come to witness its splendour.

5. Hot Springs Waterfall

After the Emerald pool, we headed to the Hot Springs waterfall.  It is a short walk through the jungle on cemented platform to reach the Hot Springs.

The water in the hot springs comes from thermal springs originating from the underground volcanic chambers.

6. Krabi Town Night Market and Walking Street

After the relaxing soak in the hot springs, we headed to the Krabi Town night market and walking street.   Read more about our visit to the Krabi Town Night Market.

Krabi Day 3 

7. Hong Island and the 4 Island Boat Trip

One of the popular island-hopping trip is the one that covers Hong Island, and the 4 islands.  We took a big long-tail boat and added the option to have a BBQ dinner on the boat while watching the sunset.

Krabi Day 4  

8. Railay and Phranang Beach

Railay is another area in Krabi that is great for a day-trip, or an overnight trip.

It is not an island, but it felt like it as visitors can only get there from Ao Nang by boat.  This is because of huge limestone cliffs dividing the rest of Krabi mainland from Railay.  Railay had one of the most interesting restaurants that we have had the privilege to experience. It is called The Grotto.  Located on Railay beach, this restaurant offered a unique dining experience in a limestone cave.

The sunset on Railay beach is something not to be missed.  Read more about our adventures in Railay.

Krabi Day 5   

9. Ao Nang Walking Street 

We spent the evening exploring Ao Nang Night Market / Walking Street.

Krabi Day 6 

10. Koh Phi Phi

Where to Eat

Ao Nang had lots of eateries ranging from street food to hotel restaurants. Apart from Thai food, there were quite a number of eateries serving pizzas and pastas.  Most of the restaurants are halal because Ao Nang is a predominantly muslim village.

Krabi Town night market / walking street is also a great place to eat local Thai street food.

Praknam Krabi Seafood

One of the nicest Thai seafood we tried in Krabi was at Praknam Krabi Seafood.  It is not in Ao Nang or Krabi Town though.  We ate there while waiting for our boat ride to Railay.  The food was not only delicious, it was extremely fresh too.  How could it not be when we get to pick our own live fish and crabs? And just when we thought that all steamed fish are non-spicy and suitable for the kids, look at what they served us –  Super spicy steamed fish!

Where we stayed in Krabi

Aonang Princeville Resort

Tip: As the location is great, you have to book this place early.  I got good rates for Aonang Princeville Resort on Booking.com.  You can also check out other hotels around Ao Nang.

Pimann Buri Pool Villa

As Krabi has so many beautiful islands, staying on at least one of them should be one of the things you should do.

Rayavadee on Railay Beach

Mama Beach Resort on Phi Phi Island

Mama Beach Residence was one of the most memorable places that we stayed in Krabi, Phi Phi, because of its proximity to the beach.  We can literally walk from our room to the beach in under 1 minute! The only downside was that we had to take two rooms.  Although the rooms were side-by-side, there was no interconnecting door. Nonetheless, the awesome beach view made up for the lack of family rooms.  Read more about our stay at Mama Beach Residence, Phi Phi.

Tips

1. Krabi’s weather is at its best between November and April during the dry season.
2. Upon arrival at the airport, it is better to pay for a private minivan or taxi to get to your hotel.  Don’t get on the shuttle bus because you would have to wait for it to be full before it moves.
3. You can get a local telephone SIM pre-paid card at the airport near the exit. The price is quite reasonable.  Just get one and use the phone’s hotspot to share the data line.
4. It is better to visit the Emerald pool and hot springs on a weekday.  If you have to do it on a weekend, try going early in the morning.
5. Getting a private long tail boat is cheaper than paying individually for a day trip on a speedboat.  Furthermore, the ride on the speedboat is quite bumpy and they kids may not find it comfortable.
6. If you are worried that you or your kid will get seasick, try using a sea band on your wrists.  It really works.
7. If you are worried about getting bitten by a Jelly fish, wear long-sleeved swimming top and long swimming pants.
8. If you are worried about stepping on sharp objects in the water or at the beach, get water booties.  You can get water booties in Ao Nang.
9. You can book the ferry ride to Phi Phi or Phuket online at www.phuketferry.com.

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