Krabi Sights: Cliffs, River Peaks and Viewpoints
Krabi’s sights range from a stroll on a riverside lawn to a punishing staircase, so it helps to sort them by effort. Start easy, and work up to the hard ones on a cool, clear morning.
Easy: the river and its twin peaks
Khao Khanab Nam is a pair of limestone towers standing about 100 metres tall beside Krabi Town. From Chao Fah Park on the waterfront you can look across the river at them, with the bronze mud crab and sea eagle sculptures in the foreground. A longtail trip on the river goes between the peaks and visits caves with stalactites. The park is free, and late afternoon gives the best light.
Easy to moderate: Phra Nang headland
On the Railay peninsula, a cliff path leads to Phra Nang Beach and the cave shrine of Chao Mae Phra Nang, the sea princess. Local fishermen leave carved wooden offerings there for a safe voyage, so keep quiet and be respectful. Railay is reached only by boat. The longtail from Ao Nang costs ฿100 per person each way, with a surcharge in the evening, and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. You can compare Railay and Phra Nang tours on Viator if you prefer a guided boat day.
Moderate: Diamond Cave
Diamond Cave is a lit boardwalk through chambers of calcite, flowstone and stalactites, with fruit bats overhead. It costs about ฿100 for adults and ฿50 for children and takes well under an hour.
Hard: Hong viewpoint
On the Hong Islands, a steel stairway of roughly 400 steps climbs to an observation deck above the limestone islets of the bay. It is part of the Hong Islands boat day, and a national park fee is payable on the day. Wear shoes with grip, and carry water for the climb.
Hardest: Tiger Cave Temple
Wat Tham Suea sits about 9 km northeast of Krabi Town, and its summit has about 1,260 concrete steps with tall risers. Allow 30 to 60 minutes up. The top has a golden stupa and a large seated Buddha facing a wide karst plain. Shoulders and knees must be covered, monkeys on the lower stairs grab food and plastic bags, and the forest cells near the base call for quiet. Entry is free, with donations welcome.
Seasonal warning
During the monsoon from May to October, boats to Railay and the Hong Islands cancel at short notice, and the river, the temple and Diamond Cave become the reliable options. Life jackets belong on every boat. The Tourism Authority of Thailand lists regional information and events.
For longer outings on foot, see the Krabi walking tours page , or place the sights in a longer stay with the five-day itinerary .
Tip: see the river peaks at sunset, then keep the Tiger Cave stairs for the next dawn, when the steps are cool.