Walking in Krabi: Railay Paths to Town Streets
No car can reach Railay, which makes it the best place in Krabi to walk. Its paths cross the peninsula, and a short boat ride away the province also has jungle trails and a riverside town. Here is how to sort the routes by effort.
Railay and Phra Nang: the car-free loop
The longtail from Ao Nang beach takes about 10 minutes and costs ฿100 per person each way, with a higher fare after dark. The pier at Ao Nam Mao is the fallback in rough seas. On arrival, paths link Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang Beach and Ton Sai. Expect limestone steps that are slick when wet, and dusky leaf monkeys and macaques overhead, so close your bags. Walk to Phra Nang Beach in the afternoon, and give the shrine in the cliff cave the quiet it deserves. Ton Sai has an iced tea and a view of climbers at the end of a jungle path that is clearer at low tide. You can find guided Railay walks and hikes on GetYourGuide if you want a guide.
Forest boardwalk near Emerald Pool
In the Khlong Thom area, a raised wooden path crosses lowland rainforest on the way toward Emerald Pool, which lies in Khao Phra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary. Birdwatchers arrive at first light, and the quiet suits slow walkers. Entry to the pool is ฿400 for adults and ฿200 for children, in cash.
Tubkaek ridge: the hard trail
The Tab Kak Hang Nak trail climbs from Tubkaek Beach through bamboo and over rocky ridges to a ledge over the karst. It is strenuous and takes a few hours. Start at dawn, carry plenty of water, and wear trail shoes. Avoid it after heavy rain, and ask at your hotel about current conditions.
Krabi Town: the short city walk
Krabi Town lies 17 km inland. A loop starts at Chao Fah Park, follows the river boardwalk and turns inland to the morning market at Talad Maharaj. Add Wat Kaew Korawaram, a white hillside temple, and the older Chinese shophouses. On Friday to Sunday evenings, 17:00 to 22:00, Maharaj Soi 8 closes to traffic for a walking street. Songthaews run between town and Ao Nang for about ฿60 per person.
Khao Phanom Bencha: a waterfall walk
For a rainforest walk with cool pools at the end, Khao Phanom Bencha National Park charges ฿100 for adults and ฿50 for children. The Huai To waterfall has several tiers, and the rock is slippery.
Walking in the wet season
The monsoon runs from May to October. Trails turn muddy, and boats to Railay may stop. Walk early, take water, and always wear shoes with a grip. The Krabi sightseeing page lists sights you can combine, and the two-day itinerary shows a route that includes a walk.
Tip: pack a headlamp or phone light for the Railay paths if you stay for sunset, because the forest sections are dark before the last boat.