Krabi Day Tours

Why choose a Krabi day tour?

Tourists on a cruise ship in the Andaman Sea with an island in the distance.

Diverse adventures in one place

Island-hopping, jungle treks, hot springs, temples, and wildlife — Krabi packs multiple travel styles into one destination, so every day feels different.

Rock climber scaling limestone cliff at Railay Beach, Krabi, with ocean and cliffs in background.

Adventure & outdoor enthusiast haven

From rock climbing at Railay to kayaking mangroves, jungle hikes, and snorkeling coral reefs, Krabi is a natural playground for all adventure levels.

Longtail boat sailing in Krabi with limestone cliffs and lush greenery in the background.

Authentic, small-group experiences

Curated tours avoid the crowds, use local operators, and keep groups intimate. It lets you enjoy Krabi at a relaxed, personal pace.

Tourists on boat receiving snorkeling instructions during Krabi 4 island trip.

Value & convenience

All-inclusive tours with transfers, guides, and meals offer great value, while Krabi’s compact size keeps travel times short and easy.

Things to know before booking your Krabi day tour

Types of tours

Krabi day tours fall into two main categories:

🏝️Island tours

Speedboat tours: Fast transfers to Phi Phi, Bamboo, and Four Islands, perfect if you want to cover more ground in less time.
Traditional longtail tours: Slower but scenic, with a more local vibe (ideal for the Four Islands or 7 Islands at sunset).
Luxury longtail tours: Smaller groups, stylish boats, and added comfort — often timed for sunrise or sunset.

🛕 Inland & nature tours

Elephant sanctuaries: Ethical experiences like Krabi Elephant Shelter or Ao Nang Sanctuary, where you can feed, bathe, and walk with elephants.
Temples & hot springs: The Tiger Cave Temple, paired with Emerald Pool and Krabi Hot Springs, is a popular inland day trip.
Adventure activities: Rock climbing at Railay and kayaking in Ao Thalane’s mangroves are popular among adventurous tourists.

🕧 Duration & timing

Half-day tours: Good for travelers short on time (example, Hong Island half-day by speedboat, Ao Thalane kayaking).
Full-day tours: Standard for island-hopping (Phi Phi, 4 Islands, 7 Islands) and combo inland trips (temple + hot springs).
Sunset tours: Blend sightseeing with magical golden-hour views. Some even include a BBQ or bioluminescent plankton swim.

🚓 Transport & tour styles

Island tours: Start with hotel pickup, then head to the pier for your boat, whether speedboat, longtail, or luxury longtail.
Inland tours: Travel by air-conditioned van with round-trip hotel transfers.

💵 National Park fees

Island tours require National Park entry fees (around THB 200–400 per adult, depending on the island). These are not included in the ticket price and must be paid in cash at the site.

⚙️ What’s included

Most Krabi day tours include hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, and accident insurance, with activity equipment provided depending on the tour type, plus optional extras like meals or kayaking on select itineraries.

Your Krabi day tour options

Couple walking on Phi Phi Island beach with limestone cliffs in background.

Island-hopping adventures

Spend the day exploring iconic islands around Krabi (like Phi Phi & Hong) with swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.
Best for travelers who want to see multiple destinations in one trip.
You can choose speedboats for quicker transfers, longtails for a traditional vibe, or luxury longtails for extra comfort.
Recommended experiences:
- From Krabi: Phi Phi Island and Bamboo Island Day Tour by Speedboat
- Krabi: 7-Island Sunset Tour by Luxury Longtail Boat

Elephants eating sugarcane grass in a lush forest setting.

Elephant encounters

Visit ethical sanctuaries where you can feed, bathe, and walk alongside elephants in a responsible setting.
Best for animal lovers looking for close-up, hands-on experiences.
Options include various interactive activities like elephant feeding, mud bathing, and more.
Recommended experiences:
- Krabi Elephant Shelter Experience with Hotel Transfers
- Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary Half-Day Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers

Tourist kayaking through Ao Thalane mangrove forest in Thailand.

Adventure tours

Active and outdoorsy experiences in Krabi’s mangroves and limestone cliffs.
Best for thrill-seekers who want to combine physical activity with stunning landscapes.
Choose from rock climbing at Railay or kayaking in Ao Thalane with variations from half-day to full-day programs.
Recommended experiences:
- Krabi: Rock Climbing Course at Railay Beach with Hotel Transfers
- Krabi: Kayak Adventure through Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest

Buddha statue at Tiger Cave Temple, Krabi, with scenic mountain view.

Nature & culture tours

Combine Krabi’s inland highlights of temples, hot springs, and jungle pools.
Best for travelers who want to balance sightseeing with a taste of local culture and nature.
Options are mostly full-day trips with hotel pickup included.
Recommended experience:
- Krabi: Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool & Hot Springs Tour

Top things to do in Krabi

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Phi Phi Islands

⭐ Very Popular

Cruise through turquoise waters to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Phi Phi. Stop at Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, and swim in the jade-green waters of Pileh Lagoon. Along the way, you’ll often spot wildlife at Monkey Beach and admire ancient paintings inside Viking Cave.

Four Islands

⭐ Very Popular

This classic Krabi hop takes in Koh Poda’s soft sands, the quirky chicken-head rock at Koh Gai (Chicken Island), and the tidal sandbar at Koh Tup that links to Koh Mor. It usually ends at Phra Nang Cave Beach, known for its sacred princess cave and epic limestone cliffs.

Emerald Pool & Hot Springs

✨ Hidden Gem

Hidden inside the rainforest, the Emerald Pool dazzles with crystal-clear green water, perfect for a refreshing dip. Close by, the Hot Springs Waterfall at Khlong Thom bubbles with naturally heated mineral water, while a jungle hike leads to the surreal sapphire-blue lagoon of Blue Pool.

Tiger Cave Temple

⭐ Very Popular

One of Krabi’s most spiritual sites, Wat Tham Suea combines jungle meditation caves with a climb of 1,237 steps to a summit crowned by a golden Buddha. From the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of forests, cliffs, and the Andaman Sea.

Ethical elephant encounters

✨ Hidden Gem

Meet gentle giants at Krabi’s ethical elephant sanctuaries, where you can feed, walk, and bathe alongside rescued elephants. These programs focus on welfare, giving you the chance to learn their stories while supporting sustainable tourism.

Bioluminescent plankton

🌌 Rare Find

By night, Krabi’s bays transform into a natural light show. Canoeing or swimming after sunset often reveals bioluminescent plankton, glowing in shades of blue with every splash. It's a magical highlight you won’t find on every itinerary.

Who are Krabi day tours for?

Krabi day tours are designed to appeal to a wide mix of travelers, whether you’re planning a fun family trip, a romantic getaway, or an adventurous solo escape. Wondering how to find your perfect match? Let us break down for you!

Visitors interacting with elephants in water at Krabi Elephant Shelter.

Families with Children

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Priorities: safety, short durations, easy beach time, animal interactions.

If you’re traveling with kids, Krabi’s gentler day tours are a perfect fit. Island-hopping to the 4 Islands or the half-day tour of Hong Island by Speedboat keeps things short and easy, with plenty of shallow beaches for safe swims. Animal-loving families can add an ethical stop at the Krabi Elephant Shelter or Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary, where little ones can help feed, bathe, and learn about rescued elephants in a safe environment.

Couple sitting on Krabi Hong Island beach with speed boats and limestone cliffs in the background.

Couples & honeymooners

💏 Priorities: romantic settings, sunset timing, smaller groups, comfort.

Romance in Krabi comes with sunsets and quiet lagoons. The sunset tour of Hong Island by a luxury longtail boat sets the mood with kayaking in hidden lagoons followed by golden-hour views. For something iconic, the Phi Phi & 4 Islands tour featuring awesome sunset with bioluminescent plankton views combines famous beaches with a glowing nighttime swim.

Climber suspended on a rope at Krabi Rock Climbing Courses, Railay, Thailand.

Solo travelers & backpackers

🙋‍♂️ Priorities: social group vibes, value, flexible join-in, action.

If you’re flying solo, Krabi’s join-in speedboat tours are a great way to meet people while covering more ground. Trips like the Phi Phi and Bamboo Island tour by speedboat or the 7 Islands tour featuring sunset BBQ balance sightseeing with social vibes. Adventure seekers can break from the beaches with a rock climbing session at Railay or a kayak adventure through Ao Thalane’s mangroves, both of which attract friendly, like-minded travelers.

Tourists at Phranang Cave Beach in Krabi, Thailand, observing a shrine with colorful offerings.

Seniors & culture Seekers

👵 Priorities: relaxed pace, comfortable transfers, informative guides, lighter activity.

Prefer a slower pace with time to take in the details? The tour covering Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool, and Hot Springs offers a cultural and natural mix without rushing. If you’d rather stay seaside, the morning luxury longtail trip to Hong Island keeps the journey comfortable and scenic. Gentle wildlife encounters, such as the Krabi Elephant Shelter’s Bathe With Me Session, round off a day with meaningful yet relaxed experiences.

Our top picks for this season

Tourists relaxing in the emerald pool surrounded by lush greenery in Krabi, Thailand.

Emerald Pool & Hot Springs

The rainforest trails are at their most vibrant, and the pools stay full and fresh, making dips even more inviting.

Bioluminescent waves glowing on a beach at night.

Bioluminescent Plankton

Cloudier skies mean darker nights, which make the glowing plankton stand out even more in the water.

Tiger Cave Temple

After rain, the air is clearer and cooler, making the 1,237-step climb less intense, with misty panoramas at the top.

Person feeding elephant at Krabi Elephant Shelter, Thailand.

Elephant sanctuaries

The elephants are especially lively in the cool, rain-fed forests, often enjoying long mud baths during showers.

Plan your Krabi day tour

Ferry boats docked on a tropical beach in Phuket, Thailand, with clear blue water.

November to March is the peak season with sunny skies, calm seas, and ideal conditions for island-hopping and snorkeling.
April to May is hotter and more humid, with fewer crowds and cultural events like Songkran Festival.
June to October is the rainy season, bringing lush landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and lower prices despite occasional showers.

No wheelchair access symbol with red diagonal line.

Most Krabi island-hopping tours require a moderate level of mobility, as boarding speedboats and longtail boats usually involves stepping directly into the water.
Boats and most nature trails are not wheelchair-friendly.
Tiger Cave Temple involves a climb of 1,237 steps, which is only suitable for visitors in good physical condition.
Children above three years old are usually allowed on day tours, while infants are not permitted on speedboats for safety reasons.
Pregnant women, travelers with back or heart conditions, and those with limited mobility should avoid speedboat tours and strenuous activities.
The Hot Springs are not recommended for visitors with high blood pressure or difficulty walking on uneven terrain.
The Emerald Pool requires walking along forest trails that are not suitable for strollers.

Applying sunscreen on arm under clear Sydney sky.

At Tiger Cave Temple, modest dress is required, covering shoulders and knees. Sarongs are available for rent at the entrance.
Only reef-safe sunscreen is permitted on snorkeling tours to protect marine life.
Alcohol is not allowed on boats during day trips.
All national parks in Krabi enforce strict “leave no trace” policies, so visitors must carry back their waste.
Flip-flops are suitable for beach landings, but trainers or sports shoes are strongly recommended for Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool forest trails.
Pregnant travelers, non-swimmers, and people with chronic spinal injuries are advised against speedboat and snorkeling-focused tours.

Modern hotel room with double bed, white linens, and brown pillows near a window.

Luxury:
- Rayavadee, located on Railay Beach, offers private villas with direct beach access.
- Banyan Tree Krabi features hillside suites with infinity pools overlooking Tubkaek Beach.
- Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, provides one of the most exclusive resort experiences in southern Thailand.
Mid-range:
- Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort offers family-friendly facilities and pool access.
- Deevana Plaza Krabi provides comfortable rooms within walking distance of Ao Nang.
- Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort combines beachfront access with modern amenities.
Budget:
- Aonang Cliff Beach Hostel offers affordable dormitory stays with sea views.
- Sleep Whale Express is a simple and clean budget option in Krabi Town.
- Slumber Party Hostel is popular with backpackers looking for a social and lively atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions about Krabi day tours

Do Krabi island tours include hotel transfers?

Yes, all island-hopping, as well as inland, tours include round-trip hotel transfers from major areas. For guests staying further out, a small surcharge may apply.

What meals are provided on day tours?

Lunch is provided on most full-day island tours. Sunset cruises and 7-Island tours also include a beachside BBQ dinner. Half-day tours typically include fruit, snacks, and drinking water.

Are snorkeling and kayaking gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on all island tours, while kayak rentals are included in Ao Thalane Mangrove Kayak tours. Life jackets are always supplied.

What is the difference between a speedboat and a longtail boat tour?

Speedboats cover more distance quickly and are used for longer trips like Phi Phi Islands. Longtail boats are traditional wooden boats ideal for a slow and scenic experience.

Can I join an early morning tour to avoid crowds?

Yes. The early bird tour departs before regular tours, reaching Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon before they get busy.

What should I wear for Krabi’s rock climbing tours?

Wear light, breathable clothing and closed sports shoes. Safety gear including ropes, harness, helmet, and chalk bag is provided. Beginners are welcome — no prior climbing experience is needed.

Are elephant experiences ethical in Krabi?

Yes. Both Krabi Elephant Shelter and Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary focus on ethical practices. There is no riding. Visitors can feed, bathe, and walk with rescued elephants in natural surroundings.

Do tours operate during the rainy season (May–October)?

Yes, but itineraries may adjust based on weather and sea conditions. Some smaller islands may be skipped if the water is rough, but major destinations like Phi Phi and Hong are generally accessible year-round.

What is included in the Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool, and Hot Springs tour?

This inland full-day tour includes transport, entrance fees, a guided hike up Tiger Cave Temple’s 1,200 steps, swimming at the Emerald Pool, and a relaxing soak in Krabi’s natural hot springs. Lunch is included.

When is the best time to see bioluminescent plankton?

Bioluminescence is best observed after sunset on clear nights. Guides take you swimming or snorkeling to witness the glowing plankton in the water.

Are tours suitable for families with children?

Yes. Most island and inland tours welcome children. Life jackets are provided for kids, and activities such as kayaking and elephant experiences are family-friendly. Some longer speedboat trips may not be suitable for infants under 2.

What should I pack for a Krabi day tour?

Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, dry clothes for after the tour, and waterproof phone protection. For temple visits (like Tiger Cave), wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Do I need to book Krabi tours in advance?

Yes. Popular tours like Phi Phi Islands, Elephant Sanctuaries, and Railay rock climbing often sell out in peak season (November–April). Advance booking is recommended to secure your preferred date.