21 Things to Do in Krabi Town, Thailand

In 2018 I stayed in Krabi Town for a month and re-visited in 2023. The town took a hit after the pandemic so it is now just a small town for a one-night stopover as you wait to head to the islands. If you find yourself here for a night, here is a list of things to do.

Try googling “Things to Do in Krabi Town” and almost every website will tell you to do the same exact activities.  Go to the Tiger Temple and go to the night market, which are both located inside Krabi Town. 

These same posts will then list a bunch of other things to do that are located outside Krabi Town which is not what you were searching for.

You will see activities on these lists such as:

Take a Day Trip to Koh Phi Island

Go Rock Climbing in Railay Beach

Party in Ao Nang

These activities are fun yes, but not located inside Krabi Town.

After spending 3 months in Chiang Mai doing the bare minimum amount of work to just scrape by, I told myself that I needed to go somewhere to shut everything down and just work. You can see my thoughts on Chiang Mai here and here.

Being an online personal trainer and administrative director for a food blog, I needed a place to go where I could log a few hours a day of laptop time. In addition, I needed to get other nagging projects done and not be distracted by the constant nomad meet-ups and last-minute day trips in Chiang Mai.

I did a quick search of Airbnb’s in southern Thailand and found one in Krabi Town for $300 USD for the month. Upon arrival I quickly realized that those blog posts were right – there was not a lot to do in Krabi Town. But I was determined to make the most of my time here. So, on the weekends I went on the hunt.

Here’s a list of things to do in Krabi Town

1. Survive climbing 1237 Steps

The main attraction in Krabi Town is the Tiger Temple, but it’s not necessarily the Buddha statue at the top of the mountain that is the draw…. it’s trying to survive climbing the 1237 steps to the top. The stairs are narrow and sometimes very tall so make sure you wear good walking shoes and bring water.

You will need to stop multiple times as you climb to the top. I wouldn’t say the view will take your breath away, but the climb certainly will. Just making it to the top is an accomplishment in itself.

Hail a songthaew from the town center, pay 50 baht ($1.60) and the drive is about 25 minutes north of the city center (still inside Krabi Town). Yes, you must cover your shoulders and knees, it’s a temple, so be respectful.

2. Visit Wat Kaewkorawaram

Located up yet another staircase, but not nearly as many stairs as the Tiger temple, this White Temple sits in the center of town and is quite beautiful. It is also less than 10 years old and of course, you need to dress appropriately for all genders. No shorts and tank tops.

3. Take Pictures of the Monkey Statues

To date, I am unsure why there are giant Planet of the Ape-like monkey statues located in the center of town. These giant Apes are holding the street lights at the main intersection. Snap a few pics and move along.

4. Stare at the Infamous Crab Statue

Another statute to look at, but at least this one makes more sense, Krabi Town is located on the water so crabs would be an obvious mascot for the city.

5. Try to Not Get Trampled at the Night Market

Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights are the Krabi Night Market. It is like every other night market in Thailand but ten times more crowded.

The alley is very tight and it’s just a sea of people walking one mile per hour looking at the same clothes and food seen everywhere else in Thailand. You can easily bypass this “attraction”

6. Chill out in Thara Park

This public park has some nice views for both sunrise and sunset. You can bring lunch and have a picnic. And since the park is located on the water,  you can watch the locals arrive at the city center for their workday.

Both people AND motorbikes will ride on longtail boats which is pretty cool to see how the locals commute.

7. Shop till You Drop at the Krabi Outlets

Need some AC and a day of shopping? Then head to the Krabi Outlets. You will need to hail a red songthaew to get there or rent a motorbike to drive the 15 minutes north of the city center. Don’t get too excited though, it is quite small and underwhelming.

8. Go See a Movie

Shockingly in the 30 days I was there, I didn’t go see a movie but there is a cineplex. It is also located near the Krabi Outlets. 

9. Log Some Screen Time and Work

Well maybe not everyone is in Krabi Town to work like I was, however, if you need to plan your next trip or log some laptop time, you will need to do so in your accommodation or at the coffee shop.

There are no coworking spaces in Krabi Town. I don’t like smelling like coffee after working for a few hours, so your best option is to work from your accommodation.

Fitness ideas: Let’s Sweat!

10. Run Along the Pier

Running may not be your thing, but you can always walk. There is a long pathway that runs from Thara Park to the crab statue. The path takes you past the marina and if you go during sunrise or sunset it is breathtaking.

11. Workout with the Locals

There is a local gym on the main road in Krabi Town called Fitness Plus as of 2023. The gym I went to in 2018 has now closed.

12. Take a Muay Thai Class

Located on a small side street 10 minutes away from the city center is the Muay Thai Gym. A day pass is 59 baht. The one day I did visit the gym there was no one inside except a man cleaning the gym.

He let me work out for free since I guess the owner was not around but there was a sign that it was 59 baht for one day. They have cardio machines, free weights, and TRX straps.

13. Take a laughing Yoga class

Every Friday there is a free laughing yoga class at the Green Yoga Krabi. They have other classes as well, but who doesn’t love a good laugh while working out?

Foodie Ideas. When Bored, Eat!

14. Or not eat at the Morning Market

The Maharaj market opens at 4 am and closes at 10 am. You can find local produce, fruit, chicken, pork, and seafood as well as prepared meals. The market is very warm inside and there are flies everywhere so I would look but not eat unless you have a stomach of steel.

15. Save Some $ and Eat at the Day Market

Open all day this market serves up local dishes. It is located across the street from the main 7-11 in the center of town.

Located in the rear of the market there is an excellent green curry for sale. The owner is very friendly and makes you taste-test almost everything with small spoons before you buy.

The stand near the front of the market offers rice and 2 items for 50 baht ($1.60 USD) and free drinking water with ice.

16. Indulge in Italian food

Uno’s is not that bad. And coming from an Italian New Yorker, that’s saying a lot.  The pizza needs some help, but they offer classic pasta dishes with a sweet tomato sauce, and best of all, they have indoor seating with AC.

17. Tired of Thai food? Head to May and Mark’s

They bake their bread, and if all the Pad Thai is making you gain a few pounds and you need to take a break, they do have AC, a wide range of Western beers, and a selection of baked goods to offset the food taste.

Bored in Krabi Town? If all else fails, drink

18. Party with the Backpackers

Located in the rear of Pak Up Hostel is an outdoor terrace bar. Each night they have activities for the hostel guests, but all are welcome. It’s the only place that gets lively in Krabi Town.

19. Drink outside at Buffalo Bar

Decorated with things like Barbies’ dolls and Elvis posters, this outdoor bar caters to locals and tourists alike. You can easily strike up a conversation with the owner or some travelers.

20. Watch Live Music

Located next to Pak Up Hostel is Cozy Bar.  They offer cold drinks and live music. The bands usually play cover songs and sometimes the words are made up (assuming it’s the language barrier) but it can be quite fun to watch. They also allow patrons to come up and join them on stage.

Did you run out of things to do in Krabi Town?

21. Rent a Motorbike and Go for a Drive

One of my favorite things I did was to drive to Ao Nang for the day and go to the beach. But it wasn’t the beach that got my attention, it was the 20-minute drive around the outskirts of Krabi Town that was fun.

You will drive past giant rock formations through winding roads past small towns and it’s very serene.

PRO TIP: Staying for longer than the usual one night and needing to buy some groceries?

Head up to Big C to buy Thai and Western groceries, clothes, shoes, or anything else you may need. Take a 50 Baht red truck (songthaew) north of the city for 20 minutes.

Need a place to stay when visiting Krabi Town?

Pak Up Hostel – Party Hostel for Backpackers

Ban Punnamus – Good for a long-term stay for the price, a 10-minute walk from the city center

Heading to Bangkok after Krabi? Check out my 4 day Bangkok itinerary to help plan your stay!

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