10 Things to Do in Krabi on a Small Budget

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is one of Thailand's most famed natural wonders and offers the chance to see an ancient temple built into a jungle cave. Local legend says the temple is named for a tiger that once lived here. You can explore the caves and the temple to see many relics and ancient icons of importance to the Buddhist philosophy. A popular hike is the Footprint of the Buddha. Seeing it requires over 1,200 steps but offers a stunning panoramic view of the Andaman Sea and its island archipelago.

The cave temple complex is a natural and architectural wonder and a site of cultural significance. It's 15 minutes north of the city centre.

Noppharat Thara Beach offers a 3 kilometre stretch of soft white sand, crystal clear waters, casuarinas, coconut groves and unspoiled natural surroundings 18 kilometres northwest of Krabi. It's part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and is among the most famous beaches in Krabi. It's also known as Dried-Canal Beach because, during low tide, the withdrawing water leaves a "pavement" of seashells, making for a fantastic place to find rare shells.

The beach and groves are stunning, unspoiled and a great escape from the hustle and bustle. It's possible to camp here, but since it is part of a National Park, it's required that you contact the Forestry Department in Bangkok to make arrangements in advance.

Krabi Walking Street is a famous and popular night market that opens every weekend, drawing crowds from far abroad to search for clothes, souvenirs, food and fun. Along this street, dozens of stalls showcase vendors selling handmade arts and crafts, funny T-shirts, jewellery, keychains, wall art, housewares and just about any kind of kitsch. You can also browse lots of street food takeaway stands and beer establishments that are lining the street if you are into checking out the local craft brewing scene.

This entertaining attraction is a vibrant spot where you're sure to enjoy some local culture and colour while you browse the stands. It's in the heart of Krabi's city centre.

Koh Lanta is one of Krabi's four islands and the larger of the two that make up the Lanta pair, with 10 beaches, a subdued atmosphere and outdoor adventures. You can head into the Mu Ko National Park at the island's southern tip to hike in forested surroundings and unspoiled nature, or head to the island's centre to go potholing as you explore the Mai Kaew Caves. Then, walk a bridge to the smaller sister island to the north for extra explorations.

While here, be sure to stop at the Old Town settlement, which dates to the 1600s and is filled with old Chinese architecture. It's about 2 hours south of Krabi's city centre.

Princess Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nok) has gorgeous natural rock formations and is the source of ancient local legends. Tradition has it that a sea goddess once lived in these caves, and even today, as you explore, you can find shrines where local fishermen leave offerings and sacrifices in hopes that they will be rewarded with a good catch on their expeditions. This unique spot is a great place to see astonishing sights and grab photos for your social media platforms, and learn about the area's culture.

Princess Cave can be reached by boat. It's in Ao Nang on the edge of Phra Nang Beach, about 7 miles south of the Krabi city centre.

Monkey Trail is an easy hiking trail on the southern end of Ao Nang Beach where you can observe wild monkeys at play. The trailhead's beginning is marked by a small temple and a wooden bridge. The trail is around one-half of a mile long and takes only about 20 minutes one way to traverse. It takes you through the jungle to a second beach, Pai Plong, which offers clean white sands and clear waters, but no visitor amenities.

Be aware that the monkeys can get somewhat aggressive if they have recently been given food, so leave them be. The trail is about 25 minutes southwest of the Krabi city centre.

Khao Khanab Nam is a pair of gigantic stones rising on opposite sides of the Pak Nam Krabi River and standing over dense caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites and natural wonders. As you explore, you can see actual human skeletons from ages past, and one of the two natural standing stone monoliths can be climbed to capture outstanding photo opportunities of the river, the surrounding hills, the villages below and miles of astonishing panoramic vistas that are sure to become a highlight of any social media feed.

The massive rocks rise 100 metres, and it takes only a 5-minute boat ride to get to them from the Krabi city centre.

Sunset Bar in Klong Muang is both a bar and restaurant right on the beach where you can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and spectacular sunset views over the ocean. The staff are friendly, and the food is high quality. You can dine outdoors under a shaded grove of trees. The overall atmosphere and vibe is laid-back, and the decor is filled with local natural beauty. It's a family-run business with great prices and a focus on quality service.

If you have dietary restrictions, this restaurant also features vegan and vegetarian-friendly options and gluten-free menu offerings. It's only about 20 minutes southwest of the Krabi city centre.

Chao Fah Park is an urban park offering the chance to see and explore historic locales and the area's culture along what was once the primary ferry port in Krabi Town. This is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and offers a boardwalk to stroll along the river. You can also see a historic tsunami memorial and the Crab and Eagle Monument. This park is also the site of a famous Night Market where you can explore tons of food vendors offering fresh produce, prepared and takeaway foods, desserts and drinks.

This vibrant spot gets a bit crowded but is the place to soak up local colour. It's only 8 minutes south of the Krabi city centre.

A Songthaew is a form of public transportation in Thailand, somewhere between a bus, rideshare, and a jitney that runs regularly throughout the region. Songthaews are in the form of pick-up trucks. They run on a regular schedule and routes similar to buses but have a more individualised experience. Many hotels use songthaew transport to and from the airport, and you can catch them during the daylight hours up till 10 pm to get almost anywhere you want to go in the Krabi area.

These forms of transport are a fun and efficient way to see the sights and learn about the culture. They're also incredibly affordable for those travelling on a budget.