All the best things to do with kids in Krabi

Thailand is an incredibly family friendly country to visit. Honestly you can’t go wrong basing yourselves any where. But if you’re looking for somewhere with an island feel, easy to access and pretty friendly on the bank balance, Krabi is an excellent choice. We were last in Krabi in April and spent a glorious week exploring everything the area had to offer. These are the best things to do with kids in Krabi that we discovered during our stay.

Ao Nang or Krabi?

First up, a quick clarification on Krabi vs Ao Nang. Krabi is the Province and within that province is Krabi Town and Ao Nang. Krabi town is just that, a relatively built up area where locals live and work. It’s where the airport is located making it a good place to get to the rest of Thailand.

However it doesn’t have the beaches or luxury resorts of Ao Nang. Ao Nang is where most tourists base themselves, it has amazing beaches, vibrant nightlife, gorgeous hotels and heaps of family friendly things to do.

Both have their benefits and for the purpose of this blog I’ll be including things to do in both areas. It’s less than half an hour to travel between the two places. If you’re in Krabi with kids then I recommend basing yourselves in or around Ao Nang.

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Things to do with kids in Krabi

Hike the Monkey Trail

My top recommendation for things to do with kids in Krabi is to hike the monkey trail. This is a great combination of adventure, animals and a stunning secret beach. My daughter absolutely loved it!

Located at the end of Ao Nang beach, the monkey trail is a one kilometre long hike skirting the coast through the jungle ending on a gorgeous private beach. The trail is made up of bamboo wooden platforms and well worn trails.

You’ll only encounter monkeys at the start, they’re super cute but be sure to give them plenty of space. Some of the steps are incredibly steep and a little wobbly, for this reason I don’t recommend this with little children.

Read more about our hike along the monkey trail Ao Nang and see photos of what it’s like.

Spend a day at the beach

Krabi is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. The soft white sand and towering limestone cliffs have been attracting visitors for many years. And whilst kids might not appreciate the breathtaking views, they’re bound to love playing in the shallow waves and digging in the sand. I’ll be honest, each day we were in Krabi had a bit of beach in it! These are my top family friendly beaches in Krabi.

Railay Beaches

These are probably the most famous, and most popular beaches in Krabi. Railay is only accessible via boat from one of several piers in Ao Nang. Kids will love how this adds even more adventure to the day.

Railay is actually like a small town with a few beaches. Railay East, Railay West and Phra Nang which is by far my favourite. The sand is soft, the sunsets are epic and it’s one of the best spots in Krabi for rock climbing.

The Railay peninsular has hotels, restaurants, bars and some small shops. Once you’re off the boat it takes less than 5 minutes to walk from one side to the other.

Ao Nam Mao Beach

If you would rather escape the hordes of people on Railay then try one of the quieter beaches on the other side of the peninsular from Ao Nang. Ao Nam Mao Beach is my favourite place to visit to find complete peace and quiet. It’s not quite as pretty as Railay but more than makes up for it with the lack of crowds.

This is where the locals come to eat, take in the sunset and play in the waves and for that reason, it feels refreshingly authentic. You’ll find several restaurants located right in the sand serving plenty of kid friendly food and Thai specialities.

The beach is fairly narrow with a pier at one end and mangroves at the other. We walked the whole way in less than half an hour with only a few stray dogs for company.

Pai Plong

Another reasonably quiet beach is Pai Plong Bay. Probably because the only way to access it is via the monkey trail (or by boat if you’re staying at the hotel). Again, this will definitely be part of the adventure for kids, but not one to try if you’re in Krabi with toddlers.

Pai Plong is home to one hotel and that’s it! There’s little more to do here than splash in the shallow waves and laze on the sand. It’s super pretty with gorgeous views to the surrounding islands but kids may not want to stay too long.

Ao Nang Beach

Another busy beach in Krabi is Ao Nang. The main stretch of sand bordering the town. This is where most people will hop on long tail boats over to Railay or other surrounding islands but I still think Ao Nang is worth exploring.

Facilities at Ao Nang Beach are fantastic as it’s located right in town. Surrounding the beach are hotels, restaurants, shops and markets. Perfect for entertaining the kids all day.

Whilst the sand is fairly narrow, it’s pretty soft and bordered by palm trees, some with rope swings – another bonus for kids.

Safety on Krabi’s beaches

At certain times of the year there are Jellyfish on Krabi’s beaches. Pop the kids in long sleeved rash vests and swimming trouser type leggings and rock shoes – they should be fine. If anyone does get stung, head straight to the beach lifeguards, they will be able to help you.

Grab some rolled ice cream

Simple and cheap, there’s something incredibly therapeutic about watching someone create a bowl of rolled ice cream. Plus the kids (and you) get a sweet treat at the end. There are ice cream vendors all over town but to be sure, head to the markets. All you have to decide is the flavour and topping!

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Book a boat trip to the islands

Krabi is often described as the gateway to the Southern Islands and many boat tours set off from Ao Nang. There are heaps of options, varying in length and luxury levels. But essentially, every boat trip that sets off from Krabi will offer some epic scenery, excellent snorkeling and memories to last a lifetime.

Koh Phi Phi

This used to be top of everyone’s list. Made famous by the film the Beach, Koh Phi Phi and in particular Maya Bay has really suffered with over tourism over the last decade. For this reason the Thai Government close Maya Bay for periods of the year to help nature recover and have a clean up so check your date carefully.

It is absolutely stunning which makes the over-tourism somewhat understandable. If you can visit then it is well worth it. I suggest combining your trip with a stop at another quieter island for relaxing. The speed boat tour I suggest below offers just this, plus it includes lunch and the chance to spot some more monkeys. A definite win from the kids!

Book your boat trip to Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay

Hong Islands

The Hong islands are a little quieter than Maya Bay although it’s definitely not deserted! This is picture postcard pretty with towering limestone islands jutting from turquoise water. You’ll pass through the outer rocks of Hong island to the calm lagoon within before departing to neighbouring quieter islands and a chance to snorkel, kayak or just relax on a soft sand beach. The many bright and colourful fish will absolutely be the highlight of the tour for your little ones.

Book your tour from Krabi to Hong Island on Get Your Guide.

7 Islands Sunset Tour

I’m a total sucker for a sunset and soaking one in from the water is an totally magical experience. The seven islands sunset tour conveniently lasts 7 hours. You’ll visit seven beautiful islands, each as pretty as the next and get to snorkel in sparkling clear water. The sunset tour also includes a BBQ on the beach at Koh Podah whilst watching the sun dip into the sea.

Book your 7 islands tour from Krabi.

Boat trips with kids – tips. Obviously wear a life vest and make sure the kids do. Yes they can feel uncomfortable but just suck it up and stay safe. Stay seated on the boat, they go fast and the waves can be choppy. There are no seatbelts so hold on tight to each other. The boats can be very noisy, hands over the ears or even ear defenders can help.

Have a look at my other post on the best islands in Thailand to visit with kids.

Get a massage

My favourite way to get over jet lag or ease my muscles after an energetic hike is to get a massage. They are so cheap in Thailand and walk in massage parlours can be found everywhere. My daughter has been getting foot and leg massages in Thailand since she was tiny and she really loves them. If you’re worried about them being too little, just ask your therapist to go softly and tell them not to use the stick.

My favourite place to get a massage in Krabi is on the main stretch just across the road from Ao Nang beach. The sea view absolutely adds to the experience.

Hit the markets

Did you even go to Thailand if you didn’t visit the markets?! My daughter loves markets, she loves hunting for trinkets and having a go at haggling with stall holders. Thai markets can feel crazy busy so just keep a tight hold on your kids and perhaps visit earlier rather than later to avoid the crowds.

Krabi Night Market

Krabi night market is also known as Krabi Walking Street. The market is located in downtown Krabi on Soi Maharaj 8 and is home to heaps of stalls selling delicious street food, clothing, electrical goods and souvenirs. The night market is only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 4pm until 10pm. It has a great atmosphere with live music on the main stage, the perfect place to end the day with a snack and cold drink.

Ao Nang Landmark Night Market

If you’re staying in Ao Nang, it might be easier to pop to the Ao Nang Landmark Night market. It’s located in a gorgeous position opposite Noppharat Thara Beach. It’s a little smaller than the Krabi night market but is open every day so probably easier to squeeze into your schedule. Again it has heaps of fabulous food stalls, live music and a covered seating area where you can enjoy dinner. If your kids are a bit fussy, you’ll also find a pizza stall at this market.

Hunt for monkeys

If your kids like wildlife then they’ll love hunting for Krabi’s famous monkeys. The best place we found to watch the monkeys was at the top of Ao Nang beach at the start of the monkey trail. They swing through the trees, play in the sand and even splash about in the shallow water. Just remember that these are wild animals, don’t get too close for them, they can be temperamental when they feel under threat. These monkeys have also been known to still food and drinks from peoples backpacks and even hands. Keep everything carefully tucked away. Don’t let all this put you off, we walked straight past the monkeys and had absolutely no problems.

You can also see monkeys on Monkey Beach which is located on Phi Phi Island. A longtail boat is the best way to get here, it doesn’t take long. This is also a great place for snorkelling so there’s even more opportunities to get up close to Thailand’s wildlife.

Take in the sunset

Sundown in Krabi is absolutely stunning. The beaches of Ao Nang look directly at the setting sun. For me, the best spot for sunset lovers is at one of the bars on Ao Nam Mao Beach. The colours of the sky are spectacular and the kids can play in the sand whilst you soak it all in. It’s very similar from Ao Nang Beach and Nopparat Thara Beach although it will probably be busier.

Go horse-riding on the beach

Most children love horses so a ride along the beach makes for one of the best things to do with kids in Krabi. Anyone over 4 can ride the horses no matter what skill or prior experience you have. Most horse riding sessions take place on Ao Nam Mao Beach which is always quiet and very easy to reach from Ao Nang.

This horse back riding session on the beach includes time to watch the sunset so you can tick off two if the best things to do with kids in Krabi in one go.

Amusement parks near Krabi

Although my daughter loves all of the above activities, it’s always a good idea to throw in a few activities specifically to keep your kids happy. You can’t really go wrong with a trip to a theme park. There aren’t many traditional theme parks, with rollercoasters and arcade games in or around Krabi but we did find a couple of ariel adventure parks which were brilliant. And more than made up for the lack of actual rides!

Treetop Adventure Park

Set high up on the Krabi jungle, Treetop Adventure Park is a brilliant adventure for all ages. Here you can follow four different treetop courses, fly down a zipline, try rock climbing, biking, tightrope walking and even a tarzan swing.

Book your visit to the treetop adventure park on Viator.

Aonang Fiore Zip Line Adventure

Little thrill seekers are bound to love this one! Aonang Fiore Zip Line Adventure is home to an amazing ariel adventure course where the whole family can race along the zipline, swing across hanging cables, and cross swaying rope bridges. There are various skill and adventure levels available so no one needs to feel left out. It’s only 5 minutes drive outside of Ao Nang so should only take half a day out of your schedule.

Book your tickets to The Aonang Fiore Zip Line Adventure on Viator.

View Phang Nga Bay from above

Phang Nga bay is a group of tiny islands nestled in mangrove forests about 80 miles north of Krabi. I think they’re best viewed from above. To do this you’ll need to head to the Samet Nangshe viewpoint. Home to some absolutely stunning views and various excellent photography props. If your kids are into social media they’ll love getting content for their feeds. You’ll either need to hire a car to get to this one or you could hire a car and driver if you don’t fancy driving. Then park up and take the songthaew up to the highest level of the viewpoint. It takes around an hour and a half to get to Samet Nangshe from Krabi.

Take a dip in an Emerald pool

Head into the exciting Krabi jungle and discover a stunning freshwater lagoon within the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve. To reach the pool you’ll need to hike about 800m from the car park along a pretty decent nature trail. It’s well shaded but I still recommend plenty of suncream, a hat and litres of water. And make sure you bring water shoes, the rocks can be very slippy.

Once you’ve had your fill of the Emerald Pool, follow the raised wooden pathway for about half a kilometre to the Blue lagoon. You can’t miss it, it really does look bright blue in colour. Whilst it’s stunning to look at, this pool is NOT for swimming. The water is pretty hot and surrounded by quicksand. Keep a firm hold on your kids.

You could also visit the hotsprings which is another short walk from Emerald Pool. The bath style ponds here are lovely for adults to soak away any aches and pains. Although it may be too hot for little kids.

Book your tour to Emerald Pool on Get Your Guide.

Try some watersports

With Ao Nang being located next to stunning coastline, naturally there are loads of opportunities to try various watersports.

Snorkelling is a great way to get kids interested in sea life. Most boat trips will allow time to get in the water for a swim amongst brightly coloured fish. Although fine for swimming, the mainland beaches aren’t that great for snorkelling.

Sea kayaking is another brilliant way to get the kids out on the water. Plus it can be done together and you’ll find some hidden inlets, caves and mangrove lagoons to explore. The views back to the coastline from the Andaman sea are gorgeous and additionally it’s a really good work out! You’ll find places to hire equipment on all the main beaches in Krabi or just ask at your hotel.

Where to stay in Krabi with kids

Krabi is home to all types of hotels and rental villas covering every budget and traveller type. As highlighted in my above list of things to do with kids in Krabi, most activities centre around Ao Nang. if you’re visiting Krabi with kids, I recommend booking accommodation in or around Ao Nang to save on transport.

For our recent visit, we stayed at the Anana Ecological Resort located in the hills above Ao Nang. It’s a fabulous boutique style hotel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism. It was excellent value and perfect for our family of three (two adults and one tween). If you are in Krabi with younger kids, you might want to look somewhere with a kids club or child focussed activities. Have a look at this list of the best resorts in Krabi for Family to find your perfect stay.

Where to eat in Krabi with kids

Krabi is home to so many family friendly restaurants, you will most definitely not go hungry!

The Last Fisherman

We discovered the Last Fisherman by accident after completing the Monkey Trail. It’s located at the top of Ao Nang beach and serves Thai style dishes and pretty decent prices. The beers were refreshing and cold, the food tasty and the views were remarkable.

Wanna Restaurant

If you’re looking for well priced, authentic Thai food, pop in to Wannas Place, part of the L resort in Ao Nang. The restaurant also does a fantastic steak on a hot stone and offers Western dishes if the kids don’t fancy Thai.

The Grotto at Railay Beach

If you’re looking for somewhere for a special occasion then make sure you book in to the Grotto at Railay Beach. Located in the Rayavadee hotel the restaurant is set in a limestone cave with chairs right in the sand. The food and wine menu is pretty expensive but the location more than makes up for it. If you can, book in for there dinner service, it’s a great place to watch the sun set.

You don’t need to stick to Western options if you’re in Thailand with kids, not every dish is spicy. We’ve been taking Piper since she was 4 and she’s always tried new things. If you’re kids are a bit unsure you could start with vegetable spring rolls, chicken satays and sticky rice.

Chilling Bar

My husband is a massive football fan so of course during our time in Krabi, we had to find a sports bar to catch a game. Luckily our hotel recommended Chilling Bar in Ao Nang. This is not fine dining but it had a fun atmosphere with a pool table and big screens. They serve typical sports bar snacks and we feasted on wings, fries and garlic bread. No, it’s not authentic or healthy but it was still tasty and kept the husband happy!

McDonalds

If you’re kids are craving a taste of something they recognise from home then there’s a McDonalds on the main strip of Ao Nang.

Food shopping in Krabi

If you’re staying in a villa or fancy saving some money on your lunches you’ll want to buy some family friendly food. There are 7-Eleven grocery stores all over Krabi and Ao Nang. They sell pretty much everything you’ll need for your stay. The sandwiches are amazing, the drinks are cold and they always have a wide range of sweet treats.

If the kids are craving their favourite things from back home Mother Marche stocks all the popular brands such as Nutella and Kellogs. There are several around the Krabi province including a fairly large one in Ao Nang.

How to get to Krabi

Krabi is well connected to the rest of Thailand by an international airport near the city centre. You can fly direct from many parts of Asia and with stopovers from Australasia. If you’re heading there from the UK, Europe or America you’ll probably want to fly in to Bangkok and get a connecting flight from there. Domestic flights in Thailand are incredibly cheap and quick.

If you want to visit from Phuket or Khao Lak then it’s an easy drive of around 2 hours from Khao Lak and 2 and a half hours from Phuket. You can also get a ferry from Phuket although you have to go via Koh Phi Phi.

Is Krabi, Thailand safe?

We’ve always found Thailand to be very safe in terms of crime. People are friendly rather than threatening. They love kids and welcome tourism. My daughter and I spent a couple of evenings exploring the streets of Ao Nang and at no point did we feel at risk. Just be sure to follow the usual safety practices you would anywhere. Don’t carry huge amounts of cash, wear a money belt and don’t let the kids wander too far.

Risks in Krabi are more from the natural environment than people. The seas can be rough so always wear a life vest and don’t join a boat tour if the weather isn’t great. Stay well back from cliff edges, monkeys and drink only bottled water.

When is best to visit Krabi with kids?

Peak season for Krabi is between November and February when the weather is mainly dry and hot. It’s also the most expensive (and busiest!) March tends to be the hottest month and can feel incredibly oppressive. It might be a bit much for some kids. Dehydration for little ones is serious. I like shoulder season from April to June. It’s still very hot but there can be cooling rain plus prices are way cheaper.

Things to do with kids in Krabi conclusion

Krabi is an amazing place to visit in Thailand with kids and whilst you could spend everyday on the beach or at the hotel pool there are plenty of other activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Pin these top things to do in Krabi with kids for later.