Less-Touristy Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand
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Before my recent trip to Krabi, Thailand, I wasn’t all that sure what to expect. Although I’d spent a few fleeting days blissing out on the beaches of Railay as a baby backpacker back in the day, I honestly had no idea what else this Thai province had to offer.
After my recent two-week trip to Krabi, I can now officially say that this is one of my favorite destinations in all of Southeast Asia – and that is saying a lot. There are so many epic attractions in Krabi that it’s impossible to fit everything into one trip. While most “things to do in Krabi” posts out there will tell you to visit Railay Beach, Tiger Cave Temple, and Krabi Old Town, I wanted this article to focus on less obvious and more unique things to do in Krabi, Thailand.
While everything on this list is touristy, each of these suggestions is just a little bit off the well-trodden tourist path, and, in my opinion, these things are part of what makes Krabi so magical. From impossibly blue freshwater swimming holes to jungle cafes with natural waterfalls and hidden viewpoints offering panoramic views of limestone karsts, get ready to be wowed by these hidden gems in Krabi!
Unique Things to Do in Krabi
Do note that most of the suggestions on this list are only accessible via motorbike or car. While you can use Grab or Bolt to reach some of the destinations on this list, these options may not always be possible.
Find the Kuan Nom Saow Viewpoint Café
When it comes to unique things to do in Krabi, checking out a few of the best viewpoints in town should be high on your list. It’s honestly tough for me to pick a favorite viewpoint in Krabi, but the view from Kuan Nom Saow Viewpoint Café (Google Maps location) edged out all the others for its laid-back vibes and off-the-beaten-path location.
This place is one of the coolest hidden gems in Krabi. It’s located at the top of a dirt road in the middle of the jungle, which means it takes a bit of effort to reach. Basically the only way to get here and back to town is to get here via motorbike or rental car, but that’s part of the appeal!
The cafe is kinda like a giant treehouse with excellent Thai dishes, smoothies, and coffee drinks. Plus, with the cute resident cats and otherworldly views, it’s a dreamy place to spend an hour or two. Unlike other viewpoints in Krabi, there’s no entrance fee or need for a reservation, but do expect things to be buzzing for sunset.
Take a Dip in Sa Kaeo Lagoon
Most visitors to Krabi opt to visit the famous Emerald Pool. But did you know there is an equally spectacular pool that’s closer to town and far less touristy than the Emerald Pool?
Enter Sa Kaeo (Google Maps location).
This hidden gem is actually a very short drive from the Kuan Nom Saow Viewpoint Café (mentioned above). So it’s well worth visiting both in the same outing. The entrance fee for Sa Kaeo is 100 baht per person and includes a bottle of water and a headlamp, which you’ll use to explore the cave.
The friendly staff will lead you to the start of the well-marked trail. The short trail will lead you to the cave and then onto two blue freshwater lagoons. The second one is open for swimming and has rope swings and cute fish. The chilly water is the perfect reprieve from the hot and humid Krabi temps!
Enjoy the Views from Khaothong Hill
Khaothong Hill is definitely touristy and trendy but because it’s roughly 30 minutes from the main tourist hub of Ao Nang, it still feels like a hidden gem. Those in the know come here ahead of sunset to witness the countless limestone karsts that dot the Andaman Sea in their best light.
But no matter when you visit, seeing this unreal landscape in person is absolutely breathtaking. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Krabi that also offer stellar views, this is it. Khaothong Hill is located on private property, so you will have to pay 70 baht per person to enter. This entry fee includes the shuttle, which takes you from the parking area up and down the steep hill, as well as 30 baht off at the hilltop cafe and restaurant.
At the top of the hill, you’ll find the ultra-hip Khaothong Hill Cafe & Restaurant. You don’t have to purchase anything if you don’t want to – there are quite a few terraces that offer endless photo ops. However, this is a very popular place to enjoy a lovely meal with a view or sunset cocktails. If you want to dine on the coveted outdoor terrace for sunset, you need to make reservations.
Hike to Laem Chamuk Khwai Beach
When it comes to truly unique things to do in Krabi, try and find Laem Chamuk Khwai Beach (aka Secret Beach). This hidden gem is located roughly 5 kilometers south of Khaothong Hill, at the very tip of the peninsula (Google Maps location). This is one of the top places to go in Krabi to get views of the province’s famous limestone karsts from a truly unique location.
After you park in the lot at the start of the trail, follow the trail through the forest for about 15 minutes until you reach the cliffs along the ocean. There is a short, steep, and crude cliffside pathway carved out – including steps and ropes to help you down – that will lead you to the beach.
When I visited during sunset, there were only a handful of people there. It was super mellow and seeing the sunset from what really feels like a hidden beach, away from the masses of tourists, was a pretty magical experience. This is a great swimming beach, but there are some rocks.
Have a ‘Wet Lunch’ at MediJungle
I found MediJungle by sheer accident while looking for restaurants on Google Maps. And I’m so happy I did!
This family-owned Israeli restaurant not only serves up authentic Israeli dishes but the setting could not be more unreal. The whole operation is outdoors with seats on a terrace overlooking a real waterfall. The best part? You can go swimming in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall. It’s absolutely incredible.
The food is incredible, too. I tried the Sabich (an egg and eggplant pita sandwich) and the Charred Eggplant with Tahini and both were drool-worthy. But I’m guessing everything else, from the hummus to the falafel and bagels, is excellent, too.
Spend the Day at Tubkaek Beach
Krabi is lined by the beautiful Andaman Sea, which means there are quite a few lovely beaches in the province. When it comes to the most popular beaches in Krabi, Ao Nang Beach and Railay Beach get most of the attention. However, my favorite beach in Krabi is Tubkaek Beach.
You’ll find this hidden gem roughly 30 minutes up the coast from Ao Nang Beach. Not only will you get roughly 2 kilometers of white sand beach to enjoy but this spot offers endless panoramic views of the limestone karsts jutting out of the Andaman Sea.
Get Even More Views at Din Daeng Doi
If you’re looking for spectacular views, Din Daeng Doi (Google Maps location) is another one of the top places to visit in Krabi. This is yet another spectacular viewpoint located roughly 30 minutes from Ao Nang. As with most places on this list, it’s best if you have your own transportation to reach the Din Daeng Doi viewpoint due to its rather remote location.
The fee to enter is 70 baht per person. You can choose to either hike up the hill for 15 minutes or hop in a pickup truck to reach the top. The 360-degree views from here are absolutely jaw-dropping. There’s also a little cafe serving food and drinks if you’re in need of a refresher, as well as picture-perfect sitting areas where you can set up shop for as long as you’d like.
Where I stayed in Krabi
I was torn between staying in Ao Nang and choosing something a bit more off the beaten path. After lots of searching, I decided to stray off the tourist track and stay at the Blu Monkey Pooltara Krabi Hotel & Villas.
This gem of a hotel is nestled in the middle of the jungle and features its own freshwater swimming hole and creek for kayaking, an infinity pool overlooking the jungle, gorgeous grounds and chillout areas, an awesome breakfast spread, and adorable resident ducks and cats.
It’s one of the best and most unique hotel experiences I’ve had in Southeast Asia and I can’t recommend this hotel enough. However, staying here isn’t for everyone. This place is about 30 minutes from Ao Nang, so you really need your own transportation if you want to stay here. But if you’re looking for something one-of-a-kind, you should look into it!
