3 to 5 Day Krabi Itinerary 2026
A Relaxed Plan That Lets You Enjoy the Area Instead of Racing Through It
A good 3 to 5 day Krabi itinerary is about balance. Krabi is not meant to be done quickly. The scenery is dramatic, the pace is slower than big Thai cities, and much of the beauty is in the rhythm of the days. Limestone cliffs surround beaches, longtail boats drift across the water, and evenings are built around sunset and food rather than schedules.
You can see the highlights in a few days, but the key is grouping activities so you are not spending your whole trip in transport.
This itinerary assumes you are staying in or near Ao Nang, which is the most practical base for short stays.
Day 1: Ao Nang Orientation and Beach Sunset
Arrive, settle in, and resist the urge to schedule too much.
Spend your afternoon walking Ao Nang Beach and the promenade. This is not the most beautiful beach in Krabi, but it introduces the layout, restaurants, and boat departures. You will understand where everything is for the rest of the trip.
Have dinner along the beachfront and watch sunset. Most trips feel rushed because people start with a full tour day immediately. Giving yourself this orientation day makes the rest smoother.
Day 2: Railay Beach and Phra Nang
Take a longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach in the morning.
Railay is one of the most iconic landscapes in southern Thailand. Towering cliffs cut the area off from roads, which is why boats are the only access. Walk between Railay West, Railay East, and Phra Nang Beach using the connecting paths.
Plan to spend most of the day here:
- swim at Railay West
- walk to Phra Nang cave beach
- eat on Walking Street
- relax without checking time
Return to Ao Nang late afternoon or stay for sunset and take a later boat.
This is often the highlight of the entire Krabi visit.
Day 3: Four Islands Tour
This is the classic Krabi day trip and pairs perfectly after Railay because it builds on the same scenery in a bigger scale.
Typical stops include:
- Chicken Island
- Tup Island sandbar
- Poda Island
- Phra Nang area by boat
The sandbar between islands during low tide is one of the most photographed spots in Krabi. The day mixes swimming, short walks, and relaxing beach time.
Choose a morning departure if you want calmer conditions.
Day 4: Tiger Cave Temple and Inland Krabi
Now that you have done water activities, explore inland.
Visit Tiger Cave Temple early morning to avoid heat. The climb is steep but the panoramic view over Krabi province is one of the best viewpoints in southern Thailand.
Afterward, slow the day down. Have lunch in Krabi Town, walk the riverfront, and browse local markets. This gives context beyond beaches and tours.
Return to Ao Nang for dinner.
Day 5: Free Day or Optional Islands
If you have a fifth day, choose based on energy level.
Option one is a Hong Islands tour, which is calmer and often considered more scenic than the Four Islands.
Option two is simply a rest day. Massage, cafe time, and another sunset. Krabi is one of the best places to leave space in your itinerary.
Final Thoughts
A strong 3 to 5 day Krabi itinerary mixes boat days with land days. If every day is an island tour, it becomes exhausting. Alternating activity and relaxation keeps the trip enjoyable and memorable.
Krabi works best when you let the landscape set the pace.
