Why Is Krabi So Popular?

Krabi remains a popular destination because it is far more than just a city–it is an entire province. Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Railay Beach, Koh Lanta, and the famous Koh Phi Phi are all in this province, and the lower cost and reduced number of tourists appeals to many travellers.  

With so many destinations, plenty of vacationers choose to rent a car in Krabi. It offers the ultimate in flexibility and can save money, especially when shared with a few people. With a rental car at the ready, here are a few of the reasons visitors choose Krabi:

Krabi Isn’t Overly Touristy

Despite its popularity, first-time visitors to Thailand often miss Krabi, instead opting for places with bigger reputations, like Phuket, Bangkok, and Koh Samui. Krabi lacks the glitz and glam of high-rise hotels and trendy shopping malls, but that is part of its charm. 

Because it is so often overlooked, the atmosphere in Krabi is much more down-to-earth. Holidaymakers are far more likely to find a tourist van or two zipping around than the large double-decker tour buses seen in larger cities. People who have visited often remark about a more intimate experience than other high-profile destinations. It isn’t uncommon to be only one of a handful of people at a tourist site, especially on weekdays. 

The high tourism season from November to April does bring flocks of visitors, but many opt to only stay for a day or two. The quickly departing guests then leave plenty of space for the slow travellers. First-time tourists might wonder, how many days in Krabi is enough? For Krabi Town itself, one or two days is sufficient. Those who want to relax in a more tranquil atmosphere, however, can visit nearby Ao Nang and stay for weeks or even a month or more. 

Jaw-Dropping Views at Lower Prices

A simple case of supply and demand means Krabi is a budget destination compared with more popular cities. Fewer visitors mean that hotels, restaurants, and market vendors have to compete. Prices across the province for just about everything tend to be more reasonable. This is not to say that luxury cannot be found–plenty of high-end resorts and restaurants are located throughout the province. 

This budget-friendliness isn’t the only reason Krabi is popular. The world-famous Koh Phi Phi Islands are part of Krabi Province. Just one hour by speedboat or a few hours on a standard ferry, Koh Phi Phi is a dream destination. 

Because of this, Koh Phi Phi itself is quite touristy. That said, this is one destination that isn’t to be missed. Leonardo DiCaprio made these islands famous in the 2000 movie The Beach. Ever since, travellers have flocked to its crystal blue waters and beautiful limestone cliff bays. 

For the crowd-averse, taking a ferry to an archipelago isn’t the only way to see the best that Mother Nature has to offer. The small beach town of Ao Nang is just a thirty-minute drive from Krabi. In fact, many people who say they visited Krabi most likely stayed in Ao Nang rather than in Krabi Town. 

Here, visitors will find the same towering limestone cliffs seen throughout the south of Thailand. A short boat ride away is Railay Beach and its quieter sister beach, Tonsai. Though it is still connected to the mainland, these beaches are only accessible by boat. 

Tourists who stop in will find that Railay is ideal for beach activities; it also makes for great photos of turquoise waves rolling in between the limestone karsts on either end of the beach. There are even hotels if the mood strikes to stay for a day or two.

Making the Most of a Visit to Krabi

Seasoned travellers often want more adventure and exploration than guided tours. That’s why Drive Car Rental offers a convenient Krabi Airport location–tourists can fly in, pick up their rental car, and drive away. 

Sightseers who want to experience the magic of Thailand can find plenty of destinations on the whole southern peninsula of Thailand. Surat Thani, Khao Sok National Park, Trang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat are all within a two to three hour drive of each other. Each of these destinations has plenty to see and do, and can be the centre of  weeks-long trips in their own right. 

Would-be vehicle renters are advised to book as early as possible, especially for the November to April high season. Booking early helps guarantee the vehicle of your choice is available, and it comes with early bird discounts. Browse our vehicle selection (which includes electric vehicles!) today and see how we can make your trip more flexible and adventurous.