Krabi High Season 2026/27: Ao Nang, Railay, Islands and Koh Lanta

Krabi, on Thailand's Andaman coast, has its main travel season from November to April, when the north-east monsoon brings drier weather and the sea on the west coast is usually calm. That is when island trips run most reliably and the limestone cliffs, beaches and clear water are at their best.

December and January are the busiest and most popular months, with prices and demand to match. March and April get hotter and more humid, but the sea is often very flat. Expect daytime temperatures typically in the low 30s °C all season, and the occasional short shower even in the dry months.

Railay sits on a peninsula cut off by limestone cliffs, so there is no road. Longtail boats leave from Ao Nang beach and from Ao Nam Mao, and the ride is short. Boats usually leave once enough passengers have gathered, and fares are set per person.

At low tide, you may have to wade the last metres to the shore, so pack light if you are staying overnight and keep electronics in a dry bag. Many hotels on Railay can help with luggage if you tell them your arrival time. A private transfer can take you from Krabi Airport to the longtail pier, after which the boat completes the journey.

Island trips are the reason many people come in high season. The 4 Islands tour is the classic half or full day from Ao Nang, usually combining Phra Nang beach, Chicken Island, the sandbar at Tup Island and Poda. The Hong Islands trip heads north into Phang Nga Bay for a lagoon surrounded by cliffs, a short ride from Klong Muang and Tubkaek.

Phi Phi is further out and is reached by speedboat day trips or by ferry if you want to stay overnight. Book popular trips a day or two ahead in December and January, and leave early to avoid the busiest hours. National park fees apply on most of these routes and are often paid in cash on the day.

Koh Lanta is a long, relaxed island south of Krabi with wide beaches on its west coast, such as Klong Dao and Long Beach. From Krabi Airport (KBV) the trip takes about 2 hours including the ferry: you drive south to the Hua Hin pier, cross on a short car ferry to Koh Lanta Noi, then drive over the bridge to Koh Lanta Yai, where most hotels are.

A road bridge from the mainland is planned but will not be ready this season, so the car ferry remains part of every road trip. At peak times in December and January there can be queues at the pier. A private transfer with HotelTaxi stays with you on the ferry and drives you to your hotel door, which is easier with children, heavy bags or dive gear than changing between vans and boats.

For the return flight, leave Koh Lanta at least four hours before departure. From Ao Nang, leave about two and a half hours before; from Klong Muang or Tubkaek, about two hours 45 minutes.