Thailand · city guide
Krabi Town: the cheaper, more local base
A riverside town, a weekend night market, and the lowest prices in Krabi.
Krabi Town is the spot I'd point you to if you want the cheapest, most local base in Krabi. It sits inland on the river, away from the beaches, so it's where the buses, boats and airport transfers all connect, and where your money stretches the furthest. Half of me is Thai, and this is the side of Krabi that feels most like everyday Thailand to me: a real working town rather than a resort strip. You can still reach Ao Nang and the islands easily, but you sleep cheaper and eat better. Here's exactly how I'd spend a day or two.
- The cheapest, most local base in Krabi
- Transport hub for buses, boats & the airport
- Weekend walking-street night market for dinner
Best things to do
Eat your way through the weekend night market
The walking-street market takes over the centre Friday to Sunday evenings, and dinner here costs next to nothing. Grab a few plates, find a plastic stool, and watch the town come out to eat. My favourite cheap night in Krabi.
Climb Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)
1,237 steps straight up to a golden Buddha and a view that swallows the whole valley. It's a proper sweaty climb, so go early before the heat and bring water. Cover your shoulders and knees, it's a working temple.
Wander the riverfront and markets
Stroll the Chao Fah pier and the riverside walk, past the famous crab sculptures, then poke through the day market for fruit and coffee. The easiest free morning here, and the most local.
Boat out to the islands from Krabi pier
Krabi Town is a launch point too: longtails and ferries leave from the piers here for Railay, the islands and beyond. Agree the price before you climb on.
Where to stay
Getting there & around
Fly into Krabi airport, then it's about 20 minutes into Krabi Town by airport bus, taxi or shared minibus, cheaper and quicker than the run out to the beaches. The town is the transport hub for the whole province, so this is also where the buses to Phuket and the south, and the boats to the islands, all leave from. Once you're here the centre is small and walkable, songthaews (the shared trucks) run out to Ao Nang for next to nothing, and scooters are cheap if you're confident on the roads, always wear a helmet.
Eat & drink
- The weekend walking-street market — Where I'd eat every night it's on: grilled skewers, noodle bowls, fresh fruit and Thai sweets, all for pocket change.
- Riverside day market stalls — Morning roti, southern curries and proper local coffee by the river, the everyday Thai breakfast I always come back for.
Day trips
On the map
Book this trip
A few of these earn me a small cut at no extra cost to you — only ever things I'd actually book.
Frequently asked
Should I base myself in Krabi Town or Ao Nang?
Krabi Town if budget is the priority. It's the cheapest, most local base, with the weekend night market and easy transport everywhere, though you're inland rather than on the sand. Ao Nang is the easier pick if you want to walk straight onto the beach and the island boats.
Is the Tiger Cave Temple climb worth it?
Yes, if your knees are up for it. It's 1,237 steps straight up and a genuine sweat, but the view over the limestone valley at the top is one of the best in Krabi. Go early, bring water, and cover your shoulders and knees for the temple.