Total Days: 7 Days including travel | Accommodations: Bankgkok Hotel in the Banglamphu area, Krabi hotel on Ao Nang main road | Transportation: Flight from Bangkok to Krabi, walking, and taxis are inexpensive. At least one Tuk Tuk ride in Bangkok is necessary | Traveled With: 2 Girlfriends | Type of Trip: Focus on Sightseeing and beaches | Highlights: Buddhist temples, markets, kongtail rides
DAY 1
At a glimpse: Take 2-hour 30-minute flight to Bangkok, sightseeing
Travel Agenda: After getting situated at your hotel, seek out the renowned pad thai from Thipsamai. Walk 20 minutes and then head to the Grand Palace where the Kings of Siam take residence.
From there, check out two of the most sacred Buddhist temples Wat Phra Kaew (included in the Grand Palace ticket), and across the river, Wat Arun. For dinner, you’ve earned the famed Crab Omelette at Raan Jay Fai. End the night a 10-minute Tuk Tuk ride and drinks at CRU Champagne Bar, because when in Bangkok!
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Markets and street food in Bangkok
Travel Agenda: If it’s the weekend, prioritize Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market, that is described as the “place where you can find everything.” Take a tour of the Jim Thompson Museum, the “Thai Silk King” house, gardens and art collection.
Take a 25-minute taxi to investigate the city’s most authentic floating market, the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market. Take a 25-minute taxi back to the city to experience Khao San Road for street food, live music, cheap beer and people watching.
DAY 3
At a glimpse: 1-hour flight to Krabi, exploring Ao Nang town and local beaches
Travel Agenda: Once checked in to accommodations, explore the town and walk down Ao Nang beach. Chill out there and then walk 20 minutes to Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas via the adventurous Monkey Trail. Once back, treat yourself to a massage. For dinner, walk 5 minutes to local favorite Ao Nang Boat Noodle (get the pad Thai!) Head 10 minutes to the beach to check out Boogie Bar for live music and cocktails.
DAY 4
At a glimpse: Longtail boat through Krabi waters
Travel Agenda: Wake up early to see the sunrise and sign up for a morning yoga class as Samadee Yoga, a well regarded class to restore harmony, health and well-being, incorporating local Thai traditions. Once you’re feeling balanced, book a longtail boat to Railay Beach. Relax, explore, rock climb and get lunch at The Grotto, a famed restaurant under an ancient limestone cliff at the beach.
Once back in Aonang, get a massage along the boardwalk. Roam through town for local souvenirs, such as precious stones, silk scarves, jewelry and fabrics. Walk 20 minutes to Kodam Kitchen, a highly rated authentic Thai restaurant, for dinner.
DAY 5
At a glimpse: Take a taxi to Krabi hiking and nature
Travel Agenda: Eat a big breakfast at Coconuts Café to prepare for the hike. Take a 30-minute taxi to the Tiger Cave Temple. Plan for 1,260 steep, monkey laden stairs to the Temple summit (the view is worth it!) Back on street level, explore the nearby temples and shops before taking a taxi to Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve. From there, walk 10 minutes to the Emerald Pool, a natural hot spring surrounded by forest. Here you can explore other hot springs, waterfalls and also receive your daily massage. Head back to town and get dinner at popular Indian restaurant, Tandoori Night’s Restaurant on the main street.
DAY 6
At a glimpse: Krabi island hopping
Travel Agenda: Charter a longtail “4 Islands” 7-hour tour which includes four of the islands, a stop for snorkeling and enough time to explore beaches and get food. Head back to Ao Nang and embrace your last night-time massage. Get ready for dinner and take a taxi 15 minutes to Ruenmai, a Thai restaurant off the beaten path. Head back to the beach for sunset drinks, toasting to an epic vacation.
Tip: It’s tempting to book a trip to Koh Phi Phi but it’s not worth it unless you have extra days. It’s a 4 hour round trip ride that leaves Ao Nang at 9:30am with the only return ferry at 3:30pm (4 hours on the island unless you stay the night) and is often overcrowded with tourists.
DAY 7
Travel Day
We spent 3 days in Hong Kong prior to our Thailand trip. For that itinerary, click here!
