Getting around Krabi

• Getting to Krabi

LOCAL buses, or songthaew, run throughout the day and are an excellent way of making a day trip into or out of Krabi Town. There are regular stops, but you can hop on or off almost anywhere. Similarly, if you’re not close to a bus stop, you can stand by the side of the road and flag one down, like a taxi. Prices are around 30B per journey (see FLYER for more detailed information when you arrive).

Motorcycle taxis can also be found in Krabi Town and are a fast, if hair-raising, way to get around. The drivers will take you anywhere - for a price, which is best to negotiate before you get on. In Ao Nang beach, there are small minivans (tuk-tuks) and motorbike sidecar taxis (samlor) everywhere, which will take you most places in the local vicinity for 20B per person. Because they charge per person, it is wise not to load too many people into the sidecar as they are not very stable - for more than 2 passengers, take 2 taxis, even if the driver insists it is ok.

There are also regular taxis, which people often hire as a 'car and driver/guide' on a daily basis for around 1800 Baht, depending on where you wish to go. They will also take you from Ao Nang to the airport for 500B, to Krabi Town for 400B and to Phuket for around 2200B. Prices for many other destinations can be seen on the board outside Phra Nang Inn on the Beach Road.

If you’re planning a day out at sea, the traditional wooden longtail boats found on all mainland beaches are your best option for independent island hopping. There are also frequent 'taxi boats' running from Ao Nang to Ton Sai and Railay Beach. These wait until they have enough passengers (in theory 5, but in high season they usually hold out for 10 or more) to depart. Buy coupons for the boats at the booth on the corner of the beach road opposite Phra Nang Inn.

Prices for trips are fixed by the boatmen's club (i.e. are not able to be bargained down) and displayed on a board outside the ticket office. The prices are the same all year round and children under 12 travel free:

 

Longtail boat prices

One way to Pai Plong, Ton Sai or West Railay / Phra Nang Bay: 60B per person.
(100B after 7pm) Minimum 5 people required.

Return from Ao Nang to:
Chicken, Tub or Poda Island: 300B per person, min 5 people.

You can also charter a boat with driver for your own use (not sharing with other passengers); buy tickets at the same booth. The prices are for maximum 6 people, for more you will pay extra.
Chicken, Tub, Poda Island and Phra Nang beach: 2000B (local islands, max. 8 people)
Ko Hong islands: 2200B
Bamboo Island: 3000B

Boats can also be found at Nopparat Thara; Chao Fah pier in Krabi Town; Klong Muang; and Railay. Prices may vary slightly from those in Ao Nang, depending on how much closer or further away from the destination you are. In these destinations you pay the driver directly (no tickets).

For independent exploration further afield, there are numerous private rental options. The cheapest is to hire a motorcycle, although this is recommended only for those with previous experience, as insurance coverage for accidents - or theft - is never included and the roads can be dangerous.

Car rental is perhaps a safer, more comfortable option if there are a few of you to share the cost - prices for an average 4WD can start from around 1200B per day, including insurance and with unlimited mileage. A few hundred Baht extra will get you a better maintained vehicle with an international company such as Budget or National.

Finally, if you can’t be bothered with the hassle of organising your day yourself, there are plenty of reliable tour companies to do it for you. Once you are here, contact your hotel, or nearest agent for more information about the itineraries on offer.