The small town of Krabi is situated on the south-west coast of Thailand, on the shores of the warm Andaman Sea. For seasoned travellers, Krabi is the quieter option to the more vibrant atmosphere of nearby Phuket but lacks none of the essentials for a good holiday: dazzling white beaches, awesome sea cliffs, excellent cuisine, luxurious resorts, enticing shopping and of course the famed nightlife. All of this but on a smaller scale.
Why visit Krabi?
- It’s the perfect destination for families
- Great place for couples to recharge body and soul
- Small town atmosphere with all the facilities you need
- Many exciting day trips on land and sea
- Ideal holiday location for families and couples
Things to do in Krabi
- Go island hopping on a catamaran or longboat to some of the 100 nearby islands
- Visit Phi-Phi island – made famous in the movies
- Feel the thrill of a rock-climbing adventure
- Go sea kayaking and explore sea-caves with awesome limestone formations
- Relax with a Thai massage – gentle yet firm and invigorating
- Spend a day on the secluded Pra Nang beach
- Soak up some quiet time in one of the many exquisitely decorated temples
- Shop till you drop in a bustling market
Krabi hotels have so much offer you so speak to the team at Thompsons Holidays about Krabi Holiday packages that will have you racing to pack your bags. Let Thompsons Holidays do the spade work for a memorable holiday in Krabi, Thailand.
When is the best time to visit?
- Thailand is an all-year-round destination with a tropical climate. It is generally hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 18C to 38C
- The seasons are: November to February – Dry, cool and low humidity; March to May – Higher temperatures and humidity; June to October – Rainy season, generally sunny with short cooling showers in the late afternoon and evening
Getting there
- There are regular flights from South Africa to Thailand with convenient connecting flights to Krabi
- The flight duration from South Africa fluctuates according to the airline selected.
Do I need a visa?
- South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Thailand for a stay of up to 30 days.
- Passports must be valid for 6 months after travel.
- Ensure there are two blank pages in your passport for entry/exit stamps.
What time is it?
Thailand is 5 hours ahead of South Africa.
Money Matters
- The official currency is Thai Baht (THB).
- Major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, shops and large restaurants.
- ATMs are found in tourist areas.
- Tipping is an accepted custom. If acceptable, tip restaurant staff, luggage porters, drivers and guides around 10% – at your discretion.
- Food is relatively cheap in Thailand.
Language & phrases
- Thai is the official language.
- English is widely spoken.
Culture & religion
- Theravada Buddhism is the main religion and a predominant element of daily culture.
- In Buddhist culture the head is sacred so do not touch a person's head – even that of a child.
- When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).
- The Royal Family is revered and it is illegal to criticize them.
Health information
- It's preferable to drink bottled water which is readily available.
- Check for all relevant Covid protocols at time of travelling. No other vaccinations are currently required but check with your travel clinic before you go.
- Be aware of smoking regulations in public areas such as restaurants, bars and on public transport. Airports offer designated smoking rooms.
What must I pack?
- Depending on when and where you visit, lightweight clothing for summer, warm clothing for winter, rain gear and beachwear if relevant. Choose items that can be layered.
- Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites – no shorts or tank tops. Legs & shoulders must be covered. Long, loose pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are best.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Travel adaptor
Getting around
- Thailand has excellent transport systems
- Towns in outlying areas may have less sophisticated transport.
- Most popular mode of transport is the informal and inexpensive tuk-tuk taxi.
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Avoid single-use plastic; rather take fabric shopping bags with you and use refillable water bottles (if local drinking water is safe).
- Respect local cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
- Do not support animal encounters and wildlife activities that are harmful or unethical.
Safety tips
- Always have a map (or app) on hand, especially when travelling at night.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency?
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel and police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line for assistance.
