Krabi

Over the Chinese New Year holiday, our family took a trip to Krabi, Thailand, looking for a quieter alternative to Phuket. It was our first time visiting Krabi, and we were drawn to the idea of beautiful scenery, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace — all of which Krabi delivered.

Where We Stayed in Krabi

We stayed in a beachfront Airbnb villa in Krabi, located slightly outside town. The property felt like a private compound, with direct beach access and plenty of space for a family. Because we booked closer to our travel dates, we were able to secure the villa at a better price than expected.

The villa layout was ideal for families:

• Four one-bedroom suites with ensuite bathrooms

• Indoor sitting and dining areas

• A separate full kitchen and larger dining pavilion

• A private swimming pool

• A gazebo for relaxing or booking in-villa massages

• A tall treehouse that quickly became a favorite with the kids

A caretaker visited daily to help with anything we needed, including arranging a private chef, which we used every night during our stay.

Getting to Krabi (No Direct Flights)

At the time of travel (January 2026), there were no direct flights to Krabi from Hong Kong. We flew:

• Hong Kong → Bangkok (Hong Kong Airlines)

• Overnight stay at the Airport Hyatt

• Bangkok → Krabi (Bangkok Airways, early morning flight)
  
  

Arrival at Krabi Airport was smooth. Our car rental was pre-arranged, with a representative waiting in arrivals and the car parked just outside the terminal.

Driving Around Krabi

The drive from the airport to the villa was scenic, with rolling hills, villages, and farmland along the way. One unexpected highlight was occasionally stopping for groups of monkeys crossing the road, which added to the sense of being somewhere special and slightly remote.

Dining and Restaurants in Krabi

While there were a few restaurants nearby, we mostly ate at the villa. Having a chef cook dinner onsite each evening was incredibly convenient, especially with kids. There was also a nearby restaurant with a beautiful ocean view, Khaothong Hill, which became our favorite — we even ordered takeaway from there.

The Beach and Swimming

The Krabi beach (Thalane Beach) in front of the villa was one of the highlights of the trip. It was quiet, uncrowded, and only a short walk down from the property. The water was warm and inviting, though the tidal changes were dramatic. At low tide, the shoreline extended far out, while at high tide the water reached close to the villa steps.

The seabed was soft sand with some rocks, so water shoes are recommended for swimming.

Things to Do in Krabi with Kids

Because the villa was fairly remote, we spent most of our time relaxing:

• Swimming in the pool and ocean

• Playing on the beach

• Evenings watching Netflix and winding down
  
  

We visited Krabi Town once for a clinic visit and a short walk around. The town is small but has the familiar atmosphere of a Thai beach destination, with shops, restaurants, and local energy.

Leaving Krabi via Bangkok

Even without direct international flights, departing Krabi was easy. Immigration and customs were handled at Krabi Airport, and passengers were given a sticker and need to follow the correct international transfer route at Bangkok Airport.

Final Thoughts on Our Krabi Holiday

Overall, Krabi was an excellent family holiday destination — peaceful, scenic, and far less crowded than Phuket. The combination of a private beachfront villa, calm surroundings, and easy logistics made it a trip we would happily repeat. Most importantly, the kids loved it.