Here’s the thing about Krabi, Thailand: if you’re headed straight for downtown Ao Nang and planning to spend your days shuffling between souvenir shops and the beach packed elbow-to-elbow with other tourists… well, you’re missing the magic. Big time. We’ve now done Krabi a couple times with our kids, and the secret sauce to truly loving it? Stay out of town. Be on boats. Every. Single. Day. Here are our favorite things to do in Krabi with Kids, and some tips on how to make the most of your time in paradise!
Avoid the Tourist Traps (Sorry, Ao Nang)
Look, we get it—Ao Nang is the hub. It’s where many families land, and it seems like the obvious place to be. But it’s crowded, it’s overpriced, and honestly? It’s not where the magic happens. Twice we’ve walked the so-called “Monkey Trail” just south of Ao Nang Beach, lured in by the promise of playful primates. And twice we’ve seen exactly zero monkeys. What we did see? A whole lot of tourists, and some dicey stairs that are no joke—especially if you’ve got small children. Our eight-year-old handled it, but a five-year-old? Not a chance. Unless you really want to spend your hike dodging selfie sticks and carrying a melting kid up uneven steps, maybe give that one a miss.
Your New Game Plan for Having Fun with Kids in Krabi: Boats + Nature
This last trip, we made a conscious choice: boats every day. We hired local guides and said, “Take us anywhere except where everyone else is going.” Best decision ever. We explored islands, ducked into secret caves, swam under waterfalls, and snorkeled in crystalline waters where it was just us and the fish.
Imagine your kids swimming in warm, shallow coves with no one else around. Eating boat-delivered lunches under the sun. Asking, wide-eyed, “Can we do this again tomorrow?” That was our reality. Pure magic.
Where We Stayed: The Balance of Comfort + Seclusion
We started off at Lux Pool Villas Krabi Ao Nang, a five-minute drive from the chaos of town. Perfect for our soft landing. We stocked up on snacks, knocked out some last-minute work (the Wi-Fi held up!), and settled into our private villa with our very own pool. Spacious, quiet, and great for easing into vacation mode. They’ll shuttle you into town if you really need to go—but honestly, we barely did.
Bonus: just around the corner is the Krabi International Boxing Stadium. Several nights a week, they host Muay Thai matches that are equal parts intense and entertaining. We went and enjoyed it—yes, you’ll witness some knockouts, but the event is clearly geared toward tourists, and it didn’t feel odd having our kid there at all. Each match begins with a traditional boxing dance and warmup that’s honestly pretty fascinating to watch. It’s part ritual, part performance—and adds a unique cultural flavor to the whole experience.
Another unexpected gem nearby is The Fun Garden—a funky little restaurant that feels almost imaginary at first. When we arrived, we weren’t even sure if it was open. But go through the main gate, and you’ll find welcoming staff, kid-friendly food, and an amazing play space with costume boxes, climbing areas, books, and even play kitchens. Our kids could have stayed there all day. Total hidden treasure, and one of the best things to do in Krabi with kids!
Once the laptop closed and the real fun began, we moved north to Villa Thalanena By The Beach. Oh man. This place is a dream. Secluded, serene, and a two-minute walk from a nearly-empty beach with a charming little dive bar. Picture lazy sunsets, cold drinks, and kids collecting shells with barely another soul in sight.
Mangroves, Kayaks, and Hidden Worlds
One of the absolute highlights was kayaking through the mangroves in Ao Thalane—just minutes from our hotel. Two-seater kayaks meant each kid rode with a parent, which turned into a team-building (and arm-building) adventure through ancient limestone caves and lush greenery. Our guide was essential, showing us hidden coves and explaining the history and wildlife along the way. It was challenging, yes, but unforgettable.
Boat Adventures and Snorkeling Bliss
For three days straight, we lived the boat life. Longtail boats, speed boats—you name it. We’d hop aboard with our guides, who whisked us away to remote islands and pristine snorkeling spots. No other boats. No tour groups. Just us, turquoise water, and fresh-cooked meals served right on the deck.
The kids were in heaven—splashing, exploring, spotting colorful fish—and we grown-ups got to live our tropical daydreams too. Honestly, if you do one thing in Krabi, do this. Be on the water. Let the coastline surprise you.
Final Thoughts: Ditch Downtown, Embrace Adventure
So here’s our biggest tip: The best things to do with kids in Krabi involves skipping the crowded beaches and cookie-cutter experiences. Krabi isn’t about Ao Nang. It’s about wild coastlines, secret mangroves, and islands where your kids can run wild and free. Hire local guides, hop on a boat, and go find the Krabi that most tourists never see. It’s out there—and it’s absolutely worth it.
