For adventurous and brave individuals, solo travels can be very exciting. However, the issue of safety should always come first as it would be detrimental to put yourself in harm’s way. Since you are here, chances are you about to embark on a solo trip to Krabi but can’t help but wonder if it is a safe destination for solo travelers. In this article, I’ll try to answer your question as vividly as possible and also provide some precautionary measures to take into consideration when traveling to Krabi alone.
Is it Safe to Travel to Krabi Alone?
Generally, the city of Krabi is a safe destination for solo travelers; male or female. However, just as it is with other destinations around the world, there are traces of petty thieves and scammers, and that is why you must consider some precautionary measures while in Krabi. Below are some safety tips you might want to consider to ensure a safe trip.
- Generally, drink spiking is a very common incident in destinations that thrive on tourism. However, the chances of getting your drink spiked in Krabi are very low, but that does not mean it cannot happen. You can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of such awful incidents by avoiding drinks that were not poured or opened in front of you.
- While partying, try not to get too drunk to the point you can’t feel your face if you don’t have anyone to assist you back to your resort or hotel. Lao Khao is a very popular alcohol you should watch out for if you are light-headed. If you rented a car or motorbike, be sure not to drink and drive as the majority of deaths in Thailand are affiliated with motorbikes.
- Try putting on appropriate clothes, especially if you do not want to attract unnecessary attention. Western travelers are often branded as ‘promiscuous’. If you intend to visit traditional sites like temples, etc, be sure to wear clothes that are not too revealing.
- Just as you would in your hometown, evade pickpockets by ensuring your valuables are out of sight. There’s also the possibility of being robbed of your valuables even in the friendliest towns, and Krabi is no exception.
- Make sure your preferred area for accommodation is secured. If you’d rather stay far away from the sea, Ao Nang central might just be the right place for you. If you’d rather live by the beach, then destinations such as Railay Beach and Ton Sai Beach are ideal. It is important that you make inquiries concerning the charging system involved before renting an apartment or a room. The majority of hotels do not charge per person, instead, prices are fixed per room. If you are a solo traveler on a budget and wouldn’t mind pairing up with people in a room, then you can always go with hostels.
- Organized tours are one way to see some of your favorite sites in Krabi. It also has security advantages as you will be journeying in groups and with a guide. It is also cost-effective and an avenue to make some new friends.
How to Arrive at Krabi Alone
In the southern part of Thailand is Krabi, a province blessed with picture-perfect islands, turquoise waters, thick forests, beautiful beaches, and limestone cliffs. It is among the most sought-after vacation destinations in the country. For a solo traveler visiting Krabi for the first time, arriving at this dreamlike destination can be challenging. Below is a guide on how to arrive at Krabi from other parts of Thailand like Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Bangkok.
Irrespective of your current location, whether it is Europe or Asia, it is easy to arrive at Krabi because there exist domestic and international flights en route to this province. If your current location is within Thailand, alternative transportation methods include ferries, buses, or trains.
How to Arrive at Krabi from Phuket
There are several ways for a solo traveler can journey to Krabi from the popular city of Phuket. The distance between these tourist destinations is just 170 kilometers and can be traveled with several transportation methods such as boats, buses, taxis, and vans. Irrespective of what transportation method you decide to go with, you are bound to enjoy every second of your journey as the roadside views are picturesque.
You can also find ferries belonging to certain companies en route to Krabi from Phuket. These companies are the likes of Andaman Master, Chao Koh Group, Ferry Tigerline, and others. It takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes to arrive at Krabi from Phuket when journeying with a speedboat. On the other hand, using a ferry takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes to arrive at Krabi. Also, from the Rassada Pier in Phuket, at least a boat leaves there every day for Krabi. Traveling by ferry to Krabi from Phuket can cost as much as 700 or 1200 Thai Baht, these prices depend on what travel company you decide to go with. The disadvantage of traveling by water is that trips can be canceled, delayed, or postponed depending on the weather and sea conditions.
How to Arrive at Krabi from Chang Mai
If you find yourself in the northern part of Thailand and in the city of Chiang Mai; the then capital of Lanna Kingdom, you can travel to Krabi by flight or by bus. Both Air Asia and Bangkok Airways organize daily flights to Krabi airport, with the former having their departure time set at 4 pm and the latter; at 11:50 pm. Boarding flights to Krabi from Chang Mai can take an arrival time of about 2 hours.
If you can’t afford the cost of flights from Chang Mai to Krabi, you can either travel by train or bus. However, it would take a longer arrival time and will require stopping at Bangkok to board a different train or bus en route to Krabi. Do note that flights from Chang Mai to Krabi are somewhat affordable and would be the fastest, easiest, and best method to travel to Krabi.
How to Arrive at Krabi from Bangkok
The distance between Krabi and Bangkok is 650 kilometers. There are lots of ways solo travelers can arrive at Krabi from Bangkok despite the distance. They include flights, taxis, vans, buses, and trains. Traveling by bus is one of the best ways of transporting to Krabi from Bangkok. At Khao San Road and the southern bus terminal is where one can find buses en route to Krabi. The buses at the southern bus terminal do depart for Krabi by 7 am, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm and may take 12 to 13 hours to arrive at Krabi. Buses at Khao San Road begin departing for Krabi between 6 pm and 7 pm. Boarding a bus to Krabi from Bangkok could cost as much as 1,000 Thai Baht per person for regular tickets.
A better, more comfortable, and faster alternative to traveling by bus to Krabi from Bangkok is boarding a flight. It is more convenient and makes the trip a lot shorter. Between 7 am and 7:30 pm, one can catch flights heading for Krabi from the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok within 1 to 2 hours. An alternative airport is Don Mueang Airport. Here, about 14 flights depart for Krabi per day between 5 am and 10 pm. The cost of flight tickets at these airports fluctuates and is determined by the time of the year. On average, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to arrive at Krabi Airport from Bangkok.
If you live outside of Thailand and will prefer to journey by road for the experience, you can decide to go by taxi upon arriving at Don Mueang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport. Do note that it may cost around 11,500 Thai Baht, making it the most expensive method of transporting to Krabi from Bangkok.
You can also decide to travel by train to Krabi from Bangkok, however, your journey will require the combination of a train and a bus or a train and a van. Either way, this type of transportation method is less practical and takes longer arrival time. It only becomes an ideal choice for those who want to know what it feels like to travel by train in Thailand. Since no direct trains are heading for Krabi from Bangkok, one will have to first board a train to Surat Thani from the train station at Hua Lamphong. This route also takes a long arrival time, that’s why it is advisable to get on a sleeper train that leaves at night. From Surat Thani train station you will be able to board a bus heading directly to Krabi. You can also board a mini-van as they are ever-present and faster. You should also know that the mini-vans do come with a disadvantage as there is usually lesser space for luggage.
The Best Places to Visit at Night as a Solo Traveler in Krabi
While visiting Krabi alone, it is important that you enjoy the most of your time. To do so, you may have to venture into the night as it is this time that most of the best places come to life. Night outings in Krabi provide a glimpse of the authentic Thai culture and a full picture of the nightlife.
You can find night markets, pubs, nightclubs, and bars, offering opportunities to chill, dance to live performances, and shop in one of the largest markets in the region. Below you will find some of the best places to visit at night for wonderful experiences as a solo traveler in Krabi.
- The Boogie Bar
Situated in the walking street of Ao Nang is the Boogie Bar. It is the ’70s-themed bar with proximity to the beach. A lane divides this bar into two, with the bigger side of the bar having a pool table, tables, and chairs, while the other smaller side has a stage for live performances by local talents and just a few tables and chairs.
The live pop classic music performed by local talents is responsible for making this bar the center of attraction. Whatever is your drink preference, be rest assured you will find it here; they offer everything from soft drinks to beer and even cocktails. Their operational hours begin at 3 pm and end at 1 am.
- The Bang Bang Bar in Ao Nang
This destination is close to Railay Beach and is regarded as one of the best places to visit at night in Krabi. It is lively and often filled with people chilling and enjoying the sunset views while listening to good music that compliments the ambiance of this spot. The Bang Bang Bar offers a lot to visitors; from mojitos to pina colada to good beer. They also serve delicious smoothies and traditional Thai tea.
The atmosphere here is chill and welcoming. This is an ideal spot to unwind after a stressful day of exploration. As a solo traveler in Krabi, chilling at this spot also allows the to make friends. The attendants here are professionals and often go out of their way to make sure visitors are well-catered for.
- Amy’s Bar at Soi RCA
Whether you are on a hunt for delectable snacks, warm hospitality, a live crowd, chilled drinks, or upbeat music, Amy’s Bar at Soi RCA is where you’d want to be. This place offers all the experiences one could ever look for in the nightlife at Krabi, it offers the opportunity to party hard. Soi RCA is a center for entertainment in Krabi, and Amy’s Bar makes sure visitors get exactly what they come here for. There are lots of screens in this sport that transmit live entertainment.
- Ao Nang Walking Street
In one sentence, Ao Nang Walking Street is a shopping paradise. It is a must-visit destination for not only solo travelers but families and couples. With proximity to the town’s beach, it looks like an absolute retail complex with everything including banks and shops. It comes to life at sunset and offers lots of goods and services ranging from souvenirs to home decor, as well as food.
What are the Best Things to do in Krabi as a Solo Traveler?
There are lots of leisure activities a solo traveler can take advantage of in Krabi. However, the majority of these activities are adventurous, thanks to Krabi’s rugged terrain. So, if you are the type who is into adventure, Krabi is the right place for you. Below are some of the best things you can do in Krabi as a solo traveler.
- Explore the Caves and Beaches in Railay
One of the most popular beach areas in Krabi is Railay. This destination can only be accessible by boat and is located far south of Ao Nang. This peninsula is blessed with lots of scenic spots which include four stunning beaches with fine white sand and turquoise waters, a lagoon, caves, vistas, and giant limestone cliffs. With all of these features, it is only natural that Railay is among the most sought-after destinations in Krabi province.
- Visit the Phi Phi Islands
This destination can be explored by ferryboat rides and is just 90 minutes away from Krabi Town. The islands in Phi Phi are gorgeous and some of the most beautiful in the country. Not that this region is known to be dangerous, but it would be in your best interest to go with organized tours as you will not only be going in groups but will get the most value for your time because you will have access to a tour guide.
Some of the major activities on these islands include rock climbing, snorkeling, hiking, and scuba diving. You can also find a range of dining options in this region, including a festive atmosphere.
- Visit and Explore Krabi Town
Krabi Town is the capital of Krabi, and despite being the commercial hub of the city of Krabi, it has managed to maintain its charming and laid-back status. The surrounding beach areas of Krabi Town are among the unique highlights of this region. To experience authentic Thai hospitality and culture, this is where you’d want to be. This region is charming in every sense of the word.
Conclusion
Is it safe to go to Krabi alone? The answer is yes, the people here are welcoming and the crime rate is remarkably low. However, this does not warrant reckless behaviors with the potential to jeopardize your safety. Just as you would in your hometown, it is necessary to consider some precautionary measures as seen above. Irrespective of what gender you belong to, it is advisable to sign up for organized tours as this not only ensures your safety but values your time and money.
When visiting Krabi as a solo traveler, be sure to stay at secure accommodation complexes. Some of the best and most secure places to stay in Krabi are Ao Nang Central, Ton Sai Bay, and others.
