Krabi

Skip Krabi Town for a beach holiday — Ao Nang has the piers, restaurants, and tour shops. Krabi Town is on the river, no beach. We almost booked there and glad we didn't. Limestone cliffs on the east side of Ao Nang beach road — pick a hotel with that view.

Railay is technically a peninsula but feels like an island — only long-tail boats from Ao Nang (100 baht) or Krabi Town. Stayed 3 nights, climbed nothing, swam everything. West Railay sunset, Phra Nang cave beach on the east. No cars, no roads — pack light.

4 Islands speedboat from Ao Nang — Chicken Island, Tup/Mor sandbank (Thale Waek), Poda, Phra Nang cave. Full day 1500 baht booked on the street. Sandbank at low tide you walk between islands — bring reef shoes. Lunch on Poda was basic but the snorkeling made up for it.

Tubkaek vs Ao Nang — quieter, nicer sand, fewer bars. 10 min taxi to Ao Nang pier for tours. Good for couples who want sleep before 1am. Still limestone views, just less backpacker energy.

Phi Phi day trip vs 2 nights — did day trip today and it felt rushed. Maya Bay photo stop, snorkeling, lunch, back by 4. Stunning but crowded. If you have time, stay overnight on Phi Phi and come back slower.