What to expect when visiting Krabi
Krabi is a tropical gem on Thailand’s southwest coast. This bustling region is filled with stunning beaches and spectacular limestone cliffs. But as with most places in Southeast Asia, you’ll have to go to its outskirts to see it at its most beautiful.
There are so many things to do in Krabi, making you feel that a few days will not be enough to fit them all into your itinerary. You can go beach-hopping, rock-climbing, and island-hopping. Krabi is also a strategic gateway to the nearby islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.
2 ways to get from Surat Thani to Krabi
There are two ways to travel the distance of 150 km (93 miles) from Surat Thani to Krabi: by minivan (3-4 hours) and taxi (2.5 hours). The journey takes between 2h30m - 4h and the quickest way is by taxi. The lowest priced tickets start from 265 THB ($7.00) for the minivan.Where to stay in Krabi?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Krabi at the bottom of this page.
Surat Thani to Krabi by Minivan
The cheapest option to travel from Surat Thani to Krabi is by minivan. There are several departures a day from 9:00 to 16:30.
Phantip Travel and Pichet Transport are the two companies operating minivans from Surat Thani to Krabi. Fare starts at 265 THB ($7.00) for the 3 to 4-hour trip.
Departure stations
The minivans depart from two different stations in Surat Thani town centre:
The stations are only a 5-minute walk from each other.
Arrival stations
The last stop for the minivans is Krabi Bus Terminal, which is about 10 minutes away from Krabi Town by taxi. Phantip Travel also has minivans arriving at Ao Nam Mao Pier near some beach resorts.
To make your journey easier, we’ve provided everything you need to know below to plan your trip from Surat Thani to Krabi.
Minivan schedules from Surat Thani to Krabi
We suggest booking your tickets online in advance.
Surat Thani to Krabi by Taxi
For a more comfortable option, you can also take a private transfer from Surat Thani to Krabi. However, taking a taxi costs a lot more with prices starting at 2,740 THB ($77.00).
The journey takes at least 2.5 hours to complete by taxi, depending on your destination in Krabi.
We recommend Andaman Taxis for the private transfer from the Surat Thani to Krabi route. You can book a taxi through local taxi companies, travel agencies, or online through the link below.
Our favourite places to stay in Krabi
Krabi province is much bigger than most people first think, 4,709 km² to be exact, but visitors still tend to cluster in the same places. Here’s a quick rundown of the areas most people tend to stay in:
- Ao Nang — here you’ll have access to everything you need; the beach, restaurants, shops, international brands, bars and clubs. It’s a great jumping-off point to the nearby islands such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. The downside is that it almost feels overrun by tourists.
- Railay — a small peninsula south of Ao Nang and separated from the mainland by those towering limestone cliffs most of us associate with Thailand. The only way to get to the magical beaches of Railay is by boat.
- Krabi Town — despite the tourists, it’s managed to maintain a quaint Thai-Chinese market feel. Accommodation is cheaper here whilst not being too far from the beach.
Check out our favourite places to stay in Krabi:
The Morning Mini House - Budget Friendly
The Morning Mini House is a great budget option in Ao Nang Beach. It’s a 10-minute drive to the beach. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, offering a great night’s sleep. Some of them even come with balconies.
The owners of the guesthouse are incredibly friendly and helpful, taking your stay in Krabi to another level. You’ll instantly feel at home here.
- Amazing owner
- Large and clean rooms
- Great value for money
- 10-minute drive from Ao Nang Beach
Private rooms start from $20 per night.
The Box House - Budget Friendly
Located centrally in Krabi Town, The Box House puts you within minutes of many sights in the town. The spacious and colourful rooms boast large, comfortable beds that offer you a great night’s sleep.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen tv for your enjoyment. The owners are friendly, welcoming and offer motorbike rentals onsite.
- Beautiful gardens
- Comfortable and clean rooms
- Motorbike rentals available onsite
- Friendly staff
Private rooms start at $16 per night.
Vipa Tropical Resort - Mid Range
Need to escape to nature? Vipa Tropical Resort is the perfect place to do just that. The resort is backed by towering limestone mountains and surrounded by lush greenery.
The cottages are cute and cosy, with private balconies where you can relax after a day at the beach. Or chill by the pool and go for a swim. The resort is a 5-minute drive to Ao Nang Beach, which the resort provides a free shuttle for.
- Cosy cottages with balconies
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Surrounded by nature and mountains
- Free shuttle to Ao Nang Beach
Cottages start at $48 per night.
@Aonang Guesthouse - Mid Range
@Aonang Guesthouse offers both comfortable dorm rooms and modern private rooms. Whatever you choose to stay in, you can enjoy their refreshing and clean swimming pool.
Tin is one of the best hosts in Thailand, offering the best recommendations and help when you need it. The guesthouse is located in a more local neighbourhood in Krabi and next to one of the best Thai restaurants in the area. This place has a near-perfect rating and it’s easy to see why!
- An amazing host
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Modern and clean rooms
- Located in a local neighbourhood
Private rooms start from $48 per night.
Pinthong Aonang Villa - Treating Yourself
Pinthong Aonang Villa might be classed as high-end accommodation, but it doesn’t have to be expensive if you find some friends! The hotel offers two-bedroom villas for $80 that can fit 4 people. That’s $20 a night for a luxury villa.
The outdoor swimming pool is beautiful, and every inch of the hotel is spotlessly clean. Located in Ao Nang, they even arrange a free shuttle to the beach. This place is the perfect place to relax and take life slowly.
- Great value for money
- Beautiful villas
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free shuttle to the beach
Two-bedroom villas start from $80 per night.
Aonang Eco Villa - Treating Yourself
Aonang Eco Villa is the kind of place you dream of. Beautifully designed and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to lush gardens. Wander through the gardens to the refreshing outdoor swimming pool or the onsite bar. The cocktails and fruit juice are delicious!
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, making sure that you can fully relax and enjoy your stay. There are only 10 villas, creating an exclusive and private feel.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Bright and spacious villas
- Great onsite bar
- 10 minutes from the town
Villas start from $122 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Surat Thani to Krabi
What is the distance from Surat Thani to Krabi?
The distance from Surat Thani to Krabi is 150 km (93 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi?
The fastest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi is by taxi and takes 2.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi?
The cheapest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 265 THB ($7.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Surat Thani to Krabi. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
