As we’re currently in the heart of the rainy season in Krabi (from May to October), Krabi Sunset Cruises is taking a well-deserved break from sailing the waters.
Every year, while the wetter weather takes hold of our province, we bring our boat onto dry land to give it some much needed TLC.
As usual, it is undergoing basic inevitable repairs, but we’re also working on some exciting new upgrades to maintain the luxury experience and gear up for a fresh season ahead.
Stay tuned on our Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes updates and sneak peeks of what’s coming next! In the meantime, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Krabi, rain or shine. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, don’t worry—there are still plenty of activities and indoor gems to explore.
Here’s a guide to making the most of Krabi, even when the rain is falling.
When is rainy season in Krabi?
Rainy season in Krabi typically runs from May to October, with the heaviest rains (in our experience) between September and October. While this may seem like a deterrent for travellers, Krabi’s green landscapes come alive during this period, making it a unique time to visit.
FAQs about Krabi’s rainy season
Is it worth visiting Krabi during the rainy season?
While most travel blogs and tour sites will tell you, “Absolutely!”, we think it’s only fair that we say “yes” with a caveat. If you’re travelling to Krabi for it’s famed island tours, scuba diving, or beach life, it’s worth noting that the weather at this time can heavily affect those things.
During the rainy (or ‘low’) season, island-hopping tours may be limited – during choppy weather, the last thing a lot of tourists want to do is sit on a small long-tail boat for a full afternoon, and many of these cheaper experiences will halt for the season.
Similarly, a lot of tour companies (including ourselves) aim deliver a high-quality sea tour that meets the expectations of our guests, which is harder to do when it’s not safe to get in the water, or visibility is limited. As a result, many of us use the opportunity to close for a short period to carry out maintenance checks.
What the rainy season does offer is a quieter, more peaceful experience around Krabi. At this time of year, many of the hotels and guest houses reduce their rates, and beach days can be enjoyed without the busy high-season crowds.
Are outdoor activities still possible in the rain?
Many outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, trekking, and hot springs, can be more enjoyable during the rainy season due to fewer crowds. The hot springs, in particular, can get very busy between December and March, which inevitably removes the serenity from the areas. During low-season, especially on the mornings of heavy rain, you can sometimes find you have the completely to yourself.
On an additional positive note, most of the tour companies in the area have been navigating this weather for years (sometimes decades!) and are well equipped to adapt to your tour to the weather.
What can you do indoors during rainy season in Krabi?
Wat Kaew Korawaram
Situated in Krabi Town, Wat Kaew Korawaram is a peaceful escape from the rain. Unlike its famous counterpart on the mountaintop (The Krabi Tiger Temple), this place of worship is located right in the heart of town and is easily accessible.
Lined with a golden dragon staircase, the white temple is adorned with intricate details and offers a peaceful respite. We encourage you to pay a visit to this temple – often overlooked – admire the murals and simply enjoying its calming atmosphere. However, please remember, this is a sacred place to locals, and you should dress modestly, remove shoes before entering, don’t point your feet at monks or the Buddha, and talk quietly.
Krabi Bead Museum
Perhaps one of our favourite Krabi Town hidden gems (and fully approved by our real boss, 7-year-old Zoe.)
The Krabi Bead Museum takes visitors on a walk-through journey of the history of bead-making in the region (and wider Thailand.) This free indoor museum showcases ancient beads and jewellery found in archaeological digs throughout Southern Thailand. It’s an interesting way to learn more about the area’s historical significance and craftsmanship and provides interactive displays to keep guests engaged.
While the information boards are aimed at adults, we’ve found this museum to be great for kids too. Outside they have an enormous T-Rex statue and small play area to fuel their imaginations, and the colourful cabinets inside help parents communicate stories to younger visitors.
Thai Cooking Classes
Did you even visit Thailand if you didn’t take part in a Thai cooking class? The rainy season provides the perfect excuse to sharpen your culinary skills. Thai cooking classes in Ao Nang and Krabi Town are highly recommended for visitors looking to learn how to create authentic Thai dishes.
One of our top recommendations is Ya’s Krabi Thai Cookery School – take a look at this episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Great Escapes where Ya teaches the famous Chef a thing or two about Thai cooking!
You’ll be guided through local ingredients, and by the end of the class, you’ll be whipping up delicious meals like green curry or mango sticky rice. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other travellers and bring home a new skill.
Vogue Shopping Center
Located just a short walk from Krabi Market, this is cool place to stay dry while browsing local and international brands. The Vogue Shopping Center in Krabi Town has been in place for a long time, and when we first arrived here it was a go-to location for all your home (and personal) accessory needs.)
Today, it’s an air-conditioned haven during rainy days and you’ll find clothing, accessories, and a number of dining options in this multi-level mall.
Nails Before Males
Beauty lovers should take the time to get their nails done whenever they’re in Thailand; in comparison to most countries, the cost of an impressive new manicure here is particularly low, and the Thai nail artists know how to get creative!
While you’ll find low-cost nails bars on pretty much every street corner of Thailand, it’s always good to have a few recommendations up your sleeve! One of our favourites in Krabi town is Nails Before Males, located just across the road from Krabi Market. Their slick deep purple and bronze interiors provide a more luxurious feel than most of the surrounding salons, and we find their nail artists are able to tackle more complicated designs with more confidence than most.
They also have a new salon in Ao Nang.
Cinema at Big C
It might sound like an activity that you can do anywhere, but the Thai cinema experience is truly unique. Cinema goers are expected to pay respect to the King and will be asked to stand before the movie while The Kings Song is presented on screen.
While many films are in Thai, Krabi’s cinema inside the Big C shows movies in English as well! To make your planning easier, they have a website for screen times that marks which movies are in English or come with subtitles. The Major Cineplex cinema at the large Tesco Lotus also shows the occasional English movie.
Thai Massage and Spa
Take the opportunity to experience a traditional Thai massage at one of the many spas scattered throughout Krabi Town and Ao Nang. A rainy day is the ideal excuse for a morning or afternoon of relaxation and self-care. Try an oil massage for a more relaxing experience or opt for a traditional Thai massage to relieve muscle tension.
As locals, we’re often asked for massage recommendations. Our go-to stops are Ruen Sukhothai Massage Centre and Nature Garden Massage by Pure Krabi, both located in Ao Nang. Ruen Sukhothai is a large, air conditioned venue that sits on Ao Nang’s main street, while Nature Garden is tucked away in the jungle – best reached by bike, tuk-tuk, or taxi.
Visit Local Cafés
Krabi is home to some charming local cafés perfect for enjoying a coffee while waiting out the rain. We’ve spent a lot of time testing out coffee shops and cafes across Krai and Ao Nang (and our Owner Carolyn loves heading out to sample new spots as they pop up!)
For a great list of our favourite spots, visit our page: The best places to have breakfast in Ao Nang, Krabi. While our list here nods to breakfast spots, all of these locations are open throughout the day, and we love their afternoon menus too!
Krabi Town Walking Street Market (Night Market)
This bustling night market in Krabi Town, while mostly outdoors, does have some covered areas, providing a perfect mix of shopping and snacking under protection from the rain. Open from Friday to Sunday, it offers everything from local street food and handmade souvenirs to clothing and jewellery.
Explore Krabi Night Market like a local with our insider’s guide to the top 10 things to do there:
10 Things to Do at Krabi Night Market
Keep following us for updates on Krabi Sunset Cruises, and we’ll see you when we head back out into the waters in October!
