Whenever I thought of Thailand, I pictured neon lights, wild parties, and full moon raves… thanks, Instagram! But in May 2025, my wife and I discovered a side of Thailand that rarely makes the feed.

From the sun kissed beaches of Krabi to the lush rainforests and serene lakes of Khao Sok, this trip gave us a deeper, slower, and much richer taste of the country. We spent a week hopping between these two beautiful places, starting and ending in Krabi, with a nature soaked adventure in Khao Sok sandwiched in between.

Our Itinerary (7 Days)

• Day 1 – Ao Nang
• Day 2 – Railay & Phra Nang Beach | Kayaking & Rock Climbing
• Day 3 – Transfer to Khao Sok | Bamboo Rafting
• Day 4 – Cheow Lan Lake Full-Day Tour
• Day 5 – More time in Khao Sok | Return to Ao Nang
• Day 6 – Phi Phi Islands Tour
• Day 7 – Four Islands or Hong Island Tour

If you’re short on time, you can skip Khao Sok (though I’d argue not to!) or swap it with Phuket for a more mainstream vibe. But if you crave nature and stillness, trust me, Khao Sok is gold.

Day 1: Settling into Ao Nang

Ao Nang is where our journey began. It’s a lively coastal town in Krabi filled with energy, music, food, and that unmistakable vacation buzz. If you’re looking for convenience, this is the place to stay. Restaurants, shops, travel agents, ferry counters, everything is within walking distance.

The beach is long and sandy (except during high tide), and decent for swimming, but don’t expect jaw dropping views here, those are coming soon! Still, it’s an excellent place to catch the sunset. We wrapped up our first evening sitting by the beach, watching a fire dancer twirl blazing poi against the orange pink sky.

Don’t miss Family Thaifood & Seafood – this place gets packed fast, especially during dinner. Expect a short wait, but the seafood is well worth it.

Krabi has also become a magnet for Indian travelers lately, which means there’s no shortage of Indian food joints.

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Depending on your arrival time, you can squeeze in a visit to Railay Beach on this day or save it for tomorrow. We chose the latter.

Day 2: Railay and Phra Nang Beach

Though not technically an island, Railay Beach feels like one. It’s only accessible by boat thanks to the tall cliffs that cut it off from Ao Nang.

Boats leave every few minutes from Ao Nang beach, and a one-way ticket costs just 100 Baht. But but make sure to catch the last public boat back by 6 PM, or you’ll need a pricey private boat!

We started at West Railay, soaking in the views, and then rented a kayak to paddle around the cliffs to reach Phra Nang Beach, arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of sand I’ve ever seen. Towering cliffs, emerald water, and caves..it looked like a dream.

But what really stole the day? Rock climbing.

To be honest, I was hesitant at first. 1700 Baht per person for a half-day climb? I wasn’t sure it was worth it. But my wife convinced me and glad that she did. It ended up being one of the most thrilling and empowering things I’ve ever done. We scaled real cliffs on East Railay, roped in and clinging to cracks in the rock with a view of the turquoise sea below. The adrenaline rush was real.

We even met a couple from Singapore who were climbing on their own and told us Railay is considered one of the top 10 climbing spots in the world. Now I believe it.

The climbing package included hotel pickup, ferry transfers (although we didnt need it since we came to the island ourselves) , gear, and an instructor. It was seamless and an amazing way to reach Railay if you haven’t gone already.

Optional: If you’re up for something magical, Railay also offers night kayaking tours to see bioluminescence. You’ll paddle through glowing water under the stars and yes, they arrange a private boat back to Ao Nang afterward.

Travel Tip: Long Boats vs Speed Boats

When island hopping in Thailand, you’ll likely travel by either a traditional long-tail boat or a modern speed boat.

Long Boats are the iconic wooden boats with long, pointy noses and very loud engines. They’re the most affordable and charming way to hop between nearby spots like Railay Beach or the 4 Islands, and honestly, part of the Thailand experience.

But for longer trips, like to Phi Phi Islands, these boats can feel a bit rough, noisy, and slow. That’s where speed boats come in. They’re faster, smoother, and not too expensive, only a few hundred Baht more, and totally worth it for a more comfortable ride across open water.

💡 My advice?
Long boat for short hops, speed boat for the big adventures. Your ears and back will thank you.

Day 3: Into the Wild – Khao Sok National Park

After two days of sun, sea, and sand, it was time for a dramatic shift in scenery. On Day 3, we swapped flip-flops for jungle boots and headed deep into the heart of Khao Sok National Park, a place that felt like stepping into a different world entirely.

Getting There: From Ao Nang to Khao Sok

We took a shared minivan, which is the most popular way to reach Khao Sok. They usually begin pickups around 7:00 AM, right from your hotel doorstep. The journey can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the route and number of stops. We paid 400 Baht per person, which is the standard rate; don’t be afraid to haggle if someone tries to overcharge.

Other options include a private taxi (approx. 2500 Baht) or even public buses from Surat Thani, but for a hassle free ride, the minivan works great.

The Moment We Arrived

As we pulled into the village near Khao Sok, the vibe was unmistakably different. Lush rainforest everywhere, chirping insects, and a serene stillness that instantly made us slow down. No honking, no buzzing scooters, no beach bars. Just dense jungle and misty hills.

We checked into our hotel, Our Jungle House, which I cannot recommend enough. Built right on the banks of the Sok River and surrounded by thick jungle, it felt like a retreat tucked into nature’s lap. Monkeys jumped in nearby trees, and the distant sound of birds echoed like a welcome song.

Afternoon Adventure: Bamboo Rafting

Once we checked into our hotel, we had a few adventure options to choose from:

• A bamboo rafting ride down the Sok River
• Tubing with a guide through gentle currents
• Or trekking in the dense rainforest—home to more biodiversity than even the Amazon!

We chose the bamboo raft ride and what an unforgettable decision that turned out to be.

Gliding down the Sok River on a hand-tied raft made of bamboo was like stepping into a National Geographic documentary. The river snaked through towering limestone cliffs, dense tropical forest, and overhanging vines. The silence was broken only by the gentle sound of water and the occasional call of a hornbill or gibbon. It didn’t feel like a tour.. it felt like nature letting us in on one of her best-kept secrets.

At one point, our guide pulled over near a forest clearing. He took out a hollow bamboo stick, boiled water on a small fire, and made us fresh Thai coffee right there in the middle of the jungle. Sipping hot coffee brewed in bamboo while surrounded by ancient trees? Easily one of the most magical moments of the trip.

Cost: 750 Baht per person.
Duration: Around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Evening: A River Dip and Jungle Calm

Back at Our Jungle House, we couldn’t resist the temptation to jump into the Sok River. The current was strong but manageable, and the water was refreshing after a humid jungle afternoon. It felt wild and free, exactly what we’d come for.

Dinner at the hotel was surprisingly delicious (the massaman curry was a standout), and we spent the rest of the evening just listening to the forest come alive. Crickets, frogs, distant howls..it was nature’s own orchestra.

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Heads Up: Jungle Essentials

• Mosquito repellent is an absolute must. The jungle is beautiful, but the insects are fierce.
• Carry light rain gear, especially if you’re visiting between May and October.

Day 4: Cheow Lan Lake

This was the day. If we had to choose one experience that defined our Thailand trip, this was this one. We started early, heading out for a full-day tour of Cheow Lan Lake. It cost us 1700 Baht per person, and though it included transport, boat rides, lunch and cave visit.

The Journey to the Lake

Cheow Lan is an artificial lake, created after the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam, but trust me, it’s anything but artificial in its beauty. The ride to the pier took a while, but once we boarded the longtail boat, everything changed.

We found ourselves gliding over surreal turquoise-green water, flanked by towering limestone and sandstone cliffs, some rising as high as 900 meters. It felt like we were sailing through a lost world. Jurassic Park vibes? Very real.

Into the Jungle and Under the Earth

Midway, we docked the boat and began a short but fascinating hike through the jungle. Macaque monkeys chattered in the treetops while dusky leaf langurs peeked at us shyly. The forest floor buzzed with crickets and crawling life and for once, I didn’t mind the bugs.

Eventually, we reached another small lake. From here, our guides took us across in a bamboo raft to visit the Tam Gaew Cave, a hidden limestone chamber carved over centuries by dripping water and time.

Inside, the air turned cool and damp, and we stepped into what the guides called the “crystal room”—a surreal cavern where light bounced off glistening stalactites and made the whole place shimmer.

Floating Lunch With a View

By midday, we stopped at a floating hotel on the lake for lunch. The views were unbelievable. Emerald water all around, cliffs in the distance, and nothing but the sound of occasional thunder in the sky. A gentle rain began to fall, and while it made things a bit damp and chilly, it also made the lake feel even more mystical.

If you’re ever planning this, consider staying a night in those floating bungalows. We didn’t, but it’s absolutely on our list for next time.

Day 5: One Last Dip and a Return to Krabi

This day came with a lesson: book your return shuttle early.

We’d planned to take the 9 AM minivan back to Krabi, but by the time we checked, it was full. So we had no choice but to wait for the 3 PM shuttle. At first, we were annoyed. But looking back, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

With a few bonus hours to spare, we went back down to the Sok River, swam in the cold current, and just soaked in the jungle peace one last time. It felt unhurried and wholesome, exactly what we needed.

The return ride was smooth and took about 2.5 hours. We reached Krabi by early evening, just in time to dive into the night market scene in Ao Nang.

Evening in Ao Nang: Street Food and Shopping

The Ao Nang night market is alive with smells, colors, and energy. We wandered past food stalls offering grilled squid, mango sticky rice, pad thai, and everything in between. We shopped for souvenirs, picked up some handmade crafts, and watched vendors make Thai crepes with theatrical flair.

There’s also a newer night market that’s popped up on the southern end of Ao Nang, near See Seekers Hotel. It’s cleaner and trendier—but be warned, the prices are noticeably higher than the main market.

Day 6: A Day Trip to Phi Phi Islands

Let’s be honest—even if you’ve never heard of Krabi, you’ve probably heard of Phi Phi. These islands are practically the poster child of Southeast Asian tourism, and once you’ve seen them, you’ll know why. Turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, soft white sand… it’s the kind of place that looks too perfect to be real.

That said, it’s also wildly popular and we felt it.

We initially considered staying a night on the main Phi Phi island, but eventually decided against it, opting instead for a day trip from Ao Nang. In hindsight, this was a good call.

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Getting There: Speedboat or Bust

Phi Phi lies about 50 kilometers (roughly 2 hours) from Ao Nang, and unless you’re into testing your patience and spine, I highly recommend booking a speedboat tour instead of a longtail boat. It’s faster, smoother, and far more comfortable for the open sea.

Our speedboat trip included Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, snorkeling at Bamboo Island, lunch on the main island, and a final stop at Snake Island (don’t worry—no actual snakes involved).

Stop 1: Maya Bay

We started with the iconic Maya Bay, where The Beach was filmed. This stretch of sand has become so overrun in recent years that it was completely closed to tourists for a while. It’s now reopened, but with strict regulations to protect the fragile ecosystem. For instance, you’re only allowed to wade ankle deep in the water and no swimming or lounging around.

At first, it felt overly strict… until I saw the place.

It’s absurdly beautiful, like someone turned up the saturation on real life. The water shifts through impossible shades of blue, framed by towering limestone cliffs and a curved bay of soft, white sand. It was so stunning, I didn’t mind staying dry.

Honestly? The rules made sense. Nature like this deserves preservation. And with hundreds of us coming in every day, we’re lucky they let us in at all.

Stop 2: Pileh Lagoon

From Maya Bay, we cruised through a narrow passageway that felt like a secret entrance to something magical and it was. Pileh Lagoon opened up in front of us like a jade bowl surrounded by vertical cliffs.

We were allowed about 30 minutes to swim, but for me, this spot was more about standing still and just looking around. The symmetry of the cliffs, the color of the water made it felt like we were inside a painting. One of the rare places where the photos don’t do justice.

Stop 3: Snorkeling at Bamboo Island

Next up: snorkeling near Bamboo Island. The water here was clear, shallow, and teeming with colorful reef fish. It was my first time snorkeling in the Andaman Sea, and watching the fish dart through coral formations felt like swimming in an aquarium without glass.

Was it the best snorkeling I’ve done? Maybe not. But the sheer number of fish and the clarity of the water made it memorable.

Lunch & the Chaos of the Main Island

Lunch was served at a massive buffet hall on Koh Phi Phi Don, the main island. And here’s the honest part: it wasn’t great.

Hundreds, if not thousands of tourists all converged here for a quick, average buffet meal. It felt more like a layover in a crowded airport than a tropical paradise. But hey, after all the swimming and sun, even ordinary rice and curry tasted fine.

Final Stop: “Snake Island” (Sans Snakes)

Our last stop was the misleadingly named Snake Island—thankfully, not a serpent in sight. The island featured a narrow strip of land where we could take a dip, though swimming was only allowed with a life jacket on. A little restrictive, but understandable given the sharp drop-offs and waves.

It wasn’t as dramatic as Maya Bay or Pileh Lagoon, but it made for a calm, low-key end to the day.

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Evening in Ao Nang

By evening, we were back in Ao Nang, sunburned, salt-soaked, and happy. As usual, we took a slow walk through the bustling streets, grabbed some mango sticky rice, and reflected on the day over dinner.

Phi Phi had its highs and lows. It’s stunning. It’s also crowded. But even with the chaos, there’s a reason it’s famous and I’m glad we saw it with our own eyes.

Day 7: Four Islands Tour

By the seventh day, the sea breeze was starting to feel like routine and for a moment, we considered doing nothing. After all, seven straight days of sun, salt, and boat engines can wear you out.

My wife was more than ready for a spa day, and honestly, I couldn’t blame her. But I had one more island-hopping tour left in me, the Four Islands Tour, a half-day trip that’s often considered the most accessible and budget friendly in Krabi.

So while she melted into a massage table, I set out solo for one last taste of Thailand’s coastal charm.

Stop 1: A New Look at Phra Nang Beach

The first stop of the tour was a return to Phra Nang Beach, a place we had already visited on Day 2. But this time, we approached from the eastern side, which I hadn’t seen before. This side reveals tall cave systems and rock formations that feel almost mythological, complete with the famous Princess Cave where locals leave offerings.

Stop 2: Tub Islands

Next, we were off to the Tub Islands, a group of tiny islets Koh Thap and Koh Mor connected by a sandbar that emerges during low tide. They call it a tombolo, and it’s one of nature’s coolest party tricks.

Unfortunately, we arrived during high tide, so the sand bridge was underwater. But we waded across the calm, shallow waters to reach both islands. As we walked, I spotted tiny swordfish like creatures darting close to shore. They shimmered in the sunlight like silver arrows!

Stop 3: Sonerkling near Chicken Island

The third stop was sorkeling near Chicken Island, named after a rock formation that, well, kind of looks like a chicken’s head if you squint hard enough. But sadly, the currents were a bit strong and visibility wasn’t great. There were some fish, but nothing like the vibrant marine life at Bamboo Island the day before. It wasn’t a bad stop, it just didn’t quite live up to the others.

Stop 3: Poda Island

We ended our trip with a visit to beautiful Poda island from where we also had our packed lunch. There was an hour to overselves to wander around the sandy beaches of this island before heading back to Krabi.

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Reflection: Should You Do This Before Phi Phi? Absolutely.

Here’s my honest take: if I had done this tour earlier in the week, I would’ve loved it. It’s short, it’s scenic, and it gives a taste of what Krabi’s coastline has to offer. But after the drama and grandeur of Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon, the Four Islands Tour felt a bit… basic.

So if you’re planning your trip, I’d strongly recommend doing the Four Islands Tour first, before heading out to Phi Phi. Let the experience build up. You’ll appreciate each destination more that way.

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And That’s a Wrap

Seven days. Dozens of beaches. Countless plates of Pad Thai. A few sunburns. A couple of leeches. One or two travel mistakes. And memories we’ll talk about for a long, long time.

Thailand surprised me. I came expecting a party. I left with stories of rain soaked jungle trails, cliff climbs, floating caves, and secret lagoons. Krabi and Khao Sok, in particular, showed us that this country is so much more than Instagram hotspots.

If you’re looking for a trip that balances adventure and relaxation, chaos and calm, sea and forest, this route is for you.

Time to go home. But something tells me, Thailand isn’t done with us yet.