เช็คลิสต์ 10 ข้อต้องเตรียมก่อนไปกระบี่ครั้งแรก
Going to Krabi for the first time? You'll need 10 things to make the trip smooth. Your ID, Thai cash, sunscreen, beach clothes, sandals, a waterproof phone case, basic meds, a light jacket, a power bank, and your hotel booking. Pack these and you'll skip a lot of common headaches — especially when you're hopping on boats to islands.
Why You Need a Checklist
First-time visitors who don't prep usually run into small problems that ruin the trip. Maybe they forgot a towel and have to buy an overpriced one at a tourist shop. Or they used regular sunscreen and got blocked from a coral reef spot.
Krabi is different from Bangkok in a few ways. ATMs are limited in Railay and the islands. Convenience stores close early in small alleys. And boats to the islands leave on time — they don't wait for tourists. Prepping ahead makes everything easier.
For more details on routes and which months are best, read the complete Krabi travel guide before you fly.
The 10-Item Checklist
1. ID Card and Copies
Your ID is needed to check into hotels, board domestic flights, and rent vehicles. Bring the original plus a photocopy stored separately. If you're a foreign visitor, bring your passport and a copy.
Snap a photo of your ID and passport on your phone too. If your physical ID gets lost, you've still got proof of who you are.
2. Thai Cash (Baht)
Lots of places in Krabi don't take cards. Local restaurants, longtail boats, and night markets are mostly cash-only. Bring 3,000-5,000 baht per person for a 2-3 day trip.
ATMs are everywhere in central Ao Nang and Krabi Town. But Railay only has 2-3 ATMs, and the lines get long. The fee is 200 baht per transaction. Withdraw a bigger amount in Ao Nang before going to Railay — it'll save you money.
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Krabi's sun is way stronger than Bangkok's. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when you're swimming. Pick reef-safe sunscreen — the kind without oxybenzone and octinoxate. Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs.
Some national parks have banned regular sunscreen since 2021. Good tour operators will check your sunscreen before letting you board.
Reef-safe sunscreen costs 350-650 baht at convenience stores. Buying it in Krabi can be 50-80% pricier than Bangkok. Bring it from home.
4. Beach Clothes and Swimwear
Pack two swimsuits and rotate them. While one dries, you wear the other.
A long-sleeve UV shirt (rashguard) protects you from the sun way better than sunscreen. Especially if you're swimming for hours.
A microfiber towel dries fast. Light, easy to pack, and great for the wet-dry cycle.
5. Flip-Flops + Water Shoes
Flip-flops for walking around town and on the beach. Water shoes for going into the sea — they protect your feet from rocks, sea urchins, and broken coral.
Water shoes cost 200-400 baht at convenience stores. If you've got little kids, make them wear water shoes every time they go in the water. Way fewer scraped feet.
6. Waterproof Phone Case
Phones falling in water is super common in Krabi. A waterproof case costs 100-300 baht. It's totally worth it.
Pick a case rated IPX8 (waterproof up to 1 meter or more). You can take photos and videos underwater.
7. Basic Medicines
Pack these:
Pain and fever medicine — paracetamol 500 mg
Motion sickness pills — Dramamine or Bonine. Take 30 minutes before getting on a boat.
Antihistamines for bug bites
Cuts cream and band-aids
Aloe vera for sunburns
If you take prescription meds, bring a copy of the prescription in case you need to visit a clinic.
8. Light Jacket or Small Blanket
Planes and buses in Krabi blast the AC. A light jacket or small blanket keeps you comfortable on the trip.
Speedboats early in the morning (before 9 AM) get chilly. A windbreaker is way better than a t-shirt.
9. Power Bank and Charging Cables
Power outlets in some Krabi hotels are limited. A 10,000 mAh power bank or bigger keeps your phone alive all day. Especially if you're using maps to navigate and taking photos non-stop.
Bring both USB-C and Lightning cables. One of each. In case one breaks or you need to share with a friend.
10. Book Hotels and Tours Ahead
In high season (November to April), good hotels fill up fast. Book 2-4 weeks ahead. You'll get prices 30-50% cheaper than walking in.
Tours can be booked 2-3 days ahead — that's enough time for the operator to prep boats and guides.
If you're a group of 5+ or have older travelers, a private tour is worth the extra money.
What You Don't Need to Pack
A few things you can just buy in Krabi — no need to bring from home:
Extra clothes and beach stuff at Ao Nang market. Cheaper than Bangkok prices.
Snacks and drinks at any 7-Eleven.
Snorkeling gear (mask + snorkel) — your tour operator rents them out for 100-200 baht per day. No need to buy.
If you forget sunscreen, you can buy it in Krabi. Just expect to pay 50-80% more than Bangkok prices.
Tips for Specific Travelers
Families with Kids
Add to your list: kid-sized life jackets (operators have them but sizes might not fit small children), beach toys like buckets and shovels, snacks the kids like for the travel days, and extra wet wipes and diapers.
Couples and Honeymoon
Book beachfront hotels in Railay or Ao Nang. For special meals, reserve ahead — especially the cliffside restaurants in Railay with limited tables.
For honeymoon, private tours are usually worth it. You don't share boats with strangers.
Older Travelers
Pack 2x your prescription meds — extra in case of travel delays.
Sneakers with grip, for walking on Railay's slippery rocks.
A wide-brim hat for the sun.
Pick speedboats over longtails — way more stable and less likely to fall.
Want Help Getting Ready?
Railay Eco Tour packages come with all the gear you need. Life jackets, snorkeling gear, towels, and water are all provided. You don't need to bring anything extra.
Our local guides give advice before your trip. You can ask which months are best for families, kids, or older travelers. We're happy to help.
For first-timers who don't want stress, check out our 4 Islands Half-Day Trip or contact us for personalized advice before you book your flight.
Quick Recap
The 10 essentials cover everything you actually need for Krabi. Start with your ID, cash, sunscreen, personal stuff, beach clothes, shoes, electronics, meds, and bookings.
Pack right and you save time in Krabi. You spend more time exploring — less time hunting for stuff you forgot.
Want to plan your route first? Check out the full Krabi travel guide for transport and hotel tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cash do I need for 3 days?
Plan for 4,000-7,000 baht per person. That covers 9 meals, boat rides, market shopping, extra activities, and small purchases. Bring an extra 2,000-3,000 baht for emergencies.
Can I use regular sunscreen in Krabi?
Around town, Ao Nang, and Railay — yes. But in some national park spots, regular sunscreen has been banned since 2021. If you'll be snorkeling at Hong Island or Maya Bay, you must use reef-safe. To be safe, just use reef-safe everywhere.
Can I buy stuff I forgot in Krabi?
Most basics — clothes, sunscreen, toiletries — are easy to find in Krabi Town and Ao Nang. But Railay has way fewer shops, and prices are 30-50% higher. Try to pack everything before crossing to Railay.
Should I pack baby gear or buy in Krabi?
Pack from home. Baby supplies are limited and pricey in Krabi. Diapers, formula, kids' snacks — bring 1.5x what you think you'll need.
How far ahead should I book hotels?
In high season, good hotels are full 4-6 weeks ahead. Regular hotels can be booked 1-2 weeks before. In rainy season, you can walk in but choices are slim. New Year (Dec-Jan) needs 2-3 months advance booking.
References
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Krabi general info
- Wikipedia: Krabi Province
- NOAA: Sunscreen and coral reefs
- Bangkok Post: Krabi travel feature
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