Exploring Krabi by Rental Car: Ao Nang, the Emerald Pool and More

Krabi has the Andaman Sea, limestone karsts, the Emerald Pool and natural hot springs — but many highlights are tens of kilometres apart. A rental car lets you fit them into a short trip. Here is what you need to know to explore Krabi by car.

Pick up at Krabi airport

• Our Krabi branch lets you collect and return the car at Krabi International Airport — choose it as your pickup point when booking.
• The branch is open 08:00–20:00 and does not offer after-hours service yet. If your flight lands late or leaves very early, plan your pickup and return within opening hours.
• Book at least 4 hours ahead and upload your documents in your account before you travel.

Where to drive

Ao Nang and the way to Railay

Ao Nang is the most popular base, about 40 minutes' drive from the airport, with restaurants, shops and a longtail-boat beach. Good to know: Railay has no road access. You can only reach it by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao, so park in a car park and take the boat.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

An important temple near Krabi Town. The hilltop viewpoint is reached by well over a thousand steps — go early before the heat, bring water and dress respectfully.

Emerald Pool and Hot Springs (Khlong Thom)

Allow an hour or more from Krabi Town; it works well as a half-day or full-day trip. The Emerald Pool is a clear blue-green pool in the forest, and the Khlong Thom hot springs are warm streams flowing over rock terraces. Leave early for a quieter visit.

Krabi Town

Stroll along the Krabi River near Chao Fah pier, and at weekends browse the town's walking-street market for local food.

Khlong Muang and Tubkaek beaches

For beaches calmer than Ao Nang, drive 20–30 minutes to Khlong Muang and Tubkaek. Nearby, the Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest) trail is a rewarding hike for early risers.

A sample 3-day plan

• Day 1: Collect the car at the airport → check in at Ao Nang → sunset on the beach
• Day 2: Morning boat to Railay → relax in the afternoon or visit Khlong Muang
• Day 3: Emerald Pool and hot springs in the morning → Tiger Cave Temple or Krabi Town → return the car at the airport

Driving in Krabi

• Main roads are wide and easy, but some roads to beaches and villages are narrow, dark and winding — slow down at night.
• In the rainy season (roughly May to October) the sea can be rough and some boat routes may not run. Check the weather before heading out by boat.
• Refill to the same fuel level before returning, and allow at least an hour to get to the airport.
• Thailand drives on the left, and everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt.

See the cars available at our Krabi branch and their latest starting prices below.