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Krabi Layover Guide (KBV)

What are you looking for in KBV?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Krabi Airport (KBV) is an international airport located in Nuea Khlong district, Krabi province, Thailand. It’s located about 7 km (4 miles) from downtown Krabi. The airport first opened officially in 1999. Krabi is a vibrant coastal town and gateway to Thailand’s Andaman seascape, famed for its towering limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and laid-back vibe. It’s also known for world-class rock climbing, island-hopping adventures, and serene white-sand beaches and sunsets.

Can you leave Krabi Airport (KBV) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes. With a long layover you may clear immigration and explore Krabi. To exit, you must meet Thailand’s entry rules: many nationals enjoy 60-day visa-exempt entry, others need a Visa on Arrival or e-Visa in advance. If you stay airside, no visa or clearance is required. Check passport validity beforehand. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) Climb 1,237 steps up limestone peak to golden Buddha, jungle vistas, meditation caves and curious macaques; spiritual workout rewarding sweeping Andaman views before descending to serene Thai forest shrine complex. (Time required: 2–3 h. / Airport to here: 20 min by taxi)
• Krabi Town Walking Street Market Sample sizzling satay, seafood and mango sticky rice, browse handicrafts, hear live buskers and mingle with locals at Krabi’s lively weekend Walking Street night market of colourful stalls downtown atmosphere. (Time required: 1–2 h. / Airport to here: 15 min taxi or 90 THB shuttle)
• Emerald Pool & Hot Springs Immerse in mineral-rich jungle hot springs, then stroll the boardwalk through rainforest to swim in the luminous Emerald Pool and nearby Blue Lagoon, refreshing turquoise basins fed by underground streams. (Time required: 3–4 h. / Airport to here: 60 min taxi or tour minibus)
• Railay Beach & Phra Nang Cave Catch a short longtail boat to Railay’s peninsula; sunbathe on powdery West Beach, explore Phra Nang Cave Shrine, photograph towering karst cliffs and watch rock-climbers scale limestone beside emerald sea. (Time required: 4–5 h. / Airport to here: 35 min taxi to Ao Nang pier + 15 min boat)
• Four Islands Longtail Boat Trip Island-hop by longtail across Andaman bay, snorkelling coral reefs at Chicken Island, strolling sandbar between Tup and Mor, picnicking on Poda’s white beach and admiring Phra Nang Cave’s sacred stalactites. (Time required: 6–7 h. / Airport to here: 35 min taxi to Ao Nang pier + boat)
• Ao Thalane Mangrove Kayaking Paddle a sea-kayak through Ao Thalane’s labyrinth of mangrove channels bordered by towering limestone canyons, spotting monkeys, mudskippers and egrets while drifting beneath cathedral-like vaults and prehistoric shell fossil walls. (Time required: 3–4 h. / Airport to here: 45 min taxi or tour van)
• Khao Khanab Nam Caves & River Cruise Board a longtail along Krabi River to the twin limestone peaks guarding town; walk lit caverns with stalactites, learn prehistoric skeleton lore, then cruise mangrove forests past crab-claw fishing huts. (Time required: 2–3 h. / Airport to here: 20 min taxi to Chao Fa Pier)
• Wat Kaew Korawaram & Urban Art Trail Stroll Krabi’s hilltop Wat Kaew Korawaram, gleaming white temple with dragon-lined staircase; continue through downtown alleys photographing street murals of sea gypsies, elephants, and traffic-light cavemen sculpted on quirky intersections. (Time required: 1–2 h. / Airport to here: 20 min taxi or orange bus)

Things to Do in Krabi Airport (KBV)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Krabi’s compact terminals host two pay-per-use lounges: Coral Executive internationaland Bangkok Airways Boutique Lounge domestic. Both provide air-conditioned tranquility, sofa seating, charging points, showers, fast Wi-Fi and complimentary Thai snacks, coffee, beer and soft drinks. Book online or walk-in; day passes cost about 1000–1200 baht per person for layovers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no airside transit hotel, but several budget-to-midrange properties sit within five minutes’ drive, offering free 24-hour shuttles. Popular nearby choices are Nap Krabi Hotel, Palm Driving Range & Resort and Krabi Airport Resort. Rooms start around 1000 baht, with Wi-Fi, breakfast, luggage storage and day-use rates for passengers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Terminals remain open overnight, and travellers regularly stretch out on padded benches near check-in counters or upstairs observation deck. Bring eye mask and jacket; bright lights and chilly air-conditioning persist. Security may request passports but generally tolerant. No designated sleeping pods, though floor space is clean, with accessible restrooms nearby.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free public Wi-Fi is provided throughout both terminals via the “@AirportTrueFreeWiFi” and “TOT Free WiFi” networks. Register with passport number or phone to receive around two-hour sessions, reconnectable. Speed averages 15–20 Mbps, adequate for streaming and calls. Lounges, cafés and some gates also supply additional power outlets and Ethernet points.

SIM/eSIM Card: AIS, DTAC and TrueMove kiosks greet arrivals, selling tourist SIMs (unlimited data 15 days from 299 baht) and activating eSIMs on the spot. Staff cut/scan passports, install within minutes, accept cards or cash. Online providers like Airalo or Holafly too offer alternative eSIMs downloadable before travel, usable immediately on landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Pre-paid taxi counters in arrivals quote fixed fares: about 350 baht to Krabi Town and 600 baht to Ao Nang. Pay, receive slip, then follow staff outside. Metered taxis and ridesharing apps (Grab, InDrive) also operate, though surge pricing can rise during peak hours. Typical door-to-door journey times 20–40 minutes.

Train: Krabi has no rail link; the closest stations lie at Surat Thani (160 km) and Trang (110 km). Travellers reach them by bus or van from the airport, then board overnight trains to Bangkok or regional services southward. Timetables and ticket sales are handled online by State Railway of Thailand. (more info).

Bus: The official Airport Shuttle Bus runs hourly 06:00–22:00, connecting Terminals 1–2 with Krabi Town, Ao Nang Beach and Klong Muang. Tickets 90–160 baht sold at counters outside arrivals; pay cash, receive seat sticker. Journey takes 20–60 minutes depending on route and hotel drop-offs. Luggage stored underneath and comfortable air-conditioning onboard. (more info).

Shuttle: Many Ao Nang hotels and tour operators offer private minivan or sedan shuttles that meet flights with name boards. Pre-book online to lock fixed price (500–900 baht depending on group size). Vehicles are air-conditioned, baby seats available, and drivers will detour to convenience stores on request before delivering you curb-side.

Car rentals: Major agencies—Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt and Thai firm ASAP—have desks in Terminal 1 arrivals, open 08:00–22:00. Compact automatics start around 950 baht per day including basic insurance. A valid licence plus passport and credit card required. Roads are right-hand-drive; car parks use ticket machines with first fifteen minutes free there. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Krabi Airport’s multilevel car park and adjacent open-air lots together offer 700 spaces, with 24-hour CCTV, patrols and payment kiosks. Rates: first 15 minutes free, 20 baht per hour thereafter, capped at 140 baht daily. Motorcycles park separately for 20 baht per day. Long-term packages easily arranged at administrative office.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no official left-luggage facility inside Krabi Airport. Travellers can instead leave suitcases with private counters in arrivals, local tour agencies or the nearby Nap Krabi Hotel for about 100 baht per bag per day. Always keep valuables and electronics; only small hand carry allowed through security early check-in. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Krabi Airport (KBV) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks