How to Get around Krabi with Public Transport

Occupying pride of place on the western coastline of southern Thailand, Krabi is a beach holiday hotspot for the masses. Blessed with sunny skies and captivating beaches that seemingly stretch on for miles, this island paradise welcomes countless visitors from around the world. Regardless of the duration of your getaway, knowing how to get around the island using public transport can make for a more seamless holiday experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate your way around the isle.

1. Rental Bikes and Scooters

Often regarded as the best way to get around beach capitals the likes of Krabi, renting a scooter or a motorbike from a local rental shop is a great way to enjoy some autonomy during a vacation. Although this option is only accessible for those with an international driving license and insurance, driving around Krabi at your own pace, in your own motorbike, definitely have its advantages. Rental fares are quite affordable in this part of the country and having the freedom to travel to any location at a whim is well worth the price one pays in spite of the less than perfect conditions of the road. Tourists should make sure that the bike or scooter they are renting is in good shape as some rental services sometimes offer malfunctioning vehicles to unsuspecting travellers.

2. Three-wheelers/Samlors

Found on nearly every street corner in Krabi, Tuk-Tuks or three-wheelers are a less expensive and efficient way to get around the island. Keep in mind that three-wheelers are not metered across the island which means your haggling skills will come into play. Samlors, on the other hand, are home-crafted scooters with sidecars that can accommodate passengers. Tourists should reserve Tuk-Tuks and Samlors for short trips and transfers as the ride is less than comfortable if one is venturing too far outside of town.

3. Cab Services

Travellers based at Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort or any one of the other Ao Nang Beach hotels may use taxi cabs to arrive at their accommodation provider but not rely on cab services for the remainder of their vacation. While it may not be the most affordable means of transport available, taxi services are a great way to get around the island in record time and there are several apps and cab companies offering competitive rates for tourists.

4. Buses and Minivans

Buses are not as common in Krabi as they are in the Thai capital, so tourists may find that the short-haul buses are insufficient to meet all their travel needs during a beach getaway. While you can use a VIP bus or minivan to travel from the airport to one's hotel, both these modes of transport are more suitable for longer journeys including day trips to Phuket, Surat Thani or Bangkok. Tourists must also carry the exact amount of change when travelling in buses as the bus conductors are unlikely to change larger notes.

5. Songthaews

As in most beach towns in Thailand, songthaews are also a common feature on Krabi's highways and byways. Ideal for short rides and trips into town, these pickup trucks that have been converted into public transport vehicles are both affordable and comfortable. The best thing about travelling in a songthaew is that you can hop on and hop off the vehicle at various points of the journey, unlike buses where getting off before a bus stop is not the usual practice.

6. Water-Bound Travel

Those who wish to take the scenic route to their favourite beaches and attractions around Krabi can also use water taxis, ferries and the many boats available for charter.