Krabi Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Krabi.
Healthcare System
Krabi offers a two-tier healthcare system with public hospitals providing affordable basic care and private hospitals offering international-standard services. The main public facility is Krabi Hospital in Krabi Town, while Bangkok Hospital Krabi (located between Krabi Town and Ao Nang) serves as the primary private facility with international standards.
Hospitals
Bangkok Hospital Krabi in Ao Nang is the preferred choice for most international travelers, offering 24-hour emergency services, dental care, and specialist consultations. Krabi Hospital (public) can handle most medical issues at lower cost. Several clinics in Ao Nang and on larger islands provide basic medical care and minor emergency treatment.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are abundant in tourist areas like Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and on Koh Lanta. Many medications available by prescription-only in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter in Thailand. Pharmacists often speak basic English in tourist areas. Common medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, and stomach remedies are readily available. Bring prescriptions for controlled substances.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation and private hospital treatment can be expensive. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities like diving, rock climbing, and water sports if you plan to participate.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance details at all times
- Private hospitals may require payment guarantee or deposit before treatment; insurance documentation expedites this process
- For diving accidents, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Phuket; ensure dive insurance covers chamber treatment and medical evacuation
- Bring sufficient prescription medications for your entire trip plus extra; while many medications are available, your specific brand may not be
- Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration are common; stay hydrated and use sun protection
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft of unattended belongings, particularly on beaches, at markets, and in crowded areas. Motorbike theft is also relatively common.
Motorbike accidents are the leading cause of tourist injuries and deaths in Krabi. Roads can be poorly maintained, traffic rules loosely followed, and many tourists lack experience with motorbikes or driving on the left side.
Drownings and near-drownings occur annually, often involving tourists swimming during monsoon season, in areas without lifeguards, or while intoxicated. Strong currents and riptides can be present even on calm-looking days.
Rock climbing falls, diving accidents, kayaking incidents, and snorkeling injuries occur periodically. Not all operators maintain the same safety standards.
Traveler's diarrhea and stomach upset from unfamiliar food, different hygiene standards, or contaminated water/ice. Most cases are mild but can disrupt travel plans.
Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration are common among tourists unaccustomed to tropical heat and humidity. Can escalate to heat stroke if not addressed.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
After renting a jet ski, operators claim you damaged it (showing pre-existing damage) and demand large cash payments, sometimes with aggressive tactics or threats to involve police.
Drivers quote inflated prices or claim meters are broken; some take indirect routes to increase fares; airport taxis may refuse to use meters.
Friendly locals or tuk-tuk drivers recommend 'special' gem shops or tailors, claiming one-day sales or tax-free opportunities. Gems are often fake or overpriced; tailors deliver poor quality goods.
Taxi or tuk-tuk drivers claim your destination is closed for holiday/cleaning/ceremony and offer to take you to alternative (commission-earning) locations instead.
Similar to jet ski scam, rental shops claim damage to motorbikes that was pre-existing or inflated in severity, demanding cash payments before returning passports held as deposit.
Boat operators quote per-person prices that are actually per-boat prices, or add unexpected fuel surcharges and fees after the trip.
In some bars, particularly go-go bars, bills are inflated with drinks you didn't order or prices much higher than menu prices. Aggressive demands for payment may follow.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Beach and Water Safety
- Never leave valuables unattended on the beach; use waterproof bags for essentials
- Check tide times before visiting beaches accessible only at low tide (like Phra Nang Cave Beach)
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral and marine ecosystems
- Book island-hopping tours only with licensed operators; avoid unlicensed longtail boats for long journeys
- Always wear life jackets provided on boats, even if you're a strong swimmer
- Be aware that some beaches have no lifeguards; Ao Nang has the most reliable lifeguard presence
Transportation Safety
- If renting a motorbike, ensure you have proper license coverage (international driving permit with motorcycle category)
- Helmets are required by law; police checkpoints are common and fines are issued
- Use Grab taxi app for transparent pricing when available
- For airport transfers, book through your hotel or use official airport taxi counter
- Avoid overnight buses/vans for long journeys; accidents are more common at night
- If taking ferries to islands, choose reputable companies and avoid travel during rough weather warnings
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, cash, and valuables; photograph important documents
- Check reviews for safety concerns before booking, particularly for budget accommodations
- Ensure your room has working locks; request room change if you feel unsafe
- Be aware that some budget bungalows on islands have limited security
- Know your hotel's location and how to describe it to taxi drivers
- Keep emergency numbers and your hotel's contact information readily accessible
Money and Documents
- Carry photocopies of your passport; keep originals in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers to avoid skimming devices
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry some cash as many small vendors don't accept cards
- Keep emergency cash separate from your daily spending money
- Never leave your passport as deposit for rentals; offer cash deposit or copies instead
Cultural Respect and Legal Compliance
- Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees); remove shoes before entering
- Never disrespect images of the Thai royal family (illegal and taken very seriously)
- Avoid public displays of anger or frustration; maintaining calm 'cool heart' is valued
- Don't touch people's heads or point feet at people/Buddha images (culturally offensive)
- Drug laws are extremely strict; possession can result in long prison sentences
- Smoking is banned on many beaches including Ao Nang; fines are enforced
- Respect marine park rules; don't touch coral, feed fish, or litter
Health Precautions
- Bring a basic first aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and bandages
- Stay up to date on routine vaccines; consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines
- Use insect repellent consistently to prevent dengue fever
- Avoid touching stray dogs and monkeys; rabies is present in Thailand
- If you need medical care, private hospitals provide better English support than public facilities
- Bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you carry
Activity-Specific Safety
- For rock climbing, use only certified guides and check equipment condition
- For scuba diving, verify operator is PADI/SSI certified and equipment is well-maintained
- Don't dive within 24 hours of flying to avoid decompression sickness
- For kayaking, wear life jackets and avoid going too far from shore if inexperienced
- Book adventure activities through reputable companies with insurance coverage
- Don't attempt activities beyond your fitness and skill level
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Krabi is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, with thousands visiting without incident annually. Thai culture is relatively conservative and respectful. However, as with anywhere, women should take sensible precautions, particularly regarding accommodation choices, nighttime activities, and interactions with strangers. The main concerns are opportunistic harassment rather than serious safety threats, though isolated incidents can occur.
- Choose accommodations in well-populated areas with good reviews from other female travelers; Ao Nang has the most tourist infrastructure
- Avoid isolated beaches, trails, and areas after dark; stick to well-lit, populated areas at night
- Dress modestly outside of beach areas; cover shoulders and knees, particularly in towns and temples
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers; watch your drink being prepared
- Use registered taxis or Grab rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours for activities rather than hiring private guides alone
- Be aware that some Thai men may interpret Western friendliness as romantic interest; maintain clear boundaries
- Solo dining is completely normal and safe in tourist areas
- Connect with other travelers through hostels or tours if you prefer company
- Keep your phone charged and share your location/plans with someone
- Unwanted attention is typically verbal rather than physical; firm, clear rejection usually works
- The tourist police (1155) can assist with harassment issues and generally take complaints seriously
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Thailand and has been since 1956. Thailand has progressive LGBTQ+ rights compared to many Asian countries, with anti-discrimination laws in place and same-sex civil partnerships recognized as of 2024. However, same-sex marriage is not yet fully legalized (though legislation is advancing).
- LGBTQ+ travelers generally experience Krabi as welcoming and safe; discrimination is rare in tourist areas
- Many hotels and resorts are LGBTQ+ friendly; same-sex couples can typically book rooms without issues
- Public displays of affection are generally uncommon for all couples in Thai culture; discretion is appreciated outside tourist areas
- Ao Nang and larger resorts tend to be more cosmopolitan than rural areas
- While there's no prominent LGBTQ+ scene in Krabi specifically, nearby Phuket (2-3 hours away) has an active LGBTQ+ nightlife
- Thai people are generally non-confrontational; any discomfort is more likely to manifest as avoidance rather than hostility
- Transgender individuals are relatively visible and accepted in Thai society ('kathoey' or 'ladyboy' culture)
- Staff at international hotels and tourist businesses are trained to be inclusive
- Use common sense and read the room in more traditional or rural settings
- LGBTQ+ travelers should feel comfortable being themselves in tourist areas while respecting local cultural norms around public affection
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Krabi due to the combination of adventure activities (diving, rock climbing, water sports), motorbike rental popularity, variable healthcare costs, and distance from major medical facilities. Medical evacuation from islands or to Phuket/Bangkok can be extremely expensive. Many activities popular in Krabi are specifically excluded from standard policies, requiring additional coverage. The cost of comprehensive travel insurance is minimal compared to potential medical bills or emergency evacuation costs.
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