Destination guide
Krabi
Krabi is Phuket's quieter neighbour — spectacular limestone karst scenery, some of Thailand's best beaches, and a slower pace than the big resort cities. For Australians seeking a genuinely remote but connected island base, or a peaceful long-stay alternative to crowded Phuket, Krabi is increasingly on the radar.
KRABI'S APPEAL FOR AUSTRALIANS
Krabi Province encompasses Ao Nang Beach, Railay Peninsula, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and dozens of smaller islands — making it one of Thailand's most spectacular natural destinations. Krabi Town is a genuine working Thai provincial capital, not a tourist resort, which gives long-stay residents a more authentic experience than Phuket or Koh Samui. International flight connections have grown significantly: Krabi International Airport now handles direct or one-stop services from Australian cities (via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur), and the airport is 15 minutes from Ao Nang.
TWO DISTINCT RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Ao Nang: the primary expat residential area. Beach access, walkable strip of restaurants and cafés, boat access to Railay and nearby islands, and a growing long-stay community. More comfortable infrastructure than Krabi Town for Western-standard living. 1-bedroom condo or villa: 10,000–22,000 THB/month. Pool villa (3-bedroom): 25,000–55,000 THB/month.
Krabi Town: the provincial capital, 15 minutes inland from Ao Nang. Quieter, more local, significantly cheaper rents. Better for Australians who want to integrate into Thai community life rather than expat life. Night market, local markets, Vogue Department Store, Tesco Lotus. 1-bedroom apartment: 6,000–12,000 THB/month.
HEALTHCARE IN KRABI
Krabi Hospital (government) handles emergency care adequately. The main private options are Krabi Nakharin Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Krabi — the latter is the better choice for English-language expat care. For serious events, Phuket (1.5–2 hours by road) has Bangkok Hospital Phuket's superior facilities. Australians living in Krabi should ensure their health insurance covers medical evacuation to Phuket or Bangkok.
KOHN LANTA — FOR THOSE WANTING AN ISLAND BASE
Koh Lanta (accessible by ferry from Krabi Town) is an increasingly popular base for Australian digital nomads and semi-permanent residents who want an island lifestyle. Ban Saladan (north) and Long Beach have good café and coworking infrastructure. Fibre internet reached parts of Koh Lanta in 2023. Ferry to Krabi: approximately 1.5–2 hours. Less practical for frequent international travellers than Ao Nang, but deeply peaceful.
COST OF LIVING (APPROXIMATE, 2025)
1-bedroom condo or villa (Ao Nang): 10,000–22,000 THB/month.
Local restaurant meal: 80–250 THB per person.
Total monthly budget for a comfortable Australian couple: 60,000–100,000 THB (approximately AUD 2,650–4,450). Krabi is one of the more affordable Andaman coast options.
Immigration office
Confirm the local immigration office, hours and required documents with the Thai Immigration Bureau before visiting.
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Further reading
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