Krabi, Thailand

• Krabi is a province on Thailand's Andaman coast, with limestone cliffs, mangroves and a lot of small islands offshore. Most visitors stay in one of three places: Krabi Town, a working provincial capital on a river; Ao Nang, the main beach resort; or Railay, a peninsula backed by cliffs that can only be reached by boat.
• It is a fairly easy place in Thailand to travel alone as a woman. Other solo women are common, eating alone at restaurants and cafes is normal, and serious crime against visitors is rare. The usual annoyances are verbal attention on the busier bar streets, overcharging, and drinks that are stronger than they look.
• Crime is not the main risk. Motorbike accidents, rip currents in the rainy season, and unlicensed jet ski or boat operators hurt far more visitors. Wear a helmet if you rent a scooter, stay out of the water when the beach has red flags, and book boat trips with licensed operators.
• English is widely spoken in Ao Nang and Railay and works well enough in Krabi Town. Songthaews, taxis and ride-hailing apps cover most of the area. Longtail and speedboats to the islands leave from piers at Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi Town.

Thai is the main language, with a distinct southern dialect in Krabi. English is common in Ao Nang, Railay and tourist businesses, and the Tourist Police line (1155) has English-speaking operators. In Krabi Town and on smaller islands, English is more limited, so a translation app helps.

• Krabi has a large Muslim community alongside the Buddhist majority. Swimwear is fine on the beach, but cover your shoulders and knees in towns, villages, mosques and temples. Going topless on beaches is not acceptable.
• Speak respectfully about the monarchy and treat Buddha images with care. Women should not touch monks, hand items directly to one, or sit next to one. Take your shoes off before entering temples and many homes and shops.
• Stay calm in disputes. Raising your voice or losing your temper causes loss of face and rarely gets results. A smile and a polite 'kha' help, and 'sawasdee kha' (hello) and 'khop khun kha' (thank you) are the phrases a woman would use.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 191. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run between Krabi Town, the airport and Ao Nang. They are cheap but slow, and the fare should be agreed before you get in. Metered taxis are rare, so settle the price first or use a ride-hailing app such as Grab or Bolt where it operates.
• Longtail boats run from Ao Nang to Railay and from the piers to the islands. Buy tickets at the official booths, wear the life jacket provided, and skip boats that look overloaded or go out in bad weather. Railay has no roads, so everything there is on foot.
• Renting a scooter is common, and it is the main cause of injury to visitors. Ride only if you have experience, wear a helmet, check that your insurance covers it, and avoid riding at night or after drinking. Photograph the bike before you rent it to head off damage disputes.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Krabi with local guides and curated experiences.