Krabi is a world-famous seaside destination, yet we list only four campgrounds, of two clear kinds: national park grounds on the islands, and private streamside camps on the mainland. They are the way to see Krabi on a budget many times smaller than a beach resort's.
The park grounds charge ฿30–60 per person and the private streamside camps ฿100–150 a night. Every ground has toilets and three of the four rent gear; half have electricity, and showers are limited.
Counted across the 4 campsites shown on this page, ordered by how many list each one.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park has a camping area near the beach, with water clear enough for snorkelling over coral, a viewpoint and sunrise over the sea. Bamboo Island (Ko Mai Phai), in Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, lies about 7 km from Phi Phi Don, with white sand and shallow reef all round. On the mainland there is a streamside camp at Ao Luek, with several zones — by the water, on shaded lawn — and a small cascade to jump into, and another at Khao Thong, not far from Krabi town, on a stream that runs all year, shallow in places for children and waist-deep in others.
November to April is the Andaman season: calm, clear sea, right for the island grounds and for snorkelling. May to October is the monsoon, with rough water, some boat routes suspended, and the parks may restrict overnight stays on the islands. The mainland stream camps are the better choice then — plenty of water and cooler air — but watch for sudden rises after heavy rain.
Before any island stay, check with the park every time — boats, opening dates, and the overnight rules, which change. Take enough drinking water and food, and carry your rubbish back to the mainland. At the Ao Luek stream camp, bring your own food; the Khao Thong camp serves food and drinks if you tell them in advance. Both have parking and a power hook-up.
฿30–60 per person in the national parks, not counting boats and entrance fees; ฿100–150 a night at the private stream camps.
Our information is that Mu Ko Lanta National Park and Bamboo Island both have camping areas, but overnight rules on the islands change with the season — call the park first.
Two streamside camps on the mainland, at Ao Luek and Khao Thong, at ฿100–150 a night — both with swimming.
