Looking for a quieter escape to Thailand? Try this hidden gem.

• Krabi, a province in southwest Thailand, offers a quieter, nature-focused alternative to more crowded destinations like Phuket.
• The area is an emerging premiere destination for scuba diving due to its warm waters and thriving marine ecosystems.
• Travelers can fly into Krabi International Airport, typically with a connection through Bangkok.

KRABI, Thailand — I did not doubt in my mind that Thailand was going to be stunning before I arrived for my March scuba diving trip. But nothing prepared me for seeing its southern province, Krabi, in real life – both above and below the water's surface.

Standing on the bow of the dive boat in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, I already felt mesmerized by the dramatic limestone rock formations rising from the water. Then, I strapped on my scuba diving gear and descended into the ocean, and experienced another side of Thailand.

Colorful coral reefs in swaths of orange, green, and purple teemed with fish. I swam over clownfish lingering in anemones, through giant schools of fish, and kept my distance from blacktip and leopard sharks. It was visual overload, but in a good way.

The third season of HBO's hit "White Lotus" may have travelers flocking to the Southeast Asian country, but Krabi remains a hidden gem. A province in southwest Thailand set along the Andaman Sea, Krabi is known for its natural beauty but has far fewer crowds than the more famous Phuket, which has been struggling with overtourism.

In 2025, Krabi saw 3.6 million international arrivals, just over a third of Phuket's 10.4 million that year, according to data from Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

"Krabi is an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter, more nature-driven escape," said Pintida Harnpanpongse, public relations manager for the Tourism Authority of Thailand. "Offering a tranquil and serene side of Thailand, its stunning natural beauty extends from iconic limestone cliffs to a vibrant underwater world – encouraging travelers to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature in a more meaningful way."

Here's what travelers should know about going to Krabi.

Exploring Krabi

With its warm waters and thriving marine ecosystems, Thailand is quickly emerging as a premier scuba diving destination.

In 2025, it was the second-largest country for dive certifications, according to a news release from PADI. Krabi's pristine landscapes beckon travelers to enjoy the beach or explore its vibrant underwater world, and I'd argue one of the best ways to do that is through diving.

Krabi's coastline is lined with mangrove forests that serve as nurseries, sheltering young marine species. "Combined with warm, nutrient-rich waters and diverse underwater topography, it creates an environment where marine life can thrive," said Kari Lehtonen, owner of Fast Manta Diving Krabi, the first Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) eco dive center in Krabi and my dive guide for the trip.

This became evident when I dove nearly 80 feet to a man-made shipwreck that had been taken over by nature and evolved a flourishing yet artificial coral reef.

Even if you've never tried scuba diving before, Krabi is a good place to get your feet wet. "For first-time divers, Krabi is an ideal place to start," said Lehtonen. "The conditions are generally calm, the dive sites are accessible, and the experience of exploring underwater next to these iconic islands is truly unforgettable. If you already appreciate nature above the surface, diving in Krabi is the natural next step – it’s simply the best way to experience the destination in full."

I went on two dives a day at local dive sites just 30 minutes away or on half-day trips to the Phi Phi Islands, a group of six pristine islands home to cuttlefish, jellyfish, reef sharks, and many other marine life. According to Lehtonen, staying in Phuket requires longer boat rides and more traffic.

Back on land, I spent the afternoons decompressing to balance out all the diving. I stayed at three properties, each centrally located in Krabi:

• Varana Krabi Hotel focuses on health and wellness with a relaxing spa and hydrotherapy experience.
• Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, an incredibly luxurious property with a secluded feel that you may recognize from the movie "The Hangover Part II."
• At Banyan Tree Krabi, each room has its own private pool, and morning yoga on the lawn was perfect after five days of diving.

There are also several night markets in Krabi, where one can purchase souvenirs (don't forget to haggle), fresh coconuts, or local food from vendors, and maybe catch a live performance, such as a fire show.

How to get to Krabi

It's relatively easy to fly into Krabi International Airport, with connections via Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. But the war in Iran has disrupted some connections through the Middle East, so travelers may have to route through Asia.

For a trip departing June 1 and returning June 8, an economy round-trip flight from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Krabi International with connections in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur costs $2,085, according to an April 13 search on Expedia.

Krabi travel tips

• As of mid-April, $1 equals 32 Thai baht. It's worthwhile to bring a good amount of cash, since most food and souvenir street vendors or night markets don't accept cards. ATMs are easy to find; I would always go to 7-Eleven.
• American tourists with a return ticket can stay in Thailand visa-exempt for up to 60 days. But you do need to register for a digital arrival card online three days before arriving. I found it to be a quick process, and you can download the QR code to use when going through customs and immigration.
• A universal converter will come in handy depending on what electronics you're bringing. Thailand uses the same flat two-prong outlets as in the United States, and it was simple to charge my phone and laptop at every hotel. But the voltage in Thailand is higher, so some devices, such as hair tools, require a voltage converter.
• In tourist areas and at hotels, it's easy to get around using English. But it's polite to learn common Thai phrases, such as thank you.

The reporter on this story received access from PADI and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.