Highlights of Krabi
Like many of the world’s great travel destinations, Krabi warrants more than a day to truly experience the many facets of this tropical wonderland. But if you’re short on time, it’s easy to hit a range of highlights in this southern Thai region and get a decent feel for its special ambiance. Between the Andaman Sea, inland national parks and cultural attractions, visitors will find a delightful selection of sights and activities for travellers of all stripes.
Krabi Town is a sensible place to start if you’ve arrived by car from Phuket. There are plenty of guesthouses, a number of bars and restaurants, and a few shopping spots worth a glance, but this somewhat uninspiring seaside town is better used as a jumping off point for the surrounding attractions. The Andaman Sea, which covers southern Thailand’s western coast, is the source of most of Krabi’s watery activities. Towering limestone karst formations rise imperially out of the sea just offshore, providing one of the most surreal backdrops on the planet.
A short boat ride from Krabi Town to Ao Nang resort area will drop you right in the heart of this rare geological display. Railay Beach, which is completely cut off to cars due to impassable cliffs, is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and lively beaches and a great place to stay. The waters are calm, crystal clear and warm, making them ideal for swimming, sea kayaking, snorkelling or just lounging on the powdery white sand. Railay is also Thailand’s hottest rock climbing destination, so if you’re a serious climber or just want a taste of this popular sport, Krabi is the place to do it.
Krabi’s other local beach is Ao Nang, a pleasant 30-minute drive north of town. Although not quite as stunning as Railay, Ao Nang is a better place to base yourself for boat excursions, snorkelling or scuba diving trips around the Andaman. There are dozens of guesthouses, restaurants and bars right on the beach to keep you comfortable. The Four Island Tour is a popular day excursion from Ao Nang, taking visitors on a boat cruise around Krabi’s neighbouring islets.
But not all of Krabi’s highlights are based around the sea. Inland, visitors can explore Buddhist shrines, natural hot springs, and protected jungle parks full of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Tiger Cave Temple is a top attraction, even if you can’t manage the 1,237 steps to the top. Buddhist shrines have been set into the limestone caves over the centuries, and the panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking.
About 40kms south of Krabi are some of southern Thailand’s nicest hot springs, known as Crystal Pools. Tucked into the middle of the tropical forest, these natural pools hover around 35°C and will ease your aches while you soak in the birdcalls of the jungle. Nature lovers will want to explore the trails in the nearby Huay Toh, Khao Phra-Bang Khram, and Tharnbok Khoranee national parks. Well-marked hiking trails lead to swimming holes and waterfalls amid old-growth jungle and its resident creatures.
But Krabi’s most famous attractions are off-shore, and if you do stay longer you’ll most certainly want to take a day trip on speed boat to the world famous Phi Phi island archipelago, or even arrange to stay over on Phi Phi Don. Closer to Krabi are the offshore islands, including the remarkable Hong Island (see first picture on this page), which has a perfectly enclosed lagoon which is only accessible at low tide through a tunnel. There are other similar island which are in pristine condition since development is not permitted on them.
Back in Krabi Town, many visitors choose to join a cooking class, where they will learn the ingredients and tricks which make up the delicious and distinctive southern Thai cuisine. At the end of the day, leave some time for a traditional Thai massage. This ancient form of healing and relaxation uses stretching and massage to put your body back into form. For even more pampering, check out one of Krabi’s many full-service spas. Visitors can go plush or simple in Krabi, where the range of activities keeps visitors coming back again and again.
