Krabi

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Thailand's Krabi province has grown hugely popular as a resort destination in recent years and with good reason -- white-sand beaches skirt spectacular limestone karsts for much of the coastline, creating postcard-perfect scenery.

Unfortunately some of the worst examples of trashed beaches are also found in Krabi province -- Ton Sai and Ao Dalam beaches on Ko Phi Phi, for instance, have been close to ruined through a mixture of greedy Bangkok business people, lax environmental regulations and over-eager tourists. Thankfully, there are still some relatively unspoilt beaches elsewhere on the island -- lets hope they stay that way.

But there's more to Krabi province than Ko Phi Phi. The eponymous provincial capital sits on the bank of the Krabi River and has a quaint tourist town feel to it, with a bunch of good guesthouses, traveller cafes, shops and travel agents satisfying most needs. There's some low keys sits which can be visited from the capital, like the Tiger Cave Temple and Fossil Shell Beach, but most people use it as a rest-stop before heading to or from the islands or nearby Ao Nang and Haad Nopphara Thara.

These two mainland beaches draw a steady crowd with Ao Nang in particular having a large range of lodgings from backpacker flophouses to luxurious resorts. Thrown into the mix are a vast range of eateries, tailors, travel agents and other tourist outlets. Ao Nang is very popular -- especially with European package tourists. Just around the headland from Ao Nang is Haad Nopphara Thara -- a long thin beach, split in two by a river. The latter section, most easily reached by boat, has a very laid back, hidden away feel to it with a handful of super-budget places to stay.

Also on the mainland, but only reachable by boat, the spectacular Railay Beach is almost as popular as offshore Ko Phi Phi. Tremendous rock-climbing opportunities along with jaw-dropping scenery, makes Railay Beach a very popular choice -- especially in peak season when it operates at close to capacity. This popularity though comes with a hefty price tag and the main beach is bearing the brunt of over-development and lack of infrastructure -- quiet and peaceful, it is not. Nearby Ton Sai Bay is the better location for those looking for some peace and quiet.

 

Further afield, the long, thin Ko Lanta, which sits to the south of the provincial capital has been a long-running favourite -- particularly with families due to its mostly calm waters and secluded beaches. Accommodation is far more affordable here than on Ko Phi Phi, Ao Nang or Railay making it a great spot for a budget beach break. Though don't assume it's all budget -- if you want, you can spend a fortune on Ko Lanta as there's some lovely resorts to choose from.

There's still more islands -- Ko Si Boya, Ko Jum and Chicken Island are all worth a look in.

Back on terra firma, Krabi province is also home to some primary rainforestat Than Bokkharani National Park, just 30 minutes north of Krabi town, where the endangered Gurney's Pitta still manages to eke out an existence. This small, yellow-bellied bird was thought to be extinct until 1986 when a few were discovered -- even today, only 13 pairs are believed to be alive. Other feathered rarities also dwell in Krabi's rainforest, making it a must-see stop for bird-watchers.

The provincial capital, Krabi town is mostly visited as a stop on the way to any of the above, but one could easily spend a day or two in this sleepy provincial capital. While not wallowing in exciting sites, there are some good value choices for your stay, some surprisingly-good eating, and the surrounds do have a few minor sites worth peeking at.

The town is carpeted with travel agents who can organise just about anything, including parting you with stacks of money in return for shoving you on poor quality buses. The only way to guarantee this won't happen is to use only the public buses from the bus station. They cost more, but are far better quality, and they'll always take you where you want to go. The regular minivans departing from town are also a safe bet.

Text and/or map last updated on 11th August, 2009.
Further reading
 » Diving with a difference -- Reef conservation in Thailand

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Ancient Realm Resort
364, Moo 3, Saladan Koh Lanta
From: US$10.65 with HostelWorld


Koh Kwang Resort
Klong Muang Beach
From: US$12.00 with Sawasdee


City Hotel Krabi
Krabi Town
From: US$13.00 with Sawasdee


The Greenery Hotel
Krabi Town
From: US$16.00 with Sawasdee


Thepparat Lodge Krabi
151-155 Maharaj Road Paknam District
From: US$18.11 with HostelWorld


Thepparat Lodge
Krabi Town
From: US$19.00 with Sawasdee


Howdy Relaxing Hotel
Krabi Town
From: US$22.00 with Sawasdee


Thip Residence
Ao Namao Beach
From: US$22.00 with Sawasdee


Baan Andaman Krabi
Krabi Town
From: US$24.00 with Sawasdee


Mountain View Resort
Ao Nang, Tonsai
From: US$24.00 with Sawasdee


Green House Hotel
Krabi Town
From: US$25.00 with Sawasdee


Ao Nang Beach Resort
Ao Nang Beach
From: US$25.00 with Sawasdee


Klong Muang Inn
36/13 Moo 3 Nong Thale Klong Muang
From: US$26.01 with HostelWorld


Beach Terrace Hotel
Ao Nang Beach
From: US$28.00 with Sawasdee


Ao Nang Sea Front Thai Resort
Ao Nang Beach
From: US$28.00 with Sawasdee

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Fresh off our Asia travel forum

Here are some discussions off the Travelfish forum, perhaps related to Krabi. You can find the full forum here.

Topic	Replies	Views
Best places for me near Trang/Krabi  In Thailand: by ceedee1, last reply by ceedee1	1	186
Ko Tao - Chumphon - Krabi - Ao Nang - Railay - Tonsai with Fame Tours  In Thailand: by danandhan	0	240
JP Mansion/Melody Bar, Krabi town  In Thailand additions: by narinarsa, last reply by derkdiggler	1	303
From Phuket to Krabi  In Thailand: by shadek, last reply by KevinCorr	5	687
Aloha Inn, Bar, & Restaurant Ao Nang Beach, Krabi  In Thailand additions: by alohaaonang	0	523
Bangkok - Koh Samui - Phuket (or Krabi?) - Ko Phi Phi - Bangkok  In Thailand: by SonjaKaisa, last reply by somtam2000	1	817
Bus travel from Surat Thani to Krabi  In Thailand: by patvivian, last reply by patvivian	3	794
phuket or krabi help  In Thailand: by rc, last reply by somtam2000	3	670
Pls Help --- KRABI or PHUKET excursions ??  In Thailand: by rc	0	451
krabi airport to koh mook  In Thailand: by boxee, last reply by boxee	3	463
Transportation from Krabi to Ko Lanta.  In Thailand: by mmeckel, last reply by mmeckel	6	972
Ko Lanta or Krabi  In Thailand: by westcoastmimi, last reply by westcoastmimi	10	1283
From Nakorn Shri to Krabi town  In Thailand: by lenjac, last reply by idreamofdurian	2	362
Bang Saphan to Surat or straight to Krabi?  In Thailand: by alexlazarus, last reply by tezza	13	655
Krabi or Phi Phi and Khao yai....  In Thailand: by NewbieC, last reply by NewbieC	3	648

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