Krabi

Krabi is situated on a relatively low and flat patch of land running along the Krabi River, which is to the east. Kanob Nam mountain is visible to the north -- two limestone rocks jutting up from the water at curious angles. Krabi attracts travellers mostly due to its location, being convenient to the airport (13km) Ao Nang (22km), Nopphara Thara Beach (18km) and the main pier at Krabi passenger port (3km). This is also where the main bus terminal is located, 3km outside of town. The 'Old Pier' (Krabi Pier) is located off of Klongkha Rd on the Krabi River, near the town centre, but other than infrequent departures to Railay Bay, no regularly-scheduled tourist boats use it anymore -- they all use the main pier.

The de-facto 'centre of things' for most backpackers is the area around the Chao Fa pier in the southern part of town, where much of the budget accommodation is located along Klongkha, Uttarakit and Chao Fa roads.

There are also three hotels along Klongkha Rd, offering views of the river, but the actual centre of town is located a bit north, along Maharat Rd, where you'll find the main shopping centre, KFC, Swensens, two 7-elevens, and the downtown night market.

Internet is available everywhere, and the going rate is 1B per minute, 40B per hour -- no better deals are available, and quality varies widely. For a high-speed connection and full-range of services, including internet phone, CD and DVD burning, printing, scanning, and memory card readers, try World Net on the corner of Uttarakit and Issara Roads (open daily 08:00 to 24:00).

On Uttarakit Rd heading north, about 1km outside town, is Krabi Hospital, with 24- hour emergency medical care T:(075) 611 203, (075) 611 227. For anything major, make sure you wind up in Phuket, at either the Bangkok-Phuket, or Phuket International hospitals.

For English language novels, travel guides, and maps, you can head to The Books on Maharat Road in the centre of Krabi town, though there are also half-a-dozen used book stores offering potboilers and page-turners scattered throughout the town. Bibliophiles should definitely seek out Krabi and Beyond for a really eclectic selection of used books that focuses on more high minded matter.
The Books - 78-80 Maharat Rd, Krabi. T:(075) 612 693.
Krabi and Beyond - 1 Maharat Soi 6, Krabi. T: (075) 630 060.

Banks and ATMs are to be found mostly along Uttarakit Road near the centre of town.
Most of the main services are located along the river side of Uttarakit Road as you head south. Starting from the base of the hill at Klongkha Road:
Post Office (200m up the hill on the left). Open daily, 08:30 to 16:30, poste restante is located around the back.
The Immigration Office (500m up the hill on the left). Open Mon-Fri: 08:30 to 16:30. T: (075) 611 097. Good for visa extensions and any problems that might come up. If you're on a tourist visa, you'll still have to leave the country and enter again to extend it another month.
Police Station (700m up the hill, on the left). Open 24 Hours. T: 1122