Krabi

Krabi is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, blessed with white sandy beaches, stunning islands, and awesome sea cliffs. From blissful relaxation to cultural explorations and active outdoor adventures, Krabi has an abundance of terrific things to see and do.

Krabi is a great place to relax. The pace is unhurried and many beaches can only be reached by boat, keeping development to a minimum. Much of the province has been designated national park. The Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park incorporates many of the mainland beaches, over 80 smaller islands and the Phi Phi islands - made famous as the idyllic location for the Hollywood film ‘the Beach” and popular with yachtsmen, scuba-divers, snorkellers and day-trippers from Phuket.

As well as beautiful and relaxing scenery, Krabi offers an adventure playground for those who like to get "out and about." Kayaking, sailing, birdwatching, snorkelling, island hopping and sightseeing are just a few. In the interior, two predominantly mainland national parks, Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bokk-horani, offer inland scenic attractions including waterfalls and caves, and opportunities for trekking, birdwatching and eco-tours.

What to see in Krabi

There are a number of places to visit in Krabi for a traveler. Some of the best places to visit in Krabi are Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill, PhraNang Cave Beach, Railay Beach Viewpoint, Poda Island, Hong Islands, Pranang Cave, Emerald Pool, Wat Kaew Ko Wararam, Saline Hot Spring Khlong Thom, Koh Panyi Floating Muslim Village, Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium, Huai To Waterfall, Chao Fah Night Market, Kwam Im, Andaman Cultural Center and Dragon Crest. Out of all these places, Railay Beach is one of the most popular Krabi places to visit.

1. Railay Beaches Caves

It is yet another secluded beach in Thailand, situated in the city of Krabi. Railay beach is beautiful seashore with tranquil white sand and clear seas. The beach is located in just one small peninsula with large limestone cliffs, lagoons,caves, and viewpoints.

2. Tab Kak Hang Nak Nature Trail

There are several ways to enjoy an intimate experience with nature in Krabi, and trekking at Tab Kak Hang Nak is one of them. Hang Kak is a mountain park teeming with rich collection of tropical flora and offering spectacular views of the sweeping landscapes around. Due to its lavish verdure, the park is one of the most enticing places to see in Krabi.

Tab Kak Hang Nak is well-known for its hiking trail that leads one to a point where photography becomes a heavenly affair. There are several stretches with steep ascent on the trail but the path is paved in most parts and can be considered by novice hikers.

3. Phra Nang Shrine

Phra Nang Shrine, also known as the Princess Cave, is a small cave at the end of Phra Nang Beach. Accessible from the sands, the cave is filled with phallic offerings wrapped with colourful ribbons, flower garlands, traditional statues, and other gifts. The penis-shaped items come in all sizes and colours. The lingas (phalluses) represent the Hindu deity of Shiva, and making merit here is said to increase fertility. Local fishermen also come to pray and seek safety while at sea.

4. Ko Phi Phi

The postcard picture-perfect beaches, unending thickets and craggy cliffs of this island have been known for seducing people from all over the world. Often visitors find it a herculean task to detach themselves from the just flawless beauty that this place offers. Planning a holiday in Krabi? Add this in your list of places to visit in Krabi.

5. Tiger Cave Temple

The kind of place that demands some efforts, and then rewards you with pretty sights in return, Tiger Cave Temple is a revered Buddhist temple in Krabi. The name of this temple is attributed to the prominent tiger paw prints inside the cave. In order to reach the summit, one must climb up a staircase having 1237 steps which makes a visit all the more exciting. 

If you want to soak in a 360 degree panoramic view of Krabi, this summit offers you that – a visual treat indeed. All in all, Tiger Cave Temple is undoubtedly one of the best tourist places in Krabi.

6. The Emerald Pool

Rejuvenate each and every segment of your body at the emerald pool, where the water comes from the hot springs and the entire zone is hot bedded. From all the four corners it is surrounded by the trails of greens and hails out to nature lovers.

Where to Eat in Krabi

Seafood and fiery curries are the norm in Krabi, where there are some exceptional places to eat. In Ao Nang, try the Crab Company or Lae Lay Grill, while Diamond Cave in Railay has beautiful wooden furnishings, a seafront terrace and, most importantly, serves wonderful massaman curries and deep fried squid. If you are in Krabi Town, check out the Indian cuisine at Taj Palace or Ruan Thip, the best bet for a traditional Thai banquet.

Shopping in Krabi

Shopping is far to be the main attraction in Krabi, yet you will find here all that is necessary to spend an agreeable holiday, as well as a cool choice of beautifully handcrafted souvenirs to bring back home. On Krabi's beaches, you don't have to go shopping, the shop comes to you. Ambulant vendors ply the sands selling everything from sarongs to suntan lotion, from bookends to Buddhas, from batik to beer.

However, if you're serious about shopping there are bargains to be had in the riverfront shops of Krabi Town and if you are good at haggling and bargaining down prices even Phi Phi Island has its interesting nooks and crannies. Ao Nang has stall after stall of souvenirs and handicrafts so simply wait for the sun to go down and hit the shopping trail.

Best Time to Visit Krabi

The best time to visit Krabi is during the dry season during the months of November and March. This time is also ideal for partaking in windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, and also be a part of festivities. Krabi experiences hot weather throughout the year and is accessible all year round. When planning a vacation, take proper note of the weather conditions so as to avoid any inconvenience or plan cancellations after reaching Krabi as the weather can change a lot. Being close to the equator and beside the Andaman Sea, temperature in Krabi remains around 24 degree to 30 degree celsius throughout the year. Krabi sees the highest number of travelers during the winter season as the weather in these months is dry and cool.

How to Reach Krabi

Located on the south-west coast of Thailand, if one wants to know how to go to Krabi, then the only way to be here is via airways. One can board flights, like: Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and more from India to Krabi to explore this enticing place. Being one of the popular tourism destinations for Indians, thousands of tourists flock here to enjoy a holiday while lazing along its exotic beaches and indulging in water sports.

The Krabi International Airport is well-connected to all the major Asian countries, including India. As the India to Krabi distance is approximately 3200 kilometres by air, one can easily board a plane from India to reach here, taking an average time of 10 hours. One can also avail local transportation facilities, and board a bus from Bangkok or Phuket to reach Krabi. However, Krabi is not well-connected by rail. One shall have to take a road transport to reach Krabi from its nearest railway station, Trang.