On the west coast of southern Thailand is Krabi province, it stretches from the beautiful island of Koh Lanta in the southern region to the national park (Ao Phang Nga) in the north. The city of Krabi features lots of beaches with fine white sand and turquoise waters, jungles, mangroves, night markets, and a bustling port with longtail boats and ferries always ready to take you to the nearby islands. With all of these features, Krabi sure seems like an ideal city for vacations, but is it worth visiting?
Is Krabi Worth Visiting?
According to theculturetrip, staying in Krabi is like staying in a paradise that does not require breaking the bank. When compared to Phuket, it is less busy and has a more laid-back atmosphere, but when compared to Surat Thani, it is arguably more beautiful. In the southern part of Thailand, the city of Krabi has worked its way into becoming one of the most sought-after destinations.
To help you determine whether or not Krabi is worth visiting, here are 8 reasons why you should add Krabi to your vacation plans.
- The Hotels in Krabi
Being a tourism destination, Krabi is home to a lot of exotic resorts and hotels catering to all kinds of travelers with different budgets. There are lots of five-star hotels here that come with private pools and easy beach access, making them the ideal locations for luxurious holidays and honeymoon getaways. The isle of Ko Yao Yai with its proximity to Ko Jum and Phuket is an area with the reputation for having some of the most stand-out hotels – this region is secluded, quieter, and ideal for people who want to escape the bustling parts of the city.
As earlier mentioned, the hotels in Krabi cater to all kinds of travelers with different budgets, meaning there are budget-friendly options too, especially as this part of Thailand is often filled with young adventure-seeking travelers. Areas such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Klong Khong are among the tourism hubs of Krabi and as such do have lots of affordable accommodation options one can choose from with bargaining opportunities.
Below are some of the best hotels in Krabi province.
- The Sand Sea Resort – situated at Railay beachfront is this huge resort hotel. It is an ideal destination for couples and families.
- The Green House Hotel – has quite a reputation for being serene and family-friendly. You can stay here some nights before boarding a boat to the surrounding islands.
- The Green Pepper – this charming destination is located up the hills in Koh Lanta.
- Scuba Diving in Krabi
The month of November to May is the high season in Krabi and when the Andaman Sea is calm and clear. During this period, Krabi becomes the mecca for scuba divers, just like Phuket and other gulf islands. Fortunately, stunning dive sites in Krabi can be easily accessed by boat. And Ao Nang is among the towns with be best opportunities for snorkeling and wade-in diving activities.
If you are looking for a complete beginner’s guide to the underwater world, Ao Nang is the town you’d want to be in. There exist lots of moderately high rocks that are perfect for diving lessons in Ao Nang. After a few days of training and advancement, you can move on to Ko Poda and Chicken Island (Ko Kai) for a more immersive experience. At these locations, you will also find lots of sites with coral reefs.
The southern shore of Koh Lanta is where you can also find Koh Haa, a cluster of stunning rocks. In this area, you will also find a drop-off of 20 meters high and surrounded by the deeper ocean where even whale sharks have been spotted. Alternatively, you can head over to the Phi Phis where there are beautiful coral reefs that also offer the opportunity to see unique marine life forms such as sea snakes, parrotfish, turtles, and many others.
- The Shopping Experience in Krabi
Krabi is not only the hub for ferries and long tail boat experiences but also the mecca for shopping in southern Thailand. And of course, the Krabi Walking Street is at the forefront for retail buffs with the best shopping experience in this region. It hosts the largest night market in Krabi that only comes to life on weekends and is filled with yellow-themed stalls offering all kinds of goods and services. What’s more? A section of the walking street has a stage for live music performances and is surrounded by tables and chairs where visitors can sit and enjoy the evening while munching on delicious Thai dishes. Yes, you read that right, there also exist lots of stalls serving some of the best local dishes one can ever find in Krabi, including seafood.
For a different shopping experience, you might want to head out to Ao Nang. It takes about 30 minutes of a breezy tuk-tuk ride to arrive at Ao Nang from Krabi Town. This area also offers some of the best shopping experiences in Krabi as the streets are often full of shopping centers, tea shops, and stalls.
Along Chao Fah Park Pier is where one can also find other smaller markets (street food are mainly sold here). For fresh vegetables, seafood, and fruits, the Maharat Fresh Market is you’d want to be – street food can also be found here but only in the evenings.
- The Limestone Cliffs
Krabi’s limestone cliffs are among the most popular attractions in this region, and every year, they attract rock climbers in large numbers from different parts of the world. Krabi’s landscape makes vacations more entertaining by not only offering a breathtaking beachfront but lots of thrilling adventurous activities for daring individuals.
The climbing routes being laid out in Krabi are now in hundreds if not up to a thousand ever since rock-climbing tourists started visiting this region in the ‘80s. Between Ton Sai and Railay is where one can find the most famous limestone cliffs (the 8a+ Tyrolean Wall and Tantrum) that are preferred by many climbers. At the top of these limestone cliffs are stunning views of the food shacks and the horizons of this region.
However, these twin cities (Ton Sai and Railay) aren’t the only destinations with great rock-climbing opportunities. You can sign up for organized tours to other parts of Krabi that also offers thrilling rock-climbing opportunities. Examples of such destinations are Spirit Mountain, the rocks of Khao Khuen Kan, and the cliffs of Happy Island. As a safety measure, ensure your loaned equipment is thoroughly tested and the level of each climb is checked before you start climbing.
- Hiking in the Jungles
The city of Krabi is not only blessed with fine white beautiful beaches with views of the Andaman Sea and high limestone cliffs but it is also blessed with wild and dense jungles, the majority of which belong to the national parks. The Phi Phi Island reserves and the vast lands of Than Bok Khorani are examples of areas with dense jungles.
For hikers, locations with hiking opportunities are not too far away as Krabi Town is home to some very fascinating hiking trails. At the East Railay port, you will find two hiking routes that lead to Ton Sai; one is tidal-dependent and cuts through a bunch of limestone cliffs, while the other cuts through thick bamboo-inhabited jungles.
Alternatively, one can visit Ao Nang to journey through the Monkey Trail which involves climbing shabby stairs to vistas with views of the south hills and nearby jungles. In addition, one can sign up for organized expeditions into the national park of Than Bok Khorani. These expeditions often include hiking through the trails of wetlands, emerald waterfalls, and hidden lagoons on the long-forgotten coast.
- The Tropical Beaches
As earlier mentioned, Krabi is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Thailand. The position of these beaches makes them easily accessible by the locals and visitors – it requires short drives or ferry trips to arrive at these destinations. The views here are magical, like something from a fairy tale novel that will leave you in disbelief. These areas are covered with fine stretches of white sand that fade away into the crystal-clear turquoise water. Also, these beaches are surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs, restaurants serving mouthwatering seafood, and nearby jungles.
Ao Nang beach is the most famous and closest in Krabi. It has been transformed into a resort with several family-friendly hotels strategically positioned to overlook the sea. For a more laid-back and remote experience, one can either board ferries or longtail boats en route to Railay Beach. As we already know, Railay is the mecca for climbing activities in Krabi as it is blessed with several soaring limestone cliffs with stunning viewpoints of the entire region.
From Krabi, you can journey to, and explore the nearby islands within the Andaman Sea. These Islands are the likes of Ko Phi Phi Don, Ko Poda, Ko Phi Phi Lee, Phuket Island, and many more. Each of these islands has mind-blowing beaches.
- The Food in Krabi
For centuries, food has always been an important part of travel. The city of Krabi is filled with lots of stalls and roadside food vendors that make it look like a mecca for street cooking. Some of the most popular foods served in Krabi markets are the likes of sticky mango rice, pad Thais topped with peanuts, zingy tom yum soups, and masaman curries.
If you plan on visiting the southern part of Krabi, expect to see restaurants with a menu offering lots of chili and coconut sauce options, as well as red snapper, shrimp, and all types of seafood, since this region of Krabi is heavily influenced by the presence of the sea and the tropical climate. The sought-after foods in this region are Khao Phat fried rice (served alongside well-prepared fish), and shrimp tom yum.
Thai cuisine is not the only type of food served in this part of Krabi. This southern region often sees the likes of international visitors and as such, there are several establishments with international offerings as well. Koh Phi Phi and Ao Nang are examples of destinations with establishments like Swedish meatball joints, German bakeries, and others.
Here are some of the best must-visit restaurants in Krabi.
- The Chalita Restaurant & Café
This restaurant is famous for its distinctive atmosphere and authentic dishes. It is an ideal destination for unwinding after a long journey to Krabi. It is a wooden 1-story structure where jazz music is often played and has an interior beautifully decorated with soft lighting, rattan cane chairs, and a table. In addition to serving low-priced foods, the staff here is welcoming.
The Chalita Restaurant and Café is situated in Chao Fah alley and opens every day of the week (except for Sundays) with operational hours that begin from 4 pm to 10 pm.
- The Diver’s Inn Thai food and Steakhouse
This destination is among the most visited restaurant in Krabi province. It is Ao Nang’s first German restaurant managed by Jeab Saenubon and Jurgen Weber. It was established in the year 2000 with just a few chairs and a table. Over the years, it has built quite a reputation for serving high-quality dishes and offering top-notch services. Today, this spot has more tables, chairs, and welcoming staff.
The Diver’s Inn restaurant opens every day of the week and has operational hours from 2:00 pm and ends at 10:00 pm.
- The Sunset Bar
Destination Sunset Bar is where you’d want to be if you are on the hunt for a spot with a calm atmosphere to unwind and enjoy life. Klong Muang Beach is where this simple, cool, and unpretentious venue is located. It is between the Pelican Residence and Nakamanda Resort.
Made of recycled materials, like thatch, bamboo, and driftwood, it faces the Andaman Sea and offers visitors the perfect opportunity to watch as the sun sets behind the horizon.
- The Last Fisherman Restaurant
The southern part of Ao Nang Beach is where this tropical restaurant is situated. It also has a bar and was built using recycled materials such as driftwood, bamboo, and thatch. Here you can find chill-out spaces where visitors can enjoy meals while dipping their feet in the sand. Its environs also consist of almond trees and tropical coconut trees that provide shade.
Although this is not a fancy destination like what you’d expect in a vacation destination such as Krabi, the food served here are pretty decent and includes; Thai favorites, western snacks, and BBQ. At the bar area, they serve professionally mixed cocktails that are best enjoyed while watching the sunset.
- The Nightlife in Krabi
If you are looking to get loosed into the nightlife in Thailand, Krabi is an ideal destination for that. However, when compared to a neighboring city like Phuket, the nightlife here is somewhat laid-back with a chilled atmosphere. Phi Phi Don Island in Krabi is among the best destinations to enjoy the nightlife. There you will find the Ton Sai Village where all the action comes to life at sunset and takes place at bucket bars or fire-show clubs. Most times, these activities last till 4 am of the next day.
An alternative to Phi Phi Don Island is Koh Lanta. Irrespective of what pleasure category you belong to, there’s something on this island for you. At Klong Khong beach you will find lots of bars with different styles including bamboo bars and reggae bars that do not close until dawn.
Also, you can venture into the walking street of Krabi town where you can engage in a variety of fun-filled activities watching the sunset at the beach. You can either visit the Factory Beer Garden to try out the different types of Thai Brews or swing by the Tantawan Bar and Café for chilled glasses of beer and some sports.
Conclusion
Is Krabi province worth visiting? The answer is a simple yes. For very good reasons, it is among the top-most visited places in Thailand – it wouldn’t have attained this status if it wasn’t worth visiting. This province is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world protruding from the Andaman Sea. The best part is that these Islands can be easily accessible, but with longtail boats and ferries, they include the renowned Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi Islands. On these islands, you will find some of the most luxurious, picturesque hotels and resorts on the planet. They also present the perfect opportunity for underwater activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
The streets of Krabi are filled with food courts for persons who would love to try out a variety of Thai cuisines. By sunset, some of these streets come to life as they host some of the largest street markets in this region. These markets are often filled with stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, home decor, street food, and artworks. Be prepared for the most immersive experience of your life.
