To help you decide whether or not to hit the streets of Krabi, it is important that you know what it is famous for and why. This will help you to better identify what choices of activities are available to you and where you can find them with ease. Moving forward, the primary objective of this article is to reveal to you why the streets of Krabi are famous and to help you decide whether or not to visit.
Krabi Walking Street | Source – thailandtourismdirectory.go.th
Why is Krabi Street Famous?
Far from the beaches and Islands, some of the streets in Krabi are best known for hosting some of the best night markets in the region. Such can be seen in Krabi Walking Street, locally called Thanon Khon Dern. It is among the most visited places in Krabi. This street is famous for hosting one of the most popular markets in the city. It has a great stage at its center where several local artists come to perform their craft. The atmosphere here is lively and its surroundings consist of stalls with over 70 percent of the vendors selling food. Every weekend, this street comes to life and the locals begin to sell all kinds of stuff.
Furthermore, Krabi streets provide the perfect shopping opportunities for shopaholics. Although they do not offer a lavish shopping experience they still manage to debunk the impression that Bangkok is the only ideal shopping destination in the country. Below are the best spots for shopping in the city of Krabi
- Krabi Walking Street
This destination came into the spotlight in the year 2013 when it started providing a glimpse into the life and culture of southern Thailand. Located at Soi Maharaj 8, it comes to life from 5 pm and only on weekends and offers a variety of products which includes handicrafts, souvenirs, artworks, and beverages.
Being only a small portion of the city does not stop the walking street from hosting large crowds and about 60 to 70 stalls every weekend. While browsing through the walking street, from stall to stall, be sure to grab a snack or two as lots of Thai streets food vendors do exist in this area. They serve some of the most delicious local dishes in the city.
- The Morning Market
This spot even becomes lively before sunrise. Locally known as Maharat Fresh Market, it is located at Maharaj 7 Alley and is famous for being one of the markets that never sleeps in Krabi. However, between some hours of the day (12 pm to 4 pm) it becomes less busy but gets crowded from 8 pm till dawn.
The likes of fresh colorful fruits, spices, rice, meat, seafood, fish, flowers, vegetables, and a lot more can be found in the Maharat Fresh Market. Here, you will also find meals that are ready to eat and drinks sold by a variety of food vendors at affordable prices. in the midst of the bustling and hustling of the city, food vendors provide tables and chairs close to their stalls to allow customers to sit and enjoy their dishes peacefully.
- The Nopparat Shopping and Dining Plaza
Experience contemporary-style dining and shopping activities at the Nopparat Thara Plaza in Ao Nang, Krabi. Launched in 2014, the Nopparat Thara Plaza has always provided locals and ex-pats living in this low-key area the opportunity to shop for things without having to travel far and wide.
500 meters from northern Ao Nang and at the Nopparat beach is where you will find this spot. It has proximity to Holiday Inn Resort Krabi and features about 20 to 25 stalls including a food court and restaurants. It is designed with both natural and modern-day construction materials and situated in an eco-friendly environment, filled with trees and plants.
- The Walking Street in Ao Nang
The beach road of southern Ao Nang is where you will find the walking street of Ao Nang. The lanes of this street are partially covered and offer all types of goods and services. Do note that ‘walking street’ in the country is often referred to as a market fair that comes to life during weekends. The same can be said for Phuket Walking Street and Krabi Walking Street.
This Market-like fair came into existence in the year 2007 and has successfully managed to attract people from different parts of the world and walks of life. It comprises restaurants serving Thai, international, and local dishes, a guesthouse, a bank, bars, stalls, and an art gallery.
- Ao Nang’s Chock Dee Handmade
Located at Ao Nang’s beachfront are gold and silver jewelry shop. The Chock Dee Handmade has been around for a very long time and offers a variety of jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and lots more for sale. Over the years, this jewelry shop has built the reputation of selling only original items, some made of rare, semi-precious, and precious materials. Aside from silver and gold, some items are made of fossils and also stone marble.
As the name suggests, these precious pieces of jewelry are handmade in a factory near Ao Nang. Customers also have the option of requesting custom-made pieces of jewelry. The cost of these items is a bit higher because of their quality when compared to other establishments.
- Krabi’s Neighborhood Mall (Vogue Shopping Center)
This shopping center comprises several clothing and shoe brands, a fast food spot, a food court, and a central supermarket. The Vogue Shopping Center is known as the neighborhood mall in Krabi. It is situated in the middle of Krabi, Maharaj Road, and occupies three stories. A mall this large offers both visitors and locals the opportunity to shop for their daily requirements as well as a wide range of items to choose from.
Goods such as jewelry, accessories, and cosmetics are sold by stalls that occupy the first floor of the mall. At the basement level, you will find boutiques selling the most affordable goods such as toys, electronics, clothes, shoes, and even phone cases amongst others. In this mall you will also find a section dedicated to kids, here you will find arcades and video games, and vendors.
- The Walking Street of Railway
The mecca for shopping in Railay is located at the west of this town and is called the Railay Walking Street. It covers a lane of about 70 meters long and features restaurants, bars, and a variety of shops offering good deals. The west side of Railay beach provides the entrance to this overwhelming market. Restaurants and eateries such as Kebab stalls, Flame Tree Restaurant, pancake stands, burger spots, and fruit shake stalls can be seen in the walking street of Railay.
Aside from the long line of shops and restaurants in this spot offering some of the best dining and shopping experiences, there exist other centers offering leisure activities. These centers are the likes of Railay Dive Center and Railay Rock Climbing Shop. There’s also a nearby spa that can be seen at the end of the lane – the ideal spot for receiving massage treatments after a long day of shopping.
- The Malls and Supermarket at Krabi Airport Road
The shopping scenes of Krabi are largely made up of the malls and supermarkets on Krabi Airport Road. Lots of malls and supermarkets are situated near the south side of Krabi central and along the roads leading to Tang, Koh Lanta, and Krabi Airport. These supermarkets are the likes of Tesco Lotus Krabi, Outlet Village Krabi, and Big C Krabi.
The most influential among all of these supermarkets are believed to be Big C Krabi, this is because it has lots of branches spread across the country. Its size is often compared to that of a warehouse and offers certain goods like electronics, washing machines, toys for kids, affordable clothes, and also fresh food. On the hand, other supermarkets such as Tesco Lotus and Outlet Village Krabi offer similar goods, however, the former also offers sports accessories as well as sportswear and fashion.
- Nong Thale’s Khalong Moung Shopping Center
Located 50 m away from Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort is this shopping center. It is the smallest on this list in terms of size. Here is your ideal destination for anything handicrafts and antiques. You can also find boutiques, cafes, and beauty and massage parlors. Unlike some shopping centers in this region and across the country, Khalong Moung Shopping Center is clean, calm, and quiet.
Shopping activities here are best done without rushing, people often take their time to select what they want as there are plenty of goods to go around. You can decide to either opt for a massage treatment before or after shopping.
What are the Best Dining Spots in Krabi?
Arguably, the dining experience in Krabi greatly contributes to the fame of this part of Thailand. There are several restaurants spread across the entire city, some of them offering a well-laidback experience in an alfresco setting. Being one of the highlights of Krabi, the dining experience is a must-have when visiting the streets of Krabi. Here are some of the best and must-visit dining spots in Krabi.
The Grotto | Source – Rayavadee.com
- The Taj Palace
If you are an Indian in Krabi, then this is the restaurant you want to be in. It is recognized as the best Indian restaurant in Krabi as they are focused on serving authentic Indian dishes. With very good ingredients imported from India, they prepare both non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. They make use of fresh spices to prepare popular Indian curries like butter paneer, chicken korma, and even chicken butter masala. Roti and naans are best used to enjoy these types of curries.
- Jenna’s Restaurant
Situated in the western part of Krabi, this restaurant is quite popular. The dining experience here features an alfresco setting. They do not only serve mouthwatering dishes prepared with the finest of ingredients but wine as well. The wines served at Jenna’s Restaurant are from New Zealand and customers can also enjoy Chilean, Australian, and American dishes. However, their menu also includes Mediterranean, Thai, Asian, Italian, and French dishes. The wine options include champagne, dessert, and rose wine.
- The Umberto’s Cuisine
Located at Klong Haeng Road is Umberto’s Cuisine. It is on the ground floor of the Alisea Boutique Hotel. It is classified among the best restaurants in Krabi that focus on Italian dishes and provides a Mediterranean atmosphere. Also, they do have great wine options that can go with spaghetti Nettuno, pizza, seafood, grilled chops of lamb, burgers, salads, Wagyu roll, and others. Umberto’s Cuisine is always open for business from Monday to Saturday with operational hours that begin from 11 am to 10 pm. Their specialties include gnocchi, ravioli, and porcini risotto.
- The Carnivore Steak & Grill
With a rustic interior decoration and under Dutch management, this restaurant is famous for specializing in grilled meats. It is an ideal destination for meat lovers. Some of their specialties include pork and lamb cuts, and Angus beef. Their menu also includes other types of grilled meats like ostrich, chicken, and duck. Although their special dishes are a bit high in cost, they taste just as delicious. Located at Khlong Hang Rd, their operational hours begin from noon to 10 pm.
- The Gecko Cabane
Gecko Cabane has been around for a very long time and is often thought of as one of the oldest restaurants in the city of Krabi. It is a cozy and well-kept spot to be in. Its interior comprises wooden furnishings, a ceiling with protruding live plants, brown paneling, and lush green walls, which greatly contribute to the laidback atmosphere of the Gecko Cabane. This restaurant allows customers the opportunity to decide how spicy they want their dishes using a scale of 1 to 10. On their menu, you will find Thai, Asian, and European dishes. All the dishes served here are authentic and prepared with the finest ingredients.
- The Driver’s Inn Restaurant & Steakhouse
Not only is this among the best restaurants in the city of Krabi, but it is also the first German-owned restaurant to grace the lands of Ao Nang. It has been around for over 20 years and has built quite a reputation for offering good meals in a welcoming atmosphere. Under the supervision of a professional chef, all the dishes are made with high-quality ingredients. They manage to stay ahead of the competition by having not just German dishes but Thai and European cuisines on the menu and at affordable prices. That’s not all, the Driver’s Inn Restaurant & Steakhouse serves beef steaks of high quality. Some of their Thai dishes include green curry and pad Thai. While at this spot, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to grab some of their premium cocktails, wines, and liquor.
- The Grotto
When it comes to The Grotto, romance will always be on the table. It is a restaurant that’s perfect for romantic dates and is set up inside a cave. Located on the Beach at Phra Nang, Krabi, it is the ideal destination for sinking your feet into the sand as you relax and majestically sip well-mixed cocktails and bite crunchy snacks. Customers are allowed to partake in a romantic barbeque session with their loved ones. Some of the finest ingredients are used to prepare authentic Thai dishes such as Tom Yam Po Tak Talay, plum sauce with vegetables, and prawn satay. Desserts such as pineapple with ivory chocolate and Thai coconut pudding are often used to conclude the dining experience at The Grotto.
- The Hagi Restaurant
This is arguably the ideal destination for the Japanese in Krabi or those who would love to try out Japanese cuisines. The Hagi restaurant features stunning views coupled together with good food which makes it perfect for romantic eat-outs. This spot also offers the opportunity to witness beautiful sunsets with family, friends, and loved ones while taking sips off exotic drinks and enjoying Japanese meals such as tempuras, sashimi, sushi, and a lot more. Customers who come also do have the opportunity to witness professional, stylish, and talented chefs cook their favorite meals.
Conclusion
Krabi street is famous for lots of reasons, however, the one that sticks out is that it hosts one of the biggest markets in this region. Here, people from all walks of life come to shop for goods that are not only of high quality but affordable. There exist restaurants serving some of the most delectable dishes which include Mediterranean, Thai, European, and international cuisines. The shopping experience never ceases to amaze visitors as literally everything a person may need can be found here, from souvenirs to home decor, handicrafts, clothes, electronics, children’s toys, etc.
If at this point you intend to visit the streets of Krabi, be sure to take a look at some of the best shopping malls, evening markets, and supermarkets for top-notch shopping experiences, they include Nong Thale’s Khalong Moung Shopping Center, Krabi walking street, Ao Nang Walking Street, etc. You can also visit the above-mentioned restaurants for a superb dining experience as a solo traveler, couple, or family.