Relaxed Krabi

Enthusiastic Thailand fans have certainly discovered the beauty of the Krabi region and its surrounding islands. For the curious, let me say that you will find one of the most beautiful areas of Thailand here! I will now show you what you can experience in Krabi and what makes the region so special.

We find ourselves in the south of Thailand, on the coast of the Andaman Sea, not far from the world-famous Koh Phi Phi, where the film 'The Beach' starring Leonardo DiCaprio was shot, and which also belongs to the province of Krabi.

The landscape that greets us here is stunningly beautiful and bizarre at the same time: Massive limestone cliffs rise from the greenery of the jungle, small huts and here and there a supermarket line the dusty road winding towards Krabi Town. Most locals travel by scooter, and occasionally shared taxis whiz by, carrying small groups of tourists on their way to their vacation spots. They are soaking in the new impressions with wide, astonished eyes, for they have arrived in one of Thailand's most beautiful paradises, the province of Krabi!

The region can be accessed in many ways, the fastest being by air, as Krabi has an international airport serviced by national and international airlines. If you start your trip in Bangkok, you can also arrive by domestic bus or train. The impressions you gather on such a journey are definitely worth the longer travel time! You can easily search for and book tickets for such trips at 12Go.Asia.

In addition to mainland Krabi, which boasts a 120-kilometer-long coastline, a total of 130 larger and smaller islands are part of this diverse province. The best-known are probably the holiday paradises Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi, which delight tourists from around the world every year. The surrounding islands are quickly and cheaply reachable by ferry, whether as part of a day trip or for a longer stay.

For those wishing to travel to Krabi at the best time of year, you should plan your holiday between December and April, as you can expect only six to a maximum of nine rainy days per month and temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. You can find more information about the best time to travel to Thailand in my travel calendar.

In Krabi, there are places you must see: expansive beaches with dense jungle waiting behind them, grotesque rocks that invite exploration, and cities where you can best enjoy fresh Thai cuisine and nightlife.

A popular spot in Krabi is the former fishing village of Ao Nang, which has developed into a hotspot for tourists in recent years. Hotels in every price range, restaurants with international cuisine, shops filled with souvenirs, and travel agencies that can assist you in planning your trips can be found on every corner here. However, you will find authenticity more off the beaten path. Therefore, my tip for Ao Nang is this: choose a hotel away from the hustle, eat at the small food stalls away from the party strip, and take a stroll through the local weekly markets. If you want to buy a souvenir, be prepared to negotiate, as the prices quoted by sellers in Ao Nang are often exorbitantly high.

One of Thailand's most famous beaches is located not far from Ao Nang. Phra Nang Beach, in the southwest of the Railay Peninsula, is particularly known for its spectacular location amidst the characteristic limestone cliffs. You can only reach it by water, as the local longtail boat drivers are happy to help. Just one bay over, to the west of the island, you'll encounter Railay Beach, which is just as worth seeing. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the eastern part of Railay is a paradise, featuring climbing schools that know the best climbing spots for both beginners and the advanced.

For the divers among you, Ao Nang also has a lot to offer: Several beaches in the region are part of the marine national park Hat Noppharat Thara. The number of reefs and marine life off the coast of Krabi is particularly high. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter whale sharks and manta rays and swim with them. Local diving schools organize professional diving courses and day trips to provide you with these unique experiences.

There is one place in the Krabi region that I particularly want to recommend to you: the small island of Koh Phi Phi. Whether you're coming for just a day trip to the world-renowned island or planning to stay a few days, make sure not to miss highlights like the view from the Koh Phi Phi View Point! Taking a regular ferry to the island from Krabi Town costs around €10 for the nearly 2-hour crossing.

Don't let the crowds hanging around the harbor deter you, as even on the popular island, you will find spots and beaches that you will almost have to yourselves. At the harbor, you can book a day tour to the island's hotspots, which include the Viking Cave and Monkey Beach. If you prefer a more leisurely and less crowded approach, you can either tackle the steep path to the viewpoint (the hike is worth it!) or take a boat for a few baht to the secluded beaches of the island. At the white sands of Long Beach, the hustle and bustle of arrival and everyday life is quickly forgotten!

Another popular island, located southeast of Koh Phi Phi, is Koh Lanta, which is also part of the Krabi province. This island paradise consists of two islands - Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi - and offers beautiful beaches, wild mangrove forests, and diverse snorkeling and diving spots. While Koh Phi Phi is known as the party island for young backpackers, Koh Lanta is the perfect place to relax and enjoy tranquility.

The most beautiful and popular beaches are found in the south and west of the main island, Koh Lanta Yai. Blessed with white sand and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, beaches like Klong Khong and Phra Ae Beach have stolen the hearts of vacationers. If you're looking for a bit of variety, consider renting a scooter to visit the Khlong Chak Waterfall in the south of the main island, which you can reach after a short hike through dense jungle. For those who want to better experience the original Thailand, a detour to the untouched island of Koh Lanta Noi is a must. Here, you won't find large hotels or tourist restaurants, but numerous villages and hidden beaches await you.

Many travelers to Thailand want to experience the wild side of this diverse country during their vacation. (Guided) tours through the numerous national parks can be booked in the Krabi region as well. A particularly recommendable trip is to the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park inland.

The national park boasts incredibly beautiful waterfalls set in lush rainforest and a wide variety of exotic animal species, such as leopards and tapirs. Also noteworthy is the Than Bok Khorani National Park, where you can see exciting limestone caves, waterfalls, shallow rivers, and beautiful lagoons. An optical highlight is the so-called Emerald Pool in southern Krabi, which enchants visitors with its emerald-green water. Swimming is allowed here, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pleasantly cool lake after your hike!

Tip: In my travel magazine, you'll find an article about the most beautiful national parks in Thailand.

To conclude the short tour through the province of Krabi, you should definitely visit the capital of the region, also named Krabi. It is the economic center of the province and will particularly charm those of you who enjoy the nightlife. Krabi Town is not only the perfect starting and ending point for your journey, as the international airport is only eight kilometers from the city center, but also a good base for planned excursions into the surrounding area. In this city of about 30,000 residents, you will find numerous agencies ready to assist you in planning these excursions and ferry rides. I can recommend a trip to the Tiger Cave Temple, Wat Tham Suea, which you can easily reach from Krabi Town. At this absolutely worth-seeing temple, over 1,200 steps await to be climbed. From the top, along with the massive golden Buddha statue, you will have a phenomenal view over Krabi.

As you can see, Krabi is a versatile beauty in the south of the country that is definitely worth visiting! Rightly considered one of the most beautiful regions of Thailand, it offers so much to do and experience. Can I convince you, and is Krabi already on your bucket list? Then now indulge your wanderlust a bit with other Thailand tips from my travel magazine and my current Thailand offers.