A QUICK GUIDE TO KRABI AND
AO NANG BEACH
A very scenic three hour's drive to the east of Phuket is the province of Krabi. While not as well known internationally as Phuket, it is considered by many to be an even more attractive area of Thailand and is fast growing in popularity. Its towering limestone formations covered in lush vegetation, pristine white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets all help to create one of the most beautiful tropical settings to be found anywhere.
Krabi Province also encompasses the Phi Phi islands and a host of smaller islets scattered just off the coast. Most are easily accessible by rented longtail boat or motor launch and offer visitors the chance to choose from dozens of idyllic small beaches which they can often enjoy all to themselves.
The following is an introduction to the area and gives brief information on activities, sight-seeing and where to stay in Krabi Province. There are also some hotels recommended in each locale or you can follow these links to see a full list of Krabi hotels, all Krabi special offers, a list of all Phi Phi hotels or all Phi Phi special offers.
Where to Stay in Krabi
Ao Nang Beach : The majority of people holidaying in Krabi Province choose to stay right on the coast at Ao Nang Beach or its adjoining bays rather than in Krabi Town. Ao Nang is a small village located next to a picturesque beach and is ideally located for quick access to the many scenic islands that the region is well known for. While being small enough to walk around in less than an hour it still has plenty of restaurants, shops and some fun night life areas.
Because it only covers a small area most places can be reached easily by foot wherever you stay but some hotels are still a longer walk from the town's centre than some people might like. If you would rather have easy access to the main part of town from your hotel then its best to book one near to the eastern end of the beach road as you will then be very close to the nightlife, shops, and restaurants. Two popular hotels in this location are the Ao Nang Villa Resort and the Golden Beach Resort.
Railay Beach : Some people opt to stay at the nearby Railay Beach hotels which can only be accessed by a water taxi (10 minutes from Ao nang). The benefit is a truly beautiful setting with near exclusive access to one of Krabi's best beaches. Two of the top hotels in the nicer western bay are the luxurious Rayavadee Hotel (possibly Krabi's best resort) and the Railay Bay Resort which offers good facilities and value for money.
Phi Phi Islands : Also extremely popular are the islands of Phi Phi which are accessible in less than an hour by speedboat or around one and a half hours by public ferry from Krabi Pier. The largest island called Phi Phi Don is home to around 30 hotels with two of the best rated ones being the Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort ( the island's most luxurious) and Phi Phi The Beach Resort.
To see full hotel lists go to : All Krabi Hotels or All Phi Phi Hotels
Things to Do in Krabi
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling: Just off the coast of Krabi are some of Thailand's best scuba diving locations. Both Ao Nang and Phi Phi Don have plenty of dive tour operators where both day and overnighter trips can be booked. There are also lots of shallow areas that offer some of the best snorkelling in Thailand. To get to them you can either hire a longtail boat or go on one of the organised daytrips.
Sea Kayaks : There are several companies running sea kayak tours which can last for one or more days. Customers are ferried to selected islands and then taken on guided canoe trips around some of the more interesting features such as caves, caverns and lagoons with great opportunies to view the local wildlife close up.
Fishing : There are plenty of opportunities for fishermen in Krabi incuding daytrips on a well-equipped launch to catch the likes of barracuda and kingfish or some may prefer the easy fishing at the fishing parks where staff will do most of the work and you are pretty well guranteed to catch something from the well stocked lakes.
Hot Springs : About an hours drive from Krabi Town are the Klong Thom hot springs. These fantastic natural hot springs well up from deep in the earth at a temperature of around 38° C. and cascade down a stepped waterfall where visitors can sit and soak as if in a huge jacuzzi. Day trips can be booked at most tour counters.
Rock Climbing : Krabi is well known within climber's circles as having some of the best rock-climbs in the world. What makes it unique is the soft limestone that shapes so much of the scenery and readily forms into cliffs and towers both inland and on the islands many of which already have starter ropes dangling from them.
Shopping : Ao Nang's Beach Road offers plenty in the way of clothes and souvenir shopping. Bargain hunters may also wish to head to Krabi Town to visit the night markets or other shops where the prices are not so inflated for tourists.
Night Life : Ao Nang has a good number of bars and restaurants that open until the early hours. Phi Phi Don also has a small set of very lively bars with music and dancing in some.
Attractions in Krabi
There are many sightseeing tours available in Krabi. The following gives an overview of what's available. Most hotels will arrange bookings but, failing that, tourist counters are easy to find in most areas.
Railay Beach : Railay beach can only be reached by walking or by water taxi (10 minutes from Ao Nang). Its western beach is considered possibly the best in the area but because of the lack of road access its not usually crowded. There are also a few shops and restaurants on a small promenade.
Island Trips : There are many day tours around the scenic and often majestic islands of Krabi. A popular alternative is to rent a long-tail boat either for the day or as a taxi and travel to the many lovely little crescent beaches present on some islands. Its a great way to escape the crowds.
Scenic Overland Tours : The landscape throughout Krabi Province is quite breathtaking and is well worth exploring. There are quite a few day tours offered at tour counters including 4-wheel drive trips that take customers to the more inaccessible beauty spots.
Tiger Cave Temple : Only 5 km from Krabi Town is Wat Tham Seua which is a small bhuddist temple located in a limestone cave. Visitors game enough to climb over a 1000 steps up the side of a cliff will be rewarded with one of the best views of Krabi possible.