Krabi

Introduction

Krabi

© All Rights Reserved Dodger

Krabi, a coastal province in Thailand, is known for its unique geographical features. The province features distinctive rocky outcrops, known as limestone karst, as well as tropical rainforest and mangroves. A noteworthy feature of Krabi is a 40 million year old fossilised 'shell cemetery'. More than 100 offshore islands also come under the province, meaning one has plenty of water-related activities to do in Krabi.

Geography

The province features distinctive rocky outcrops, known as limestone karst, as well as tropical rainforest and mangroves. Krabi is recognised internationally by the huge rocks protruding out of water. A noteworthy feature of Krabi is a 40 million year old fossilised 'shell cemetery'.

Cities

Krabi town, a lively and bustling town, is the capital of the province. It is an excellent base for travelers to make trips to entire province. Transport is available from here to all nearby beaches and islands. Entertainment is readily available and nightspots are springing up rapidly.

Weather

Like much of Thailand, the weather here is of the tropical variety, meaning hot and humid conditions year-round. Temperatures hover around 32 °C during the day and 25 °C at night, with just a few degrees difference between the warmest and coolest months. Humidity is mostly around 80% or more, so be sure to drink enough fluids! November to February in general is the driest time of the year, with just some regular showers (later afternoon) and a mix of clouds and sun. Rain increases from March onwards, reaching a peak in August and September before preparing again for the somewhat drier and cooler season.

Sights and Activities

Ao Nang Bay

Sunset on Ao Nang Bay, Krabi

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A range of lovely beaches here contours a long limestone range. Few tourists to Krabi miss visiting Ao Nang. The bay has several tiny yet idyllic islands, accessible by boat. Railay Nopporat and Tubkak are some most popular beaches here. Railay Beach is tailormade for enjoy relaxing holidays in solitude. Swaying casuarina trees, which contour Nopporat Beach, make it fantastic. Tubkak Beach offers fresh sand blending in sea. With the backdrop of forests, it seems fantastic.

Railay

Railay is a peninsula just south of Ao Nang. However, towering cliffs make it impossible to access it by road. The inaccessibility factor endows it the feel of island. Railay beaches are ranked among the best in Thailand. You could decide to just laze at the beach or go for rock-climbing. At night, Railay becomes fairly quiet.

Koh Lanta

Thailand - Koh Lanta - Cove

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Located just south of mainland Krabi, Koh Lanta is a lush, unspoilt scenic beauty. Biggest island in Krabi province, it is blessed with nine sandy beaches, catering to backpackers who wish to have their vacations in solitude. The western beaches here have particularly unblemished stretches of sand, and are very good for swimming.

Caves

Caves in Krabi, interspersed with stalactites and stalagmites, look mysterious. Traveling to these caves is in itself a pleasant experience. Khao Khanap Nam, accessible by boat from Chao Fa Pier, has some prehistoric paintings. Viking Cave at Phi Phi Lei Island is also known for its prehistoric murals. At Tham Phra Nang Nai, you would find a pool within the cave.

Rock-Climbing

The limestone cliffs surrounding Krabi seem to challenge the hiking enthusiasts. Hiking routes include quality limestone, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites. The rocky land between Tham Phra Nang and Rai Leh Beaches is a preferred place for hikers, with good climbing for beginners and experienced climbers. Skilled guides and climbing gear are readily available.

Khlong Thom

45 kilometres south of Krabi is Khlong Thom and the Emerald Pool and hot springs. Best way to get there is to rent a scooter. The pool is a large natural pool that is filled from thermal springs. The hot springs are about 3 kilometres away.

Tham Seva

Tiger Cave and Temple, just a 5 kilometres south of Krabi. You can't miss this place, its situated on the biggest Karst around. Walk the 1,200 steps to the top for a great view. But watch out for the monkeys, they will steal everything you have.

Weather

Like much of Thailand, the weather here is of the tropical variety, meaning hot and humid conditions year-round. Temperatures hover around 32 °C during the day and 25 °C at night, with just a few degrees difference between the warmest and coolest months. Humidity is mostly around 80% or more, so be sure to drink enough fluids! November to February in general is the driest time of the year, with just some regular showers (later afternoon) and a mix of clouds and sun. Rain increases from March onwards, reaching a peak in August and September before preparing again for the somewhat drier and cooler season.

Getting There

By Plane

Krabi Airport (KBV) has regular connections with Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore. Tiger Airways, a budget airline, handles the Singapore - Krabi traffic. Bangkok Airways also flies to Bangkok and Koh Samui. Air Asia flies to Kuala Lumpur. There are even seasonal flights directly to Krabi from Helsinki, Warsaw, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Goa, Oslo and Gothenburg.

By Bus

Long-distance buses connect Krabi to various parts of Thailand. Luxury buses have the facility of reclining seats, snacks and dinner.

By Boat

Ferry services are available from Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Phuket for Krabi town and Ao Nang.

Sleep

Budget

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

Thailand Post is the Thai postal service that deals with all local and international mail in Thailand. The business is operated from local post offices. Post offices are easy to recognise with their red white and blue motifs and the words 'Thailand Post' in English and Thai above the entrance. They are open from Monday to Saturday, usually 8:30am to 4:30pm (main ones until around 8:00pm), though keeping shorter hours on Saturdays (usually until 1:00pm). They are generally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Each post office offers a comprehensive service which includes an Express Mail Service (EMS) and parcel post. They also have a price calculator for letters, postcards and parcels, both domestically as well as internationally. They also have a track and trace system and money transfer services.