Krabi lies on the southwestern coast of Thailand by the Andaman Sea. It is 814 kilometers from Bangkok, and covers an area of roughly 4,700 square kilometers. White sand beaches, a beautiful blue coastline, lush green hills and mountains, and spectacular scenery are found in this province. But perhaps what this province is the most famous for is its archeological discoveries. It is thought that Krabi housed one of the oldest communities in the country dating back to 25,000 - 35,000 B.C. It is also believed that Krabi was once the town of Ban Thai Samo, one of 12 royal cities of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom.
With its rich heritage and amazing cultural diversity, Krabi is definitely a must see when visiting Thailand. Mountains, rivers, beaches, plains, hills and mangrove forests dominate the province. Krabi also produces a variety of agricultural products, including rubber trees, palms, mangos, coconuts, and coffee.
"The Emerald of the Andaman"
Known for its dazzling beaches, pristine environment, and beautiful islands, Krabi is considered by many as "The Emerald of the Andaman". And with its versatile geography, this province offers a range of activities that keep tourists coming back for more. Krabi's beaches are its main attraction and are truly a sight to behold with its crystal clear blue waters, stunning marine life and coral reefs, limestone cliffs, and white sand. Consequently Krabi is now quickly becoming one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.
Krabi Districts
Krabi is divided into eight districts or Amphoes; Amphoe Muang or Krabi Town, Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, Lam Thap and Nhua Khlong, and administers over 130 islands that lie in the Andaman Sea, including the world famous Phi Phi Island. Accommodations here range from five star luxury hotels and resorts to discount hotels and economical guest houses
Amphoe Muang or Krabi Town
A 10 minute drive from the airport is Amphoe Muang or Krabi Town, the capital of the province. It is a mainly residential area with all major banks and police and medical services located here. Besides a few shops, restaurants and travel agencies there is not much else. Most tourists usually do not stay at Krabi Town; they normally go to Ao Nang Beach which is the main tourist area. Here most of the hotels, restaurants and shops are located. Ao Nang is actually a large bay. Its famous beaches include East Rai Le, West Rai Le, Tham Phra Nang. From here many tourists hire boats to visit the nearby islands of Poda, Thap and Mo. Although the beach here is good, there are even better beaches further past Ao Nang.
Noppara Thara
Probably the most popular beach in Krabi is Noppara Thara, a five minute drive from Ao Nang. Here the beach is lively and full of vendors selling their wares. Noppara Thara is a favorite hang-out for the locals as well and has plenty of accommodations for all types of people.
Klong Muang Beach
For those wanting a little more privacy, Klong Muang Beach is definitely the place to go. Here there are only a handful of hotels such as the Andaman Holiday, the Sheraton Resort and the Nakamanda. A rather small beach, Klong Muang is surrounded by lush vegetation and is perfect for couples and honeymooners.
Rei Lay Beach
Another quiet beach is Rei Lay Beach, which is rather laid back. There are no roads here and accommodations are modest at best. The perfect destination for rock climbers, Rei Lay can become pretty busy during peak tourist season and has plenty of local bars and restaurants.
Tubkaak Beach
A little further down from Klong Muang is Tubkaak Beach. Although this beach is not as developed as the other beaches, it is still very beautiful. Clear blue waters and beautiful white sands open up to provide a brilliant view of Koh Hong another superb island off the coast.
Ao Pra Nag Beach
Fifteen minutes off the shores of Krabi by boat is Ao Pra Nag Beach, which houses several resorts including the Rayavadee, a 5-sat luxury hotel. Rugged limestone cliffs, and crystal clear waters make this a fantastic beach for families, tourists and rock climbers alike.
Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island or Mu Koh Phi Phi is actually an archipelago of six small islands. Phi Phi Don Island and Phi Phi Le Island are the two major islands of this island chain. Lying
814 kms South of Bangkok, 42 kms West of Krabi and 160 kms South West of Phuket, Phi Phi Island has been voted the third most beautiful island in the world. With beautiful cliffs and mountains lining its beach shore, Koh Phi Phi offers tourists’ sceneries like no other island can. A remote paradise, this island is a great getaway for anyone who wants a relaxing vacation. Phi Phi Island is accessible by only boat from Krabi and Phuket.
Phi Phi Don is the largest island with a total area of 28 square kilometers. At its north end is Cape Laem Tohng, where there is an amazing sea gipsy village, while at its south end is Hua Rah Ket, with its gorgeous long beaches. Ton Sai and Loh Dalam are two stunning bays where most accommodations on the island are found.
Phi Phi Lei is 6.6 square kilometers in area and is entirely made up of limestone and steep cliffs rising from the sea. With several beautiful bays such as Pileh, Maya and Loh Samah, this island is protected as a natural park. There are no accommodations here, and most people visit it as part of a day trip to the Phi Phi Island.
Climate
The weather in Krabi is warm and sunny most of the year. Its tropical monsoon climate means Krabi has only two seasons; a hot season lasting from January to April, and a rainy season from May to December. The temperature here ranges between a cool 16.9 and a warm 37.3 degrees Celsius and with plenty of rainfall. The best time to visit is between January and February.
Phi Phi Islands has warm tropical weather throughout the year. November to April are the perfect months to visit the island as the days are breezy and clear and the nights are fragrant and cool. However avoid coming here in December and January as it is peak tourist season and tends to get very crowded.
Getting around
Getting around Krabi is not difficult, and there is a variety of public transport available. Buses, taxis and car rentals are the easiest way to get about. To get to Phi Phi Island, there are plenty of boat rental services available in Krabi. It is an approximately 2 hour trip to the island. The minimum boat rental fare is 40 Baht for a short distance, while the maximum fare can go up to 1,500 Baht, here the boat will go to anywhere you chose.
Car Rentals – Renting a car is a both safe and comfortable way to travel around Krabi. There are many car rental companies in Krabi town and Ao Nang. Taxi – The official taxi service time is from 7 am to 6pm, and the fares depend on where you are going. Most Taxis in Ao Nang have a fixed a price to certain locations such as the fare to Krabi Airport taxi is 500 baht, Phuket Airport is 1,700 baht and Krabi town is 400 baht. Fares to other places should be negotiated before hand with the driver.
Bus – Buses or Song Toas as they are popularly known are the main mode of public transport in Krabi. The fare usually depends upon the distance of the destination and starts at around 20 Baht.
