Krabi Guide

Krabi province is located on the coast of the Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand, 800 kilometres south of Bangkok.

Krabi remains the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure with its protected bays, white sand beaches, crystal clear water, coral reefs, caves and also thanks to the natural attractions and excursions in the region

Krabi province is home to over 130 islands, including Koh Lanta and the famous Phi Phi Islands, which offer various options for diving.In addition to visiting the famous islands such as Phi Phi Islands, Bamboo, Hong, Chicken and Poda, there are many other places of interest such as waterfalls, hot springs, Emerald Pond.For those interested in the local culture, guests can visit the bustling market of Krabi Town and discover a Buddhist temple, the Tiger Cave temple.

Characterized by the spectacular cliffs dotting the landscape, Krabi is also a climbing place world-wide known to climbers who come from all over the world to climb the rock walls around the beaches of Railay and Tong Sai Bay.

In addition to tourism, the local population of Krabi is dependent on agriculture, with large areas of land covered by rubber, palm and pineapple plantations, as well as fishing and shrimp: two major contributors to the local economy.

Getting There

To get to Southern Thailand, especially in Krabi, you will have the choice between 3 means of transport.

The plane:

The fastest but also the most expensive (count at least THB 3680 /105USD for the return trip). To find a flight, you simply have to go to a flight comparator or go to an agency in Khao San for example.

However, if you are in no hurry and your budget is a little tighter you will always be able to choose the means of transport that follow.

The bus:

Much less fast, granting you a dozen hours but much cheaper in terms of rates. These will depend on the category of bus you want to take and whether you go through an agency or not.

Through an agency, the prices will be around THB 1500 ($43) one way with a night VIP bus.

By going directly to the bus station “Sai Tai Mai bus terminal” which is located to the west of Bangkok, not very far from Khao San. Here the tickets fall to 1000 baht ($29) and you can even have for THB 700 ($20).

The train:

The train will not take you to Krabi; you will have to make a transfer to Surat Thani to catch a bus that will eventually lead you to your destination. The prices in the agency turn around THB 1500 ($43).

Needless to say, the bus will be simpler. However, if you are travelling at night, it is often more comfortable to sleep in a sleeper train than in the “recline” bus seat.

Food and Drink

Karbi cuisine is considered one of the most inventive and varied cuisines in Thailand. It is characterized by the use of many exotic flavours such as curry, mint, lemongrass, coconut, basil, coriander, pepper, etc. The dishes are generally full of taste and very fragrant. Rice plays an important role in Karbi cuisine. Most common dishes such as curry, stir-fries, etc. are always accompanied by a portion of rice served separately.

The dishes to be discovered during your trip to Karbi are numerous. Top on the list of such include:

1. Khao phat

It is a dish based on fried rice in a large wok on high heat. It is then mixed with spices and other ingredients (meat, vegetables).
This dish is available in several versions: Chicken Stir-fried Rice – Khao Phat Kai, Crab Stir-fried Rice – Khao Phat Pou, Shrimp Stir-fried Rice – Khao Phat Kung, Spicy Sautéed Rice – Khao Phat Prik, etc.

Cost THB 70($2)

2. Pad Thai

It is a dish of rice noodles sautéed in a wok with eggs, tamarind juice, soy sprouts and a combination of shrimp, chicken, pork or tofu. It is usually garnished with chopped chives and cilantro and served with a slice of lime and pieces of banana flower sliced.

Cost THB 80($2.3)

3. Som Tam

It is a green papaya salad, grated and then mixed in a sauce based on lemon juice, nam plaa (fish sauce), chilli and sugar.This salad is light, digestible and very tasty.It is often served with a portion of sticky rice.

Cost THB 95($2.7)

4. Tom yam

This is one of the best known Karbi dishes. It is a sweet-sour soup made from chicken or pork broth. The taste of the broth is then increased by the spices: lemongrass, glalanga, leaves of bergamot, lemon juice, peppers, sauces, spices, etc. The best known is the Tom Yam Kung with shrimp but there are also other versions with fish, chicken, squid or a mixture of the sea the Tom Yam Thalee.

Cost THB 76($2.2)

5. Nua phat nam man hoi

It is a dish of beef pan-fried with spices, herbs, slices of onion and oyster sauce. It is often accompanied by a plate or a bowl of rice.

Cost THB 90($2.5)

Accommodation

The most known areas of Krabi are Kho Lanta, Kho Phi and Raily Island. These three sectors are therefore to be preferred if you wish to be able to meet tourists both Thai and foreign but also enjoy animations, various accommodation, transport and assistance in organizing your activities. The reception facilities are, in fact, very well suited to the arrival of holidaymakers and therefore generally facilitate visitors stay. These sites are also known for their beauty, an additional reason why they attract the world and have become in a short time the unmistakable sites of Krabi! Top on the list include:

1. Phulay Bay. Cost THB 16,800($479) per night.
2. Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa. Cost THB 5491 ($157) per night.
3. Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach. Cost THB 5605 ($160) per night.
4. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. Cost THB 6270 ($179) per night.
5. Marriott’s Phuket Beach Club. Cost THB 6659 ($190) per night.

Booking.com

Side Attractions    

Whether you are looking for some of Thailand’s most scenic beaches, its pristine jungle or its secluded caves, Krabi offers it on a plateau. In the heart of Krabi province, the city of Krabi offers a cheap and welcoming place with discreet nightlife. Some of its side attractions include:

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park in Krabi is an excellent “onshore” park that protects a pristine rainforest and home to a lot of wildlife. You can sign up for an organized tour from Krabi or come by yourself, guided tours are not necessary to visit the park. Keep your eyes open to spot the 200 and some bird species that live in the rainforest of this national park. There are also many animal species that you may have the chance to see, including the nebulous panther and several species of monkeys.

The park is also well known for its waterfalls which are very large even if they are not particularly high. Other attractions in the park include caves and many hiking trails. It is also a place known for making an elephant ride. Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Krabi Town.

Emerald Pool

Known as Sa Morakot in Thai and Crystal Pool in English, Emerald Pool is a lovely natural pool filled with pure spring water. Situated in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, this large natural pool is worth it for two things: an amazing photo opportunity and a place where you can swim! Enjoy a hike on the winding trails through the forest of Khao Nor Chu Chi to get there. The path is not particularly long but, with the heat of the day, hiking can be quite difficult if you are not too fit. It is less than a kilometre away and you can enjoy the view and sounds of the jungle by going there. When the jungle opens onto Emerald Pool, you will have an incredible view: a large natural pool that seems almost unreal so its colour is glowing. There is an entrance fee to access the site, swimming in the pool, but it is a very reasonable price. It gets more interesting if you spend at least half a day exploring the other trails, the many mini-pools and the streams next door. There are locker rooms and toilets on the parking lot near Emerald Pool.

The Floating Village                                       

A truly unique attraction in Krabi. The floating village (known locally as Koh Panyi) is highly recommended for a half-day excursion from Krabi. This floating village was created towards the end of the 18th century by nomadic Malay fishermen and has remained devoted to fishing for hundreds of years. Today, fishing is still the basis of the way of life of the 360 and some families who live here year round. But the village is now turning to tourism to help people get out of it financially. Visit the floating village to experience this unique way of life – you will see a truly isolated place with lots of small floating structures built against the cliff wall. You will find several places to buy souvenirs or other items and, if you want to stop for a meal, there are also restaurants. The main criticism that could be brought to this attraction in Krabi is that everything is expensive (if you want to buy souvenirs or food for example). The prices are well above the average of Krabi but, if you take into account the fact that you pay to support the traditional lifestyle of the fishermen, it is not so terrible. Do not miss the floating football field of the village and ask to know its history!

Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail

If you are an energetic tourist looking for things to do in Krabi, you can add the Tab Kak Hang Nak Trail to your list.This hike is made for people prepared and in good physical condition.It is difficult with the heat it does during the day and humidity as high as in Krabi but, like many other hikes, if one inflicts all this, it is to enjoy a view Spectacular in the end and you will not be disappointed because it’s worth it once up!

The trail makes you climb for 3.8 kilometres (2.3 miles) and the signs indicate it takes about 2 hours to get to the top. Perhaps hardly less to come down. So plan enough time. Some parts are really stiff and, because of the moisture, you will sweat very quickly. So think about bringing enough water with you. At the start of the hike, you will find guards who will charge you the entrance fee. Generally, do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have, they will be happy to answer them. Of course, the best part of this hike is the view from the top. There are no obstacles and you can see for miles around!

Krabi Weekend Night Market

No list of side attractions in Krabi could be complete without including at least one market or a shopping area. The Weekend Night Market offers a lot of amazing local food, great memories and a nice variety of things to buy. The many foods offered to make it easy to spend the entire evening in this attraction of Krabi.Local dishes, all at prices surprisingly much lower than elsewhere in Thailand, are served on the market.The best way to try as many things as possible is to ask for small portions.Like that, you are not full after the first thing you try!

In addition to food, there are also plenty of places to buy souvenirs and other things, including crafts and clothing.Again, everything is offered at a very good price and if you spend the evening, you can sit in the restaurant’s area and enjoy one of the shows that are held there often.It can be a show with fire, music or dance.The Weekend Market in Krabi is held on Friday and Saturday and begins around 6 pm.

Prices to know