"Krabi isn't just for staying a night before jumping to the other islands like what most people do” Located in the blessed Andaman Sea has been a popular beach destination among tourists mainly for its soft white sandy beaches, neck breaking limestone karsts, and clear “see through” waters teeming with marine life. If this isn’t a good enough reason to check this place out, why else do you think Tiger airways and Airasia has started having direct flights here?

Krabi’s main town is 814km from Bangkok and really looks like any other small Thai town. It sits on the bank of the Krabi River and is relatively flat and sparse, which means it is advisable to rent your own scooter and take your time to explore this town. (150 THB/day for scooter rental).

It is also possible to explore downtown by foot in a few hours. This quaint town has a collection of small guesthouses, village houses, small spa's and cafe's, sundry shops, one or two banks and a pier where you can catch a long tail to the neighboring beaches/islands. (Most people stay a night in Krabi town just so they can catch the long tail to the neighboring islands or the beaches up north- Ao Nang and Hat Noppharat Thara). You can easily arrange a minivan from here, to anywhere around Thailand.
One of the interesting things worth checking out is probably the local markets, which sells dry foodstuff, clothes, assorted knick knacks and also has games for the family. Other sites that you can visit while in Krabi town is the Tiger Cave Temple and the Fossil Shell Beach. (Below is just a brief of what to expect here in Krabi. To read more, go to our "playing tourist" page)

Ao Nang beach is located up north and is a real beautiful cove. This is our favorite stay over point, where we usually launch our visits to any of nearby islands (Phi Phi, Raileh, Ko Si Boya, Ko Jum and Chicken Island). If you are not in a rush, you may opt to stay here instead of Krabi town. A scooter ride from Aonang to Krabi town takes about 1hr max.  Ao Nang constantly has a steady crowd of tourists following tour groups. Here in Aonang there are an esplanade right in front of the beach,  and is rigged with resorts, budget hotels, restaurants, travel agents and some shopping.
Hat Noppharat Thara is a thin long beach further up north from Ao Nang. This beach is very laid back and has some budget accommodations to choose from.

Raileh Beach is also on the mainland but can only be reached by long tail. It is a beautiful stretch of cove.
There is plenty of amazing rock climbing places here with jaw dropping scenery. There is limited accommodation here. The ones with the nicer sea views cost more.  There is no ATM’s here.
Nearby Ton Sai Bay is the better location for those looking for some peace and quiet.

Than Bokkharani National Park,
The parks headquarters is close to the small town of Au Leuk about 30 minutes away from Krabi Town. The park has greenish green waters flowing into large lotus pools; all seem to be surrounded by plenty of vegetation. There is also a small waterfall that flows into the streams. This park was established in 1991 to help protect a greater area of the islands, mangroves and limestone caves within the Ao Leuk area. This area is a favorite among the locals who come to swim in the pools as well as to have picnics here.

Packy Facts

• Krabi faces the Andaman Sea which lies to the west of Thailand.
  
  
• There are about 350,000 people living in Krabi! 60% Buddhists and 40% Muslims. Its area is about 4709 square kilometers and its economy is based mainly on agriculture of rubber, palm oil, pineapples and prawns and on fishing and tourism.
  
  
• Krabi is perhaps the country's oldest history of continued settlement. After dating stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province's many cliffs and caves, it is thought that Krabi has been home to homo sapiens since the period 25,000 - 35,000 B.C.
  
  
• The best time to visit Krabi is during the cool NE monsoon season, between November and April. The climate during this time is also less humid with cool breezes to keep things bearable. Visiting Krabi and the islands during wet season (Sept-Oct) by boat is difficult and sometimes dangerous. Check out the Thai Meteorological Department for weather updates and forecasts.
  
  
• Krabi was founded in the 13th century as a dependency of Nakhon Si Thammarat. It was about 200 years ago that the prince of the city had founded an elephant camp in Krabi. And this is why the elephant has been declared the symbol of Thailand.
  
  
• Krabi is perhaps the country's oldest history of continued settlement. After dating stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province's many cliffs and caves, it is thought that Krabi has been home to homo sapiens since the period 25,000 - 35,000 B.C.