Thailand

Krabi is a coastal town in southern Thailand, located on the Andaman coast. A true postcard landscape, Krabi is characterized by its karst peaks and numerous islands bordered by incredibly beautiful turquoise waters. Krabi is often a stopover during a trip to southern Thailand to reach the islands of Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta. Travelers take the opportunity to discover the magnificent Railay Beach with its numerous cliffs.

History

According to local legend, a sword was found at the site of the city, and it is thanks to this discovery that the city was named. Indeed, the very meaning of Krabi is "sword." Krabi was granted city status in 1872, when King Chulalongkorn was in power. At that time, there was strong population growth.

Today

Attention sunbathers, Krabi is a perfect destination for a sunny vacation in a postcard landscape. Between its lush jungle, limestone cliffs, and paradise beaches bordered by the Andaman Sea, Krabi offers plenty of attractions for a trip to Thailand.

This magnificent southern region will take you through splendid treks in its national parks, then to a visit of some of the country's most beautiful temples before being able to relax on the beautiful dream beaches.

Discovering Krabi's Beaches

It cannot be denied that Krabi's beaches reveal dream landscapes. The famous Railay Beach, accessible by boat, is characterized by its karst cliffs in the translucent waters of the Andaman Sea. Tonsai, Ao Nang, and Phra Nang are also stunning in their beauty. On Phra Nang, stop by its somewhat unusual cave, which houses a large number of small, phallus-shaped statues dedicated to fertility.

Visit Wat Tham Suea or the Tiger Cave Temple.

The Tiger Cave Temple is one of the must-see attractions of Krabi city, even though it is located a bit away from the center. The cave in question is perched on a mountain. You will need to climb 1,237 steps to reach the top. The climb is quite strenuous, especially when it's hot, so be sure to bring a good supply of bottled water. The last step is number 1,260. Once at the top, you will be greatly rewarded by the panoramic view overlooking Krabi and its surroundings.

Go to Khao Kanab Nam.

These are two large karst rocks located north of Krabi city. They are even considered the main symbol of the city. To get there, you must go to the Chao Fa pier. From there, you will take a longtail boat for a journey of about 15 minutes. Once there, stairs will lead you to the top, where beautiful caves containing prehistoric paintings are found among the stalactites and stalagmites.

Swim in the Emerald Pool Waters

This natural pool, with its clear emerald water, is located about fifty kilometers from Krabi. It is known to locals as Sra Morakot. Admission is charged at around 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Visitors have access to the area from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. It is best to go there early, as this place is very popular with both foreigners and locals.

Taste the local cuisine.

For those who are in Thailand for a culinary journey, don't forget to stop by Krabi to taste its culinary specialties. Generally, Krabi cuisine is known to be quite spicy and pungent. Order the local pad thai or meat satay skewers. Also, don't forget the Khao Pat, the typical Thai fried rice dish.

Climate

The province of Krabi experiences a hot tropical climate almost year-round. Therefore, the local temperature is generally high. However, to enjoy favorable weather conditions, it is advisable to plan a stay in Krabi between November and April. Indeed, the atmosphere is cooler during these months. From June to November, there are heavy rains in the region, so it is best to avoid this period.

How to get there?

To reach the city of Krabi, you will not have much difficulty, as it is very well served.

By plane

This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Krabi. The local airport is located about ten kilometers south of downtown. Flights depart daily from Bangkok if you are departing from the capital. When you arrive at Krabi Airport, you can take an air-conditioned bus to downtown. The cost of the trip is around 90 baht per person. There are also songthaews, the famous Thai pickup taxis, which connect the airport to Krabi for about 50 baht.

By bus

From the capital of the country (Bangkok), you must go to the southern bus terminal, namely Sai Tai Taling Chan, or "Southern Bus Terminal." The journey is quite long by this means of transport, as it takes about 12 hours on average. The arrival point is the Talat Kao bus station, which is located about 5 kilometers north of Krabi city.

By train

The city of Krabi does not have a train station, but the nearest one is in Surat Thani. From this city, you must then take a bus to reach Krabi.

Getting around Krabi

For your shopping or trips in Krabi, the most convenient way is undoubtedly the tuk-tuk. In Krabi, there are also songthaews that serve the city and its outskirts.