Introduction to Krabi

The small fishing town of KRABI is the transport hub for the islands of Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta and makes a nice spot for a couple of nights. Although the town has no beaches of its own, it’s only a 45-minute boat ride to the stunning bays of Laem Phra Nang and about the same time in a songthaew to Ao Nang. Every Krabi travel agent sells sea-kayaking expeditions and snorkelling trips, and many also offer tours of Krabi’s mangrove swamps.

Krabi airport is 18km east of town, just off Highway 4; flights are met by Thai Airways minibuses (B60 per person) and taxis (B300 to Krabi or B500 to Ao Nang). Overnight air-con buses to Krabi leave from Bangkok’s Southern bus terminal; you’ll need to book ahead. Only a few buses drop their passengers in central Krabi: most pull in at the bus terminal 5km north of town in the village of Talat Kao, from where there’s a frequent songthaew service to Krabi’s Thanon Maharat. Ferries to and from Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta use the two Chao Fa piers, but some Laem Phra Nang longtails use the pier 300m further north. Most Krabi tour agents can arrange domestic air tickets and bus tickets direct to Ko Samui and Malaysia.

The TAT office (daily 8.30am–4.30pm; tel 075 612740) is beside the estuary on Thanon Utrakit at the northern edge of the town centre. The CAT international phone office is 2km north of the town centre on Thanon Utrakit (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat & Sun 8.30am–4.30pm), reached on any songthaew heading up that road. The police station is at the southern end of Thanon Utrakit (tel 075 611222); Krabi hospital lies about 1km north of the town centre at 325 Thanon Utrakit (tel 075 611226); and the immigration office can be found on Thanon Utrakit (Mon–Fri 8.30am–4.30pm; tel 075 611097).

For accommodation, the most traveller-oriented option, with good rooms and the best internet café, is Cha Guest House (tel 075 621125; under $10), opposite the post office on Thanon Utrakit. KL Guest House on Maharat Soi 2 (tel 075 612511; under $5) is a cheaper, no-frills place, while Grand Tower Hotel, at the corner of Utrakit and Chao Fa roads (tel 075 621456; $5–15) is a popular, more comfortable alternative with nicely furnished rooms and internet terminals. A ten-minute walk west along Thanon Chao Fa from the pier, KR Mansion has a range of fan and air-con rooms, a nice rooftop bar, internet access and bicycle rental (tel 075 612761; under $15). Thammachat Restaurant on Thanon Kong Ka boasts the most adventurous Thai food in town; Muslim Restaurant on Thanon Pruksa Uthit does cheap and filling rotis (flat fried breads) with curry sauces, and the night market sets up around the pier head.

Phra Nang Beach

Located in Krabi, Phuket’s sister province, only 55 kilometers northeast of Phuket, this beach has been ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world along with neighboring Rae Lai Beach. The Phra Nang Peninsula is completely cut off to land transport by walls of rock, which tower over the white sand and sparkling sea. Surrounded by tropical plants and serenaded by the call of colourful birds, this must be as close to paradise as you can get.

Rai Ley Beach

Located in Krabi, Phuket’s sister province, only 55 kilometers northeast of Phuket, this beach has been ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world along with neighboring Phra Nang Beach. Accessible only by boat, here you can find the essential qualities of a classic Andaman beach; soft, white sand, warm waters of amazing clarity and lush foliage spilling onto the sands from a verdant tropical background. And towering over this classic beach are huge cliffs that soar 1,000 feet and more.

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