Krabi

Krabi is another affordable budget friendly beach destination in Thailand. It is right across to Phuket on the other side of Phang Nga bay. You may take a bus or a ferry from Phuket to reach Krabi. Bus will cross Phang Nga town on the way. Bus tickets cost around 260-280 Baht. It takes approximately the same time via both the transports around 4 hours. Buses ply from the bus terminal in the Phuket town which is about 40 minutes from the coastal beach areas. Krabi is comparatively much cheaper to Phuket, even Pattaya, in everything including stay, food, trips etc. There are not many places to explore in Krabi apart from Island tours. You may take all the island tours that are available in Phuket Krabi also, in case you did not take these trips from Phuket.

Beaches

Ao Nang beach is the most popular beach in Krabi. We could see many tiny crab drilling holes on the beaches. Nopparahathara beach has pier from where boats depart for Island tours. The Raileh/Railey beach is quite popular among western tourists. It has many resorts as stay options. Railey beach has some adventure activities like rock climbing also. A little away from Railey beach is the Phra Nang beach which is quite different because of the cave that lies on one side of the beach and the entire beach is shaded by trees. There are also other beaches like the Monkey beach and beaches of the nearby islands.

Night market

The night market is one the most amazing places in Krabi. It is near to the Nopparahathara beach. It is a quite large compound with the statue of a bright res dragon at the entrance. This place has several shops selling souvenirs, clothes, packaged local food items and art. But the food market is exquisite. We saw food markets in Phuket also but this one has a special vibe. All kinds of cuisines are available here Indian, Malaysian, Thai, Italian, Chinese etc.

You may order form any of the counters, grab a chair in the seating area and enjoy your meal. There is a large TV screen telecasting football or any other sports event along with a live band playing some music. Everything from snacks to desserts are available here. Colorful furniture, fairy lights, light music and decorative bulbs add charm to the already exuberant feel of the place. Do visit this place at least one evening.

Emarald pool

These two are gems of Krabi. There are total 3 pools located inside the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature reserve, you need to buy entry tickets of 200THB to visit this place. The pool is situated amidst a grove of trees getting its water from a stream. The water of the pool appears emerald due to the deposits at the bottom. You can spot tiny fishes in the water. You may sit on the pavement and dip your feet or take a plunge in the pool. This place provides a happiness by just looking at it. A must visit in Krabi. These are one of the best maintained places conserved in their natural state. If you are in Krabi do not skip this.

Blue Lagoon

A little further around 800 meters into the woods is the blue lagoon. The path from the emerald pool to the blue lagoon is interesting almost like a forest trail. The lagoon is very small but magical. You cannot take your eyes off of it. Although, you might not dunk in the pool due to a barrier that restricts people from going near it, you may enjoy the view, nevertheless.

Hot Springs

A few kilometers away from the emerald pool is the hot water spring. It is conveniently located in the shades and hidden away from the view until you take the path leading to it. It is a cascading spring flowing down the rocks in a meandering way forming small puddles at every step. You can dip your feet or your body in these puddles and feel instant relaxation. The temperature of the water soothes your muscles immediately. There is a warning sign that you should not spend more than 20 minutes in the water. The temperature of the water is so high that anyway you will not be able to tolerate for that long.

Tiger cave temple

It is a temple complex that houses a cave temple, another Buddhist temple and a cliff with Buddha statue on the top and an amazing view of Krabi. The temple is so named as Tiger cave because you may find tiger paw prints on the rocks of this temple. Buddha statue is inside of this cave temple. The complex is beautifully built and well kept. Some 1200+ steps lead up to the viewpoint from where you get excellent view of the shoreline of Krabi and the entire Krabi town. If you have the time and the energy, ensure to climb those steps and you will not be disappointed.

4/7/11 Islands tour(day/sunset) by speedboat or long tail boat

This is a popular tour that you can take from Krabi. Whether it is 4 island, 7 island or 11 islands, it is basically the same tour with added islands. The sunset option is where you are on an island during sunset and a barbeque dinner may be included in it. This tour is available by long tail boats also as it is not very distant. If you are a small group book a long tail boat to have more private tour.

The 4-islands tour costs around 500–700THB per person and the other ones are priced more than this. There are two booking offices at the two ends of Ao Nang beach from where you may book your tour on long tail boat. You get water, snacks and lunch (packed/buffet) during this tour. On an island tour do not forget to pack these: hat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, towel, extra clothes and a bag to keep wet clothes. Places covered in this 4-islands tour are: Taeley Waek, Chicken Island (Koh Gai), Poda island, Phra Nang Cave/beach, and Railey Beach. This seems a lot of places but it does not take much time as all of them are located close by each other.

Thalay Waek

You will be picked up from your hotel by 8:30 and taken to Nopparahathar pier in a minivan. There you will have to pay the National Park fee of 400THB and you will be lead by your guide to board the boat. First you will be taken to visit the Thalay Waek, which is a thin sandbar connecting the three islands of Koh Mor, Koh Tup and Koh Gai or separating the sea. During the low tides the sandbar is visible and you may walk on it. Sometimes, it creates an illusion of you walking on water. This is a place with crystal clear water through which the bottom of the sea is visible. You may swim or snorkel here or just play in the water. The scenic beauty of this place is unparalleled. On a bright sunny day, the colours will mesmerize you.

Next you will get up close with the Chicken Island (Koh Gai), so named because of the chicken like shape of the island. From some angles it really looks like a sitting chicken. You may snorkel here or get some more pictures.

Poda Islands

After this you will be taken to Koh Poda, another island with breathtaking sceneries. This was the best island according to us. This island is covered in trees offering shade and plenty of relaxing places. You can laze or walk around to explore more. The views will lift your spirits. It has all the public facilities like toilets and benches. You will be served your lunch here. It may be a buffet or a packed meal. You may choose a seat by the beach in the shades and enjoy the views while you have your lunch. After about an hour on this beach, you will start your journey back.

Railey Beach

On your journey back, you will make one more stop. Railey beach is just around the peninsula at Ao Nang beach and is accessible only via a boat. So, before returning to Krabi, your last point is Railey Beach. From Railey Beach connected via a cliffside trail is the Phra Nang cave and beach. Phra Nang cave is also called the Princess Cave. There are several folklores behind the name. The Phra Nang beach is different fro other beaches in Krabi as this is the only beach that has shade along its entire length. It is a good place to spend your time before saying goodbye to this natural beauty.