Things to Do in Krabi Island, Thailand

A place where every sunrise is a burst of colours, where the magnificent limestone cliffs are left unspoiled, where the unending stretches of azure waters will leave you speechless; that place is Krabi. So just for a while get off the fast lane and come discover life in slow motion.

Laze on the White Sandy Beaches

Away from the maddening crowd and busy beach resorts, Krabi offers a sense of exclusivity and solitude and is the ideal getaway for beach bums. Railay beach, Ao Nang beach and Phi Phi Island offer long stretches of pristine sands and crystal clear waters. A favourite with couples and families alike, these beaches are perfect to soak in the sun and sand against the backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Krabi boasts of some of the most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, best enjoyed from a beachside bar or restaurant. So pull up ur sleeves, take those cameras out and start clickicng some amazing pictures of beaches. 

Indulge in Crowd Free Shopping

While shopping in Krabi may not be as diverse as Bangkok or Phuket, there are a number of shops selling handicrafts, beachwear, trinkets, paintings and other souvenirs. If you are not particular about quality or authenticity, Ao Nang Market has plenty of shops selling copies of top designer brands. Traditional Thai handicrafts are Thailand’s biggest value buy and make for unusual souvenirs to take back home. The lively night market culture is very prominent in Krabi town, and is a great insight into the life of the local people. Two of the popular venues include Chao Fah Night Market and Krabi Walking Street Market, where you can shop for a variety of products at bargain prices and also sample authentic Thai food.

Explore Your Adventurous Side

Against the backdrop of a dramatic landscape of steep limestone cliffs, adventure buffs can enjoy numerous activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and rock climbing. Home to a diverse collection of marine life, Krabi has some excellent diving and snorkelling tours. Not many visitors are aware that Krabi is home to some of the most beautiful prehistoric cave art in Thailand. One of the best ways to view them is by booking a kayaking tour. Tham Phi Hua-Toh Cave will leave you amazed with the 238 examples of cave art depicting human figures, birds, crocodiles and other animals. The towering limestone rocks draw climbers from around the world who come looking for adventure. With over 700 routes, covering crags, outcrops and sheer pocketed walls, rock climbing is definitely on the list of things to do in Krabi for solo travellers, groups and even families with kids.

Relish Traditional Thai Cuisine

Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience, a meal from a motorbike sidecar, or a snack from a street stall, food in Krabi will satiate your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Being a coastal region, you will find some of the most delicious seafood here.  Avoid visiting the ‘tourist-y’ restaurants and experience Thai culture first hand at the local joints. For a sensory overload head to Ao Nang Market and try from a range of local Thai preparations such as Pad Thai, Papaya Salad, Fried Noodles, Sweet Milky Thai desserts, and lots more.

Marvel at the Striking Natural Beauty

Krabi’s diverse flora and fauna is a delight for nature enthusiasts who come to explore the endangered mangrove forests, caves and secluded lagoons. Ever heard of a hot-tub Jacuzzi in the middle of a jungle? At Krabi’s Hot Springs, locally known as Klong Thom, you can enjoy a dip in nature’s own hot tub. Observe wildlife up close and marvel at the various species of birds, including Thailand’s rarest bird, the Gurney’s Pitta, and wild elephants in the trekking camps.

Enjoy Fun Activities with Kids

Tired of building sandcastles on the beach? Krabi offers a range of activities for families with children. While kids can indulge in snorkelling, rock climbing, kayaking, island hopping and even scuba diving, the destination has other child-friendly options as well. At the “outdoor aquarium” in Ao Nam Mao, the young ones can see a variety of sharks, turtles and “Nemos” (anemone fish). Of course, no trip to Thailand is complete without an encounter with the country’s national symbol, the elephant. A short distance from Krabi, there are a number of elephant camps and sanctuaries where you can interact with the majestic animals, go on full-day treks and even give them a bath in the river!

With its postcard perfect beauty, it is no surprise that Krabi has been the location for movies such as Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, Hangover 2, Around the World in 80 Days and Star Wars. A 45-minute boat ride from Phuket, Krabi’s untouched beauty is sure to leave every traveller spell bound. Check out MakeMyTrip’s exclusive holiday packages for Krabi and plan your holiday today.

 

How to reach:

By air: The Phuket International Airport is the second busiest airport of Thailand after the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.  The airport is well-connected to Bangkok with daily flights. There are also direct flights to India, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Germany, among other countries.

By road: Buses to other regions of Thailand including Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Na and Surat Thani operate at the BKS terminal located just off Thanon Phang Nga in Phuket Town. Buses from the Southern Bus Terminal of Bangkok to Phuket are the most reliable and convenient way of travelling between the two cities and take up to 13 hours to reach Phuket.

By train: Although there are no direct trains to Phuket, one can travel on trains going from Bangkok to Singapore and get off at Phun Phin railway station. Phuket is another 5 hours by bus from Phun Phin, which is located in the Surat Thani Province of Thailand.

Where to stay: Amari Phuket, Patong Resort , Blue Ocean Resort phuket