Located in the south of Thailand, along the Andaman Sea coastline, Krabi is one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations. Over the last 10 years, it has transformed from a small fishing community into a holiday paradise. Well known for its scenic beauty and friendly people, Krabi welcomes a greater number of visitors each year.

Perhaps most famous for the world-renowned beach resorts of Railay, Ao Nang and Phi Phi Islands, Krabi offers a variety of things to see and do within the realm of every budget. While adventure activities in Krabi’s idyllic outdoors are the mainstay of most holiday itineraries, there are plenty of other options. From history to white sand beaches, scuba diving to rock climbing and luxurious spas to island cruises, Krabi has a great deal to offer.

The set of islands known as Koh Phi Phi possess some of the best dive spots in the world. The clear, emerald waters are calmest from November to April, offering scenic coves, colourful coral formations and an abundance of sea life along the reef. But it’s the scenery above the water that has made them famous. The distinct butterfly shape of Phi Phi Don, with its’ two horseshoe bays, and the sheer beauty of Maya Bay on Phi Phi Ley are the crown jewels of the province’s tourist brochure. Dramatic karst formations have been thrust out of the sea leaving paradise like sandy bays. You can stay on Phi Phi Don, while Phi Phi Ley is for day-trippers only.

The beach resort area of Ao Nang has earned a reputation for being a first class, international holiday destination. Although not yet at the level of nearby Phuket in terms of the number of tourists, expense or nightlife, it is a centre of activity providing all the amenities and services expected by single travellers and families alike. Numerous choices in the areas of hotels, restaurants, resorts and night spots are available, as well as several tour operators specialising in a variety of interesting daytrips. Part of its appeal is that its a down-to-earth family-orientated alternative to busy Phuket.

A short boat ride from Ao Nang is the stunning Railey Beach, a spit of land sandwiched by unpassable karst cliffs. This gives it an island feel, and though you can stay at the few resorts here, most people come on a day trip. The beaches have lovely white sand and turquoise waters especially at the popular Tham Phra Nang beach. It’s also the main area for rock climbing in the region.

Fossil Shell Beach, known locally as Su San Hoi, is a popular spot for shell collectors from around the world. For an estimated 75 million years, the sea currents have washed up an enormous amount of several different varieties of seashells and imbedded them upon the shore. This can be reached by boat from Railay and Krabi pier, or by road.

If you are one of the many visitors to Thailand who enjoys the beautiful and ancient Buddhist temples, Krabi Town has at least a few that are worth a look. The Wat Sai Thai monastery is the province’s central temple and the location at which most choose to worship or conduct important ceremonies. Its main attraction is a large, striking image of the Buddha in a reclining posture. The town itself is on a mangrove lined estaury which offers a nice boating trip, and you can wander around this typical Thai provincial capital to sample local life relatively unspoilt by tourism.

Wat Tham Seua, or Tiger Cave Temple, is another important local attraction composed of many small temples with several beautiful shrines and Buddhist monuments. The cave is below a massive karst pillar and you can climb more than 300 stairs to the pagoda and brilliant view on top. The local monks continue to make use of the ancient natural dwelling places within the caves themselves.

Off shore are a number of islands which add to the sea vistas from Ao Nang. They are best visited on the popular four and five island tours, which take in the unique Hong Island. This island has a hidden lagoon in the middle which is accessible only at low tide through a cave. It’s only open to daytrippers and the small beach and calm clear waters are a real treat. On a much larger scale, further afield, is a whole bay full of krast islands at Phan Nga.

If you tire of the beach you might want to rent a vehicle and seek out some of the lesser visited but equally enchanting landscapes in the area such as the cascading pools of Than Bokkharani (en-route to Phuket), Phanom Bencha national park with its lovely hiking trails and waterfalls, and the hot stream waterfall.

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