Krabi, a province on southern
Thailand’s Andaman coast, is an almost otherworldly region of labyrinthine
archipelagos, where islands seem to erupt vertically out of the sea and
secluded beaches are only accessible by colorfully adorned long tail boats.
Krabi’s myriad of bays and coves have sheltered pirates, merchants, and sea
gypsies for thousands of years and archaeological evidence indicates that Krabi
was originally inhabited as early as 25,000 - 35,000 years ago! With
attractions including hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing
coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing
enthusiasts from around the world, and national parks that include the island
paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one could easily spend weeks in Krabi
and leave yearning for more.If that wasn’t enough, Krabi features some of the
most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, often accompanied by spectacular displays
of cloud to cloud lightning, that are best enjoyed from a beachside bar or
restaurant. Meanwhile, with all the tourists spread out among various beaches
and islands, life goes on in Krabi Town, the somewhat sleepy provincial
capital. Surprisingly few tourists spend time in the charming riverside town,
whose hilly streets feature a number of cozy cafes and inexpensive and authentic
Thai cuisine is served at an outdoor, riverside evening market. “Town” to most
visitors is Ao Nang, a seaside strip of guesthouses, hotels, bars, restaurants,
and souvenir shops that continues to grow as tourist arrivals increase, now
spreading north into Noppharat Thara, whose quiet, shady beach is part of the
national park that includes the Phi Phi Islands. Ao Nang is the major launching
point for boat trips to nearby islands and the isolated beaches of Phra Nang
Cape, where the famous former hippie enclave of Railey Beach is located.
