By Edwin Thomas
Krabi Holiday & Tourism Guide
Krabi is a popular destination on the Indian Ocean side of southern Thailand. Although damaged in the 2004 tsunami that devastated much of the western fringe of southeast
Asia, it has bounced back. The area is popular because it is not as overrun with tourists as Phuket or Koh Pha Nagn. It offers
beaches and clear waters that are just as attractive, and it sports spectacular limestone cliffs.
Getting There
The cheapest way to get there is by overnight bus. It departs from Bangkok's southern bus terminal. The prices range from 500 baht for cheap tourist coaches to 1100 baht for a VIP bus in 2008 ($12.80 and $28.20, respectively, in using 2008's average foreign exchange). The faster, but more expensive alternative, is to fly. Carriers that service Krabi from Bangkok are Thai Airways and Air Asia. Air Asia also flies a route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Krabi.
Air Asia
Tel: +66 2 515 9999 (in Thailand)
http://www.airasia.com/
Thai Airways
Tel: (662) 545-1000 (in the U.S.)
http://www.thaiairways.com/
The Coast
Scuba diving around this offshore island is an option.
Krabi is famous for its scenic beaches and clear, warm waters that are framed by sheer limestone cliffs topped by tropical green. The best known beaches include Ao Nang, Noppharat Thara, Pra Nang and those of the nearby island of Koh Phi Phi. The local waters are home to numerous outstanding sites for scuba diving and snorkeling, and Thailand remains one of the cheapest and safest places in the world to take scuba lessons. Sea kayaking and sailing are also popular recreational activities in the area.
Inland
The area is a honeycomb of national parks and wildlife refuges, which are home to many of Krabi's limestone cliffs. These have become immensely popular with climbers. Hiking in the forests is also a popular activity, and there are waterfalls and caves in the area. An interesting example is the Tiger Cave complex, which is a network of natural and man-made caves that have housed Buddhist monks for centuries. Two intriguing waterfalls, Huai To and Namtok Huai, can be found in Khao Phanom Bencha National Park.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
Tambon Thap Prik
Amphoe Muang, Krabi 81000
Tiger Cave
Crossroads of Highway No. 4 and Highway No. 4037
Ban Tham Suea
Tambon, Krabi Noi
In the Vicinity
The closest major tourist destinations from Krabi are the cities of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. Phuket is a little more than 100 miles away and offers many of the same features as Krabi, but is it more developed and has heavier traffic. There is also the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi, which is offshore. One hundred and thirty miles away and across southern Thailand is Surat Thani, where the ferries to the Gulf of Thailand islands can be boarded. Finally, Krabi is close to the border of Malaysia. Mini-buses are available to take passengers to Penang or the 175 miles to Hat Yai, where trains to Malaysian destinations can be boarded.
About the Author:
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
Photo Credits:
Richard Thomas, Wikimedia Commons
