Famed white sandy beaches
The abundance of accessible islands featuring breathtaking coastlines translate into plenty of splendid beaches to enjoy. On the more crowded beaches, long-tail boats line the sandy shore, their colourful ribbons fluttering in the wind.
There are also opportunities to find quiet, even deserted, beaches if you visit those that are not frequented by tour boats, or if you arrive at the right time when the throngs of tourists have left for the day. Your best bet for a deserted beach is to hire a private boat and head down to these beaches early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Ao Nang
The most popular place for tourists to stay in Krabi, Ao Nang is a bustling resort town just 20 minutes away from Krabi Town itself. Not only does it have a large number of great hotels, from the luxurious to the low-cost, it is also chock-full of welcoming bars and restaurants. A gorgeous strip of soft sand with mountain and karst views, it is the perfect place in mainland Krabi to soak up the sun and go for a swim, just a stone’s throw away from all the action.
Sunset
The highlight of my first night in Krabi was the stunning sunset from the beach in Koh Klang, the island nearest to Krabi’s mainland. The sky was coloured in a brilliant clash of orange and blue, a masterpiece that is one of a kind. It is suffice to say that the exceptionally impressive sunsets in Krabi are enough to justify my endless wish to wake up on this paradise.
The prices
A stay in Krabi is one of the few stays in paradise that is sure not to break the bank. Despite being popular with tourists, Krabi has remained much cheaper than nearby tourist hubs Phuket and Koh Samui. In terms of accomodation, the sheer number of choices available means bargains can be found without the need to compromise quality or stay in a hostel, and food from local joints and night markets are not subject to the farang “double-pricing” that you may have encountered elsewhere, leaving you with more cash to splash on tours and excursions.
The activites
There are plenty of activities and tours to keep you busy on a trip to Krabi. Whether it is making new friends below the waves on a diving excursion, making your Instagram followers jealous on a four-island tour, or even learning how to cook your favourite meal, Krabi has enough to keep you busy no matter how long your visit.