When I was planning my trip to Thailand in May this year, I wanted to visit at least three different cities of Thailand, so my flight was set for Bangkok. But beyond the vibrant and bustling capital, I wanted to explore at least two more cities to experience the diversity of this beautiful and diverse country. After having lot of research I decided Koh Samui and Krabi. You can read about Koh Samui in my previous blogs. But in this blog we will discuss is Krabi is worth visiting, then my answer is Absolutely it is.
I stayed in Krabi for 3 days and 2 nights, and I must say that this destination is a must visit. Whether you are traveling with family, or on a honeymoon a solo traveler like me, Krabi has something for everyone. So let me walk you through my experience and discuss what you can do here.
Arriving in Krabi and Ao Nang
I arrived in Krabi by air from Koh Samui, landed at Krabi International airport. But the main tourist hub in Krabi is Ao Nang, which is about 40 minutes drive from the airport. So I took a taxi from the airport and reached my hotel in Ao Nang, that taxi cost me 150 Baht, as one other tourist also shared the taxi, so in total the taxi cost us 300 Baht. So, after checking in, I headed towards the Ao Nang beach, which is just a 10-minute walk from my hotel.
Ao Nang beach is so beautiful, and offers a lot of water activities, Whether you are into swimming, kayaking, or simply want to soak up the sun, you can easily spend 2 to three hours here as there are so many restaurants and cafes as well just on the other side of the beach. The beach is also a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset.
Another thing here you can do or visit is the Monkey trail. This is a short trial at the edge of the beach that leads you through the forested area where you can spot monkeys in the nature. It is a bit of fun, which adds adventure to your beach day.
As the sun sets, Krabi nightlife comes alive. the main road near the AO Nang beach turned into a place for nightlife, the scene filled with restaurants, nightclubs, massage parlors, and souvenir shops. You will find here a variety of dining options, from local Thai cuisines to international chains,, and even Indian and desi food restaurants are in abundance. This place is perfect to enjoy your night.
Day 2: Daytrip to Phi Phi island
On the second day, I booked the famous Phi Phi island day trip. This trip was really exceptional, even one of the best I’ve done in Thailand. Tour takes you to several islands, each one is more beautiful and different than the other. We visited Maya Bay, famous for its role in the Hollywood movie The Beach, and the location of this place really lived up to expectations. The mesmerizing cliffs all around and the crystal clear water are simply amazing.
We also go to Monkey Island, where you can see monkeys, and the Bamboo Island, which is known for its white sand and clear water. The main Phi Phi island is another spot, this is a big island where you can relax, shop and explore. I booked this trip online, but there are so many local tour shops from where you can book this day trip. If you want to read more about this, click here to read the full blog about it.
After the day’s adventure, I recommend you take Thai foot massage, it is the perfect way to rejuvenate your tiredness and get ready for the next day.
Jungle day trip and Ao Nang Night market
On third day, I booked a half-day Jungle trip, a unique experience which I highly recommend. This tour takes you to some of Krabi’s natural wonders, including the Emerald pool and Blue pool. Another highlight is the natural thermal baths, where you can soak yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters, which was an incredible relaxing experience.
We also visited Elephant Sanctuary, where you learn about this majestic animal and even interact with them in a responsible way. This sanctuary focuses on the welfare of the elephants, which makes it a more meaningful experience.
The great thing about this jungle trip is that its affordable and less crowded than many other places in Thailand, offering a more relaxed and tranquil experience to enjoy. I booked this trip online, but you can book it from local tour operators, which you can find everywhere in Krabi.
So, as it was a half day tour, I returned to my hotel by 3 PM and after some rest, I headed to the Ao Nang night market in the evening. This market is a must visit spot in Krabi, full of entertaining activities and offering wide variety of local cuisine at very low prices. And if you are looking for souvenirs, this is the place to shop.
Other things to do in Krabi
Railay beach: This beach is accessible only by boat, this place is famous for beautiful cliffs and it is also a hotspot for rock climbing. The caves here and the beach make it a perfect day trip from Ao Nang.
Four Island Tour: Another popular and famous day trip which you can do in Krabi is this four famous islands off the coast of Krabi: Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang cave beach. Each location is unique and different, which offers stunning beaches and rock formations.
Krabi Town: If you have some time left and you have interest in seeing local culture,, then head towards Krabi town, where you can enjoy local cuisines and able to see the unique architecture of temples and buildings.
In conclusion, this city is worth visiting, it has no doubt a diverse range of activities, and mesmerizing natural beauty makes it the perfect destination that caters to all types of travelers. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or wanted to explore local culture, Krabi has it all. So, if you are planning a trip to Thailand, make sure Krabi is on your itinerary, it will not disappoint you for sure.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to comment below.