Top Ten Amazing Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand

Ten Amazing Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand

Image by diadelso sourced from wikimeia commons

Krabi is a southern Thai resort province near the Andaman coast.  It is found in an area straight out of a Bond movie (literally, too), and is set amidst limestone karst and mangrove forest backdrops, with stretches of idyllic, white, sandy beaches like you have never seen before.

It is probably true that Krabi, on the west coast of the southern region of the country, has long been characterised as a region of craggy, sheer limestone cliffs, dense forests, pristine beaches and water, and lots of islands.

It is true that some of the more prominent and desired beach destinations in the southern region are Krabi’s Phi Phi Islands and Railay Beach, both of which are accessible only by boat.

The truth is though that Krabi is now a prominent rock-climbing and all-round outdoor activity hot spot, attracting anyone from rank novices to horizontal, freestyle climbers, and accommodating them all. Krabi has all manner of amazing things to do besides climbing, but by and large they lean more towards the active or explorative side of things .

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The province actually covers quite an expanse of area, so a fair bit of traveling may be involved in trying to cover everything that is possible in the province of Krabi. There certainly are some amazing things to do.

This might be because Krabi retains much of its natural charm, encompassing picturesque tropical islands and pristine natural beaches and forest parks, while developing the climbing and other tropical outdoor extreme sports pursuits ; either way there are a lot of amazing things to do in Krabi.

Sometime between November and April is probably the most advisable time to hit Krabi, mainly due to the weather in the South of Thailand which can be unpredictable.

Flights to Krabi are also possible as the province has its own airport. This terminal is able to accommodate both international and domestic flights. Considering the miles and miles of spectacular coastline, lush hinterland and lots of leisure activities at hand, it’s no wonder that there are so many amazing things to do in this developing tourist hotspot.

1. Explore Railay

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Railay beach is certainly one of the most amazing beaches in Thailand. It is accessible only by boat, being cut off from the mainland by a few huge cliffs. Here is the stunning white sand, breath taking views and fantastic limestone cliffs that everyone wants to find on their holiday.

Railay is a kind of cut off location, signified by the complete lack of any roads — just a few long tail boats to be seen, the main way by which most people arrive or leave.

There is not much by way of nightlife or bars in Railay, which is largely visited for the feeling that it induces of being away from rest of the world. Peace.

2. Go rock climbing

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Climbers from all corners of the globe now descend on Krabi to try their hand at scaling the limestone rocks that are plentiful in this area.

Various local school operators cater to novice climbers who want to practice sport climbing. This is obviously the most logical and (probably) the safest way for beginners to start. Experienced climbers can challenge themselves with some of the 700 or more climbs available in the area. These range in difficulty from F4 (easy) to F8c (professional).

 3. Rent a boat

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Like we mentioned before the region of Krabi is quite extensive, and there are around 200 islands in and around the coastline. Some are quite large but still uninhabited, with others already having established populations going about their lives.

Adventurous types are able to rent boats from Krabi town or Ao Nang and go off exploring the islands – although it might be noted that this is a task only usually undertaken by keen and experienced sailors.

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The slightly less adventurous might consider renting a boat with a guide, which makes it easier to relax and take in the surroundings, while helping to avoid any unpredictable weather, and ensure that you actually make it back home.

4. Visit Thung Theo Forest Natural Park

The Natural Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and is home to some amazing plants and animals of the Thai variety. The area is a lowland forest, rich in bio-diversity, complete with a nature trail and a crystal pond, or ‘lagoon’.

Located in the Khao Pra-Bang Kram area, the nature trek provides ample opportunities to spot rare animals and plant species, and the forest is lush with age-old trees stretching up to the sky, unusual forest creatures and limestone foothills that open onto a dazzling emerald pool.

A particularly inspiring feature of the area, the Crystal Lagoon is also known as the Emerald Pool.

This is an awe-inspiring scenario in which the water is naturally warm and completely clear, shimmering in an emerald-like glow. Going for a swim is an experience like never before, a temporary escape to another world, complete with waterfalls.

There is an office close to the park, at Ban Bang Teao. It’s main objective seems to be to ensure that the no-hunting zone rules are enforced, along with ensuring that no other kind of harm comes to this naturally beautiful sanctuary.

5. Visit Klong Thom Hot Springs

With Avatar-like backdrops set amidst lush rainforest, are the amazing Krabi Hot Springs.

They are cut out of the smooth rock, and the water is supplied from deep rooted thermal springs located inside volcanic chambers.

The water, which can get up to forty degrees Celsius in temperature, contains natural mineral salts that re considered to have many healing properties. This is a place of total relaxation, with the option of a cooling swim in a stream.

It may be worth noting that the springs are quite close to the Emerald Pool so it is worth combining the two for a day out.

6. Go into or climb the famous landmarks

There are two mountain peaks in Krabi that in many ways define the place image-wise. Situated either side of a river, Khao Khanab Nam Mountains are the most famous landmarks in Krabi, and are a real natural wonder.

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A vast network of caves runs below the two peaks, and they contain many stalagmites and stalactites, along with the occasion smattering of human.

One of the impressive-looking mountains is actually climbable and offers some amazing photograph opportunities from the top for those willing to scramble up there.

7. Visit the elephant sanctuary

 The Krabi Elephant Sanctuary is a great place to observe and learn about elephants when they are in good condition. The elephants are well treated (never ridden) and the sanctuary itself looks pretty amazing.

Entrants are allowed to participate in the elephants’ feeding and washing routines as well as having a stroll with elephants.

The emphasis on observation of the elephants, for all entrants, is to see how they behave when they have everything they need in terms of food and accommodation. They have been well-treated and no riding of any elephants is allowed here as they say it can actually be quite damaging to the elephant.

This means for the most part all animals exude an air of happiness and playfulness as they stroll off about their business, seemingly unfazed by observers or picture-takers.

This is undoubtedly the most Instagrammable they are ever likely to be, and seeing such huge, graceful and sensitive animals looking so at home is a joy to behold.

 8. Take the 4 Island Tour

Why not?

This is undoubtedly one of the most popular island hopping tours around Krabi, available through most/all local tour operators. Unsurprisingly, there are indeed 4 small but scenic islands, all surrounded by shimmering blue waters.

The highlight here is likely to be snorkelling in these waters. When the tide is low it is even possible walk on a narrow sandbar interconnecting three of the islands.

Definitely an amazing thing to do in Krabi for the unique experience of snorkelling in clear, turquoise blue waters, but this is a popular tour so it does tend to get crowded during certain periods like holidays.

9. Take a hike up Dragon Crest Mountain

The hike to the summit starts about 30 kilometers to the north of Krabi Town.

The trail itself is at a place called Nong Thale, and is about four kilometers long The estimated completion time for the average person to reach the summit is about two and a half hours.

This place is known as Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest Mountain) and can feel like a real adventure once the uphill trek commences.  The hike allows participants to encounter streams, waterfalls, and a couple of other amazing viewpoints. The best Instagram opportunity is definitely at the top though, with its seamless panoramic views from close on 600 meters above sea level.

10.  Check out Ao Luk Mangrove

Ao Luk mangrove and caves is an amazing pursuit of exploration and soft-adventure experiences in Krabi Province.

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The region of the mangrove is around 40km further north from Krabi Town, and is a considerably well-kept natural and rural environment which encompasses two National Parks known as Than Bok Khorani and Khao Phanom Bencha.

The lush, mountainous landscape is characterised by the tall limestone cliffs. Far along the coast, mangrove forest and limestone cliff scenarios provide ample exciting tropical playground havens.

For active, tropical, outdoor types who like to view through the occasional lens of explore.