Given an option to go back to Thailand, I would choose Krabi any day and just stay there. These days, I wake up wishing I could be immediately transported back to the beautiful beaches this island has to offer. Those days with a mango shake in hand, walking along the powdery beaches and wore little more than swimsuits for almost five days straight! Argh! #takemeback
It helps that a ticket to Thailand is as cheap as chips. Thailand also has an offer of free Visa on Arrival for over 21 countries including India and China. This fee waiver has been extended to October 2019, so this is the best time to make use of it. If you are worried about the long queues and crowd at the counter, check out the Thailand eVisa on Arrival or eVOA which was launched in February 2019. Visit the website thailandevoa.vfsevisa.com and fill out all the details just as you do on the Visa Application form. eVOA isn’t however, free. Normally, it costs 200THB but with the free fee-waiver, the offer is applicable till October 2019 for eVOA too. There is a service charge of 600THB though. Thailand’s currency exchange is almost Rs.2 for 1 Thai Baht. It is as though the universe is conspiring in your favor.
Thailand isn’t only about Bangkok or Pattaya anymore. The islands, away from the maddening crowd is what people prefer for a relaxed holiday.
Krabi has always been one of the top destinations in Thailand for tourists all around the world. What we loved the most was that Krabi is relatively untouched, retaining its charm when compared to Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. The area is comparatively compact and once you get an idea as to how to move around this little island, it is easy to explore the many hidden gems that Krabi has to offer – landscapes, virgin islands, food, and scenic view the moment you open your eyes in the morning! Peaceful and serene!
The list of places to visit and things to do in Krabi goes on and on, but I will try to shortlist a few which can be done on your stay here.
Things to Do in Krabi:
Go for Island Hopping
While in Krabi, you can go on a number of Island Hopping tours. The price depends on the boat you choose – long-tail boats, cruise or speed boats. The popular islands you can visit from Krabi include Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Hong Island, Bamboo Island, and Koh Phi Phi Don.
Visit Railay Beach
A popular beach destination from Krabi would be the Railay Beach, which is home to some exquisite resorts and beautiful boutique hotels. Take a long-tail boat from Krabi to reach Railay.
Visit Phrang Nang Beach
You can never get enough of the beautiful beaches that Krabi has to offer, each one better than the other. We spent an entire day at Phrang Nang Beach and that is one of the most memorable days in my life.
It is a beautiful scenic spot where you can take some gorgeous pictures. If you are an adventure enthusiast, go for rock-climbing. Else, simply grab a beer and chill on the beach.
Relive some Iconic Bollywood Moments
Many Bollywood songs including those from the movies Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Student of the Year, Housefull 2 and Veere Di Wedding were shot here. Well, my favorite among them all was the song from Baaghi – Sab Tera!
Stay in Rayavadee
On the Phrang Nang Beach, is the famous luxury resort – Rayavadee. It is the only 5-star resort on the island and is also part of the Leading Hotels of the World.
What makes Rayavadee resort even more popular is its restaurant The Grotto, which offers Cave Dining. It is open to anyone who wants to dine here irrespective of whether you are staying in the resort or not. This was something on my bucket list and I’m glad I had the chance. A gorgeous view as we dined on some delicious food will be etched in my memory forever.
The chairs and tables are placed inside the cave overlooking the sea. It’s a beautiful view and especially at sunset.
Rent a Motorbike and head to the Krabi Heartland
Krabi Town is where the popular Weekend Market is set up. It is about 20 kilometers from Ao Nang. There are other small shops set up on Beach Road as well. Upon reaching Ao Nang, Krabi, however, we decided to skip Island Hopping after having done two in Phuket, including the James Bond Island Tour. So while we contemplated what to do the next day, we found ourselves taking up a rented motorbike and heading towards the town. The journey was breathtaking with picturesque mountains and landscapes. And in the end, it was the Giant Catfish farm, which awaited us.
Again, this was a fun day with a little lamb guiding us through this tiny little farm amidst nature. An all natural jacuzzi, walk through the rickety old wooden bridge, having coffee by the riverside restaurant and feeding giant catfishes are still afresh in my memory.
Where to stay in Krabi
Krabi is home to some finest resorts, budget hotels, hostels, restaurants, and bars. You can pick from a wide variety of options.
Confused about choosing a hotel and a hostel? Let me help you out.
How to reach Krabi
I had mentioned in detail here about how one can use the ferry service from Phuket to reach Krabi. This is the fastest option but one can also travel by road. You can also travel by air from Bangkok and Chang Mai for Krabi has an international airport.
| How to Reach Ao Nang Krabi, Thailand
It’s a honeymoon destination!
We had seen many couples on a honeymoon in Krabi. We were asked by the hotel staff, the masseuse, and even a lady in the store whether we were on our honeymoon. Of course! If you can say so after four years of marriage!
What not to miss in Krabi
Longtail Boats!
The sunsets!
The pancakes!
The markets!
The food!
And the Massages!
In Krabi, we had decided to chill and relax, go to nearby beaches, have great food, visit the night market and revel in Thai massages. I am a sucker for great massages and spas, but the husband was in for a surprise 😛
We lazed around, spent an evening in the resort’s infinity pool and lay there even when it started to rain. A couple from Australia warned us about getting wet in the rain, but oh, come on, we are in the pool. Seeing our enthusiasm, they jumped into the pool with us in ten minutes.
Our stay in Krabi is one of the most memorable days of my life. Laidback and unexplored, I hope it doesn’t lose its charm by the time we visit the next time. “The next time?”, my husband asks. My smile melts his heart and we nod in unison.
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Mayuri Nidigallu says
Krabi is my favorite too, the most relaxing part of Thailand for me. Love your pics, Shalini, esp the first one:)
Roma Gupta Sinha says
…and I wake up visiting Thailand all over again through your eyes, such lovely picks dearie, adorable! Who’ s behind the lens ??
Reema D'souza says
Krabi looks like a lovely place to visit! I loved the pictures. If I am ever visiting Thailand I won’t miss Krabi!
Deepthi P Jugali says
Beautiful pics and the information. I just started dreaming.
Kalpanaa says
I feel as though I’ve been on vacation already – your photos and write up are so fabulous.
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Vinodini says
I have yet to visit Krabi. Your pics are quite tempting. Thailand is beautiful!
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upasna says
I love peaceful places.nice pics Shalini esp the sunset one.
Roshan Radhakrishnan says
Man. These pics make me so jealous :/
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Tina Basu says
Okay, that’s it – Next Year I am visiting Thailand yet again… I need to soak in the sun and eat and shop and not just gawk at photos here!!!
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Menaka Bharathi says
Next time I visit Thailand I will not miss Krabi Shalz!
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Shilpa Garg says
Krabi seems like a dream destination and you have captured its essence so well with your pictures!!
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shubhangi srikanth says
One look at these pics and I can understand where your longing for the place comes from! Awesome..simply awesome!
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Soumya says
Currently, this is my favorite place in the world 🙂
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Ramya Rao says
Krabi ka surely on my list next. The place looks surreal and I am glad you had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing! ?
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Nick Wilford says
Thanks for the tip. It looks glorious!
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Manisha Garg says
I am sure any one travelling there should just look at you post all the key details are up and ready
Sreesha says
Oh these gorgeous, gorgeous photos!
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Aditi Kaushiva says
I’ve been craving for a nice sunny beach holiday! Sigh! Wish I can transport to Krabi, like, right now! Beautiful captures!
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G Angela says
awesome, what a beautiful place, beautiful pictures and thanks for sharing, I am adding this to my list 🙂
Sanch @ Sanch Writes says
I’ve heard about Krabi and your photos make it look very inviting!
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Soumya says
Ah Krabi! What I will not go to go back there! I loved the beaches of Thailand, so blue, so pristine.
The food and the boats is not to be missed as you apty said. Gosh, how much I ate when I was there. They have some of the best street food there. Mango and sticky rice too!!!
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Cristina Petrini says
Places other than the usual itinerai to experience the real Thailand! Thanks for the tips!
Hannah Marie says
Thailand is such a paradise in many possible sense. The beautiful beaches and nature is beyond amazing. This is my type of place
Mahati ramya adivishnu says
Wonderful travelogue, I would love to visit Krabi island someday.
Chad says
I’ve been to Thailand but never made it to Krabi. The place looks so gorgeous, i love it. Thanks a lot.
Shailaja Vishwanath says
Those pictures are breathtaking and now Thailand is on my bucket list of places to visit. Wonder how the vegetarian in me will fare though 🙂
Shailaja Vishwanath says
Those pictures are breathtaking and now Thailand is on my bucket list of places to visit. Wonder how the vegetarian in me will fare though 🙂
Sundeep says
Your travel blog is straight out of a soul stuck in Wanderlust. Can so relate to it being a passionate traveler myself. We are planning to visit Thailand next year, added this to my bookmark
Lynda Hogan says
Bookmarked. It just looks so heavenly. I would love to be there right now too!
Jennifer says
Those beaches look completely amazing! I’ve never been to Thailand, or really heard much about it, but this makes me want to go like now!
Krysten Quiles says
Oh wow, I just want to climb into these pictures. Looks like there is more than enough to do!
fashionandstylepolice says
I would love to visit one day. The beach looks so amazing. I need to go on vacation asap. Not long now.
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Alexandra Cook says
Thailand is such a gorgeous country. I would really love to go see this someday.
Tina Andrews says
Breath taking photos! I would love to visit Thailand, and eat with a goat, been loving goats these days !
Hannah Marie says
Thailand is such a paradise in many possible sense. The beautiful beaches and nature is beyond amazing. This is my type of place
Cristina Ioana says
Thailand is truly amazing. I’ve never visited it but after reading your article it’s surely a place worth exploring. I especially like the Phrang Nang Beach. Looks like paradise.
Priya says
WOW, just the perfect timing for me. I am heading to Krabi next month and was looking for some nice suggestions. Definitely gonna do the island hopping tours.
amycoz says
This looks and sounds like an awesome place in Thailand.
Romina Tibytt says
I would love to visit Thailand! Your pictures are amazing and the food looks sooo delicious!
Eloise says
Krabi looks beautiful! I love your photos and would LOVE to go there someday. it resembles paradise with the pretty blue water and palm trees and yummy food
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HolyVeggies says
I keep hearing how amazing Thailand is. Judging from your pictures people aren’t kidding. I love nature and you got me convinced 😉
Fatima Torres says
Thailand is a beautiful place to explore. My friends are always bragging about their trips.
Aseem says
I haven’t been to Thailand in more than a decade. But yeah getting a chance to visit places like Krabi is something which I am surely excited about. And moreover with no visa hassles, this place needs to be ticked off the bucket list sooner rather than later.
vartika says
Drool-worthy pictures. Krabi is still on my bucket list and needs to be ticked off soon. Love the post and its vibes.
Charu says
Wow! How lovely the place looks through the pics you have shared.
Neha Jain says
Thailand is still in my list to explore, pictures of so beautiful that I want to plan my trip soon.
Manas Mukul says
Your thailand coverage is amazing. Everytime any one asks about Thailand I happily point them towards your posts. Keep the wonderful work going. Keep flying.
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Richa MIna says
wow amazing pictures. after your grand review i’m going to add it in my to be visited soon list
Simrit Bedi says
Wow… Ur pictures are absolutely breathtaking! I loved reading your post.. Karabi is in my bucket list now!
Simrit Bedi says
Wow! Ur pictures are absolutely breathtaking! Karabi is on my bucket list now! Loved reading ur post
Ghazala Naseem says
Nice and detailed review of Krabi , now want to go there and enjoy 🙂
Swiddle Dcunha says
I have been to Pataya and Bangkok. Loved the pictures your shared. Thailand is worth exploring.
arv! says
Railay beach is lovely. The best place on this beach is the lane that has food joints and bars lined all along. And the best place is the resort right on the beach.
arti says
very informative post Shalini.. thank you