Krabi
Krabi is an ideal getaway destination teeming with natural attractions including white sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous large and small islands and verdant forests with caves and waterfalls.
Krabi Province is situated approximately 814 kilometers from Bangkok which one of most attractive destinations in southern Thailand. Covering an area of 4,708 square kilometers, the western border of Krabi falls by the side of the Andaman Sea, the northern borders are Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, the southern borders are Trang Province and the Andaman Sea and the eastern borders are Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang Provinces. Krabi is an ideal getaway destination teeming with natural attractions including white sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous large and small islands and verdant forests with caves and waterfalls.
The topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts. Krabi river is flowing through Krabi City to the Andaman Sea at Pak Nam Sub-district which is 5 kilometers in length. In addition, there are several canals originating from the province's highest mountain range, Khao Phanom Bencha including Khlong Pakasai, Khlong Krabi Yai and Khlong Krabi Noi. Lush mangrove forests line the canals and the banks of Krabi river particularly before it empties into the Andaman Sea. The provinces sandy soil conditions are suitable for growing various agricultural products, particularly rubber trees, palms, coconuts, cashew nuts and coffee. Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon, there are only two seasons in Krabi; the hot season from January to April and the rainy season from May to December. Temperatures range between 17 °C and 37 °C.
Krabi is administratively divided into 8 Amphurs (Districts): Amphur Mueang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Koh Lanta, Ao Luek, Lam Thap, and Nuea Khlong. The provinces jurisdiction covers not only in-land districts and sub-districts, but also extends to more than 130 large and small islands including the world famous Phi Phi Islands.
In addition, Krabi is the location of two world class beaches Ao Nang and Hat Rai Le which offer numerous diving trips, restaurants, shops etc. Additional attractions in the province are stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations which make it a heaven for rock climbers and a National Park located approximately 40 kilometers outside of town with lakes, caves and spectacular natural scenery.
Getting Krabi
From Bangkok
By Car
1. From Bangkok, proceed on Highway No.4, passing Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong and Phang-nga Provinces for a total distance of 946 kilometers.
2. From Bangkok, proceed on Highway No. 4, on reaching Chumphon Provinces take Highway No. 41 passing Amphoe Lang Suan in Surat Thani Province to Amphoe Wiang Sa, and then take Highway No. 4035 to Amphoe Ao Luek and continue on Highway No. 4 to Krabi. This route is 814 kilometers from Bangkok.
3. From Phuket, proceed on Highway No. 402 and No.4. The distance from Phuket is 185 kilometers or 4 hours. read more
Weather
Krabi has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round. Krabi enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity).
Distances from Amphur Mueang (Town) to Neighbouring Districts
Ao Luek
Plai Phraya
Khao Phanom
Khlong Thom
Ko Lanta
Lam Thap
Nuea Khlong |
43
66
39
42
103
67
17 |
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Krabi Festivals
Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival
Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival is annually held to inaugurate the provinces tourist season. The festival features parades, local products contests, sea Kayak competitions and boat races.
Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival
Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival is a rare festival on Ko Lanta of sea gypsies. The festival is held annually, on the full moon day in the sixth and the eleventh months of the lunar calendar. The sea gypsies on Ko Lanta and from neighbouring areas will gather at the beach near Ban Sala Dan to float boats in the sea in order to bring good luck. The Rong Ngeng, a typical southern dance as well as traditional music, will be performed around the boats.
Dining
Restaurants and food shops can be found in quantities in the town of Krabi and along the beaches frequented by tourists like Au Nang, Rai Le and Tham Phra Nang. Great food is served at May & or from stalls from night market at Chao Fa Ferry Pier. Coco's serves decent Thai food in a bosky setting. Night life moves around the resorts of Railay during the week as each bungalow operation takes it in turns to have a beach party. Don't miss the special atmosphere of a party at Railay Bay or Tonsai Village where the sand of the beach is covered in people drinking and dancing until the sun comes up. One of the newest bars on East Railay also hosts one of the best parties, Viewpoint Bar, though not on the beach, is a large open bar with big balconies where everyone can easily watch the mesmerizing fire-spinners or wince at the preformers who use large pins and broken glass in an act that no-one should try at home. The music here is also excellent and suits the moods of the seasoned revellers that wait for the sun to rise before heading home. If it is live music that's your thing Ya Ya's bar, also on East Railay, has live bands during the high season, and is a good place to meet people.
Shopping
Major souvenirs of Krabi are turtle-dove cages, toei panan mats made of pandanus leaves, shrimp paste, dried fish, dried shrimp and other processed seafood. These can be bought in shops and markets in Krabi town, especially on Uttarakit Road. There are also two popular night markets one on Maharaj Soi 8 and the second one on the riverfront at Khongkha Road. Ao Nang offers many of the shopping and eating facilities similar to those of Krabi though it is perhaps, a little bit more familiar to tourists. Krabi town has a wide range of shops, many right behind the beach and perfect for those beach essentials that you always seem to have forgotton or just run out of. Wake up early morning and visit the colourful local market between Phruksauthit Road and Maharaj Road, where stalls are pilled high with all the fresh produce from the sea and areas around Krabi can produce. It is a real pleasure to wander among the stalls, sampling the different and often unusual tastes and smells but go early to see all the wares piled at their highest and to feel the manic energy of this place.
For more serious shopping, there is "The Beach Plaza" situated about a kilometre out of town, on the way to Haad Nopparattara a modern shopping centre perfect for buying electronics and brand name clothing and toiletries. In fact, every imaginable shopping needs is catered for here under one roof, plus a large choice of eating options from Thai rice and noodles to Western fast food. These are the best places to sample many sweet and strange new fruits including the famous Durian or tasty and cheap Thai dishes, deserts and drinks.
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