Krabi

Krabi is located some 800 km from Bangkok with an area of 4,708 square km. To the west it borders on the Andaman Sea where countless natural attractions abound, including white, sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous islands, verdant forest, interesting archaeological remains, caves and waterfalls.

The province and surrounding area, has to be one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Its beaches, have at various points in time been voted 'the BEST in the world', Cosmopolitan magazine was one of these as far back as the early 80's. Nothing much has changed other than there being a lot more accommodation available and 'first world' fantasies, supermarket type stores, restaurants and the like, now dot its many shores.

Its provincial capital and namesake has been constructed on the banks of the Krabi River not far from its mouth that languidly flows out into the Andaman Sea. The surrounding landscape is dotted with tall limestone outcrops, pocketed with caverns and topped with thick jungle. This features prominently particularly in the northern and central parts of the province. The shoreline alternates between limestone outcrops that are riddled with caves and bays of fine white sand that are gently washed by the turquoise waters of the Andaman.

Krabi town itself plays an important role as the ferry embarkation point for islands such as Ko Lanta to the south, Koh Phi Phi to the southwest and the beaches around Ao Nang to the west. These islands belong to the Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park and are easily accessible from Krabi itself as mentioned or from Phuket, by boat. The town takes its name from a sword, or krabi, allegedly discovered nearby. In former times the economy of the area was based solely on fishing and agriculture, now the tourist industry is it's main income source.

The many caves and "hongs" (mountain rooms open to the sky) in the province often reveal secrets such as the evidence of human habitation from over 43,000 years ago. Today many of these immense caverns and hongs harbor Buddhist temples, shrines or are home to different species of fauna and flora, some of which have only recently been discovered, such as the Gurney's pitta, previously thought to be extinct and Nordmann's greenshank. The discovery of species such as this brings birdwatchers from around the world 'flocking' to Krabi's shores. Rare butterflies, other insects, plants and mammals are also being discovered within the provinces jungles.

If you are thinking of visiting southern Thailand and haven't thought of passing through Krabi province or even stopping for a short visit, it would be a pity to miss. It really is a MUST on anyone's agenda.

Accommodation comes in many forms from luxury hotels and resorts to simple bungalows. There is sure to be something to suit your budget.