Date of travel: Mar 01, 2024
Krabi, a stunning coastal destination in southern Thailand, is known for its breath taking beaches, islands, and limestone cliffs. Krabi is also famous for its quieter, relaxed and tranquil vibes, crystal clear water and coral reef clusters which make the town a great spot for coral diving and sightseeing. Our day trip to Krabi from Phuket was truly an unforgettable experience.
Exploring Phang Nga Bay
We began our journey with a scenic drive to Phang Nga Bay, a bay renowned for its towering limestone karsts and emerald green waters. The bay is situated in the Andaman sea between Phuket and main land and extensive section of the bay is protected as Ao Phang Nga national park which is home to many fish species, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. We booked a long-tail boat for four hours and cruised through the bay, stopping at various points to explore canals, hidden lagoons and tiny islands. We also hired canoes from a local floating station and explored small caves featuring stalactites and stalagmites.
James Bond Island and Koh Panyi
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting James Bond Island, famous for its appearance in the Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” featuring Roger Moore as Mr Bond. Island has several caves and two beautiful sandy beaches but can be very crowded during peak season.
Famous mushroom shaped limestone rock KoTa Pu is situated 40 meters away from the island and is a famous photo stop.
We also stopped at Koh Panyi, a charming floating village built on stilts by Javanese fishermen, for lunch.
Krabi Town and Beaches
After exploring Phang Nga Bay, we headed to Krabi Town and visited Ao Nang Beach, a bustling tourist area with a mix of nightlife, activities, and stunning beach. We also stopped for swimming and refreshments at Noppharat Thara Beach, a 3-kilometer-long sandy beach and home to the Ko Phi Phi Marine National Park.
Other famous beaches of Krabi include Railay beach, Klong Muang beach and Tonsai beach.
Popular Activities in Krabi
Krabi offers a range of activities, including:
1. Snorkeling, diving and swimming: Explore Krabi’s numerous beaches and islands.
2. Kayaking and canoeing: Paddle through mangroves or caves.
3. Rock climbing: Challenge yourself on Railay Beach’s famous rock climbing routes.
4. Boat trips and island hopping: Take a day-long trip to nearby islands, such as Hong Island, Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Lanta. Please note that similar boat trips to all these islands are available from Phuket too.
5. Sunset boat trips: Enjoy the stunning sunset views on a romantic boat ride.
6. Visit to charming Krabi town for local cuisine and walk on the riverside promenade.
7. Visit to elephant sanctuary and Tiger Cave temple, a famous Buddhist temple perched on a hilltop offering panoramic view of the surroundings.
Conclusion
With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture and exciting activities, Krabi is a must visit destination for any traveller. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or cultural experiences, Krabi has something for everyone.
How to Reach
Krabi has international airports. Numerous tours by bus or private cabs are available from Phuket, Bangkok and other nearby towns. Water transport by various speedboats or large cruise ships is also popular.
Distance of Krabi from Phuket is 110 kms and from Bangkok is around 1060 kms.
When to Visit
Best time to visit is from November to March when weather is dry and sunny.
Where to Stay
Best places are Krabi town or Ao Nang beach. From budget friendly accommodations to luxury resorts, all kinds are available to choose from.
Local Cuisine
Thai cuisine is not only very delicious but also world famous. From various seafood preparations to their speciality Thai green curry (veg or non veg) with sticky rice are must try dishes.
