Krabi, กระบี่. The other more “raw” beautiful wonder of Thailand on the opposite side of the bay to the more visited Phuket. It lies east of Phuket. It is hidden beauty away from the crowds.
Again, this Thailand trip I was crashing an amazing girlfriend’s short getaway, it was just the place I needed to be to kick-back and unwind and to get a first taste of island hopping in Thailand. The real question is really why did it take me so long to do this? After being based right next door in Singapore for over a year and a half I was kicking myself that I did not do it earlier, but better late then never!
Krabi is by far a favourite for me to Phuket. It is less tourist-ie, it is more raw and original and you really feel at home with the locals.
And as Krabi is in in Thailand, sunsets are absolutely stunning!
Tip: Krabi is a lot cheaper than Phuket to do island hopping and also is accessible to a lot of areas – rest of Thailand, islands included and also to get to Malaysia. Down fall is there are not as many flights in and out of Krabi, as most people fly from Phuket.
Railey Beach
A cute beautiful beach, a quick boat ride away from the mainland Krabi. It is a 10-15 minute long boat ride from Krabi, and you can hitch a ride with others on a share tail boat which means you need to wait around for others til they get a full boat which can take a while around midday. Or else pay for the whole boat and you can go whenever!
The ride itself is stunning as you leave the mainland and cruise past some nice limestone cliffs.
Railey beach does get a little packed, but it’s really picturesque and stuff you kinda see in the movies. Try to go early to skip the crowds! The water is crystal clear and the sands nice and white. Try and find a nice spot to pitch your towel on and enjoy!!!!!
There’s a few restaurants on the island, as well as a few things to see…. A short walk away you can head to ….
- The shrine – Phra Nang Princess Cave – a very symbolic shrine used by seafarers over the years. Take in the offerings and some of the more interesting hidden phallic symbols, depending what time of the year you go, sometimes it is harder to see then not.
- Lagoons …. A hike up the mud path and you end up at some amazing water spots – this I did not do, mainly as I did not have the appropriate footwear or clothes to become Jane from Tarzan and to make the hike up and also two I am so un-fit!!! I would definitely plummet down rather than forge forwards! A few guys did make the trip up and said the lagoons are phenomenal but it is a mud fight, saw plenty of people slopping around trying to hang on to vines and yank themselves up!
Klong Thorn Hot Spring
A neat hot spring in natural surroundings a couple hours away from Krabi. You can easily join a local operated tour to check this spot out. We joined a one day tour which took me to the hot springs first followed by the Emerald Pool, it is an extended 1/2 day trip! Basically try and bargain your way down for the cheapest tour operator, as they all on-sell to the main ones. Plus point – all entry fees are also included with the tours!
So there is a few sections to this hot springs, the main pools, “dip ponds” near the entrance and then walk a bit further in and then you have the real springs right next to the river which features a slow but fast waterfall…. it is a bit tricky at the main pools as well as the natural ones to get in and out of as its overgrown with moss and slime.. but the water does feel wonderful and you’ll have to bare it with the crowds and become snug with everyone!
Emerald Pool / Blue Pool & Crystal Pool
So there are 2 pools at this amazing place. Sra Morakot, Emerald Pool and Crystal pool.
Crystal pool is the one you first come across, its a closer trek. The water so so so so so so clearrrr and so magnificent! It’s not that deep but I went drying the dry season, so probably about 1.7ish metres at it deepest. Great for a dip to cool down in after the small trek in from the entrance.
A little hike further up, you can access marvel at the Emerald / Blue Pool, it is amazing.. so clear, so pure, so deep! The path up there is a bit tricky, a bit muddy at time and sloshy – but I’d say well worth the visit. The Blue Pool is off limits, you can take loads of pics of it, but getting in is off limits so it can retain it’s purity.
The water from the Blue Pool flows down to the Emerald Pool, but as I was heading up during the dry season, it’s pretty much mud flats all the way up!
Tip: You will need to leave all food at the gates upon entry to the Pool’s. It is a bit of a hike up, so take some trusty sandals with some treading. Do take the effort to go up and see the blue pool, it is amazing!
Longtail Adventures!
Rent a longtail boat for the day, it’s fun and you get to go the island of your choice. I did a 1/2 day rental… and island life is goooooooodddd!
First stop, TUP Island – true island life, whereby there is nothing on this island except sand, water and a day time pop-up drinks stand. Sand so white and water so blue and crystal clear that you just go WOW. Tup also connects to another smaller islands, one being Chicken Island. During low tide you can walk out to the Chicken, high tide you can swim too but even for me, 1/2 way back I turned around – still have yet to remember, distance is always deceptive with water and so is the under currents!
Lazing around in the sun and catching lots of rays, at times you have this whole island to yourself. It truly is paradise and you just really relax.
Second stop for the day, Poda Island – a much bigger island with maybe one extra amenity – toilets, which TUP does not have. Again it’s a non stay overnight island, and the beaches do stretch all the way around and you can see TUP from Poda!
Tip:
- Bring your own snacks, water and choices of beverages!
- Snorkeling is not great but not bad from these islands, but give it a go and you can see some tropical fishes around during the clear sunlight. No reefs though.
Krabi Night Market
It’s a little bit of fun, but it is on the far side of the Krabi. I bummed a joint ride on one of the many mini vans that leave town to head to the markets. It’s a nice collection of crafts, food spots and some local entertainment!
Must go to: the som tom salad place, cute piggie place, freshly made dumplings and get some of those amazing thai pudding desserts of course!
Nom Nomsssss…..
Krabi has some amazing local authentic Thai Restaurants as well as some nice touristy spots for those amazing sunsets. A few restaurants to tick off on the list:
- Nang An Restaurant– cute and very touristy, by the seadise spot. Great for sunsets!
Address: 93/1, Moo 3, Ao Nang, Krabi Town 81180, Thailand
- Dean & Mom’s Restaurant – a hole in the wall, walk by, but nice authentic food.
Address: 23/1 Moo 2, 4203 Rd, Ao Nang, Muang Krabi, Ao Nang, Krabi Town 81180, Thailand
- Jungle Kitchen – outdoor dining, amazing food and drinks. Definitely worth the visit. You need to book, so rock up and try to get a booking in for the next night’s dining, they don’t take bookings over the phone.
Address: 3, Moo 2, AO Nang Road, Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Thailand
Accom: Red Ginger Chick Resort
We got a funky loft room at Red Ginger Chic Resort, super cute, spacious and had a nice balcony to chill on as well as day bed inside.
The hotel pool was nice and refreshing and the breakfast spread had a nice mix of Asian and Western options and is not crowded.
The gym however needs a lot of work and refurb – full of old broken equipment!
Location – quieter side of Krabi and super central to getting the long tail boats for island hopping! Plus it’s not too far a walk from the main strip of Krabi and there’s some cute spas doted around the hotel which you can unwind and get those awesome body scrubs, wraps, massages and facials from!
♥ 2 choices for spa treatments this trip: Lanna Spa in Krabi La Playa, across the road from the hotel Radarom Spa, which is down the road from Deans and Jungle Kitchen!
“I’ll be back!”… those famous words and I will… but until then, lots of clear blue water and white sandy memories of Krabi, amazing sunsets and great memories created by one crazy fantastic Korean woman with one crazy Australian – you know how you are and until we meet again! ♥
For more island hopping adventures, read up on Koh Lanta and Paradise….