A Guide to Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi-Phi
Krabi [กระบี่], the gem of the Andaman Sea, is abundant with picturesque landscapes.
Only the pictures of stunning limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, refreshing waterfalls, breathtaking inland and sea caves,
riveting underwater, spectacular islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and plentiful activities continually invite
those who have never visited as well as those who have been to come back. It is a home to several National
Parks with over 130 surrounding islands waiting to be explored. A profusion of activities that can be done
is never ending from lazy days on the beach, climbing the rocks, trekking, fishing, diving with the colourful
schools of fish. Whether it is a honeymoon, retirement, adventure or anything in between, Krabi has everything
on offer. Transport and facilities are no troublesome. They are available almost at every hour of the day.
Dining in Krabi is a galore, ranging from street restaurants to fine dining. There is a wide choice of
accommodations to serve all preferences.
Ao Nang (อ่าวนาง)
Located 20 km from Krabi Town / Airport, it has emerged to become a very popular tourist
destination with a wide range of accommodations ranging from simple rooms to 4 stars luxury hotels.
Very popular for families due to both location, development and easy access to numerous water-based activities
and land sightseeing, Ao Nang is as well home to numerous restaurants, dive shops,
travel agencies, tailor shops, bars and shopping opportunities along the bay.
Canoes and kayaks can be rented here to explore the coastline. Ao Nang is also
the starting point for the longtail-boats to Railay Bay and nearby islands.
Railay (ไร่เลย์)
Located on the Southern tip of the Ao Nang Bay, it can only be reached by boat. The destination
is split into two distinct areas, Railay West and Railay East. Longtail-boats from Ao Nang arrive
at Railay West (which is a protected cove) very known for its turquoise blue waters
and powdery white sandy beach.
Most of the upmarket hotels are located on the West shore. Railay East is more of a mangrove forest
with limited access to the sea and not suitable for swimming. It offers, beside more budget
accommodation, more nightlife, entertainment and restaurants. Railays main
attraction, aside of the beach is cliff climbing.
Noppharathara Beach (หาดนพรัตน์ธารา)
6 km north of Ao Nang has a 3 km long beach paved with tiny seashells and lined with
coconut groves and casuarinas. It is in principle part of the Nopparat Thara National Park and therefore the hotel
developments are restrained.
Accommodations are available along the beach and there is a year around ferry boat service to Phi Phi Island.
While close to Ao Nang beach, Noppharathara is still a bit more on the quite side and less commercialized.
Koh Lanta (เกาะลันตา)
Located 2 hours south of Krabi Town has developed into a major tourist destination,
offering accommodations from simple bungalows to 5 star resorts. Restaurants, bars,
shops and other facilities are readily available. Banks, travel agencies and tour companies can
be found at Sala Dan, the major town, which is the drop-of point of the ferries from Lanta Noi and Krabi.
The main beaches are located on the West coast of the Island of Lanta Yai. Phra Ae beach and Long
beach in the Northwest and Khlong Kong and Khlong Ning going South from there. It is worthwhile to explore the different
areas of the island, even if the main attractions are its beaches and romantic sunsets.
Above all, the shallow sandy beaches extending into the sea make Koh Lanta very safe destination
and perfect for family vacations.
Koh Phi Phi (เกาะพีพี)
Amongst the most beautiful islands in the world, consist of two main islands:
Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le. They are located 40 km from Krabi as well as Phuket
and can be reached from both by a 2 hour boat trip.
Koh Phi Phi Don is the place where all the tropical resorts are located as well as the pier,
restaurants shops, banks and diving schools. In recent years a vibrant nightlife
scene has established itself at Ton Sai and Lo Da Lam beach while the beaches on the east coast offer a quiet
and peaceful atmosphere. There are no roads on the island so the only
mode of transportation is by boat or by foot.
The colorful underwater world invites for diving and snorkeling
and one thing not to be missed is a day tour to the "Viking
Cave" at the neighboring island of Koh Phi Phi Le, who’s
Maya Beach became famous by the movie “The Beach” which was shot there.
Krabi Town (เมืองกระบี่)
Is located 15 km from Krabi Airport and the transit point to the beaches and islands of the region.
The closest beach is about a 30 minute drive from the Airport. The city has developed from a sleepy town
to a much livelier one in recent years, with more hotels and nightspots popping up, and offering a variety
of restaurants, clubs and dive shops.
From the town’s Chao Fah pier regular passenger boats and speedboats connect to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta
and Koh Jum and longtail-boats are available to bring travelers to nearby beaches or to explore smaller islands in the area.
It is also a good base to discover the temples, caves, waterfalls amongst other attractions in the area and shops
and markets invite for bargain hunting.
Koh Jum (เกาะจำ)
Located just 25 km from Krabi Town, the island is still an unspoiled hide-away for travelers
which prefer a quiet and relaxed vacation just enjoying
the beach and the magnificent sunsets over the Andaman Sea.
Accommodation consists mostly of wooden bungalows, for the "Robinson" feeling, but there are also
resorts offering all modern facilities. Activities include fishing, mountain biking, canoeing and snorkeling trips to other
islands to name some. To get there take the ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta which will make a stop
at Koh Jum or take a boat taxi from the mainland.
Khlong Muang Beach (หาดคลองม่วง)
The white sandy beach is just a 20 minute ride away from Ao Nang and offers serenity
and peace. Travelers can watch beautiful sunsets while enjoying
freshly caught seafood in the restaurants along the beach.
The vicinity is not yet too commercial and for those who are looking for action you can take a short trip to
the laid back nightlife and shopping area of Ao Nang. Day trips, Kayaking, diving and snorkeling trips as well as
other activities can be organized by your hotel tour counter or any of the agencies in the vicinity of the hotel.
Tubkaak Beach (หาดทับแขก)
Located 30km from Krabi Town, is a pristine and tranquil beach with scenic views to the
Hong Islands and the Kao Hang Nak Forest as backdrop. It is now the sanctuary of some 5 star
resorts offering all the luxury of a truly amazing beach holiday.
There are no shops or other facilities in the area but it is only a 20 minute drive to the bustling shopping
and nightlife area of Ao Nang.
rooms available
limited rooms
on request
sold out
