Get to know Krabi
About Krabi
Krabi is famous for its scenic view and breathtaking Beaches and Islands. Its coral reef vistas are also one of the world’s most beautiful, which makes the City a great spot for coral diving.
With attractions including hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world, and national parks that include the Island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one could easily spend weeks in Krabi and leave yearning for more.
If that wasn’t enough, Krabi features some of the most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, often accompanied by spectacular displays of cloud to cloud lightning, that are best enjoyed from a Beachside bar or Restaurant.
“Town” to most visitors is Ao Nang, a seaside sTrip of guesthouses, hotels, bars, Restaurants, and Souvenir shops that continues to grow as tourist arrivals increase, now spreading north into Noppharat Thara, whose quiet, shady Beach is part of the national park that includes the Phi Phi Islands. Ao Nang is the major launching point for BoatTrips to nearby Islands and the isolated Beaches of Phra Nang Cape, where the famous former hippie enclave of Railey Beach is located.
Krabi also provides you with great Shopping venues such as Maharaj Walking Street (Friday-Sunday market from 5.00 – 10.00 pm) and Chao Fah Pier night market (daily market from 5.00 pm – 12.30 am).
Key Tips
Visitors are advised to make early reservations (up to a year in advance) for Accommodation during the peak season from late December to early January because of the popularity of the Krabi and its attractions.
When travelling by ferry to Islands around Krabi, it may be preferable to purchase only a one-way ticket so that your Trip can be more easily altered and you can more easily arrange your departure.
Ao Maya, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand
Ao Maya, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand
At just 49ft-wide (15m) and 820ft-long (250m), Ao Maya is a slip of a beach hidden by limestone cliffs. Yet it caught the eye of film director Danny Boyle who used its ombré turquoise waters and fine white sand as the setting for The Beach, the 2000 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie's popularity attracted around 6000 tourists daily to Ao Maya. However, the influx led to a buildup of trash, damage to plants and coral, and disruption of wildlife.
This prompted Thai officials to close the bay in 2018. They initially hoped the beach would recover within a few months, but it remained closed until 2022. It then reopened with better infrastructure and additional protections. New rules now regulate tourist activities: swimming is prohibited (although knee-high wading is allowed); boats cannot anchor in the bay; and only 375 visitors can visit in hourly slots. Still, the trip is worth it to spend time in this incredible paradise and appreciate the natural beauty that was almost lost.
Getting there From neighboring Ko Phi-Phi Don, take an early morning boat tour here (20 minutes each way) to beat the crowds. Alternatively, it's reachable by speedboat from Phuket and Krabi.
