Destination Krabi: let's discover its attractive and spectacular destinations in the surrounding area on a trip to Thailand between beaches and nature
Krabi It is the capital of the province of the same name in the south of Thailand, a place well known by international tourism due to the spectacular beaches and natural parks of great beauty that are found in its surroundings. Located about 1000 kilometers from the state capital, Bangkok, thousands of passing tourists come to Krabi every year who, before heading further south, use the city as a base to reach some of the most famous places in the region. , like the islands. Phi Phi or Tham Phra Nang.
About weather conditions, it must be remembered that the climate in this region is dry from November to March, while the monsoon season begins in April, when the days become cooler and the rains more frequent, reaching its peak between May and June. In this guide we will illustrate the main destinations in Krabi and its surroundings to discover a wonderful Thailand between charming beaches and unspoiled nature.
Krabi Town is the tourist center of the province; Although it is mainly used by tourists as a base to then explore the suggestive destinations and parks in its surroundings, it offers some interesting attractions that are worth visiting once you arrive. urban center. The most interesting area of the city is Wat Kaew, where you can visit the old colonial buildings of Krabi, dating back to the early 19th century, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which often hosts interesting exhibitions of Thai artists and photography exhibitions.
Just north of the city center you can see the Khao Kanab Nam, the two powerful limestone formations that dominate the entire surrounding plain, where you can practice climbing and hiking in the surrounding naturalistic area. The two large rocks can be easily reached by renting a distinctive long-tail boat and traveling a short stretch of coastline.
A short distance from Krabi, less than ten kilometers, you can also visit the Wat Tham Sea, the Tiger Cave Temple, a unique Thai temple founded by Buddhist monk Ajahn Jumnean at the place where, meditating inside a cave, he encountered a magical tiger. The temple is located at the top of a peak surrounded by a thick forest and to reach it it is necessary to go down a very long staircase of more than 1200 steps followed by a 600-meter climb that leads to a spectacular statue of Buddha, placed on a platform from where you can enjoy a truly impressive view of the valley at the foot of the temple.
Leaving the main center of Krabi you can quickly reach the nearby suggestive places, such as Ao Nang, a coastal town that is experiencing great development as a coastal and tourist center. Ao Nang was severely damaged by the great tsunami of 2004 and in recent years has been completely rebuilt, once again becoming the ideal place to stop and spend a few days of complete relaxation on its beautiful beaches.
The main beach of Ao Nang - although sometimes the water of its seas does not seem crystal clear as in the postcard images - is one of the most evocative and best equipped in the area, but if you prefer adventure to relaxation then it is possible. to spectacular dives in the coral expanses of Ko Mae Urai, to admire the incredible life forms that inhabit the seabed. Or opt for kayak trips along the Tha Lin River and into the protected coastal area, where you can spot a stunning array of tropical birds living among the mangroves, and finally book an unforgettable elephant ride to explore the tangled Thai jungle.
Another particular place near Krabi is the spectacular peninsula of railway, one of the favorite destinations for those looking for tropical beaches with crystal-clear waters and beaches with lots of white sand. The places with the most beautiful and famous beaches are Hat Rai Leh e Ton Sai Hat, more easily accessible by sea than by land since the roads in this area are quite steep. A characteristic of this place are the full moon parties that are organized during the summer season and are a very suggestive and magical spectacle to participate in.
The Railay area also offers numerous activities for the more adventurous, such as the limestone cliffs between Tham phra nang and Rai Leh East, where more than 700 climbing routes have been mapped, from the simplest ones for beginners to the most difficult and steep areas where it is necessary to be expert climbers to tackle them. For those who prefer excursions along steep trails immersed in nature, the perfect destination is the route to Sa Phra Nang, the princess lake, a lagoon hidden in the side of a cliff. This path is quite difficult and in some sections you have to pay close attention due to the almost steep walls that you have to face, but it rewards all effort with the unforgettable view it offers over the Hat Rai bays at the foot of the cliff.
A final destination worth visiting is the so-called diamond cave, in the eastern area of Hat Rai, where a complex of underground caves hides an incredible formation of limestone and minerals, which creates a magical and supernatural atmosphere, and the famous quartz waterfall, made up of thousands of golden quartz fragments, a unforgettable view.
