Say ‘Sawadee ka’ to Thailand and leave all your worries behind by visiting one of its most popular destinations, Krabi. Situated 800 km from the capital, Bangkok, Krabi is a province that epitomises natural beauty with its stunning beaches and clear, azure waters.
Krabi Luxury Holidays: Top Beaches & 'Jewel in the Crown'
If you’re considering Thailand holiday packages, Krabi is a destination you won’t regret choosing. Some travellers hesitate over Krabi, debating other popular islands and cities in Thailand. If that sounds like you, then this article is here to help. We’ll explore a brief and interesting history of Krabi, followed by its stunning beach life and a little surprise at the end.
Krabi: A Brief History
Archaeologists have discovered ancient sites and artefacts such as images, pottery, skeletal remains, and stone tools, all proving that Krabi was once inhabited. Its recorded history goes back to 1,200 A.D. when an ancient community lived there. Today, Krabi is both a tourist attraction and one of the main provinces of Thailand. Another historic name for Krabi is “Ban Thai Samor,” and its ancient symbol for the province was a monkey.
How Krabi Got Its Name
There are two stories behind how Krabi got its name, both fascinating. The first story involves an ancient sword, dug up by locals, known as ‘Krabi’. They presented it to the provincial governor, and later, another smaller sword was discovered and presented to him. The governor placed the two swords in a cave called Khao Kanab Nam in a cross pattern. Thus, the province was named Krabi, meaning sword, while the ‘cross-swords’ insignia came from the positioning of these two swords in the cave. The second story is about a tree called Lumphi. Malay and Chinese merchants passing through this area pronounced the tree name as ka-lu-bi or kho-lo-bi, which eventually evolved into Krabi.
Krabi Beach Life
While this magical place offers plenty—from tropical forests and beaches to ancient sites, spas, clubs, and restaurants—its beach life is particularly enchanting. Let’s take a closer look at some highlights:
Railay Beach
With huge limestone cliffs as its backdrop and crystal-clear waters in front, Railay Beach is part of what makes Krabi so special. It’s hard to imagine that this now-famous beach spot was once a quiet fishing village. Accessing the beach is challenging due to the cliffs, but you can reach it via a short boat ride from a nearby community.
Railay Beach Fun Activities
The limestone cliffs aren’t just for admiring; you can climb them too, enjoying spectacular views as you go. Rock climbing is popular here for those seeking an adrenaline rush. The ocean water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and there are opportunities for volleyball and other beach sports. Railay Beach offers a complete package with its mix of mountain, sand, and water activities. After enjoying these activities, savour authentic Thai food at a beachside bistro, then relax at one of the luxurious beachside resorts, where you can indulge in five-star services.
Ao Nang Beach
Railay Beach is often bustling, so if you’re after a quieter escape, Ao Nang Beach is the perfect spot. Spanning 1 km, it provides ample space for solo relaxation or family fun. Located near Krabi Airport, the beach is easily accessible. For city exploration, you can simply hire a car or bike.
Activities to Enjoy at Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang may be known for its serene beach experience, but it has much more to offer. Head to one of the beachside bars and enjoy a refreshing cold drink, or indulge in a meal at any of the nearby bistros with friends or family.
Tonsai Beach
Situated between Railay and Ao Nang Beach, Tonsai offers the best of both worlds. Like Railay, it’s framed by towering cliffs on either end, perfect for climbing. The water here is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, particularly during low tide.
Activities to Enjoy at Tonsai Beach
Like Ao Nang, Tonsai offers both a tranquil escape and a lively nightlife. Visit the local bars for a cold drink, dance to upbeat music, and soak in the beachside atmosphere. Fill up on a variety of Western and Thai dishes at one of the beachside restaurants. Walking along the shore at night offers a peaceful end to your day.
Phi Phi Island: Jewel in Krabi’s Crown
You know what they say: ‘Save the best for last.’ This phrase perfectly captures why we’ve saved the main attraction, the incredible Phi Phi Islands, for the end. This island group in Thailand is located primarily in Krabi, between Phuket Island and the Strait of Malacca coast. With over 200 islands, Krabi is home to Phi Phi Island, or Koh Phi Phi, one of the most stunning. The island gained international fame after the release of the British-American film, The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, in 2000. Koh Phi Phi consists of six beautiful islands, with Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don being the most popular.
What Does Phi Phi Island Offer?
Upon arrival, you’ll immediately understand its popularity; the lush mountains, turquoise waters, and sandy beaches are truly mesmerising. Visit Maya Bay, the iconic location where The Beach was filmed, and wait until nightfall, when the waters begin to glow with plankton and the stars add to the magical atmosphere. For a panoramic view, trek to the Phi Phi vantage point to see the unique H-shaped layout of Phi Phi Don. But don’t miss the famous Viking Caves! Take a boat ride to this historic spot and observe the ancient tribe’s dwellings from a safe distance.
Wrap Up: Luxury Holidays in Krabi
Life is short, with so much to see. Why wait? Grab the opportunity to book one of the Krabi holidays packages with your loved ones. Thailand holiday packages let you explore the best cities and islands of this tropical paradise. Contact Virikson Holidays to reserve your travel deal and enjoy a seamless journey.
What about you, have you ever been to Krabi? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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