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Krabi

Krabi Town and the beaches to the west along the Andaman coast is a perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. This area has a host of activities to do on and off the water.

Krabi Town: The town of Krabi is a great place to stay for a couple of days before heading to the beaches. Even if you don't stay here you should go for a day or an evening. There is a large indoor market as well as plenty of shops and stands. Krabi Town has a wide array of restaurants serving everything from Japanese to German and locally caught seafood. For something a little cheaper but just as good try some of the food stalls at the night market, just north of the pier where the ferries to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Jum leave from. The nightlife is pretty good but very different from that found at the beaches. Here there are a lot of bars with bands playing Thai pop and western covers as well as Karoake joints and the odd pub.

Ao Railay: Located only 15 km east of Krabi Town, Ao Railay is really two bays on either side of an isthmus. There are huge cliffs at either end of the isthmus making for a secluded hideaway. The western bay has the nicer beaches. Beautiful white sandy beaches, clear water with bars and restaurants looking out towards the setting sun over the water. The eastern bay's beaches are not as nice but the resorts are generally cheaper and it is only a short walk to the beaches on the west side. To get to Railay, you will need to get a longtail boat at the pier in Krabi Town or the beach at Ao Nang.

Ao Phra Nang: This little bay with its towering cliffs on the south end of Ao Railay's isthmus is the jewel of the Krabi area. Hat Tham Phra Nang is a fine white sand beach and is accessible only by boat. There are some caves and lagoons nearby to explore. There are plenty of accommodations and activities.

Ao Nang: This bay is situated 20 km east of Krabi Town. The beach at Ao Nang is ok but the vibe is great. This is a bustling resort town with lots of beachside accommodations, diving outfits, boat charters, restaurants and internet shops.

Wat Tham Seua: The Tiger Cave Temple is 7 km northeast of Krabi Town. The living areas and prayer halls are built right into the limestone walls and are still in use. Giant trees and human entrails also greet you here. Yes, entrails, but not real ones. They are to show the frailty of the human body. There is also a 1272 step stairway leading to the top of a 600 metre karst peak. Not for those afraid of heights or out of shape. This long climb will ultimately reward you with a great view of the surrounding countryside.

Susaan Hoi: Situated 15 kilometres from Krabi Townis this Fossils Shell Beach or shell cemetery. Millions of years ago, this area was home to a species of snail. Billions of these snails died over the years until they were wiped out by a change in climate resulting in a 40 cm thick layer of compressed fossilized shells. The history of their forming is more interesting than the actual sight. They look like big slabs of concrete at a construction site. However, it is still worth a look and you can also grab some lunch from one of the food stalls.

Kayaking: There is so much to do in the Krabi area in a Kayak. There are tours that mix up Kayaking with a little snorkelling, elephant trekking or lunch. There are trips up the Krabi River or through the extensive mangrove forests. Perhaps you want to get out in the Andaman Sea and explore some of the little Islands like Koh Hong. There are lots of places that will rent you a kayak for and away you go to exploring the coast without a destination in mind.

Rock Climbing: Full and half day trips are offered by a myriad of climbing outfits. The area's limestone cliffs seem like they were made to be climbed. There are climbing spots all over the place and for all skill levels.

Boat Trips: There are a number of companies offering a varied array of day trips to see James Bond Island and Phi Phi Island as well as other nearby Islands and bays They usually stop and let you do a little snorkelling and swimming on the way. Beware that not companies offer the same services so ask first to be sure you are getting what you want.

Koh Hong: This Island, 20 km west and north Krabi is a good day trip. It has a great little lagoon where all you hear is the screeching of birds and monkeys. You should go at high tide to get into the lagoon. There is a very nice beach there as well.

Cruising: There are a few companies operating cruises around the area on various types of boats with varying levels of luxury. Creating your own itinerary is a great way to see a lot of the area including some of the more remote and quiet bays.

Klong Thom Hot Springs: These wonderful springs are about 70 km south of Krabi. The stone has been naturally hollowed out creating basins filled with 40 degree hot spring water. The mineral salts and sulphur within the water are supposed to be good for a number of ailments. The bad thing about here are the crowds so try to go late in the day after the tours have gone.

Diving and Snorkelling: There are lots of dive outfits offering day trips as well as liveaboards. Koh Phi Phi and other great dive sites are within easy reach of Krabi. Snorkelling trips are even easier to arrange. Book an organized trip to some offshore reefs of rent a longtail boat and explore some hidden bays.

Fishing: There are a lot of fishing charters leaving from this area. Head out into the Andaman Sea and catch some Wahoo or barracuda. You can also take a trip in a smaller boat up the local river and do a little fresh water fishing. There are even home stay trips where you stay with a local fishing family and go out with them.

Khao Khanap Nam: These two pinnacles of rock that jut up on either side of the Krabi River are the most prominent landmark near Krabi Town. A 15 minute longtail boat ride from the pier in Krabi Town will take you here where you can climb the stairs to see caves with stalactites and stalagmites.

Elephant Trek: Through our accommodation we arranged an elephant ride, make sure that it is with a proper company to be sure the elephants are lokked after. It was lovely. I fell in love with the elephants. They feel so soft under the toes. And we got to feed them to and watch them have a bath. Our elephant was lovely and a bit of a sctter brain wandering off and stuff.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park: 30 km north of Krabi Town lies this small but nice National Park. There are a couple of waterfalls and a cave with ancient paintings. It is a nice place to go for the day with a packed lunch. Accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Than Bok Khorani National Park: Located 40 km north of Krabi Town off highway 4. This National Park is another great place to day trip to. It is very scenic with its small streams and swimming hole. Koh Hong and a number of other Islands are part of the park making it a good place to go by land or by sea. No Accommodations but there is a camp site and a small restaurant.

Golf: There is a golf course about 40 km south of Krabi Town. Pakasai Country Club is a decent 18 hole course with all of the services and amenities you will need. Oddly enough this club is owned and operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.