With so many options on offer for visitors to Krabi, it is hard to believe that so many tourists simply use it as a transit point. Not only is it home to many beautiful wats (temples), natural landmarks and water activities but it offers a peace and serenity unheard of in the big cities.
Krabi is home to some fabulous beaches, coral reefs, diving sites and calm waterways. For those who love scuba diving, there are some amazing dive sites at Ao Nang beach including Koh Dor (which often hosts a group of black-tip reef sharks), Koh Talu (with two swim-throughs and large Barracudas to greet you) all with easy to moderate currents and great for beginners. For those who want to stay on top of the water, there are options for catamarans, ferries and kayaks that will help you explore all the beauty this paradise has to offer. Kayaking is the perfect way to discover the beauty of the extensive caves, bays and canyons around the coast. Ban Bor Thor is a national park with a complex system of rivers, bays, caverns and is only accessible by kayak.
This 50 km square national park gives visitors a taste of dense jungle, ancient forests and raging waterfalls, just a short trip from the beach. One of the main attractions here is a 70 m jagged waterfall that cascades down 11 tiers of rock. There are some amazing swimming spots at the bottom, but if you climb a little higher the naturally formed pools offer a bit more seclusion as you relax in the cooling waters. Get here by tuk-tuk or hired motorbike.
Let the shopping come to you! On the beaches, there is a fantastic selection of handicrafts, local jewellery, art and souvenirs being sold all over the sands of Krabi. If you're more adventurous, the shops in the middle of town will test your haggling skills, while there are many designer and branded clothes and accessories on offer at the department stores in town. Head to the Weekend Walking Street market in Krabi town from 6pm - 9.30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for an amazing array of foods and drinks, and find yourself some treasures at the over-flowing shopping stalls.
Rock climbers from all over the world flock to these limestone cliff faces. Part of the world's largest coral reef, Railay Beach offers over 700 rock climbing routes for climbers of all abilities from beginners to world-champs. The cliffs will keep you busy for years.