Krabi, Thailand’s laid-back holiday destination

Boasting mysterious cave formations, areas of stunning natural beauty, forested green hills, idyllic palm and rubber plantations, immaculate beach areas, and a comprehensive tourist infra structure, Krabi has become one of Thailand’s most visited tourist hot spots.

Many international tourists visiting Thailand, particularly Scandinavian, spend most of their holiday in Krabi. Huge crowds of Europeans escape the winter by staying in warm and sunny Krabi. Krabi seasonal weather

Several of the kingdom’s finest beaches are located in Krabi. Two very popular beaches are Railay with its superb rock climbing options and Ao Nang, which provide an excellent playground for the beginning as well as the advanced water sports enthusiast.
 
For romantic Krabi dining and wining or relaxing strolls, tourists should go to Muang Beach, while Pra Nang Beach is a superb canoeing and snorkelling spot. Probably the finest picnics might be experienced at the picturesque Nopparat Thara Beach.

In addition, Krabi province houses over 200 tropic islands. Two of the most famous isle groups include: the Phi Phi Islands and the Lanta Islands (Mu Koh Lanta National Park).

Some of Krabi’s most fascinating attractions of natural interest are the Tiger Cave, featuring remarkable stalactites and stalagmites (see picture) and the stunning Kho Phanom Bencha National Park in Krabi’s Khao Phanom district.

Krabi’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination has resulted in the construction of many different types of accommodation establishments. There are plentiful three and five-star rated hotels as well as a good selection of budget-friendly guesthouses.

Spotting one of the most fascinating creatures in Krabi’s waters

The sparkling blue Andaman Sea’s gateway in the southern part of Thailand, Krabi welcomes a steady influx of international water sport enthusiasts, especially when the winter takes place in the western countries. Highly acclaimed for its waters’ outstanding visibility and the great selection of different dive sites, which offer terrain suitable for both beginning and advanced scuba divers, Krabi is truly a nature buffs’ must-see destination.

There are plenty of reputed dive centres in Krabi organising unforgettable trips. One of the most fascinating creatures you may spot while experiencing your underwater adventure are the amazing seahorses. With their heads up and tails down in an upright position gently moving through the mind-boggling underwater world these wonderfully shaped creatures use their backs swimming forward and steering is controlled by their pectoral fins. Unique are the tiny gill openings in their toothless, tube-shaped mouths and their prehensile tails. Each of their eyes is able to independently move from the other. The Pacific Seahorse is the biggest type.

Small crustaceans provide the seahorses’ food. While not moving they patiently wait till their next meal comes within reach and then catch them by snapping the crustaceans up. A vacuum is created by their tube-shaped mouth making it possible to suck their catch in and swallow the prey entirely. These creatures are in several ways remarkable. They live a monogamous life and maintain long relationships with their partners. The longer a pair of seahorses stay together, the better the production of newborn species will be. Especially among fish monogamy is very rare.

Spotting a seahorse, a diver’s dream come true!

The males are the ones carrying the eggs in their belly’s pouches! Inside the pouch the eggs will get fertilised and incubation takes place between two to four weeks before the creatures hatch. The males give birth to tiny but entirely developed seahorses. Nothing is known yet about the seahorses’ natural lifespan. Scientists assume the smaller species live about one year and the bigger ones five years.

It is quite hard to find a seahorse in moving water and therefore spotting one is each diver’s wish. However, divers who really try hard might probably manage to spot one or several of these magnificent animals and Krabi is the perfect destination to do so. Should you be successful, drop a line here!

Full Krabi activities guide

Holidaying in the stunning province of Krabi in southern Thailand (part 2)

Diving off Krabi’s mainland is a very rewarding experience as the waters here provide several world-class dive playgrounds. Scuba diving has become one of the most popular activities and many diving enthusiasts from each part of the globe flock to Krabi for their water sports holiday.

There are plenty of diving schools and centres operating boat trips between Phuket and Phi Phi Don, which is the largest island of the Phi Phi group. Several of the most renowned diving sites are positioned in the waters surrounding the Phi Phi Islands as well as famed the King Cruiser shipwreck.

Amazing Krabi

On Phi Phi Don, holidaymakers have the option to hire a little boat, which will take them to some of the nearby situated excellent dive spots. The Bida and Ha Islands are also spots, much appreciated by underwater adventurers. The Phi Phi Archipelago contains Thailand’s most famous and beautiful island destinations.

The Phi Phi Islands’ territory belongs since 1983 to a National Park, which includes the Yung and Phai Isles, Bidah Nok, Bidah Nai, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. The nautical distance travellers will have to cover reaching Phi Phi from Krabi mainland is approximately 26 miles.

The main Lanta Islands can be accessed by boat departing from both Phi Phi and Krabi beach. Ao Nang is undoubtedly a must-see as well as this destination is blessed with exceptional natural beauty and superb beaches from which some of the most famous include: Nam Mao, Rai Ley and Tham Pra Nang Beach. Complete Southern Thailand travel guide 

Definitely one of Krabi’s most enchanting island destinations is Lanta. The Lanta Islands are positioned in the province’s southern part. The locals use to call the isles “Poo-Lao-Sa-Tak”, which in English translates as the long-beached islands. The islands of Lanta Yai, Rok Nai, Rok Nok and Ngai are some of the most stunning destinations. Lanta represents sufficient different types of accommodation as well. 

Visiting the enchanting province of Krabi in southern Thailand (part 1)

Wonderfully located in the southern part of Thailand, the province of Krabi boasts superb exotic beaches along its coastline along with plenty of paradisiacal islands, which make it hard to imagine how wonderful they are. Boasting unbeatable natural beauty, the renowned and photogenic Phi Phi Islands are definitely some of the most popular daytrip destinations in Krabi province. Travellers simply shouldn’t miss visiting the stunning Phi Phi archipelago. 

Krabi is blessed with a highly pleasurable year-round climate. Only two seasons take place in this Thai region, which compared with other Thai regions result in different seasonal weather conditions. Lasting from January to April is the summer season while from May to December the rainy season takes place. The average year-round temperature is ideal between 17 and 37 degree Celsius.

 Krabi’s natural beauty is truly jaw-dropping

Reaching the province of Krabi is possible by air as well as by road.  Departing from Bangkok you should drive along motorway 4, following its way going through many other provinces. The distance between the Thai capital and Krabi is approximately 587 miles. Arriving from Phuket you should take motorway 402, which at the province of Pangnga, links with motorway 4 leading to Krabi. The travel distance is about 115 miles. Full info on transport to Krabi  Public bus transport operators run air-conditioned coaches, which depart daily from Phuket as well as Bangkok. The duration of the domestic flight service between Bangkok and Krabi is about 90 minutes. Stay tuned for part 2 !   

A genuine gem in the Andaman Sea

The Krabi coastline is definitely one of the most stunning in the entire Andaman and tours of Krabi are highly recommended. However, another great destination in the Andaman Sea and unfortunately often overlooked by travellers is the awesome Mook Island which is located in Trang province at an off the beaten track position.

Travellers taking the time trekking to this gorgeous destination won’t regret their effort. Surrounded by the ocean’s turquoise waters, Koh Mook boasts charming accommodation, jaw-dropping scenery, fine sandy sun-soaked beaches and mouth-watering seafood cuisine. One of the tropical destination’s highlights is the nearby positioned Emerald Cave.

On Koh Mook visitors have no problems with the limited modern tourist facilities. On the contrary! It is this rare, unique and rustic ambience what attracts most of the travellers in the first place. Probably this gorgeous island isn’t spacious enough to construct large-scale tourist projects on it, but in Thailand you never know and if you have the opportunity, it might be wise to visit now. After your visit you will be able saying: “I’ve experienced the island’s tranquil atmosphere when…” in case several bulldozers appear here any time in the near future.

Koh Mook, a paradisiacal island destination

In Trang it isn’t difficult to hop from one isle to another. Travellers who choose Koh Mook as their base generally navigate to nearby pretty islands of Koh Waen, Koh Cheuk and Koh Kradan. There’s also the option to nip over to Koh Sukorn, Koh Lao Liang and Koh Libing just a few nautical miles to the south. Rent a little long-tail boat including the navigator for a day and just let the experienced captain know where you wish to sail to.

The first activity on your itinerary list should be a boat (day) trip around Mook Island and next head for Koh Rok National Marine Park. The island of Koh Rok features a few tranquil and soothing stretches of sand along with several lodging facilities, with the highest rated rooms comparable in rate to mid-range resort or hotels in Krabi or Phuket. Travellers will experience the wonderful feeling of staying on a peaceful natural world without the pressures of daily modern life. That is if they can do without shops, internet café’s and a wide choice of restaurants. Trang Online

Here you can absorb the laid-back island atmosphere and observe the scene of the local’s daily social and labouring life in the quaint fishing village on the island’s eastern part. Besides catching fish the Islamic villagers work on the rubber and coconut plantations, Trang’s third biggest island is filled with.

Koh Mook in Thai language means “Pearl Island”, but this doesn’t mean that many locals still dive to find the valuable pearls. There probably aren’t more than ten pearl hunters left on the island. Along the way riding by motorcycle to the small fishing village, I was waved down by an elderly islander, who proudly showed me something after he had dug it up out of his pocket. Resting in the palm of his wrinkled hand was this little cream-coloured pearl. I don’t know anything about pearls but I was pleased to conclude that diving for them was still practiced on “Pearl Island”. However, one of the finest pearls in the Andaman is the island itself. Guide to Krabi Andaman coastline

Two daily express services depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok to Trang. It takes the train about 15 hours (540 miles) to reach the rail station in Trang. Trains leave at 17:05 and 18:20.

A flight service operated by Nok Air, connect Trang once daily with Bangkok.

From the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok daily buses follow a route to Trang with a travel time of about 12 hours. Once passengers arrive in Trang Town they should travel a little further to Kuan Tung Gu Pier. At the pier boats can be rented for transportation to Koh Mook (5.6 miles) 
     

Amazing Krabi

The gorgeous province of Krabi is positioned in the southern part of Thailand. Tourists mainly travel to Krabi because its appealing environment represents superb beach areas and numerous paradisiacal island destinations. The Phi Phi Islands are probably the most famous and should absolutely not be missed when staying in Krabi.

The Krabi province enjoys a highly pleasurable climate, which is different compared with other regions in Thailand. There are just two seasons here. From May to December the rainy season takes place while the summer season takes place from January to April. The year-round average temperature is around 37 degree Celsius.

Krabi can be accessed by air as well as by road. Leaving from Bangkok you should take motorway 4, which follows a scenic route across many provinces. The distance between Bangkok and Krabi is approximately 587 miles.

If leaving from Phuket you should drive along motorway 402 linked to motorway 4 via Phangan and Krabi province. The distance between Phuket and Krabi is about 115 miles. Travellers also have the option using the transport service operated by the air-conditioned VIP couches. A domestic flight from Bangkok to Krabi lasts about 90 minutes.

Krabi’s waters provide excellent playgrounds for divers. Especially, scuba diving is incredibly popular among tourists. The most stunning dive spots are located around the King Cruiser shipwreck and the Phi Phi Islands. Maya Beach, Nui Beach and an area filled with sea caves are just a few of the spectacular dive sites around Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. At Phi Phi Don you can hire a small boat and navigate yourself to these fantastic locations.

Phi Phi is undoubtedly one of Thailand’s most renowned island travel destination. Since 1983 the island is part of the Nopparatthara - Phi Phi Islands National Park. Six islands belong to this protected territory; Bidah Nay, Bidah Nok, Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Don and the Phay and Yung isles. About 27 miles is the distance between Phi Phi and Krabi Beach.

Probably one of Krabi’s most stunning destinations is Lanta. Located in the province’s southern part the Lanta island group, among others, include: the famous Lanta Yai and the isles of Ngai, Rok Nok and Rok Nai. Most of the Lanta Islands can be accessed from both Phi Phi and Krabi Beach. More on what to see in Krabi

Ao Nang boasts some jaw-dropping scenery including immaculate beaches such as Rai Le, Tam Pra Nang and Nam Mao.

 Ao Nang boasts unbeatable scenery

You can reach thesethree, wonderfully by mountains surrounded, beach areas by sea from Ao Nang.

Five of the most stunning holiday destinations on our planet

Perhaps you still have not figured out to which destination you want to travel this year. Maybe this year’s holiday it is your wish to experience a complete different adventure that you will never forget. Today the prices for international flight services are affordable for the majority of the enthusiastic globetrotters. More and more holidaymakers are planning journeys to exciting destinations outside of their continent.

Also this year the number of persons travelling to more varied destinations across South America, Asia and Australia will most likely increase again. These continents already boast many newly discovered tourist spots that soon will become the next big thing! Mentioned below are my favourite five destinations, which I’ve visited during the past seven years. Maybe after reading it you’re convinced to skip this year’s usual vacation on that Southern France camping site and are ready to broaden your horizons as well!

• Koh Lanta in Thailand is an extremely laid-back island boasting several of Thailand’s remaining untouched areas of unbeatable natural beauty. Lanta is part of an archipelago containing 52 other tiny and larger islands. Lanta Yai is the largest of the group. The relaxed vibe along with this island’s stunning natural landscapes will definitely impress every visitor.

Jaw-dropping Lanta scenery

This tranquil tropic destination offers truly one of the most perfect getaways. At the end of their vacation tourists leave from here with fully re-charged batteries. The culturally diverse Lanta region’s 20,000 locals make a living from rubber, fishing, and shrimp farming. The rather limited tourist industry is another source of income. Koh Lanta travel & tourist guide.

• Sapa in Vietnam is becoming more and more popular among tourists. Enjoying a wonderful location positioned about 242 miles of Hanoi, Sapa’s colourful Saturday markets are the main attraction. Various tribe peoples travel to the markets offering their unique goods to the visiting tourists. The mountainous surrounding provides a great environment for trekking and outdoor enthusiasts.

• The port town of Puerto Madryn in Argentina was established in 1865 by the Welsh. The town is bestowed with history. In the 1970s the town’s industry started to grow along with the population, which today is about 58,000. Rightfully nicknamed “Argentina’s Capital of Scuba Diving”, divers will find a wide range of underwater activities options. The town can easily be explored by bicycle and after the bike tour you might have gotten hungry and appreciate the excellent dishes served by the numerous waterfront restaurants.

• Located in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, Can Tho is the second destination in Vietnam. The area is known as “The Nine Dragon River Delta” and it is here where the mighty Mekong releases its huge load of water into the South Chinese Sea. The canals provide the scene for many floating markets while scenic river boat trips are popular among tourists. Can Tho is a 4-hour drive away from Ho Chi Minh City but the long journey is definitely worth it.

Mekong Delta in Vietnam

• My final favourite locality is Sayulita in Mexico. This peaceful Mexican fishing village has a unique ambience created by tourists mingling with the friendly and welcoming locals. Sayulita is not yet ravaged by mass tourism and represents fabulous beaches and mouth-watering regional cuisine. The popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta can be reached within a 40-minute drive.

              
Remember this year to stay alert for the best deals on affordable vacations to the renowned tourist destinations as well as the further a field localities.

Ao Nang hotels

Is it a luxurious stylishly designed first-class hotel with facilities such as a quality restaurant, comfortable furniture, eye-pleasing decorations, friendly staff and a full set of recreational amenities that you are looking for? So you did just answer this question with a firm yes! OK, start packing your suitcases and head to the charming and tranquil Spa Lodge Ao Nang in the fabulous Thai province of Krabi. This recommendable accommodation establishment ranks among Krabi’s finest.

The hotel can easily be reached from Krabi’s new airport and is gorgeously set amidst lush landscapes. The distance between Spa Lodge Ao Nang and the airport is less than 30 miles while Krabi Town is only 10 miles away. In addition, the hotel is ideally positioned nearby outstanding beaches giving you the option to enjoy beautiful sea views.

The hotel represents a traditional Lanna style with skillfully created magnificent designs and a truly laid-back, warm and welcoming ambience. The on-site restaurants serve a selection of Thai as well as international dishes while guests may enjoy a revitalising spa treatment performed by professional hands. A nice swimming pool is catered for as well.

Another great hotel in Krabi is known as Blond Mound. Located in Krabi Town this establishment can conveniently be reached from every part of the city. The airport can be accessed within a 30-minute drive while the bus station is within walking distance of the hotel. Banks and shops are nearby as well.

 Krabi represents a wide range of other accommodation establishments ranging from budget guesthouses to luxurious five-star rated hotels. Pre-booking accommodation online is the best way of ensuring your preferred guestroom is available at the time of your arrival and it will save you money too as usually the offered rates on the internet are discounted. This Krabi online hotel booking service offers numerous well-established and reputed lodging establishments.

You’ll definitely find quality accommodation that suits your budget and needs. The booking procedure is easy, safe and secure and only takes a few clicks with your mouse!

Each year an increasing number of travellers from all over the world discover the comprehensive leisure and recreational facilities the holiday destination of Krabi has on offer. Also falling under Krabi’s jurisdiction are 132 idyllic islands. Several of these these islands in the Andaman Sea, such as Koh Lanta and Phi Phi Don are inhabited and extremely popular daytrip destinations.

Brief guide to fun activities in Krabi (part 1)

A holiday in Krabi will never be boring as the place offers a wide range of adventure and fun activities which are suitable for young and old visitors. Compared with other popular vacation destinations in Thailand, Krabi has its visitors even more to offer. The place is blessed with a pleasurable mixture of relaxation, great cuisine, nice accommodation, good shopping, and exciting adventures.

Krabi also boasts a new shiny and efficient airport, ideally located within less than 16 miles from the most popular beaches and only six miles from Krabi Town. Comprehensive Krabi tourist info.

Krabi attracts all year-round rock climbing fanatics coming from all over the world. The spectacular landscapes filled with hard rock and lime stone mountains provide an excellent playground for beginning as well as advanced climbers. Suffering from acrophobia? No problem, the area features many different levels of climbs and there are always experienced instructors available, who can give you the best advice and organise your most suitable climbing adventure.

Krabi is also renowned for its world-class diving sites. Being the Andaman Sea’s gateway you can travel to various dive playgrounds. Koh Lanta, the Similan Islands, Phi Phi Islands, Phuket and Hin Muang and Hin Deang are all blessed with crystal blue waters offering mind-boggling underwater adventures. In addition, the marine life is varied and rich (perhaps you’ll spot mantas, leopard sharks, stingrays and whale sharks!) and there’s always the option to have a great experience weaving through the caverns and caves. Krabi also represents a number of quality diving schools.

Krabi boasts an abundance of gorgeous waterways amidst the surrounding rocky islands. These areas of natural beauty provide an excellent kayaking environment. Never kayaked before? No worries. Experienced guides can be arranged and will take you out exploring the fantastic ravines and water pools.

Krabi offers Thailand’s finest snorkelling options

Snorkelling might sound boring but just off Krabi’s shoreline you’ll get close to, and definitely will be impressed by the colourful fish life. The best snorkelling in Thailand is available in Krabi! Several agencies offer unforgettable snorkelling daytrips.

Stay tuned for Krabi activities part 2!    

Boat trips from Krabi and backpacking tips

Exploring an exotic destination like Thailand appeals to each type of traveller. Ranking among the most popular travel destinations in the entire continent of Asia, Thailand is simple to navigate and boasts an abundance of fascinating sights and attractions. Another great benefit is that travelling in the country doesn’t have to be a costly affair and therefore leave you with plenty of money to sample the delicious cuisine or purchasing cheaply priced handicrafts.

Thailand, a beloved destination for backpackers and outdoor adventurers

You probably already informed yourself about the country’s best backpacking areas before making the decision to go backpacking in Thailand this year.  The northern part of Thailand is blessed with spectacular mountainous regions, which are rather popular backpacker’s destinations. Set amidst areas of unbeatable natural beauty, you might wish to visit several of the more than 300 tranquil Buddhist temples, which surround the historic city of Chiang Mai. Each area throughout the city offers inexpensive quality lodging establishments. Julie’s Guesthouse is just one of the places, which is beloved by many backpackers as it also organises various jungle trekking trips. Chiang Mai for backpackers.

Central Thailand’s main destination is undoubtedly the vibrant and colourful city of Bangkok, which is crammed with shops, Thai as well as many international restaurants, great palaces and impressing temples.  Making a boat trip on the vital Chao Phraya River offers a photogenic way to explore several parts of Bangkok.  Must-see attractions in Bangkok include: bustling China Town, the Royal Palace, several important Buddhist temples, the huge JJ weekend market and the renowned nightlife.

 Bangkok JJ Market

Ayuthaya is the place where a few remarkable festivals take place while Sukhothai features panoramic riverside gardens.  The numerous exploration options are simply mind-boggling. Southern Thailand’s islands are the ideal destinations for sun worshippers, beach lovers and water sport enthusiasts. The country’s most popular island destinations include Phuket, which is rightfully nicknamed ‘Pearl of the Andaman.” Krabi and the Phi Phi islands are just a few of the other available magnificent destinations.

Especially Krabi is becoming a rather popular backpacker’s destination. Jump aboard a boat and leave on a trip around the Andaman Sea’s gorgeous islands probably the most popular and affordable activity among backpackers in Krabi. An amount of 132 islands belongs to the province of Krabi and they offer scenery which before you only saw on postcards! More on boat trips from Krabi.

 
One of Krabi’s secluded islands