Krabi

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Krabi, a province on southern Thailands Andaman coast, is an almost otherworldly region of labyrinthine archipelagos, where islands seem to erupt vertically out of the sea and secluded beaches are only accessible by colorfully adorned long tail boats. Krabis myriad of bays and coves have sheltered pirates, merchants, and sea gypsies for thousands of years and archaeological evidence indicates that Krabi was originally inhabited as early as 25,000 - 35,000 years ago!

With attractions including hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world, and national parks that include the island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one could easily spend weeks in Krabi and leave yearning for more.

If that wasnt enough, Krabi features some of the most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, often accompanied by spectacular displays of cloud to cloud lightning, that are best enjoyed from a beachside bar or restaurant.

Meanwhile, with all the tourists spread out among various beaches and islands, life goes on in Krabi Town, the somewhat sleepy provincial capital. Surprisingly few tourists spend time in the charming riverside town, whose hilly streets feature a number of cozy cafes and inexpensive and authentic Thai cuisine is served at an outdoor, riverside evening market.

Town to most visitors is Ao Nang, a seaside strip of guesthouses, hotels, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops that continues to grow as tourist arrivals increase, now spreading north into Noppharat Thara, whose quiet, shady beach is part of the national park that includes the Phi Phi Islands. Ao Nang is the major launching point for boat trips to nearby islands and the isolated beaches of Phra Nang Cape, where the famous former hippie enclave of Railey Beach is located.

Krabi Province, which lies along the coast of the Andaman sea in Southern Thailand, is a top tourist destination as a result of its plentiful natural attractions including, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, extensive coral reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls, and over 130 islands, including Koh Lanta and the jewels of the Andaman coast, the six islands of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park.

While not the top destination in and of itself, Krabi Town is a charming provincial capital located along the banks of a river that leads to the nearby Andaman Sea. Consequently, Krabi is an important port city for both local fisherman as well as boats ferrying visitors to the nearby attractions, including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Railey Beach, one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world.

Transport

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Both getting to and getting around Krabi is quite easy. Visitors to Krabi may arrive by air, bus, car, or boat from destinations both north and south of Krabi, as well as from Phuket and Phang Nga provinces to the west of Krabi.

Taxis, songtaews, and tuk-tuks are easily found in both Krabi town and Ao Nang and are reasonably priced for those who wish to explore the nearby attractions, though visitors may also rent cars, motorbikes, and even bicycles to tour the area on their own.

The only way to get to Ao Nang Cape, including East and West Railey and Phra Nang Beach, is via boat from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta. There are no roads leading to or around Ao Nang Cape, which can only be explored by foot or kayak.

Getting to and from Krabi

• By Bus:
  There are both government run air-conditioned and non air-conditioned busses that connect Bangkok, Phuket, Phang Nga, Trang, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani (Samui) to Krabi Bus Terminal. The bus from Bangkoks Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi takes approximately 12 hours.
  
  In addition to these busses, many private bus companies and travel agencies provide air-conditioned busses or vans to and from Krabi and these other provinces.
  
  Bus-boat packages between Krabi and Koh Samui should take no more than three hours, though some unscrupulous private bus companies have made this a lengthy ordeal in order to rip off passengers and their stored baggage. There is a more reliable government run bus service between Krabi and Surat Thani which requires bus or tuk tuk transfer to or from the pier that services Koh Samui.
  
  There is a regular shuttle bus service between Krabi and Phuket airports, which are roughly 2 hours apart.
  
  Krabi Bus Terminal is located 4 kilometers north of town at Talat Kao. For schedules and additional information contact the Krabi Bus Terminal at (66) 0 7561 1804
• By Air:
  The Krabi International Airport (KBV) is about 10 km from the city limits, 15 km from the city center, and 40km from Ao Nang. Krabi is serviced by Thai Airways from Bangkok, Bangkok Airways from Koh Samui, and Thai AirAsia from both Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
• By Other:
  By Boat
  
  There are numerous ferries connecting Krabi town, Railey Beaches, and Ao Nang to Phi Phi, Koh Jum, Koh Lanta, and Phuket. All ferry routes and schedules are subject to change, some operating only seasonally, and some making stops between A and B, occasionally requiring transfer to other ferries or long tail boats. Different color stickers are provided to passengers heading to different destinations to minimize confusion. Sea sickness tablets are recommended for journeys in the stormier monsoon season months from May to October.
  
  The ferry between Krabi Town and both Koh Lanta and Koh Jam only operates from October to April, during which time it departs twice daily at 10.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.
  
  There are ferries between Krabi/Ao Nang/Railey and Koh Phi Phi operating all year round with several daily departures from each location.
  
  Travel to and from Phuket and Krabi/Ao Nang/Railey/Koh Lanta usually require a transfer or stop at Koh Phi Phi.
  
  Free taxi transfer to the pier should be included in the price of your ticket.

Getting Around Krabi

By Bus:
From Krabi Bus Terminal, located in Talat Kao, buses arrive and depart between 6.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. Local red buses into and around Krabi town costs 10 baht per ride. For travel to Ao Nang and Haad Noppharat Thara, local white buses leave from Maharat Road in Krabi town and cost 20 baht per journey.

An air conditioned Airport Bus service connects the airport to Krabi town and Ao Nang for approximately 90 and150 baht respectively.

By songtaew:
Songtaew rides from Krabi town to the Krabi Bus Terminal cost around 10 baht per person. From Krabi Town most Songtaews hang out in front of the 7-11 on Maharat Road. Destinations and approximate fares include Ao Leuk (20 baht), Ao Nam Mao (40 baht), Ao Nang (20 baht), Haad Noppharat Thara (20 baht) and Su San Hoi-Shell Cemetery (40 baht). In Ao Nang songtaews travel up and down the beach road and passengers can get on and off at any point along the route for a fixed rate that should be agreed upon before climbing aboard.

By Tuk Tuk:
Tuk tuks can be chartered for trips around Krabi town and Ao Nang for flat rates that should be negotiated and agreed upon prior to travel.

Car and motorbike rental:

It is possible to rent a car in Krabi Town or from Krabi Airport to travel around town and to nearby provinces. In addition to international car rental companies, such as National Car Rental and Budget Car Rental, several private agencies and guesthouses provide car and motorcycle rental for 800-1,200 baht/day and 150-250 baht/day respectively.

Be aware that only Commercial First Class Insurance provides full coverage on rental cars (as opposed to limited personal or third party only insurance). Most international car rental agencies will offer this insurance (some only for those with a valid international drivers license) while local companies may or may not. You may wish to request a copy of their insurance policy and ensure that it states "For Commercial Use". Regardless, inspect rental vehicles prior to rental and drive with caution, particularly as traffic in Thailand can be quite confusing, especially the habit of Thai motorcycles drivers to drive on the wrong side of the road.

Be sure to inspect motorbikes prior to rental and drive with extreme caution as rental motorbikes are not normally insured and accidents are frequent. Helmets are required by Thai law.

By Boat:
Long-tailed boats depart regularly from Krabis Saphan Jao Fah Pier to East Railey Beach while boats from Ao Nang serve West Railey Beach with frequency.

By Taxi:
Motorcycle taxis are available at Krabi airport and around Krabi town.

Krabi Limousine has a desk inside the Krabi Airport and provides "limousine taxi" (using large air-conditioned sedans) transport to Krabi town for around 500 baht; Ao Nang for 800 baht; and Phuket for 2500 baht.

Krabi.com offers taxi and minibus at more inexpensive rates but travelers must make a credit card deposit of 200 baht online.