KRABI

          Krabi – a province that embraces both the mainland and some idyllic islands – is characterised by unique limestone formations and lush vegetation. The limestone outcrops are a magnet for both rock climbers and camera crews shooting commercials, TV shows and films. Krabi Town is the main jump-off point for travellers en route to the beaches and islands of Krabi Province. Those venturing north of Krabi Town into the interior will find a shrine, a hot springs waterfall and a wildlife sanctuary.

PLACES TO VISIT IN KRABI

Krabi Town
          Thanon Maharat hosts the main market and most restaurants and shops, while there are guesthouses and hotels on Thanon Chao Fa, just a few minutes' walk from Chao Fa Pier. There are boats for hire at the pier to mangroves on the opposite bank of the Krabi River, whre a small fishing community lives in wooden huts on stilts. The trips include two 100m (328ft) limestone pinnacles that rise beside the river, called Khao Khanab Nam. One peak has a series of caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Krabi interior
          Set into forests and cliffs, 9km (6 miles) north of Krabi Town, Wat Tham Seua has 1,272 steps leading to a 600m (1,970ft) peak. It has fantastic views and a small shrine with a Buddha footprint in the rock. Southeast of Krabi Town is Hot Springs Waterfall, where people first bathe in the hot water as it cascades down the boulders, before dipping into a cool stream. A 10-minute drive east of the waterfall, the Khao Nor Chu Chi Wildlife Sanctuary is said to be the last patch of lowland rainforest in Thailand. It's also one of the few habitats of an endangered bird called Gurneys Pitta.
Best Beaches
          Three Krabi beaches are accessible by road: Hat Khlong Muang, Hat Noppharat Thara and Ao Nang, but most visitors head to one of the outlying beaches for which Krabi is most famous. Most boats go to Hat Railay West, on the western side of the peninsula, where the absence of a pier means a short wade to shore. On the opposite side of the peninsula Hat Railay East, which is backed by dense mangroves, is less scenic and not great for swimming. Accordingly, the bungalows here are lower priced, but get their fair share of trade, as there's only a 5-minute walk from one beach to the other. The same people appreciating sunsets on Railay West are often seen a few hours later enjoying fire juggling and all-night parties at Railay East.The prettiest beach, Hat Tham Phra Nang, has a single accommodation option, Rayavadee Resort. Day-trippers flock here from Railay West and Railay East to sunbathe, swim and snorkel.The beach Hat Ton Sai is popular with budget travellers for its cheaper accommodation and vibrant nightlife. Beach bars are open until the early hours and host monthly full-moon parties. The sea view is beautiful, but the sand is less white, and at low tide gets muddy.
Rock Climbing
          Most of Krabi's 600-plus climbing routes are located on Railay Bay peninsula, which has dramatic sheer limestone cliffs facing the sea. The climbs involve crags, steep pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites, and are suitable for beginners through to professionals. Among the most popular is the phenomenal, and challenging, Thaiwand Wall at the southern end. Any of the Railay climbing operators will advise on the best routes, some of which are accessed by a combination of boat and jungle hike.