KRABI THAILAND
Krabi, the capital of southern Thailand's Krabi Province, is a resort town near the Andaman coast. It lies in an area of limestone karsts and mangrove forest. On a hilltop reached by stairs, the Tiger Cave Temple is a Buddhist site with panoramic views. Khao Kanab Nam, 2 slanting hills rising out of water, form a local landmark. Andaman Sea destinations like the Phi Phi Islands are accessible by ferry.
VISITING KRABI IS LIKE STEPPING FROM A CHAPTER OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FROM A BYGONE ERA INTO THE MODERN ADVENTURE TRAVEL. IN ADDITION TO AWSOME TRAVEL MANY XPATS HAVE CHOSEN TO LIVE IN KRABI FOR THE CLEAN AIR GREAT BEACHES AND LAID BACK LIFESTYLE ALONG WITH AFFORDABLE LIVING AND GREAT SEAFOOD.
Krabi is the most relaxing part to be in all of Thailand, it is a province that has the most stunning scenery imaginable, beautiful white beaches that stretch on for miles, a jungle and over 200 islands just of the coast. Krabi covers quite a large area so a lot of the attractions require a fair bit of traveling but when everywhere you look is beautiful it is no big deal to be a part of your discovery.
Home to many spectacular plants and animals The Natural Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty, one part that is particularly inspiring is the Crystal Lagoon. Also known as the Emerald Pool, the water is naturally warm and completely clear, you can go for a swim and escape to another world whilst admiring the waterfall. Keep your eye out for the Pita Gurney bird, once thought to be extinct but some have been spotted within the park.
One of Thailand’s natural wonders and certainly worth a visit is this warren of caves that sit within the jungle and house many monks that live and worship here, legend has it that a tiger once lived in the cave which is where the name of the temple originated. The caves can be explored and you will find many icons and relics to take a look at. When you are at the caves you need to make sure you visit the ‘footprint of the Buddha’ it is a climb up 1,237 steps which is no small task but when you get to the top you are rewarded with 360 degree views on the Andaman Sea and the beautiful islands that fall within it.
After being used as the film location for the movie ‘The Beach’ the Phi Phi islands shot to fame and the tourists have never stopped coming, you can get there by speedboat which takes about forty five minutes from Krabi mainland. There are two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Don is inhabited and is the one where all the tourists flock. Known for its turquoise water and stunning beaches the island really is a tropical paradise. If you are planning on taking a trip leave early in the morning to beat the crowds as it gets very busy.
Set inside beautiful rainforest surroundings are the Krabi Hot Springs. They have been cut into the smooth rocks and the water is provided from deep rooted thermal springs that are located inside volcanic chambers. The water get up to temperatures of forty degrees Celsius and contains natural mineral salts that have many healing properties. You will feel totally relaxed here and if you fancy a cooling swim after there is a stream that you can do this in. The springs are quite close to the Emarald Pool so it is worth combining the two.
The Khao Khanab Nam Mountains are the most famous landmarks in Krabi, they sit either side of the river and are a real natural wonder. The two mountains sit on top of a large series of caves that have many stalagmites and Stalactites, there are also a large number of human skeletons that could have been from people stranded during a flood. One of the mountains is climbable and offers some excellent photograph opportunities from the top.
Koh Lanta Yai is an island about two hours away from Krabi Town, it is a small island that stretches about twenty kilometers from end to end. The island is inhabited and home too many guest houses and resorts. The island itself has various beautiful beaches that are often quiet but look absolutely stunning. If you want to relax for a few days this is the place to get away and do it. The prices on the island are still quite low as tourism has not reached the levels of the Phi Phi islands yet. Koh Lanta is home to many diving schools all certified and ready to take you out to see the beautiful marine life and coral the waters have to offer. A bridge is currently being built that will link the island to Koh Lanta Noi giving you even more places to explore.
Unlike many places that you visit on holiday Krabi Town is different, it still receives many tourists but it has not changed itself to pamper to the tourists needs. It has still managed to retain its ‘local’ feel. The river running though the town is always full of fishing boats bringing in their days catches ready for the restaurant tables. The town has a genuine feel to it with its local bars and eating spots to it is worth visiting for that authentic taste of Thailand.
Krabi Town like so many other big towns in Thailand has a night market. This market is open every Friday to Sunday in the evening and is not to be missed. There are over seventy food stalls here as well as lots of local sellers selling souvenirs. Sometimes local school children put on a show as they collect money for their school or another charity. There is one particular stall that is worth a special mention it is the one that sells coconut ice-cream, most markets have a stall selling the same things but this ice-cream is famous throughout the markets for its impeccable taste.
THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW: How many islands are around Krabi, Thailand? It's estimated that there are around 200 islands and islets around the Krabi coastline. Many are small rocky outcrops that rise precipitously out of the sea and have no landing access. Others are larger and uninhabited, with characteristic white sand beaches, coral reefs, and intricate cave systems.
THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO SAVE: Hoards of retirement money by moving to Krabi. Is Krabi a good place to retire? If you are looking for a calm and tranquil retirement destination, Krabi is definitely the place for you. This is because it not only boasts an inexpensive cost of living, but a low crime rate as well.
ZENTRAVELER SAYS: If your wife or husband is always crabby around the house book a trip to Krabi. if you love sea food and want the best fresh crabs in the world book a trip to Krabi. If you want to live out your Jacques Cousteau fantasies book a trip to Krabi.
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