Thrilling Krabi: Serene Adventures Unveiled Here

Krabi, Thailand, will always be close to our hearts. It marked our very first trip together abroad, and it was a whirlwind of excitement and togetherness.

Our journey began with a domestic flight on Thai Airways from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krabi International Airport. As our plane touched down, we were greeted by the tropical warmth of Krabi, promising days filled with adventure.

Our home away from home was the Ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang, part of the Accor Hotel group. It’s conveniently located near Ao Nang Beach, just a 10-15 minute walk away (if you prefer not to use the hotel shuttle). The Ibis Krabi is a no-frills, well-equipped hotel offering a standard breakfast buffet, reliable Wi-Fi, and scheduled shuttle transfers to and from Ao Nang Beach. Our standard room had all the basics, from a comfy double bed to an attached bathroom, a balcony with views of a nearby hill, a 32-inch flat-screen TV, an in-room safe, and coffee and tea-making facilities. It provided everything we needed. The cost was about THB 2362 (around $67 USD) per night for our standard room.

Ao Nang Beach & Surroundings

Our first day was all about relaxation on Ao Nang Beach. Unlike some other bustling Thai tourist spots, Krabi is quieter and less crowded, allowing us to enjoy our time together.

Along the way to the beach, we couldn’t resist trying out lots of local cuisine, which was not only delicious but also very affordable. After a peaceful morning by the sea, our curiosity led us to explore the vibrant streets around Ao Nang. Roadside shops displayed colorful souvenirs, while local food stalls offered tempting Thai flavors. We indulged in Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and more, savoring every bite as we immersed ourselves in the local culture.

Along Ao Nang Beach street, you’ll find many tour companies offering city tours and island-hopping adventures for tourists (be sure to haggle for the best prices!). Different tours visit different islands, so make sure to check the list of islands your tour includes. We booked a day-long island-hopping tour with one of the local tour companies for our next day’s adventure.

Island Tour

The second day was the highlight of our Krabi journey. We embarked on a day-long island-hopping adventure that started from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. Our first stop was Phi Leh Lagoon, a secluded paradise where we swam, floated, and marveled at the natural wonder of this tranquil spot. The lagoon felt like a natural infinity pool, with its peaceful waters mirroring the towering cliffs around us. Afterward, we headed to Maya Bay, the other side of the island, made famous by the movie “The Beach.” It was a dream come true, with more swimming and sunbathing on this beautiful island.

For lunch, we headed to Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort near Loh Dalum Beach (our tour package included a buffet lunch). While the food was just okay, the surroundings of the restaurant were stunning.

After lunch, we made our way to Loh Lana Bay for some snorkeling. Even if you’re not into snorkeling, simply soaking in the crystal-clear warm water is incredibly relaxing.

Our next stop took us to the playful Monkey Beach. As we approached the shore, we were welcomed by a group of monkeys. While everyone was busy taking pictures of the monkeys, we couldn’t help but admire the island’s scenic beauty.

Our final stop was Bamboo Island. This small island boasts some of the clearest and bluest waters you’ll find in Thailand, along with white sandy beaches and a reef that extends up to 500 meters from the shore.

Highlights Of Krabi

Public transportation in Krabi isn’t easily accessible, and taxis can be hard to find. So, we decided to rent a car from the hotel’s tour desk for a day of island exploration. Driving in Krabi is much more relaxing than in places like Phuket or Pattaya, especially on the mainland.

Our first destination was Tha Pom Klong Song Nam, about a 40-minute drive from our hotel. This hidden gem is a peaceful oasis nestled in a lush mangrove forest. The name, which means ‘Two Waters,’ perfectly describes its beauty. You can explore this enchanting wonderland via a network of wooden walkways and bridges, surrounded by vibrant greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. Don’t forget your camera; the reflections on the mirror-like water are perfect for Instagram.

Our next stop was Wat Tham Suea, about a 30-minute drive from the mangrove forest. Commonly known as Tiger Cave Temple, it’s one of Krabi’s most visited Buddhist temples. Don’t worry; you won’t encounter any actual tigers here. Instead, you’ll find steep staircases leading to stunning viewpoints. The climb can be a workout for your legs, but the view from the top is worth it. It’s like stepping into a postcard, with panoramic views of lush greenery and limestone cliffs. Just remember to cover your knees and shoulders when visiting temples. If you’re not dressed appropriately, you can rent colorful sarongs inside the temple for a fee. Also, don’t forget to remove your shoes when entering the temple.

After visiting the Tiger Cave Temple, we headed to Krabi town for lunch and some city exploration. We checked out the famous Mud Crabs Sculpture and Eagle Sculpture, then took a leisurely walk along the Pak Nam River.

For lunch, we dined at one of the local floating restaurants around the Pak Nam Park Pier area. It was a quiet and relaxing spot where we spent hours before heading to the beach area to catch the sunset.

Our journey in Krabi was nothing short of magical, filled with sunny beach days, thrilling adventures, and peaceful moments in nature. Krabi, with its warm-hearted people and natural wonders, left an indelible mark on our hearts. The memories we created, the laughter we shared, and the bonds we formed will be cherished forever. As we bid farewell to Krabi, we carry with us a treasure trove of memories and the promise of more adventures on the horizon. Until next time, Krabi, you’ll always hold a special place in our travel-loving hearts.