Krabi: Thailand's best cliffs, sea, and pristine forests
The town of Krabi is the capital of the province of the same name. This location boasts spectacular rock formations that draw an extremely striking landscape. Its limestone cliffs, not surprisingly, attract climbers from all parts of the world.
Although this area has become a hotspot for rock climbers from all over the world, most tourists come here to enjoy the sun, sea and to explore the many surrounding islands. In fact, Krabi province has about 150 islands many of which are part of Hat Nppharat Marine National Park.
Boats regularly depart from Krabi bound for the Phi Phi Island archipelago and to Koh Lanta, the latter island increasingly known as a tourist destination. Very nice excursions can be made to the pristine island of Koh Rok.
In contrast, the hinterland of Krabi province is known for its pristine tropical forests and the Phanom Bencha mountain range. Many of these areas are still unexplored and are a popular destination for those scientific expeditions that go in search of new species of animals and insects.
The town of Krabi is about 900 km from Bangkok and 80 km from the island of Phuket. Although constantly expanding and urbanizing, the town offers excellent local cuisine and breathtaking scenery. To enjoy authentic Thai cuisine, however, we recommend visiting Thanon Khongkha.
Located near the pier on which most Long-Tail Boats stop, it reserves an interesting range of great food, including, in particular, fish and seafood dishes.
On the nightlife entertainment front, the small town of Krabi offers bars, pubs, and even a few discos. However, this is simple and non-transgressive entertainment, especially when compared to that offered by other places such as Phuket and Pattaya.
What to do in Krabi?
You are spoiled for choice in Krabi: from hiking or trekking in nature parks, to rock climbing; from forest tours, to elephant back tours. Plus boat trips to nearby islands, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and of course diving in the beautiful coral reefs of the Andaman Sea.
About 8 km north of Krabi you will also find the famous Wat Tham Seua (Tiger Cave Temple), one of the best known in this area of Thailand. It is an atmospheric place in which you can observe and interact with the friendly local monkeys.
Krabi's most famous beach destination is the small town of Ao Nang, in which most of the resorts and clubs have sprung up.
In Ao Nang you will find many travel agencies that organize excursions to the most popular sights. These include Koh Rok and Koh Ha Yai.
Once in Krabi you can then explore the beautiful nearby islands, nature parks, rainforests and mangrove forests, observe the local flora and fauna, or relax with some cruise exploring the area.
A few kilometers south of Ao Nang you will also find the Laem Phra Nang Peninsula, which encloses a series of spectacular beaches and bays, full of impressive limestone cliffs overhanging the typical emerald sea of this area.
Where to eat the best Thai food in Krabi.
The restaurant we are proposing today is Krua Phranang. This restaurant belongs to one of the most luxurious hotels in Krabi. The Rayavadee hotel has 4 restaurants, within its facilities. Krua Phranang is one of them and is located in the part of the hotel facing Phranang Beach. It has a terrace that is perfect for dining by candlelight, looking at the sea.
This restaurant serves Thai dishes, including curry dishes and fresh fish. The indoor dining room is air-conditioned, with a neat Oriental decor, although it is ideal to dine outside since the setting lends itself to a quiet and relaxed evening.
Opening hours are from 6 to 11 p.m. Prices, of course, are a bit more expensive than in many other parts in Thailand, however, one must consider that this hotel is usually intended for honeymooners and luxury vacations.
One of the house specialties: Hor Mok Goong Mangkorn
(Steamed marinated Krabi lobster in red curry, coconut milk & kaffir lime)
Thinking of curry immediately brings to mind India, but this combination of spices is also typical of Thai cuisine.
Thai curry is made from a paste consisting of chopped red chilies, garlic, shallots, ginger and lemongrass. Coconut milk is added for the cream, which is colored red by the combination of spices. Lobster is cooked in this fragrant cream along with other ingredients such as eggplant, mushrooms or tomatoes.
To complete the dish, kaffir lime and sweet basil leaves are added to balance the flavors. This Thai red curry lobster dish is served with fragrant white jasmine rice.
Concluding
If you plan to add Krabi on your next Thailand trip itinerary and are fortunate enough to stay at this hotel, for a perfect, candlelit, beach-adjacent terrace dining experience, don't hesitate to try Krua Phranang's dishes.
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