The coastal province of Krabi heralds some of Thailand's most inviting and evocative tropical beach idylls. White sand decorated by tanning bodies and azure seas punctuated by captivated snorkelers define the region, as do its selection of luxury beach hotels and all-round tourist facilities.
Thankfully, for all its obvious splendor, Krabi remains slightly 'off the tourist map' in terms of beach travel in Thailand. Beach hotels here tend to be of the secluded variety, offering vacationers the chance to lie back, cocktail in hand, while listening to the sea lap at the sand.
Where to Stay
Costa Lanta: This chic designer retreat on Lanta Yai is considered perfect for romance-seeking couples. Small enough to be intimate yet populated enough not to feel deserted, its grounds feature a carefully-planned plumage of open-style bungalows and social areas that mingle freely with the surrounding tropical greenery. The beach is only ever a stone's throw away.
Rayavadee: Luxury beach hotels in Thailand don't come more lavish, well situated, or exclusive than Rayavadee. Set on the isolated beach of Phranang and backed by soaring limestone cliffs, this out-of-this-world hotel features three award-winning restaurant (one's located in a cave), an exceptional spa, champagne breakfasts, and 24-hour butler service. Unsurprisingly, it's known to be a frequented by Hollywood A-listers.
What to Do
Lazy-day beach dueling comes high on most people's itinerary of things to do in Krabi, with the locale, the excellent Thai food on offer from nearby restaurants, and the ever-available option of a Thai massage, all combining to keep visitors enthralled for weeks on end.
Given the inviting temperature of the Andaman Sea here and the Technicolor coral that lives beneath its surface, snorkeling and diving are also understandably popular pursuits. PADI courses and expeditions are widely available should you wish to gain certification in the latter.
For the truly exertive vacationer, a trip to Railay (where you'll find the Rayavadee) heralds excellent climbing opportunities. The limestone cliff faces here are dotted with avid climbers of all abilities; a glut of climbing schools offer guidance and tuition, should you need it.
Boat trips to the islands that surround your hotel are another great way of passing a day here. One such popular excursion is to the island of Koh Phi Phi, which is famously where the movie The Beach was filmed.
When to Go
Krabi experiences less seasonal weather variations, which means you can almost always consider it for a beach vacation. That being said, November - March is when conditions are generally considered to be at their best, with the warm temperatures and clear skies complemented by cool sea breezes.
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