Krabi is renowned for its spectacular scenery, most notably the limestone rock formations that rise up out of the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea. Mainstream tourists only started coming to the Krabi area about 10 years ago and whilst there are now international hotels, the pace is relaxed and the atmoshepere relatively uncommercial. Krabi is actually a province of Thailand and comprises Krabi town as well as numerous offshore islands and coastal beaches. The longest beach is at Ao Nang to the west of Krabi Town. Here you will find a good selection of hotels, restaurants and shops. This part of Krabi is developing quite quickly so if you prefer a more laid back atmosphere head for the bays a little further south. East and West Hat Rai Leh as well as Hat Tham Phra Nang Beach are only a short 20mins by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi and very popular with locals and tourists alike. Krabi is situated on the west coast of Southern Thailand approx. 180kms from Phuket. The easiest way to reach Krabi is by flight from Bangkok or Koh Samui. Other popular beach destinations that draw visitors to the Krabi area are the islands of Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. You can visit Phi Phi for a day trip or stay in one of the secluded resorts dotted around the islands coast. Phi Phi is accessible by boat from Krabi and more information can be found under Our Favourites section on Phuket and Phi Phi. The island of Koh Lanta is far less developed than Phi Phi. It takes about 1hr to drive from Krabi to the car ferry which goes to Saladan Village at the northern tip of the island. The majority of the budget hotels are accessed from Saladan Village but I really recommend the Pimalai Resort for the tropical island experience (see recommended hotels below for more details).

3.5 Star Category
This is one of the best locations on mainland Krabi. The resort is right on its own private beach and the villas are surrounded by lush tropical gardens. A secluded, peaceful location.

4 Star Category
Set in the hillside with wonderful sea views from the rooftop pool and deluxe rooms.

5 Star Category
A 15min boat ride from Krabi, Rayavadee is set in one of Thailands most beautiful national parks. All bungalows are free standing with all the amenities expected of a deluxe 5 star resort.

5 Star Category
This is 'the' place to stay on Koh Lanta island. You are met at Krabi Airport and transferred by private minivan to the car ferry jetty and board the resorts private speed boat for a 1 hour scenic cruise to the southern end of the island. The resort lies on a beautiful 900 metre stretch of white sandy beach with calm turquoise water. Each bungalow has its own balcony and all the amenities of a 5 star hotel including international TV, marble bathrooms and mini-bar. The spa centre is a haven of tranquility and offers countless different massage and beauty therapies. There are a choice of dining options but one of the most popular is the beach bar/restaurant which is literally on the beach. Guests dine al fresco style with their feet in the sand accompanied by 5 star service, linen serviettes and silver cutlery! The sunsets are spectacular over the Andaman Sea and guests gravitate to the beach for cocktails to watch it sinking below the horizon each evening.

This is the perfect place for divers and movie buffs. Phi Phi Leh is the small sister of Phi Phi Don and only about six square kilometers in size. In contrast to Phi Phi Don this smaller island has few beaches, no flat land and is not inhabited. Instead it is characterized by steep, lightly vegetated cliffs and abundant coral reefs.

Its plentiful marine life and underwater caves make for excellent diving. One of the islands bays, Maya Bay, was the recent location of the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio. This bay is an open secret among scuba divers.