Krabi, located on the southwest coast of Thailand, is known for its towering limestone cliffs, warm Andaman waters, and a coastline dotted with over 150 islands. One of its most iconic sites is Railay Beach, which is accessible only by boat due to the cliffs that cut it off from the mainland. Railay is famous among rock climbers for its natural limestone formations, some of which hang directly over the sea. For visitors not interested in scaling rocks, caves like Phra Nang Cave offer quiet corners to explore and feature shrines dedicated to fertility legends that are both surprising and deeply rooted in local beliefs.
Inland, Krabi Town offers a quieter experience. Its riverfront market serves grilled seafood, tropical fruits, and southern Thai dishes like gaeng som, a sour and spicy curry often made with fish and tamarind. Just a short walk from the town center, the Wat Kaew Korawaram temple sits on a hill and offers views across the rooftops. For those curious about Buddhist culture, early morning almsgiving ceremonies provide a glimpse into daily rituals that remain central to the community.
Krabi is also home to some of Thailand’s most accessible natural springs and jungle trails. The Emerald Pool, located in Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, is a warm freshwater spring known for its unusual turquoise color, which shifts slightly depending on the light. A short hike deeper into the forest leads to the Blue Pool, a small but strikingly clear body of water that’s surrounded by dense jungle and protected as a conservation area.