Thailand KRABI
Krabi
Famous for its soaring limestone karsts, Krabi is less commercialised than neighbouring Phuket, whilst still offering a choice of top-notch hotels and low-key nightlife
Best time to visit November to March
Transfer 1 hour, 20 minutes flight from Bangkok.
ACTIVITIES LIKE ROCK climbing and kayaking are particularly popular in this mainland resort where resorts nestle amongst jungle-clad cliffs or perch on white-sand beaches. Krabi's most photogenic beaches
(Railey and Phra Nang) are found a short long-tail boat hop from the main base of Ao Nang, where nightlife is family-friendly. Day trips to Phang Nga where James
Bond was filmed and Koh Phi Phi Leh where The Beach was filmed are popular, and Krabi is also the main transfer point for Koh Lanta, where there’s a good choice of upmarket and family-friendly hotels, dive excursions to the popular Phi Phi islands and elephant treks in the national park. Those who like to charter new areas should head down to Trang. This lesser- known resort to Krabi’s south has its own island-hopping scene with the gorgeous Koh Kradan among the highlights. It's also the jumping-off point for the Tarutao National Park's islands.
NEW for 2010 Pavilion Queen’s Bay ~ All 106 rooms and suites at this deluxe hotel are
DAY TRIPS • Hit five fabulous beaches in a day on an island-hopping tour from Ao Nang.
• Take a half-day tour to Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple, hot springs and woodland ‘emerald pool’.
decorated with silk and Thai artefacts and most provide views of the Andaman Sea and feature very large balconies with swing beds. The Pavilion Queen’s Bay is perched high atop a hill that overlooks the white sands of Ao Nang Beach and the rock formations and pristine jungle of Noppharat Thara Beach National Park. It has a three-level swimming pool, Montra Spa and fitness room.
www.pavilionhotels.com
Phulay Bay, Krabi Ritz Carlton Reserve ~ Now open is this luxury five- star just 40 minutes from Krabi Airport and a couple of hours from Phuket’s airport. Twenty-four hour personal butler service is a feature of the 54 one-
Krabi
THINGS TO DO
• Catch parades, food and craft fairs and races at Krabi’s Andaman Sea Festival in November
• Catch hair-raising religious rituals at Trang's Vegetarian festival (Sept-Oct)
• Relax on Koh Lanta’s family-friendly beaches
bedroom pavilions and villas all of which include rainforest showers, indoor and outdoor baths, spacious walk-in wardrobes and verandas with lounge beds. Reserve facilities include an infinity pool, destination spa, fitness centre, shopping, cooking classes and Thai Batik painting.
www.ritzcarlton.com/phulay_bay
BOUTIQUE choice The Small, Krabi ~ ‘Thai impressionism’ is the style promised by this boutique hotel on the corner of Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara beaches. The 38 rooms
Clockwise from top left: Centara Krabi Resort; Red Ginger Chic Resort; Rayavadee Resort; Red Ginger Chic's rooms; Maritime Park & Spa Resort
Thailand Guide 2011 27
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