HOTSPOT: KRABI
A SCENIC WONDER
Krabi K
Visitors can book onto a kayaking excursion through the mangroves, spotting crabs, monkeys and birdlife and stopping off to explore deserted beaches and caves with prehistoric paintings.
GREAT STAYS Accommodation is most plentiful in the mid-range bracket, though there are also smart boutique four-stars and fi ve-stars like the Ritz Carlton and Rayavadee. Families will appreciate Krabi’s buzz, with the reassurance that the nightlife’s unlikely to get too wild and frenetic.
Phang–Nga’s islands can be twinned with Krabi, as they can with Phuket, and this is the best
RECENT KRABI
rabi is Phuket’s quieter sister, sharing the same show-stopping bay of craggy limestone karsts but with a more laid-back feel. It’s a great stop for adventures by sea, with island-hopping and snorkelling. Adventure excursions and activity trips depart frequently from the main beach of Ao Nang. Or, for those seeking simple relaxation, there are quieter stretches of sand at Railay (a fi ve-minute long-tail ride away) or down the coast at Phulay Bay and Nopparat Thara.
point from which to reach Koh Lanta, a hideaway for honeymooners and divers. More adventurous travellers might venture along the coast to lesser-visited Trang, which has its own island-hopping scene in Hat Chao Mai National Park. An Anantara hotel lies between the two.
TOP TIPS 1 Away from the beach, Krabi Town has
a small, cheery night market with food stalls. Recommend a river tour or that visitors catch a ferry to Koh Lanta or the
THAILAND
Phi Phi islands. 2 Koh Lanta makes a good diving base from which to explore the Hin Daeng and Hin Muang sites and the wreck of the King Cruiser.
3 Hot springs in the woods at Khlong Thom are often visited on the same excursion as the Tiger
Cave Temple. 4 Railay is a renowned rock-climbing
centre. Even if visitors can’t climb it’s still fascinating to watch the experts who can be viewed from the beach.
ADDITIONS HOTEL IBIS STYLES KRABI AO NANG A fi ve-minute free shuttle ride away from Ao Nang is a new 205-room off ering from Ibis. Bike hire and all-day dining are available. Family rooms with bunk beds and Xbox consoles are among other plus points.
ibis.com
RAYAVADEE
To celebrate its 20th birthday, the luxury resort has completed
refurbishment of 40 of its lead-in category Deluxe Pavilions, giving them brighter and more spacious interiors. Five more were converted into Terrace Pavilions. The two-bedroom Raitalay Villa on Railay Beach has been renovated.
rayavadee.com
OTHER
CHOICES PHULAY BAY, RITZ Carlson Reserve 24-hour butler service is a feature of this upscale resort with
suites, villas and kids’ club. Special touches include complimentary boat shuttles to Hong island, candlelight yoga and visits from baby elephant, Koko. Tea and treatment pairings are new in the ESPA spa.
ritzcarlton.com
NAKAMANDA RESORT & SPA Located in a private cove at Klong Muang area, the resort is located within reach of Krabi Town and Ao Nang. Villas include some with pools and
Jacuzzis. The spa has fresh fruit preparations and frequent off ers.
nakamanda.com
CROWN LANTA RESORT & SPA, KOH LANTA
This 83-room property straddles two beaches on a private peninsula. The Reggae Cliff Bar is a good place for catching sunsets; romantic secluded dining is also possible. A children’s play area and yoga classes are among other facilities.
crownlanta.com
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