The region of Krabi is famous for its picture postcard scenery but the town itself is also quite pleasant and has lots of things to see. Walking from the port to the town center gives you the chance to find out more about Krabi and its inhabitants.
Who, like me, don't mind getting up early to go round the colorful (very) early morning market, with its piles of brightly colored fruit and vegetables. But get a move on because by around 8 o'clock everything is wrapped up! Those who prefer to sleep in late can make it up with the night markets...
For lovers of sporting holidays, the place to go is the Tiger Temple, a few kilometers from the town, and one of the most important Buddhist temples in the south of Thailand. To get to the top you have to walk up 1,000 steps, but the view over the surrounding countryside is breathtaking!
I fell in love with Krabi, a small, peaceful and pleasant Thai town. There are plenty of guesthouses and a night market that is just as good as those in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, only smaller.
It would be a pity to miss the Railay Peninsula during a trip to Thailand. Known for having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Railay is accessible from the Krabi pier. But don't worry. You can't miss it: the locals will come find you in the streets. And you can climb to the viewpoint to admire the panoramic view. Beware however: there's no security and the climb is more like actual climbing than a hike.
About thirty kilometers from Krabi, you can get to Hot Springs and to Emerald Pool by scooter. On the agenda: hot springs and bathing in emerald colored waters. It almost feels like you're in a dream with the blue of this "pool" that seems surreal.
I only stayed one or two nights in Krabi, but I have fond memories of it. I preferred Krabi to Phuket because Phuket is too busy and Krabi seemed to offer me a more relaxed atmosphere. Everything revolves around tourism, so that means Krabi has all the necessary hotels and restaurants. The beaches are nice, without being idyllic, and the seaside is pleasant.
For all that, to me, Krabi is more of a stopping place than a place to stay. It is a good point of departure for travelling to the islands, such as the Phi Phi Islands. I particularly liked travelling from Krabi to the not-too-distant Railay, which is a lovely place to visit due to its relaxing atmosphere, its beautiful beaches, and its opportunities for climbing or just lazing around.
In short, I really liked Krabi and I would recommend it to any traveller staying in the south of Thailand.