Guide to Backpacking in Krabi

1. Ao Nang

Ao Nang is Krabi's primary tourist destination, with lodgings ranging from low-cost hostels to mid-priced hotels. Its central position gives it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Slumber Party Hostel: With its sociable environment and lively parties, this hostel is ideal for lone travellers wishing to meet new people. It provides dorm-style rooms with comfy mattresses and clean facilities.

Ao Nang Village Resort: For a more leisurely stay, this resort has private bungalows nestled in a serene garden. It's reasonably priced and conveniently placed near the beach.

2. Railay Beach

Railay Beach, which is only accessible by boat, is well-known for its stunning limestone cliffs and quiet beaches. It's a refuge for rock climbers and those looking for a peaceful escape.

Railay Garden View Resort: Set in tropical gardens, this resort provides affordable bungalows with breathtaking views. It is a bit of a climb up the hill, but the views are well worth it.

Rapala Rock Wood Resort: A popular backpacker destination, this resort has both dormitory beds and private bungalows. It's adjacent to Railay East Beach, making it an ideal location for exploring the region.

3. Krabi Town

For a more authentic Thai experience, try staying in Krabi town. It is less popular than Ao Nang and provides more affordable lodging alternatives.

Pak-Up Hostel: This modern hostel is right in the middle of Krabi Town. It has roomy dormitories, a busy bar and a rooftop patio with spectacular views of the town.

Krabi Pitta House is a boutique guesthouse that provides nice individual rooms at reasonable prices. It's an excellent choice for individuals seeking a little more seclusion.

1. Ao Nang Night Market

For a real Thai culinary experience, visit the Ao Nang Night Market. The market has a variety of street food vendors where you can try local cuisine.

Must-try dishes:

• Pad Thai noodles are stir-fried with shrimp, tofu and tamarind sauce.
• Som Tum (Papaya Salad) is a spicy and tangy salad prepared with green papaya, chilli, lime, and peanuts.
• Mango Sticky Rice is a delicious treat prepared with ripe mangos and coconut-flavored sticky rice.

2. Tonne Ma Yom Thai Food Restaurant

This family-run restaurant in Ao Nang is popular with both locals and visitors. The menu offers a variety of Thai meals prepared using fresh, local ingredients.

Must-try dishes:

• Green Curry: This delicious curry has coconut milk, green chilli, and Thai basil.
• Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour prawn soup with lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves.

3. Railay Beach Restaurants

Railay Beach has a number of beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy wonderful meals with a view.

• The Last pub, located on Railay East Beach, is a pub and restaurant noted for its laid-back ambiance and live music. The menu includes Thai and Western meals, as well as a variety of beverages.
• Kohinoor Indian Restaurant: For something different, visit this renowned Indian restaurant on Railay West Beach. The menu includes a range of tasty curries, tandoori meals, and naan breads.

4. Krabi Town Night Market

The Krabi Town Night Market, held every weekend, is an excellent spot to enjoy local street cuisine and purchase for gifts.

Must-try dishes:

• Cooked seafood includes freshly cooked fish, prawns, and squid.
• Satay: Skewers of barbecued pork served with peanut sauce.

1. Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a must-see place for all backpackers in Krabi. It's known for its breathtaking limestone cliffs, crystal-clear seas, and laid-back atmosphere.

• Railay Beach is a world-class rock climbing site. There are various climbing schools in the region that provide courses for both beginners and expert climbers.
• Phra Nang Cave Beach: This stunning beach is situated on the southern point of the Railay Peninsula. It is famous for its breathtaking surroundings and the Phra Nang Cave, which is adorned with tributes to the goddess of fertility.
• Kayaking: Rent a kayak to explore Railay Beach's secret coves and limestone cliffs.

2. Phi Phi Islands

A vacation to Krabi isn't complete without seeing the Phi Phi Islands. These lovely islands are just a short boat trip from Krabi and provide some of the greatest snorkelling and diving in the area.

• Snorkeling and diving: The Phi Phi Islands are home to spectacular coral reefs and a diverse range of marine life. There are various dive businesses on the islands that provide snorkelling and diving excursions.
• Maya Bay, made famous by the film "The Beach," is a picturesque bay encircled by high limestone cliffs. It's a popular snorkelling and swimming destination.

3. Ao Thalane

Ao Thalane is a hidden treasure located around 20 km from Krabi Town. It's famous for its breathtaking mangrove forests and limestone canyons.

• Paddling: Ao Thalane is one of Krabi's top paddling destinations. Paddle through the mangroves and discover secret lagoons and caverns.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for monkeys, birds, and reptiles.

4. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua).

The Tiger Cave Temple, located around 10 kilometers from Krabi Town, is one of southern Thailand's most prominent Buddhist temples. It's famous for its breathtaking vistas and the difficult climb to the peak.

• The Hike: There are 1,237 stairs to the top of the temple, but the panoramic views of Krabi and the surrounding countryside are well worth the effort.
• The Caves: Explore the caves beneath the temple, which are rich with Buddhist statues and treasures.

5. Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a laid-back island just a short ferry trip from Krabi. It's recognised for its stunning beaches, vivid coral reefs, and laid-back vibe.

• Relax on the Beaches: Koh Lanta has some of the most stunning beaches in Thailand. Relax on Long Beach's smooth beaches or explore Kantiang Bay, which is calmer.
• Snorkeling and Diving: The seas of Koh Lanta are home to colourful coral reefs and a diverse range of marine life. There are numerous dive businesses on the island that provide snorkelling and diving excursions.
• Mu Ko Lanta National Park: Discover the lush woods and clean beaches of Mu Ko Lanta National Park. The park is home to a variety of species, including monkeys, reptiles, and birds.

Backpacking in Krabi is an unforgettable trip full of breathtaking scenery, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural encounters. From the lively streets of Ao Nang and Krabi Town to the tranquil beaches of Railay and Koh Lanta, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your luggage, tie up your hiking boots, and prepare to discover the beauty and charm of Krabi. This book will help you make the most of your travel and build memories that last a lifetime.