Krabi

Krabi situated nearly 1000km from Bangkok and 180km from Phuket, the fast-developing provincial capital of Krabi (gra-bee) has friendly people, delicious food and some local flavour - despite its popularity with foreigners. But travellers tend to breeze through town on their way to the wonderful destinations around Krabi, all of which offer memorable experiences: Ko Lanta to the south, Ko Phi Phi to the southwest, and the nearby beaches of Ao Nang, Rai Leh and Tham Phra Nang to the west. Some travellers elect to stay in town and make day trips to the latter.

Krabi sits on the mangrove-edged banks of Mae Nam Krabi right before it empties into Andaman Sea. Across from town you can see Bird, Cat and Mouse Islands, named for their shapes. Although the town is essentially more Taoist-Confucianist and Muslim than Theravada Buddhist, Wat Kaew contains some older buildings from the early 20th century and lots of large old trees.