Krabi’s Most Sought After Destinations: Railay Beach & Ko Phi Phi

Krabi is famous for its scenic view and breathtaking beaches and islands. Its coral reef vistas are also one of the world’s most beautiful, which makes the city a great spot for coral diving.

The beaches in Krabi province are known for their crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling, as well as the year-round breeze that blankets the beachside areas that make up Krabi town. Among the most famous beaches in Krabi are Railey and Ao Nang.

Railay Bay, the Cliff Hanger’s Haven

The glamour of climbing at Railay Bay in Krabi are the surroundings decorated by limestone cliffs, emerald sea water, beaches reaching out to the corners of the sky, and cliffs that are ideal for real cliff hangers. There are over 600 rock-climbing routes; this presents numerous challenges for individuals of various levels of skills and experience.

Exploring Ko Phi Phi

One of the most famous designations in Krabi province – and all of Thailand – is Ko Phi Phi, which is an area made up of 6 islands that are a part of the Hat Nopparat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park. This island group is positioned 40 kilometres southwest of Khlong Jirad Pier in Krabi and 50 kilometres from Rassada Pier in Phuket.

From the mid-to-late 1940s, Ko Phi Phi was settled by Muslim fishermen and thrived as a seafood export location in the following decades. Eventually, as more people learned about the beauty of the island and its natural resources, it was developed into a coconut plantation – the traces of which can still be seen today by walking down any beach on the island.

The archipelago’s main island is Ko Phi Phi Don, which is where most tourists arrive at Ton Sai Pier. One of the first things that visitors to the island will notice is that there are no cars or large roads on Ko Phi Phi. Instead, in addition to long beaches, small footpaths are made only for pedestrians, cyclists, and administrative motorcycles. The lack of roads and cars is a part of the unforgettable charm of Ko Phi Phi. The abounding silence allows visitors to take in the sea’s sounds and the liveliness of the natural habitats happening throughout the island.

Phi Phi is home to the iconic Maya Bay, which was put on the map by the Hollywood blockbuster The Beach, filmed around the bay in 1999. The bay is housed by 100-metre-tall limestone rocks that shelter it from the sea winds making it one of the most peaceful areas to visit in Phi Phi. Visitors to the island regularly take long-tail boats to the bay to snorkel and bask while surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Thailand.

In addition to snorkelling, many visitors to Phi Phi come to the island to get PADI certified. Ko Phi Phi Don, also known as “the big island,” has over 10 dive shops and schools for guests to choose from when taking their PADI certification course.

For visitors looking to have a memorable celebration, travelling to Phi Phi is a guaranteed way to have an unforgettable New Year. Every New Year’s Eve, thousands of people gather on the beaches at Ko Phi Phi Don to view one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the Andaman Sea. This secluded event in the middle of the ocean is unlike any other New Year’s celebration in the Kingdom. It is free of charge for all visitors staying on the island.

Immerse Yourself in Local Experience

Explore attractions of Ko Klang Community of Khlong Prasong District to experience the peaceful lifestyle of the locals living on a small island of Krabi and visit the local products such as Sang Yod Rice farm, Batik fabrication and traditional long tail boat, which are core to Krabi’s identity.

Krabi’s local food is unique. The seaweed here is remarkably tasty when paired with Thai-style prawn chilli paste. Food enthusiasts should not miss to try local snails with Thai spicy dipping. Krabi is also a home to large Muslim community. Halal food and Muslim-friendly restaurants are easy to find. Variety of Thai gourmet including fresh seafood will be cooked and served in many Muslim-friendly restaurants, located by the seaside with fascinating beach views. 

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