Thailand is renowned the world over for its exotic nature and captivating natural beauty. Merely mentioning Thailand conjure images in people’s minds of tropical islands, shimmering beaches bordered by a bue ocean and jungle clad hills. It quite simply is an amazing country seducing millions of travelers each year to come and discover all its has to offer. From ancient cities with gilded temples to the colourful world below the surface of the ocean, rain forests to explore and uninhabited islands to discover, Thailand has much to reveal.
Krabi Thailand
With this being said, the problem many visitors to the land of smiles encounter is that their holidays are usually too short to see and experience even a fraction of the thrills and spills of this extraordinary place. But if you are planning your first trip here I have good news for you. There is a place which is easily accessible, widely regarded as the most scenic in all of Thailand where you will be surrounded by countless natural attractions making the need to spend too much of your holiday time traveling obsolete. That place is Krabi, located a mere 90 minute drive from famous Phuket or one hour flight from Bangkok.
The region’s landscape is defined by gigantic boulders jutting from the ocean to lend it a mysterious demeanor, rolling lime stone mountain peaks and rain forest covered hills down to its world class beaches and views of many off-shore islands only a quick boat ride away. Hotels and resorts in Krabi blend perfectly into these idyllic surroundings and offers a variety of accommodation types to suite all budgets right on the the water’s edge. Contacting local Thailand based online Krabi hotel guides you will not only obtain first hand advice on where to book your holiday, but also surprising hotel deals.
The Best beaches in Krabi Thailand:
Ao Nang Beach
Two of Krabi’s several beaches carries world class status. The first is Ao Nang. It is the area’s thriving heartbeat and commercial centre where you will find the most activity which includes many sea side restaurants, markets, bars, tour operators and also the area’s nightlife. While many twenty something’s will find ideal, cheap accommodation right in the centre of the action, Ao Nang also offers accommodation which will allow you to kick back in utter tranquility. The Holiday Inn and Ao Nang Villa Resort are two such places where you can expect value for money. Holiday Inn especially has the perfect beachfront location in a secluded corner, but the centre of Ao nang is only a 10 minute stroll away. It is also an affordable family friendly hotel since it offers a kids club with children’s facilities. Many of the ground floor rooms have access to a pool from your private terrace, penthouse suites have private plunge pools and jacuzzis and almost all the room types allow views of the spectacular bay.
Railay beach in Krabi
The other world class beach is Railay, one of those places which really makes you appreciate nature’s perfections. Though on the mainland you can only reach it with a 5 minute traditional long-tail boat ride from Aonang. It is is a long curving swath of pure white sand flanked by majestic limestone boulders and characterized by cave-like rock formations hanging over the beach. It’s simply amazing. Though it offers several budget savvy places to stay without compromising standards, booking accommodation at the 5 star Rayavadee Resort will change your perspective of combining luxury with the tropical outdoors. Its designed to reflect a southern Thai style village right on the water’s edge showcasing spectacular views. The villas have private Hydro pools and huge family accommodation with two and even three bedroom units.
Ao Thalane, Khlong Muang and Nopparat Thara
If you are anything like me, you are definitely going to spend the first few days of your vacation somewhere more secluded, enjoy tranquility and share paradise with as few others as possible before heading for more vibrant locations. These three stretches of idyllic coastline offers exactly that. It is not close the big markets, does not offer much nightlife, bars and restaurants which is exactly what you want, because these are the things which draw the crowds. Instead, this is the place where honeymoon couples need to go and experience the area’s romance, deserted stretches of pristine ocean front and walks in nature parks showcasing exotic fauna and flora. On the other end of the coin, the beach resorts here are masters in the art of luxury holidays and their facilities will leave you in want of nothing, so don’t for one moment think you will be sacrificing convenience or face boredom.
Krabi hotels
These areas include some of the best hotels in Thailand and include names like The Phulay Bay Resort and Spa – a Ritz Carlton Reserve, Centara Grand and Nakamanda to name a few. Here you are definitely not going to experience boxed-in accommodation, but personal space, freedom and privacy. The Phulay Bay in particular is my choice if you want the best place for a romantic hideaway. It has villas on the beach, many with private pools and sundecks equipped with jacuzzis from where you can watch the sun set over the ocean. Nakamanda is another with the most beautiful setting and seductive views. Centara Grand Resort is in my opinion of one Krabi’s best family friendly resorts. The views it faces is a little hard to describe in words, so I thought to rather just include an image which speaks for it self. Most of the rooms and villas are ocean facing and some are situated on the beachfront like the two bedroom villa which are perfect for families.
In Conclusion
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Though preferences as far as the type of hotel you stay in may differ, where that hotel is located would in all probability not really matter, because Krabi sees few if anyone leaving dissatisfied or disappointed. The idyllic beauty, incredible sightseeing opportunities, exiting activities like scuba diving revealing a colourful world, rock climbing, islands to visit, caves to explore and kayaking through lime stone caverns is the suff dreams are made of. So make sure your next trip include this fairytale-like wonder world and come amaze your senses.
Author: George Conradie is fanatical about traveling in Thailand and after having spend many hours flying here for holidays finally decided to simply settle here on a permanent basis. He still visits as many locations as often as free time allows, but Krabi remains his favourite. George regularly write travel related articles about the country which will hopefully assist visitors with their holiday planning. Follow him on Google +
