Picture this setting: A sleepy beach town stuck in slow motion. The sun drifting below the horizon throwing pinks and orange streaks across the water and sky. Walking hand in hand along the golden sandy strip of beach with you lover. A light ocean breeze comes across the water. Behind you, a thick lush jungle wraps the town like a warm comforter. If you believe that this paradise simply sounds too good to be true, you have never been to Krabi, Thailand.
Krabi is located an hour south of Bangkok, Thailand via airplane, or a stunning 2 hour boat ride from Phuket. Phuket is a great base to visit the entire area. If you are looking for holidays in Phuket start here. More about incredible Phuket in a future post. The Krabi area offers beach of choice: Koh Lanta, Ao Nang, Koh Pi Pi, Railai ect. We stayed in Ao Nang and highly recommend it for its food, access to boats, and quality yet affordable accommodations.
What to do
Make your visit to Krabi the ultimate quest to find the perfect beach. The night before your adventure, head into one of the small grocery stores along the main road in Ao Nang. Load a basket with some of your favorite picnic items. Don’t forget your favorite beverages. You will need some water as well, as it was not readily available at many of the beaches we explored. Step one: head down to the beach area in the early morning (early = 8 a.m. on vacation for us). Step two: approach at least two, preferably three of the boat kiosks along the water front and ask for the 4 to 5 beach private long boat tour. Don’t go cheap and book a boat with a bunch of other people…the price is really not that much more, and going out as a couple is so much more fun.
Time to get on the water! You will pay your bill which should range from $50-75 for the entire day. Then they will direct you to a truck that will take you down to their boat launch. Board your craft and off you go! The boat drivers typically speak enough English, Swedish, German, or Japanese to make basic communication possible. The driver takes you from one small island to the next in you quest for the perfect beach at your leisure. The sand is as white as sugar and the water is warm, about 80 degrees. Luci hates cold water so it was perfect for her! It will be a day, that you will never, never forget. Take a look at some of these pictures:
Would you like to see more lucious pictures of Thailand? Give the Fighting couple a follow on Facebook.
Where to stay
One of the great things about Krabi is the big “monster” resorts have yet to arrive. (This is a very good thing.) What you will find in terms of accommodation varies in quality and correlating price. There is everything for basic hostel type with shared facilities to self-catering cottages. We elected to stay in two different bed and breakfasts. Our priority was price and comfort. Staying right on the beach wasn’t a big deal to us. Both locations were a short 3 minute ride to the water and both places had their own shuttle AKA pick up truck. Not a problem.
Phu Pi Maan
Phu Pi Maan– Despite the poor choice of name…this resort is really wonderful. The resort offers free transport to and from town. It is really easy. We also liked being off the main drag. Rooms were clean and large. Beds are a bit hard, but we are softies from the states. One of our favorite parts of this place is the pool. It is a split level with makes it perfect for couples. The owners are devout Muslims so alcohol in any form is not available for purchase. Don’t miss June and Jane’s Massage just down the street, great massage for a great price. We paid $50 for two hour massage and scrub for the two of us! A clean facility and nice people!
Phu Petra Resort
Phu Petra-The best service we had in Thailand was at this superb little resort a couple minutes from town. Much like Phu Pi Maan, free transport was offered to and from Ao Nang. Phu Petra is a little more upscale, with its huge suites and setting at the base of stunning limestone cliffs. Breakfast is included in the price and is more than adequate. You’ll have your choice of made to order omelets, meats, fruits and fresh juices. The front desk is a fountain of knowledge on the area and can make just about anything happen for you.
What to Eat
Krabi is seafood mecca! We did struggle to find traditional Thai in the area. It’s definitely a tourist zone! Load up on the good traditional Thai fare in Bangkok. We did find the perfect seafood grill. Perched on the side of a small hill overlooking the city is the Lae Lay Grill. This place is so good that we ate there twice during our stay! (This is unusual for us, we typically like to explore a different place every night.) So yes, it is that good. We love the open kitchen as you walk in. They take their food prep serious! Service is above average, and the quality of the food is high. The best part is of course the view of the ocean that the place offers. Try the rice cooked in a pineapple and the seafood platter. We ate there our last night and we were speechless watching the sunset. (the Fighting Couple speechless? We didn’t think this was possible.)
The warm waters of Southern Thailand are truly meant for couples. Take the challenge to find the perfect beach! Southern Thailand has so much to offer! Stop dreaming and make it happen!
We are Mike and Luci.