What to do in Krabi

I am the type of person that needs its space when it comes to the beach. I can't neither relax nor enjoy it when I have towels of unknown people next to me and so when I had to decide where to go to the beach in Thailand, I come across info mentioning that Krabi area is far less crowded than Phuket. And so we went. 

From the airport we went directly to Ao Nang which is a typical beach location that also offers enough entertainment. Each day we stayed we had some activity planned, so will provide a highlevel recap here. 

Day 1: Hot Springs & Emerald Pool  

It's a 1.5h drive from Ao Nang. We left early in the morning so that we can avoid a lot of crowds. 

Hot Springs 

In order to enter the area you have to pay 100 baht per person (approx. 3 Euro). This gives you access to the natural hot springs to some man made pools, plus some arranged trails. 

There are a set of rules that you should follow when you get there. 

Unless you plan to go on the trails and take a massage this is not a long stop as it's only recommended to stay 15-20 min in the pools. Expect a lot of people, which can make you feel a bit uncomfortable. 

Emerald Pool 

You do have an entry fee as well of 200 baht (approx 6 Euro). 
Please note that between May & December you can't visit the blue pool as it's closed during the pairing season of Gurney Pitta birds.  

The Emerald Pool, offers some trails that bring you to the pool. This is a super nice walk in the nature

At the end you can take a bath in the gorgeous blue waters. Bring along water shoes as the entrance in this natural pool is super slippery. 

I was a bit disappointed of these 2 sites as  I did not find them anyhow special, thus not sure why they are so recommended. 

Day 2: Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Hike + Railay Beach 

Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Hike

I love hiking and so as you maybe read in some other posts of mine, whenever I see a hiking opportunity I take it. This is a free of charge activity you can donate some money to the rangers at the end if you consider worth it 

The hike of 7.4 km takes about about 3.5 - 4h - round trip including stops for pictures. The way up will bring you heart rate up as it's quite a push. 

The views at the end at least for me, make the effort worth it. I'll have a separate post providing all the details. 

Railay Beach

"Is a large peninsula between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand. It is accessible only by boat due to high limestone cliffs cutting off mainland access. These cliffs attract rock climbers from all over the world, but the area is also popular due to its beautiful beaches and quiet relaxing atmosphere." (Source)

To get there grab a long boat from Ao Nang. The boats are for 8 people as soon as it fills it leaves. The last one comes back at 18:00 (this is a bit flexible though) 

We had lunch at a restaurant right in front of the beach which was very good. 

And it left us with 1h of beach time. So took advantage for a swim, walk on the beach and a photo session of the engagement ring of Alexandra & Hans :) 

Day 3: Phi Phi Islands 

We booked a private tour which was 10000 baht (approx 300 Euro) which included the van to the port, the speed boat, water and fresh fruits. 

The stops you make during a private tour are basically the same as you would make on a regular tour is just that you are far more flexible on how much time you spend in each location, plus it's a different story to arrive with 30 different people in the same time than only with your friends. 

In the tour you do get to see Maya Beach (the beach from "The Beach" with Leo DiCaprio) but from the distance. It is currently close till 2021 so that the coral reef can regenerate. 

The end of the day is at Bamboo Beach, which is a gorgeous white sand beach for which you have to pay 400 baht (approx. 12 Euro), so the earlier you arrive the more time you can enjoy it. There is nothing on this beach (they do have some toilets) 

Day 4: Souvenir Shopping + Ao Nang Beach 

At the end of the stay some souvenir shopping was an absolute must. There are some good deals, but nothing is too cheap. In the end a swim in the sea and some beer will make you enjoy some perfect moments of relaxation.