As Thailand gradually opens up to International tourism for fully vaccinated travellers from low-medium risk Covid countries, following Phuket & Koh Samui are Krabi and Phang Nga, that are scheduled to reopen selected areas, in August 2021 (tentatively) under a 7+7 model. This will allow foreign tourists, under the ‘Sandbox Programme’ to reduce the mandatory stay in Phuket from 14 to 07 days, after which another 07 nights can be spent in Krabi and Phang Nga.

Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga are considered to be among the most popular and loved beach destinations in Thailand. Close proximity of these islands from each other allows travellers to visit all three destinations together and experience what each place has to offer. The 7+7 model aims to provide international tourists with more options to visit multiple destinations during their trip to Thailand.

Krabi (Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai and Railay Beach) and Phang Nga (Khao Lak and Ko Yao) are ideal for this, given their proximity to and ease of access from Phuket. Phang Nga, Khao Lak can be reached within 1.5 hours by car, while Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai can be reached within 30-40 minutes by boat from Bang Rong Pier. Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai and Railay Beach can be reached within 55 minutes from Rassada Pier.

KRABI

Krabi is famous for its scenic view, 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. With attractions including hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world, and national parks that include the island paradise of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one could easily spend weeks in Krabi and leave yearning for more.

If that wasn’t enough, Krabi features some of the most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, often accompanied by spectacular displays of cloud to cloud lightning, that are best enjoyed from a beach side bar or restaurant.

Krabi is an ideal honeymoon or couples getaway romantic destination. It’s secluded yet there are many things to see and do around the island. Couples looking for a relaxing and quiet beach escape for their honeymoon vacations Krabi is the place with range of luxury hotels and resorts with host of indoor and outdoor activities.  It is also a popular destination for Indian weddings and special occasion celebrations that are hosted in luxury resorts like Dusit Thani Krabi and Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.

MUST DO IN KRABI

A Trip To Phi Phi Island
Located in Mueang Krabi district, covering some areas of the Andaman Sea and the southern region’s west coast Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park is rich in natural beauty. It has islands, coral reefs, coralline algae, a wonderful seabed and the park’s unique landscape, i.e. Limestone Mountains with several levels of cliffs as well as amazing caves and long white beach with fossil shells. The park consists of two main areas, the islands and the coastal area which includes the Ao Nam Mao area and the Pa Ao Nang-Hang Nak area.

Railay Beaches, Heaven for Rock Climbers
Railay has risen from peaceful fishing village to a world-class tourist destination. Its imposing limestone cliffs that shoot out of the crystal blue waters to tower over the white sandy beaches are the biggest attractions. Railay actually covers three beaches, each with its own distinctive character. The towering limestone karsts that dominate the landscape mean Railay is also a haven for rock climbers and the area offers more than 700 different climbing trails.

Railay West is the longest, featuring white sand and shallow water. This is ideal for sunbathing. Also, being the most popular, tourists will find a collection of resorts, restaurants and beach bars serving the guests. Opposite Railay West is Railay East, which is actually just a part of the bigger mangrove swamp. It is the best place to catch a beautiful sunrise. A lot smaller than Railay West and East, Phranang is the best beach for swimming, with clean, white powdery sand and crystal clear, shallow water.

Snorkelling & Scuba Diving at Ao Nang Island
Located approximately 6 kms from Hat Noppharat Thara and 20 kms from the town of Krabi, Ao Nang nestled in abundance of colorful coral reefs and lovely fishes make is ideal for diving and snorkeling. A large bay with scenic beaches and 83 small islands, Ao Nang has several famous beaches which include East Rai Le, West Rai Le and Tham Phra Nang (Cave) which stretches to the foot of a prominent limestone range. A boat can be hired for sightseeing excursions around Ao Nang, Hat Tham Phra Nang and Hat Nam Mao, all of which are only accessible by foot. Other offshore isles such as Ko Poda, Ko Kai, Ko Mo and Ko Thap, are popular destinations that can be reached by a rented boat from Ao Nang.

Krabi Sunset Cruise
A Krabi Sunset Cruise is a must to do when in Krabi. Exploring nearby islands, amid the setting sun with some great food, drinks and special company is an ideal way to spend a memorable evening in Krabi.  Available all year round the visitors can explore the islands off the coast of Krabi including Poda Islands, Chicken Island, and Si & Ta Ming Islands.

Ao Nang Night Market & Krabi Town
Ao Nang Night Market is a popular destination for shopping in Krabi. The walking street sells a variety of Thai items such as T-shirts, key chains, clothes and all other typical accessories. The best thing about this market is its lively atmosphere as you can sit and watch live acts while enjoying the delicious local Thai food. The main Krabi Town attractions are located in the city’s vicinity, reachable within a few minutes by car/motorbike.

PHANG NGA

Phang-Nga is a province in southern Thailand, bordering the Andaman Sea on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. Phang-Nga Bay, in southern Ao Phang-Nga National Park, is distinguished by its tall limestone rock-like islets. One of the islets, Khao Phing Kan, is known for a 20m-tall rock called Ko Tapu, or James Bond Island, which is featured in the film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’.

A must do in Phang Nga here is to get on a kayak and explore the popular islands and
mangrove forests.

Phang Nga also owns beautiful islands, including the most famous one – Similan Islands. The attractive islands are waiting for travellers to experience their charm. North Surin Island and South Surin Island are also famous for their beautiful bays. The most well-known one is Aow Mae Yai which is the big bay with gentle sea.

Consisting of many beautiful large and small islands, Ao Phang Nga (also known as Phang Nga Bay) is world renowned for the white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Situated in the Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand, Ao Phang Nga has long been a popular destination for travellers from around the world. The Ao Phang Nga National Park covers the areas in Takua Thung district, Koh Yao district and Mueang Phang Nga district.

Phang Nga is a province equally renowned for its beautiful land, spectacular bay, and amazing islands; Phang Nga national parks feature magnificent scenery with immensely different attractions.

EATING OUT IN KRABI & PHANG NGA

Food in Krabi is a mixture of local and international cuisine with options ranging from luxury restaurants and bars to the local delicacies at popular street stalls. From authentic Thai flavors to Indian, Mexican and Italian cuisines, Krabi is truly a foodie’s paradise.

If you are foodie and wish to enjoy local Thai foods – especially the fresh sea food, will not be disappointed in Krabi and Phang Nga as the beach towns offer a host delicious dishes to greet your taste buds. Kai Yang Nuea Thong (Budget), Sunrise Restaurant (Buffet/Supper/Night Dining) and Bai Toei (Alfresco/Outdoor Dining) are some of the best available restaurants
in Krabi.

Just steps away from Natai Beach, Baba Beach Bar in Phang Nga boasts a 510 sqm immersive entertainment area with a pool and al fresco bar from where guests can quickly and conveniently whisk away to their villas. Andaman Seafood (Budget/ Family/Corporate Functions), Khanom Chin Na San Chao (Budget) etc. are some of the best available eating out options in Phang Nga.