Krabi, a province on Thailand’s Andaman coast, is a stunning region of limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests, and hundreds of offshore islands. From Leisure Hostel Krabi, you have easy access to many of these incredible sights. Here’s a guide to some of the top places of interest and how to get there:
Railay Beach & Phra Nang Cave
Highlights: Railay Beach is a peninsula cut off from the mainland by towering limestone cliffs, making it accessible only by boat. It’s famous for its stunning beaches (Railay West, Railay East, and Phra Nang Beach), rock climbing, and vibrant atmosphere. Phra Nang Cave Beach, often considered one of Thailand’s most beautiful, features a unique princess cave shrine and and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Getting There from Leisure Hostel Krabi:
* To Ao Nang Pier: Take a local bus (songthaew) or taxi from Krabi Town to Ao Nang Pier (approx. 20-25 minutes).
* From Ao Nang Pier to Railay: Catch a longtail boat from Ao Nang Pier directly to Railay West or Railay East. The ride is about 15-20 minutes. Phra Nang Cave Beach is a short walk from Railay East.
Phi Phi Islands
Highlights: The Phi Phi Islands are a world-renowned archipelago known for their breathtaking beauty, including Maya Bay (famous from the movie ‘The Beach’), Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and stunning snorkeling and diving spots.
Getting There from Leisure Hostel Krabi:
* To Klong Jilad Pier (Krabi Town): Take a taxi or local bus from Leisure Hostel Krabi to Klong Jilad Pier. The hostel can likely arrange this for you.
* From Klong Jilad Pier to Phi Phi Islands: Ferries and speedboats depart regularly from Klong Jilad Pier to Phi Phi Don (the main island). The ferry takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Famous 4 Islands Tour (Poda, Chicken, Tup, and Mor Islands)
Highlights: This popular tour takes you to a cluster of beautiful islands near Krabi. Highlights include swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, relaxing on pristine beaches, and witnessing the unique sandbar connecting Tup and Mor Islands at low tide (Talay Waek). Chicken Island is recognizable by its chicken-head-shaped rock formation.
Getting There from Leisure Hostel Krabi: * Most tours include hotel pick-up from Krabi Town or Ao Nang. You can book a tour through Leisure Hostel Krabi or any local tour operator. The pick-up will typically be by minivan to Ao Nang Pier, where the longtail boats or speedboats depart for the tour.
Hong Island
Highlights: Hong Island (Koh Hong) is part of a national park and is known for its stunning lagoon, pristine white sand beaches, and towering limestone cliffs. You can kayak into the hidden lagoon, snorkel in the clear waters, and enjoy the tranquility of this less-crowded paradise.
Getting There from Leisure Hostel Krabi: * Similar to the 4 Islands Tour, you can book a Hong Island tour (often by longtail boat or speedboat) through your hostel or a local tour agency. These tours usually include hotel pick-up from Krabi Town or Ao Nang, followed by a transfer to the pier.
Khaothong Hill
Highlights: Khaothong Hill offers panoramic views of Krabi’s stunning landscape, including limestone karsts, lush greenery, and the Andaman Sea. It’s a great spot for photography and enjoying a peaceful sunset.
Getting There from Leisure Hostel Krabi: * Khaothong Hill is located inland from Krabi Town. The best way to get there is by taxi or rented scooter. It’s advisable to arrange a round-trip taxi or negotiate a waiting time with a driver, as public transport options might be limited.
Ao Nang Beach
Highlights: Ao Nang is Krabi’s most developed beach town, serving as a hub for tourism with a wide range of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It’s also the main departure point for island-hopping tours and longtail boats to nearby beaches like Railay.
Getting There from Leisure Hostel Krabi:
* Local Bus (Songthaew): Regular songthaew services run between Krabi Town and Ao Nang. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
* Taxi: Taxis are readily available for a quicker and more direct transfer.