With its own airport Krabi is now easily accessible from Bangkok and thus no longer just the haunt of intrepid backpackers. The main beach resort Ao Nang is a little developed for our tastes, but hidden in a small peninsula nearby sits Railay Beach. Accessible only by boat due to high limestone cliffs which cut off the mainland, Railay attracts rock climbers from around the world, but is just as popular for its beautiful beach. Our favourite beach in Krabi is the Tup Kaek Beach with its quiet surroundings, stunning sunsets and fabulous hotel options.
If you don’t like crowded beaches, Koh Lanta may be the perfect spot for you, even during peak season. It is a calm, real and culturally rich island, catering to all tastes and budget. Because of its nearby dive spots of Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Ko Haa, it also attracts divers. We love that all of Koh Lanta’s beaches are located on the west coast which is perfect for watching the sunsets.
With its sandy white beach and turquoise waters, Koh Lipe might be the island paradise you have been looking for. It takes a little longer to get there but the ferry ride is oh so worth it: Gorgeous salt-white sand crescents, jungled hills, fabulous dive sites and lovely bars with a hippie vibe. This island is one of our favourites.
Koh Ngai (aka. Koh Hai) is part of the Koh Lanta National Park and the most developed of the Trang islands. There are no roads, no cars nor bikes to be found here, so one walks from one beach to the other or catches a boat. It is a remote island resort with long sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The reef which can be found here makes this island an excellent place for snorkelling. Accommodation is basic here but the island is well worth a visit if you want to get away from the crowds and feel like Robinson Crusoe.