I just had to share some photos from my recent trip to the southern Thailand province of Krabi, where I spent a few days. Located along the Andaman Sea coast, Krabi offers visitors picturesque islands such as Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach, and Ao Nang.

The province is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged mountains, lush forests, limestone cliffs, clear waters, sandy beaches, and abundant marine life. Over the years, Krabi has gained international popularity due to these natural attractions.

The province’s history dates back centuries, and its culture is influenced by Thai and Malay traditions. Historically, Krabi was a part of the Srivijaya Kingdom, an ancient Malay empire that spanned much of the region from the 7th to the 13th century. The area was later influenced by Thai kingdoms, notably the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238–1438) and the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350–1767), which left their mark on the culture and architecture of the region. Over time, Krabi became integrated into the Kingdom of Siam, established in 1782 and eventually became modern-day Thailand.

Krabi’s culture reflects a blend of Thai and Malay influences, with Malay culture being more prominent in the southern coastal areas of the province.

Krabi Town, the capital, is the main administrative and commercial centre, while the coastal areas are more known for tourism. Most tourists seem to use Krabi Town only as a staging point, but it has some lovely features including cafés, great food markets and nice walking areas.

Flights are available from major Thai cities like Bangkok (Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi), Chiang Mai, and Phuket, with fares starting at $US22. International flights are also available from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Singapore. Krabi International Airport (KBV) isabout 15 km from Krabi Town. There are shuttles to Krabi Town and Ao Nang, or you can take taxis or use the local ride-hailing service, Grab. Most hotels and resorts will organise a pick up service. You will see all the drivers lined up at the left-hand side of the exit after arriving.

Ferries and speedboats connect Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta directly to Krabi’s Klong Jilad Pier.

While in Krabi, I discovered an amazing café, Baan Ton Mai (the Jungle Treehouse Café), about 20 minutes east of Ao Nang. From the road, it didn’t seem like much, but stepping inside, I was blown away by the tranquil setting, stunning views, lush gardens, and peaceful ambience.

I chose a seating area by the river, but there are other spots further away and even some treehouses (though those were closed when I visited). The café offers various seating options, from tables and chairs to cushions, Japanese-style, where I opted to sit (shoes off on the path). I started with a delicious Thai-style iced coffee while I did some work near the waterfall and enjoyed a delightful lunch, which included som tam (spicy Thai salad) among other dishes. The food was fantastic. The manager mentioned that they had a couple of villas that were closed in 2020, but they sometimes accommodate travelers waiting for flights, offering a peaceful spot to rest before heading to the airport.

During peak tourist seasons, Krabi becomes overcrowded, particularly in popular areas like Railay Beach, Ao Nang, and the Phi Phi Islands. The surge in tourism has contributed to environmental degradation, particularly in fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs leading to pollution, damage to marine life, and the destruction of natural habitats. There is a lack of widespread sustainable tourism practices with most local businesses and tourism operators not adhering to eco-friendly practices.

As tourism grows, so have been the prices. What was once an affordable destination is becoming increasingly expensive, with higher accommodation, food, and activities costs. These costs make it harder for local Thais to enjoy.

Have you been to Krabi?