Krabi Travel Diary: The Best of Thailand’s Stunning Coastline

Leaving Chiang Mai in the beautiful mountains it was time to spend the last two weeks of our Thailand trip by the sea. For months Alberto and I watched our favorite YouTube creator Paddy Doyle  document his entire journey through every providence in Thailand and we couldn’t wait to see the breathtaking seaside for ourselves.

August is the monsoon season in Thailand so expect a lot of rain . We arrived to Krabi airport late around nine-thirty P.M. Immediately we were  bombarded with driver’s who insisted on taking us to our hotel. With no other options we crammed into a van with ten other people. It’s completely dark , pouring rain and  a two hour ride to the other side of the island since our hotel was the furthest away but here we go!

Low Tides and Limestone cliffs

We finally arrived to our hotel Krabi Home Resort   and it was going to be sweet relief to climb into bed after a day of traveling. A staff member (BLESS HIM) waited for us to arrive (at midnight no less)  had an umbrella , change (for our shuttle driver ) and big smile on his face as he carried our luggage up the hill to our bungalow.

Morning brought us overcast skies but warm smiles from the wonderful staff at our resort and a good breakfast . We’d have to wait until tomorrow to get a longtail boat since the forecast was rain and rough seas. We decided to explore our beach area Tubkaak , and spend the day relaxing and eating some good home cooked Thai food.. The tide was low so I was able to Vlog and walk quite a bit. The sunset was stunning..

Hong Island (Koh Hong)

Our hostess at our resort booked a longtail boat so we set of to Hong Island . It takes about 20 minutes and is an easy quick day trip . Located in the Thanbok Kharanee National Park the beach is divided into two sections. The landing spot for the longtail boats is where you pay 400 Thai baht to enter the national park . We climbed the 420 steps to the Hong Island Viewpoint which was quite a workout but you’re rewarded with the most breathtaking view of this magical island . The white sand beach is super soft , clear, and warm. We took some beautiful photos then got back on the longtail boat so we could swim in the Hong lagoon .You have to pass through a narrow rock opening to enter the lagoon but it’s another world . The towering limestone cliffs , and turquoise water are breathtaking …

Have your hotel pack a lunch or grab food and snacks if you plan to spend the day on the island or boat.  A watertight beach bag is a must to protect your clothes, phone, and anything you bring with you onto the beach. I recommend checking with your local host  for the weather since it can change rapidly.

Rocky times in Railay Beach

Railay Beach was a quick trip from Ao Nang the main hub and starting point of Krabi . After 2 nights in Tubkaak we decided to go see another part of the Island. Not that I get bored (well sometimes) We took a taxi two hours to the Ao Nang pier , then a 10 minute longtail boat ride until finally we were towed into the Railay Beach resort  by a tractor.

My first impression of Railay beach west wasn’t a good one. The scenery and landscape is pretty but the beach itself was dirty. Or should I say .. messy ? Walking the beach path towards our resort I couldn’t help but feel like we stepped into some some kind of trap. Tourist trap.. Weed shops, fast food and a few tiny cafes lined the concrete path along the trash filled beach. Eager to escape the loud techno music and the sound of crocs shuffling against sandy concrete we checked into our room and planned out our next three days… What the heck were we going to do for three days here ?

Our resort was big and although outdated in terms of aesthetics the room was cozy and welcoming. Three big crystal clear pools called out to me so I could cool off in the scorching humid heat and watch the moneys squabble over snacks they’d steal off of tourists breakfasts plates! We found one cafe that served good Pad Thai and wasn’t blaring music 24-7 so that’s where we enjoyed our meals . On our way back from the cafe that first night my husband, ever the adventurer  decides to stop by and inquire about rock climbing tours and signs us both up ! Those limestone cliffs look easy to climb AND what else is there to do around here! No I’ve never rock climbed in my life and what better place to learn – start than on the stunning cliffs in Krabi.

Phra Nang Beach

Shadowrock climbing met us bright and early at Phra Nang Beach along with other tourists geared up and ready to scale the gorgeous cliffs. I went first and let me tell you what you might already know ; ROCK CLIMBING IS HARD! Mad respect because I am not a climber OR have any desire to do it again . Ascending wasn’t the hard part . Scraping my knuckles and knees while panting like a chihuahua, I painstakingly made my way to the viewpoint and that view made it worthwhile for me!  I did feel a sense of pride even all banged up getting to the top but wait I have to go down ? This was when I had my mini freak out. My husband had to literally talk me off the ledge so he descended first. Trust the process and our instructor .. What a literal trip…

That was exhausting but we still after climbing decided to make the steep hike to the Railay Viewpoint trail. Kissing while marveling at the beautiful views was so romantic until I broke , sprained or bent my toe the wrong way on the way down and back. Limping the rest of the way back to our resort to say I was crabby is an understatement . I was exhausted and in pain but Alberto managed to find my favorite squid Lays Potato chips , lemon grass tea and clear pain gels that he massaged my toes with so sleep found me and I retracted my crab claws for the night …

Our first stay at Tubkaak beach was wonderful. I enjoyed this part of the Island very much and Hong Island too. Everyone we met in Krabi was warm, friendly, helpful.  Railay just wasn’t our vibe. Some places you like more than others. I’m happy we stayed far away from Ao Nang but maybe when I was a 20 year old backpacker this could be appealing.

We had a 4 hour drive ahead of us to the Don Sak Pier.  Next stop is Koh Samui then Koh Tao! Paradise awaits!  The ride to the pier through Krabi had a few stops but overall was easy, very green and lush . The ferry takes about 3 hours so make sure you book your ticket ahead . Here’s where you can find the time tables and other helpful planning trips to the Islands.

Koh Samui and Koh tao will be our last week in Thailand …. Did you visit Krabi or are you planning to ? What did you think ? Leave me a comment and let me know!

XO Tera