Travel Krabi

The picturesque town of Krabi is usually a transport hub of travelers on their way to places such as Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, Puhuket and other places in the South of Thailand. The main bus station is located here, and you will undoubtedly pass through Krabi Town on your way to anywhere you want to go. It is a charming town, with a more 'local' feel to it than perhaps the tourist areas of Ao Nang. There are good restaurants and bars here, but they might not be as obvious to come across. The accommodation in Krabi will be cheaper, as will the food, especially if you eat at the local markets. The people are genuinely friendly and helpful and with the new addition of maps located on prominent stands on the pavement, it is easier to find your way around. The best way to explore the town is to just start walking and see what you can find. Sooner of later, I always seem to end up back where I started!

Doctors

If you fall ill whilst in Krabi, be warned that the local Krabi Hospital is not up to the standards you might be used to at home. The closest international hospital is in Phuket some 2 or 3 hours drive away, but they are cleaner, larger and much better wquipped. Ruam Phaet private hospital in Talat Kao is a good alternative. You should use Krabi Hospital if it’s an emergency or if you have been involved in a serious accident and require immdiate assistance. Otherwise consider Phuket. Any
of the local taxi drivers or Tuk Tuk should take you to Phuket for around 3,000 baht, but agree the price with the driver before you set off.As with every other town, if your problem is not and
emergency you can walk into any of the pharmacies you will find everywher and they can offer
free advice and even dispense prescription medication. This is the preferred option but be aware
that they are quick to sell you pills for your ills and they are usually not clearly marked, so if you
are not completely sure what you are getting, please ask the pharmacist to make it clear to you.

Post office

The main post office in Krabi is to be found near the Custom’s Pier on Uttarakit Road in Krabi
Town. From Monday to Saturday the post office is open from 8.30 am to 15.30 pm.
Tel: 075 611 050

Emergency Services

Police: 075 611 222 or 191
Fire brigade: 075 611 111 or 199
Krabi Hospital: 075 611 202, 611 210, 611 220
Search & Rescue: 075 622 581

Transport

Krabi is the transport hub of the whole area, and the base for all your travels to and from the area.
The bus station is located here where you can get cheap transportation to most of the rest of Thailand. The station is located about 4 km outside the centre, in Talat Khao. It can be a little difficult to find by yourself, but any tuk tuk driver will know the way. Also, the local sowngthaew pick-up busses that contunually roam the towns of Krabi and Ao Nang beeping their horns will take stop off there as part of their route. There is usually no need to book tickets in advance unless you are traveling on a public holiday weekend when the busses are more crowded.

As mentioned, local rides include sowgthaews – basically a covered van with a couple of benches inside – that travel on a pre defined route all day. They are a cheap way to get from A to B, costing about 20 baht for a trip around the town itself, and about 40 baht from Krabi to Ao Nang. The drivers will wait for the buss to fill up and will crawl infuriatingly slowly around the town blaring their horns to attract yet more people, so if you are in a hurry, maybe try motorbike taxis or tuk tuks. These cost about the same as the bus so are a good option if you are in more of a hurry. They are everywhere and you only have to flag one down. Remember to agree a price though before you set off.

Shopping

There are loads if interesting places to spend a few baht without always succumbing to laser pens and plastic Buddha’s. Take some time out and wander aimlessly throughout the smaller side streets and you will be amazed at what you may come across. Traditional, handmade jewelry and crafts, beauriful silk garments tailor made for you, gems, potter, antiques, wonderful wooden furniture and plants can all be found here, usually in a non descript shop with the craftsperson working away. They can all be purchased at a fraction of the price you would pay for them in the west, and osme even arrange to ship them be had. You can also leave happy in the through a big strore. Soi number 8 off Maharaj Road in the town center is now designated as a pedestrian walking street during 5 to 10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The zone is a great place for local premium quality local products such as souvenirs, food and beverage, herbal products, antiques plus many more.

Where To Eat

If you manage to go hungry here, then you're doing something wrong! Eating places are everywhere here and are open day and night. Some of the best authentic Thai food can be found at the local markets. Chao Fa Pier night market is a good bet, as well as the larger night markets the take over whole streets form dusk. Although most of them will have no menu in English or sometimes no menu at all, don't be discouraged and don't be shy. Lift the lids of th steaming pots to see and smell what lies beneath. Chances are, you won't have a clue what it is, but if smells to your liking, smile, point and hold up 1 finger to the server (or 2 if you have a partner!). This is the best 'fast food' you will ever have, and is usually served at the same time you take your seat. Try a few things and remember they will be cooked the local way, spicy! Best of all, this street food is very cheap, usually around 25-35 baht for a dish with rice. Drinking water is sometimes provided on the communal tables in tin mugs, and soft drinks should be available also. As most of the market vendors in this area are Muslim, there won't be alcohol available, so please respect this and don't bring your own.

Where To Sleep

Krabi is pleasant enough to spend a night or two. Most accommodations are located alongside Chaofa Road, a prolongation of the old Chaofa Pier. Hotels range from simple and inexpensive guesthouses to nice boutique-like resorts. There is also a choice of hotels in the city center along Maharat Road and also on the riverside near the Thara Park area.

What To Do

In the town itself there aren't a lot of activities apart from shopping and eating. But you can take longtail boats from Chao Fa pier to do some sightseeing along the river. Ask any of the longtail boat drivers to take you  through the impressive mangrove forests and you will come to Khao Kanab Nam - a couple of imposing limestone towers that tower 100 meters above you. Her, you can get off and climb the towers via a staircase for some truly spectacular views. There are some caves here that are worth exploring with impressive stalactite formations. Skeletons of human descent were discovered in Krabi, dating back some 43,000 years, making them some of the oldest ever found. The town celebrates this fact by the unusual sight of life-sized statues of the prehistoric man holding up a set of traffic lights in the centre of the town.

Going Out

Around the Maharaj Roda and Sudmongkon Rd are 2 well-known places for some late night fun and games in the town. As their names imply, expect loud music, DJ's and good time fuelled by lots of local whiskey. Many local Thais frequent these places as well as a few local ex-pat residents dancing through 'till the early hours. Elswhere, the nightlife scene here is relatively subdued. There is more of an open-air restaurant vibe to the place. You will see small groups of locals gathered outside small grocery stores, sharing bottles of the local beer and playing checker with bottle caps. Part of the attraction of this area is that it does not compare to places such as Patpong in Bangkok or Patong in Phuket, whose reputation as places to party wiildly and use the services of bar girls, precedes them. You will see more couples, backpackers and families here and  there is more relaxed atmosphere around the place. If you are looking for a more energetic night scene, then your best bet would be to hop on a bus or tuk tuk to nearby Ao Nang.

Source: Krabi Mini Guide (Krabi Magazine)