Winter is coming and that can only mean one thing: Holidays! With air travel now becoming more and more frequent, destination vacations are racing to the forefront of everyone’s mind. One of the places people are starting to look back towards is Thailand, famous for urbanized cultural hubs like Bangkok and Phuket. 

Alongside these major tourist spots is another must-see yet well-hidden gem in this south-east Asian nation. The coastal town of Krabi, located in a province of the same name, is the land of adventure. Beaches, parks, and an endless list of fun family activities - everything that makes a perfect vacation! Let's dive into the beauty and excitement that this oriental paradise has to offer. 

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(Flickr)  

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While Krabi is similar to Phuket in terms of location, lying beside the Andaman sea, it has a unique climate. It experiences a 10-month monsoon season which ends in December, making the final and the first days of the year the ideal time for a visit. The rainy weather also contributes to its vibrant oceanic ecosystem, housed within the boundaries of many marine national parks like crowd-favorite Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, the famous diving hotspot Ko Lanta National Park, and the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, which attracts flocks of bird-watchers every year. 

4. An aerial view of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, a natural heritage site 

(By Nata Mostova, Wikimedia Commons)  

5. Speed boats and yachts on Maya Bay, in Phi Phi Le (Phi Phi Islands)

(By Puripant, Wikimedia Commons)  

6. Loh Samah Bay in Phi Phi National Park 

(By Yothind, Wikimedia Commons)  

7. Looking to the west of the largest island in the National Park, Ko Phi Phi Don 

(By Amitparikh, Wikimedia Commons)   

8. The Southern Cape of Ko Lanta Yai in Mu Ko Lanta National Park

(By Wanjak Atikomchakorn, Wikimedia Commons)   

9. An underwater cave being explored in Mu Ko Lanta National Park

(By Varakorn Kuldilok, Wikimedia Commons)   

Other popular destinations include the peninsula of Rai Leh (also known as Railay), the resort town of Ao Nang, and the Phi Phi Islands (otherwise known as Ko Phi Phi). In fact, Krabi is home to over 80 different smaller islands that offer even more stunningly gorgeous landscapes of sand, rock, and ocean. Most are easily reached by land and depending on the location, offer exciting activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, yachting or sailing, kayaking, and even fishing. 

10. Climbing beside a waterfall in Khao Phanom Bencha National Park

(By Daniel Sasse, Wikimedia Commons)   

11. The Emerald Pool in Khao Phanom Bencha National Park 

(By Swhemma, Wikimedia Commons)   

12. Ko Tapu (Or Tapu Island) in the Ao Phang Nga National Park, where the James Bond movie, “The Man With the Golden Gun” was filmed

(By Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons)   

13. The sun setting over the rivers and mangrove forests of Phang-nga National Park

(By Kris Martyn, Wikimedia Commons)   

14. The island of Ko Po Da Nak

(By Marcin Konsek, Wikimedia Commons)  

15. Ton Sai Beach on Ko Phi Phi Don

(By Marcin Konsek, Wikimedia Commons)   

Moving upward but still remaining close to the beaches, Railay's rock faces have attracted climbers from all over, both experienced and amateurs as numerous rock climbing classes are offered there. Though they may come for the rocks, they often stay for the Rock and Fire festival in April.

Another location that has fascinated travelers and natives alike is the Fossil Shell Beach. This stretch of coastline is famous for discoveries of 40 million-year-old snail shells. 

16. Going for a ride in a long-tail boat in Pileh Lagoon in the Phi Phi Islands

(By Puripant, Wikimedia Commons)   

17. Long-tail boats in Railay beach 

(Flickr)  

18. An aerial view of Railay beach 

(By Nata Mostova, Wikimedia Commons)   

19. Phra Nang Cave on Railay beach 

(By Nick Steemans, Wikimedia Commons)

20. Tiger Cave Temple and the town of Krabi

(By kallerna, Wikimedia Commons)   

Krabi offers all the culture of Thailand with white sand beaches, sparkling blue waters, and opportunities for absolute relaxation or the adventures of a lifetime depending on what you're looking for. Once you figure that out, you'll be on your way to this real-life paradise! 

Be sure to share this with fellow globetrotters!