Guide to Krabi

'Think Bounty-ad lagoons. Think ice-white wisps of sand. Think palms that sway in the balmy sea breeze. Like something plucked from the prettiest postcard, sun-drenched Krabi is the stuff of dreams.'

This laid-back corner of Thailand is take-your-breath-away beautiful. It's the kind of place where you can discard your footwear the second you arrive and spend delicious days sinking your toes into soft sand and wading through turquoise shallows. Ao Nang is Krabi's most developed beach, a bar and restaurant-backed ribbon of sand that melts into luminous waters. In these waters, longtail boats line up to whisk you off on an adventure that'll reveal just why this Thai slice is so popular. More than 130 dramatic rocky outcrops and desert island dreams freckle this enchanting coastline. So whichever direction you choose to head in, soon enough you'll come to a tropical island ringed by palm-fringed beaches and colour-streaked coral reef. There are hidden lagoons to be found and mysterious caves. Paradise-perfect waterfalls and jungles drenched in sunshine. Of course, it would be criminal to come to Krabi and not take in Koh Phi Phi. Here, admire the ancient rock paintings of Viking Cave. Stretch out on the silky sands of Maya Bay, which landed a starring role in The Beach with Leonardo di Caprio. Or just grab a mask and snorkel and introduce yourself to the incredible underwater world. When you're not island-hopping, there are limestone cliffs to be scaled – rock climbing's big here – and national parks to be trekked through. Take a trip into Krabi Town, too. The bustling morning market is fantastic, with hundreds of stalls taking the strain of silk scarves, handmade jewellery, and leather shoes, bags and belts. Come sunset, your best bet is to pick a beachfront bar and sit back and relax as your dinner arrives by boat. Paradise doesn't come much better than this.

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