Krabi – A Memorable Finale to Our Thailand Journey
After over a month in Thailand, Krabi was our final stop before leaving the Land of Smiles. Expectations were high, as we had heard so much about this region. Known for its stunning beaches, nearby national parks, and relaxed vibes, Krabi both surprised us – sometimes positively, sometimes less so. But one thing is certain: it was never boring!
Arrival: A Unique Hostel Experience
Our journey to Krabi began with a four-hour bus ride. Tired and hungry, we arrived at our hostel, which, to be honest, was one of the less comfortable accommodations of our trip. We had opted for a mixed dorm room, which would have been fine – if it weren’t for the peculiar fellow guests.
Among them was an elderly man who apparently made it his mission to walk around the halls naked at night. It was a rather creepy sight that startled us more than once. Overall, I’d rate the hostel a 6/10: minimal privacy, average cleanliness, and an odd mix of guests. On the upside, it had a central location and served as a decent base for our Krabi adventures.
First Impressions: Charming but Run-Down
Krabi Town, the capital of the region, is small but has its own charm. Unfortunately, you can see that parts of the city have seen better days. Many buildings are outdated, the streets are in poor condition, and the overall vibe feels a bit tired. Still, Krabi has a certain appeal, and we didn’t let our first impressions discourage us.
That evening, we explored the local market and the city’s only shopping mall. The market was an absolute highlight! With incredibly low prices, delicious street food, and a vibrant atmosphere, it stood out as one of the day’s best experiences. Krabi was, by far, the most affordable city we visited in Thailand, and this was especially evident at the market.
The mall, on the other hand, was a disappointment. It had a flea-market feel and was more chaotic than inviting. But the market made up for everything, and we ended our first evening in Krabi on a positive note.
Day 1: Hot Stream Waterfalls and a Roller Adventure
The next morning, we rented a motorbike and set off early for the Hot Stream Waterfalls – and it turned out to be the best decision ever. The waterfalls were the most beautiful experience we had in all of Thailand!
The natural pools, filled with warm water, were absolutely magical. The water was pleasantly warm, almost like a natural hot tub, and we spent the entire morning there. Surrounded by a well-maintained park, lush greenery, and a relaxing atmosphere, it was pure bliss. The journey there led us through a gorgeous jungle, and we were impressed by the attention to detail in the entire area.
In the afternoon, we planned to visit the Emerald Pool, a crystal-clear natural pond located in a national park. However, the high entrance fees and large crowds discouraged us. Instead, we spontaneously decided to head to a beach – and that’s when our adventure began.
The trip from the Emerald Pool to the nearest beach was over 80 kilometers. With our small motorbike, it was a grueling journey. The roads weren’t always in great condition, and after two hours of riding, we felt completely drained. Everything hurt, but when we finally arrived at Ao Nang Beach, the effort was almost forgotten.
The beach was breathtaking, especially during low tide. The water had receded several kilometers, leaving the shore covered with shells, tiny crabs, and other marine life. The highlight was a giant sea snail in a pink shell, which we marveled at up close.
From the beach, we could even wade through the shallow waters to nearby islands – a unique experience! That evening, we relaxed at another local market and ended the day on a cozy note.
Day 2: Tiger Cave Temple and New Year’s Eve Under the Palms
Early the next morning, we set off for the famous Tiger Cave Temple. This temple is located atop a mountain, accessible only by climbing a staircase with 1,260 steps. And yes, it sounds manageable – but in reality, it was a serious challenge.
Some steps were extremely steep, and we were drenched in sweat by the time we reached the top. The climb felt like a mix of mountain trekking and a fitness marathon. But after what felt like forever, we finally reached the summit – and the view was worth every effort. From the top, we had a breathtaking panorama of the entire region, dense forests, karst cliffs, and the sea in the distance.
The descent was no less strenuous, but we were proud to have accomplished it. Back at the hostel, we took a well-deserved break, and Daniel taught me how to ride a motorbike – just for emergencies. At first, I thought I’d never get the hang of it, but after a few practice rounds, I had the basics down.
In the afternoon, we returned to Ao Nang Beach, where we found a cozy café and eagerly waited for the evening to begin.
New Year’s Eve in Thailand is a vibrant spectacle, and the atmosphere was incredible. Fireworks were being set off sporadically as early as the afternoon, and the mood was festive. In the evening, we joined hundreds of other people in releasing a lantern into the sky. It was a magical moment as the lights floated upwards, resembling stars over the beach.
We spent midnight in a bar overlooking the beach. The countdown was loud and lively, and the fireworks were breathtaking. It was the perfect way to end an eventful year – and an unforgettable start to the new one.
Day 3: Shell Beach Disappointment and a Relaxing Farewell
On our last day in Krabi, we wanted to visit the famous Shell Beach, hoping to find some beautiful shells. Unfortunately, the beach turned out to be a disappointment. There was an extra fee to enter, and according to other tourists, there weren’t many shells to be found.
Instead, we opted for a smaller, quieter beach, where we spent our final day relaxing. The sea, the sun, and the peaceful surroundings were exactly what we needed to prepare for the next leg of our journey.
Departure: From Krabi to Penang, Malaysia
The next morning, it was time to say goodbye. At 7:15 a.m., we made our way to the bus terminal, starting a 12-hour journey to Penang, Malaysia. The long ride was exhausting, but we were filled with excitement for what awaited us in Malaysia.
Conclusion: Krabi – A City of Contrasts
Krabi impressed us with its diversity. The town itself is small and not particularly spectacular, but the surrounding area blew us away. From the Hot Stream Waterfalls to the Tiger Cave Temple and the stunning beaches, Krabi had everything a traveler could wish for.
What stood out most was the affordability – Krabi was the most budget-friendly city on our entire Thailand trip. At the same time, the locals were friendly and welcoming, making the stay even more enjoyable.
Our personal highlight was visiting the Hot Stream Waterfalls, a magical place that will stay in our memories for a long time. The Tiger Cave Temple and New Year’s Eve at Ao Nang Beach were equally unforgettable experiences.
With Krabi, we ended our time in Thailand on an absolute high note. Now, we’re looking forward to the next adventure in Malaysia and can’t wait to see what’s in store for us!
Next stop: Georgetown
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