Is Krabi really worth it??

As I scroll through posts on Facebook I come across so many travelers asking whether Krabi is worth visiting. Also a lot of people saying that Krabi is such a boring place, definitely worth a skip.

I beg to differ…

Visiting Krabi through a travel agent

This was our second visit to Krabi. The first visit was as a couple on a romantic getaway, staying in a fancy hotel with pre-booked tours that turned out to be so unpleasant in the pouring rain. The tour was pre-booked and come rain or shine, that tour will be done, no cancellations or postponements.

Visiting Krabi on a budget, no travel agents

Our second trip was a completely different set-up.  Now, we are traveling as a family, on a budget and we are not on holiday.  This is our new life, learning about culture and exploring the beautiful places with time on our side.

As luck would have it, it was pouring once again, for days (as budget travellers we visited Thailand in the low season which is the rainy season) so we were quite okay with it.  The second the sun stuck its head out, we rushed to our travel agent which we picked out between the lots, and told her today is the day.

30 Minutes later we were picked up in style from our hotel and were taken to a very rural jetty hidden below a bridge next to the side of the road.  We were questioning our decision of budget traveling and relying on local contacts. Our boat operator was a very elderly gentleman who only communicated with facial expressions and an occasional thumbs up.  After 5 months in Asia, we are masters of communicating with hand gestures.

He examined our reactions and would slow down at all the beautiful spots.  He also indicated with a thumbs up or a thumbs down where we were allowed to shoot the drone up into the air.  We were flying into the open ocean on this small wooden Thai longtail boat.

It was then, as we passed this mesmerising, gigantic rock protruding from the big wide ocean, that I lost all control and burst into tears.  Don’t get me wrong, I have been to the most beautiful places and have seen the most beautiful nature scenes some people can only see on photo’s.  I started crying because I realised how privileged I was to be able to see this piece of beauty from mother earth with my own two eyes. To be able to experience the moment…

I realised that my dad might never ever see this.  My mother-in-law would appreciate this moment so much, but will she ever get the opportunity to experience this?  I cried because I wished so much that I could share this moment with them and all the others that would appreciate this breathtaking picture in front of me.

Krabi will always be close to my heart because it made me realise how privileged I am.  I am so glad we gave Krabi a second try and did it on a budget.  Our very budget 4-island-trip was worth a million bucks plus we got a lunch with fruit included!!

 

We stayed in the very clean and comfortable Krabi Heritage Hotel with the best buffet breakfast ever.  This was the cheapest hotel we could find in Ao Nang. It is close to restaurants and the beachfront plus it has a pool (which is a must with children).

Krabi is much cheaper than Phuket and the shops in the walking street (Ao Nang beach) is definitely worth a visit.  They have lovely restaurants on the side walks overlooking the beautiful beach.

In a Nutshell

• Should I give Krabi a skip?  Definitely NO
• How long should I spend in Krabi?  2 -3 days  – 1 exploring the town and 1 doing the island tour
• Which tour should I do? Definitely the 4-island tour
• Is Krabi cheaper than Phuket? Definitely, yes
• Where should I stay?  Ao Nang Beach
• How will I get around?  Walking.  If traveling to the airport or further places, download the Grab App and order an online taxi with set rates.
• Should I book a tour online?  No, there are a lot of tour operators and you can negotiate the price.
• Is Krabi safe to travel with kids or solo?  Yes 😉

We made a video of our wonderful time in Krabi, watch it here.

Life lesson learnt -> If you go out like a royal and expect the best you will most probably be disappointed.  Go out not expecting anything and you will be rewarded with the best experiences ever.

Safe Travels!

xxx

This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of our affiliate links we may receive a small commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you.