Located on the glittering Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand, the province of Krabi is popular among newlyweds as a honeymoon destination, thanks to its pristine beaches and the plethora of exciting amusements that newly married couples can enjoy. Adventurous twosomes can go snorkeling and scuba diving in the dazzling blue waters of the ocean, indulge in any number of water-related sports and activities, or try their hand at rock climbing or sport climbing at the many limestone karst formations that can be found in the area. Read on for our guide on how to make this Krabi honeymoon an unforgettable one for you and your new spouse.
Head to Railay Beach for Rock Climbing 101
If you’ve never tried rock climbing before but have always wanted to give it a shot, head out to Railay Beach between the cities of Krabi and Ao Nang. Cut off from the mainland by the same limestone cliffs you’ll be tackling, the scenic peninsula is only accessible by boat.
The area called Railay Beach is actually three beaches all collectively known under the same name: Railay West is the most popular and commercialised zone, with plenty of resorts, beachfront bars and restaurants catering to foreign tourists. Up north is Ton Sai Bay, where you’ll find a good number of rock-climbing schools and spots that are ideal for beginners just starting out at the sport. There are over 700 different climbing trails in Railay, catering to enthusiasts of all skill levels. Finally, there’s Phra Nang Cave Beach, where the waters offer the best swimming in the entire area. It’s where you’ll find Phra Nang Cave, which is dedicated to the Princess Goddess it was named for. The cave itself is an amazing sight to behold. Locals faithful to the deity make pilgrimage here and leave offerings in the form of lingams, penis-shaped statues meant to represent the Hindu deity Shiva. They do this as a way to ingratiate the deity in return for safe passage at sea.
Follow in the Footsteps of the Original 007 at James Bond Island
The islands of Khao Phing Kan and Ko Ta Pu appeared in the 1974 classic James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun,” which starred Roger Moore as the titular character. Since then, they’ve become major tourist destinations for people who wish to follow in the iconic MI6 agent’s footsteps and have risen to become one of Krabi’s not-to-be-missed attractions.
Though fans may be disappointed to learn that there is in fact no secret lair hidden in one of the caves, James Bond Island still offers plenty of opportunities for great photos and recreations of scenes from the movie. A good Krabi tour package usually includes a stop on the island before heading out to other nearby attractions in the area. There are plenty of these to explore on a long-tail boat, including gorgeous Phang Nga Bay and the floating village of Koh Panyi.
Dance the Night Away at Ao Nang
Though the lifestyle here is much more focused on outdoor activities, Krabi also has a vibrant nightlife scene that’s sure to electrify the evenings of any young couple out on the town. An assortment of dance clubs, bars, and watering holes can all be found within 500 meters of each other at Ao Nang Centerpoint, Krabi’s hub for after-hours entertainment.
Chang Bar Ao Nang is the most well-known name here, as it is where you’ll find backpackers and locals alike socialising over cheap beer and EDM. At the opulent Cairo Nights club, on the other hand, you and your partner can try shisha and hookah smoking along with well-made cocktails and the finest Middle Eastern cuisine on the islands. Some of the best nightlife happens on the beach, too. Make sure to check out Railay and Ton Sai during the full moon and new moon in the high seasons, and get ready to party all night right on the sand with your toes in the water.
Getting to Krabi is easy, with budget airlines offering direct flights from Kuala Lumpur landing at Krabi International Airport. To get around the islands, you’ll have to get by on long-tail boats, incredibly agile cruisers piloted by locals who know the ins and outs of these island coasts like the backs of their hands.
You can arrange for island-hopping tours with the local boatmen, or have them booked through your hotel or resort. Most well-regarded establishments are happy to offer suggestions on various activities, and you may be able to get insider discounts just by asking the right people.
We hope you found this guide helpful for planning your Krabi honeymoon!
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