Travel anxiety is real, and it all starts with picking the “right” destination, as if you could go wrong in Thailand!
There are over 1,400 islands in Thailand, so how could you possibly choose where to go?
Well, some travelers are fed up with the crowds of Phuket, undoubtedly Thailand’s most popular island.
Then, of course, you have other paradises like Koh Samui trending upward on travelers’ radars.
But there’s one Thai province that’s super cheap and far too often overlooked as a premiere destination.
Better yet, it’s an amazing gateway to some of the country’s most pristine islands, where you can experience endless blissful beach days sprawled out like a starfish without the fear of being stepped on.
Yeah, try that in Phuket…
Krabi: Thailand’s Underrated Paradise Where The Jungle Meets The Sea
How in the world is one of the most beautiful places on Earth so under-hyped?
Well, it’s time to say Phuket and give it a whirl!
Krabi is on southern Thailand’s west coast.
Its broad natural diversity, with its eye-popping colors, otherworldly landscapes, and limestone formations, instantly captures visitors.
From lush forestry and mysterious caves to vivid blue waters, even Stevie Wonder could see this slice of Heaven on Earth.
To be honest, I’m quite surprised at how under-the-radar Krabi seems to be. When I visited Thailand 7 years ago, everyone was telling me,”you gotta go to Krabi!”.
Truth be told, Thailand broke all-time tourism records, and Krabi didn’t crack the top 5 most visited.
The beaches are indescribably beautiful, but the area boasts some inland gems as well.
Of course, Southeast Asia has long been a haven for budget travelers, with Thailand leading the way.
An Affordable Tropical Escape
Krabi is one of the most affordable destinations in the country, especially for what you get in return.
Most often, the bustling city of Bangkok is your gateway into Thailand.
From here, you hop aboard a cheap flight (oftentimes under $40) with Thailand’s own Nok Air, Lion Air, or AirAsia.
Other methods of travel are possible, but it’s quite a trek through the scenic countryside!
Upon arrival in Krabi, even 5-star stays are priced in double digits. Take the Shellsea Krabi, for example.
This beachside resort is only $74 on Priceline this fall.
Of course, not everybody wants their travel budget to go toward where they rest their head at night.
There are far more budget-friendly hostels in great locations both in Krabi proper and the nearby islands.
Thailand’s food is world-renowned, and take it from me: a true trip to Thailand is not complete without venturing into the lively night markets for savory cheap eats.
Street noodles are never a bad idea!
Check out Krabi Night Market for an all-day affair. Unlike most traditional ‘night markets’ this one opens at 10am, although it takes on a new personality come sundown.
Who Needs The Maldives When You Can Visit Krabi?
Sometimes the best destinations are the ones we know the least about.
Somehow Phuket has risen to the top while Krabi is arguably prettier and inarguably less crowded.
With stunning blue waters rivaling the Maldives, you gotta check out the plethora of picture-perfect islands in close distance.
What’s more, many bucket-list beach destinations across the globe are kind of a snooze fest. There’s a reason Bora Bora is nicknamed ‘Boring Boring’, after all.
The mystery of Krabi’s obscurity may not be solved, but the variety of fun things to do and see here cannot explain why it’s not mentioned in the same breath as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Circling back, Krabi is a nature lover’s paradise, whether it’s kayaking through the prolific jungle or basking in the sun on a beach that seems too good to be real.
But if there’s one thing for sure – you gotta visit at least one island!
There are plenty of operators ready to take you, whether it be ferries, speedboats, or private charters.
Phi Phi Island may be the most notable as it was featured in the Leonard DiCaprio film The Beach, where Maya Bay is highly touted as the go-to beach on the island.
Otherwise, another banger is Koh Poda just half an hour from the mainland near Ao Nang and Railay, quite possibly Krabi’s prettiest beach.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, then take a trip to Hong Island for its breathtaking lagoon.
You really can’t go wrong anywhere except Phuket if you find crowds to be a nuisance. And who doesn’t?!
Know Before You Go: Maya Bay is closed from August 1 – September 30 for preservation efforts.
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