Karsts and palm trees - Krabi skyline
by j-san
This karst forms a kind of backdrop to Ao Nang. At its base are the more expensive resorts.
I found this information on the internet:
These limestone karsts were formed 260 million years ago when a shallow sea, running the entire length of south Asia, slowly built up deep deposits of coral and shells which were later buried under sediments washing in from the land.
Compressed deep in the earth these calcium carbonate remains formed limestone. This was thrust up above the surface when the Indian subcontinent collided with mainland Asia some 30 million years ago. From Gualin in China, to Sarawak in Borneo, the limestone created craggy islands on land and in water. In the South of Thailand, the provinces of Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang have the most spectacular examples of this type of scenery.
Local markets
by Gard
One day we rented a car. On our way we stopped at a food market and walked around for a while. It was amazing to see all that was on display here. I like to cook at home and this was the place for me. Big piles of curry paste and all the ingredients that you need to make a good Indian or Thai meal. I don’t think that that many tourists stop by this market because a lot of the people seemed curious when we turned up there with our blond hair. People in Thailand are very friendly and I read in a book that children have a very important place in the Thai lifestyle. This time we traveled with a Tonje who is only 3 years old and we noticed how fond the Thai’s are when it comes to children. People kept asking her name, trying to hug and cuddle and so on
Fresh seafood
by clouds111 about Various
If the restaurants in Ao Nang don't tickle your fancy there is a 'night market' around the corner from the seafront. Here you will find a number of street eats crammed in a small square vying for your custom.
They offer fresh seafood and traditional Thai dishes. They are much the same as each other but choose one that generally has more people (that's always a good sign) and pull up a plastic chair. If you want your food traditional Thai style (spicey) ask for it that way other it's dumbed down for western tastebuds.
Wat Tham Seua
by don_thomas
This Tiger Cave Temple is located about 8 km north of Krabi. It consists of a few caves and a small comunity of Buddhist monks. But the best part is the temple on top of a 600 m high karst peak. The climb up there (1237 steps!) is truly arduous and don't forget to bring lots of water. You'll notice that you can never have anough of that stuff. This has been one of the most tiring experiences in my life, but very rewarding: on the top waits a huge buddhist statue and supurb views. Really impressive. So if you feel fit enough: go check it out.
I got there by one of the taxi-bikes.
Hiking
by Jez79
Krabi's lansdcape makes it a great place for hiking. Whether you want an easy stroll along the beach, or a more challenging hike, all you have to do is start exploring. As an alternative to getting between beaches on long tail boats, you can take the overland route. The most challenging one is between Ton Sai and West Ray Ley, which involves some navigation of rocks and the assistance of ropes to get down a dirt slope. It's a relatively easy walk, but should probably be avoided if you have bad knees or don't want to exert yourself.
Between Phra Nang and East and West Rai Ley there are paths. If you take a detour along this path, you can do a hike to the inland lagoon, or princess pool as I believe it's called. The path to the lagoon begins when you come to the little shelter with the map. You'll see a steep incline with some ropes hanging down, and some worn rocks where people have started the path up. This is a more challenging climb, and involves some steep climbs and the use of ropes to lower/lift yourself down/ up some steep rock inclines. We found this pleasantly challenging, and despite the fact that the lagoon was empty when we got there (it's tidal, and seasonal), it was well worth the effort. Once you're down there, you're surrounded by huge limestone walls, creating an eerie slience. There are some caves you can explore, but if you don't come prepared with torches, water and appropriate shoes, it's better to give it a miss.
The photo is of part of the climb down to the lagoon.