Krabi: A Tropical Paradise of Dramatic Landscapes and Serene Beaches

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด
  [bproht]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [khob khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [khaw toht]
• How are you?สุขสันต์หรือยัง
  [suk san reu yang]
• Fine. And you?สบายดี คุณล่ะ
  [sabai dee kun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [kun poot pha saa ang grit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อย
  [khaw doo menu noi]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai kin neuua]
• Cheers!ชน
  [chon]
• I would like to pay, pleaseขอจ่ายเงินหน่อย
  [khaw jai ngoen noi]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuay duay]
• Go away!ไปให้มันไกลๆ
  [bpai hai man glai glai]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [thor tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [thor mor]
• I'm lostฉันเสียหาย
  [chan sia hai]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันต้องการซื้อ...
  [chan tong kaan seuu...]
• I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดูอยู่
  [chan khae duu yuu]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [raa kha tao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng gein bpai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot raa kha dai mai]

• What time is it?กี่โมงแล้ว
  [gee mong laeo]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมง
  [pen mong]
• Half past (10)สามสิบครึ่ง
  [saam sip khreung]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua waan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [phrung nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [saam]
• 4สี่
  [see]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [...yuu tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่อย่างไร
  [tee yuu yang rai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?คุณสามารถแสดงให้ฉันดูได้ไหม
  [kun sa maat sa daeng hai chan duu dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถบัสต่อไปเมื่อไหร่
  [rot bus dtor bpai meua rai]
• A ticket (to ....)ตั๋ว (ไป...)
  [dtua (bpai...)]

Krabi has a rich prehistoric heritage with archaeological evidence suggesting that the area was inhabited as far back as 25,000–35,000 years ago. Ancient tools, cave paintings, and skeletal remains have been discovered in various caves and rock shelters, shedding light on the early human settlements that once thrived here.

During the 8th to 13th centuries, Krabi was part of the Ligor Kingdom, which was a part of the larger Srivijaya Empire. This period saw the development of trade routes and the spread of Buddhism, marking the beginning of Krabi's cultural and religious history. Several archaeological sites from this era have been found, including inscriptions and temple ruins.

In the 13th century, Krabi fell under the influence of the Kingdom of Nakhon Si Thammarat. This period was marked by increased regional influence and the construction of important religious structures. The town of Krabi began to develop as a significant administrative and trading center.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Krabi became an important hub for the tin mining industry. The discovery of tin deposits attracted Chinese laborers and European traders, leading to economic growth and increased cultural exchanges. The town's architecture and urban layout still bear traces of this colonial era.

Krabi, like much of Thailand, was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. The region played a strategic role due to its coastal location and proximity to the Andaman Sea. This period brought significant hardships but also led to the development of infrastructure that would benefit the region in the post-war years.

Following World War II, Krabi underwent significant development. The advent of air travel and the rise of the global tourism industry transformed Krabi into a major tourist destination. The natural beauty of its beaches, cliffs, and islands attracted visitors from around the world, fostering economic growth and cultural exchanges.

Krabi's cultural heritage is celebrated through various festivals and traditions. The most notable is the Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival, which marks the beginning of the tourist season with traditional dance, music, and boat races. The region’s cultural identity is also reflected in its cuisine, handicrafts, and local markets.

Krabi is accessible by air, road, and sea. The Krabi International Airport (KBV) is the main gateway for international and domestic flights, located about 15 km from Krabi Town. Direct flights are available from major cities in Thailand and international destinations. For road travel, buses from Bangkok and other southern cities connect to Krabi. Private cars and taxis are also options. For those preferring sea travel, ferries and speedboats are available from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and other nearby islands.

Krabi offers various transportation options, including songthaews (shared taxis), tuk-tuks, and regular taxis. Motorbike rentals are popular for short distances and exploring the islands. Public buses connect Krabi Town to other parts of the province, while longtail boats and ferries are used for island hopping. Car rentals are available and can be a convenient way to explore at your own pace.

The official currency in Krabi is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for small purchases and in rural areas. ATMs and currency exchange services are readily available in Krabi Town and popular tourist areas.

Krabi is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded areas like Ao Nang Beach. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid isolated areas at night and always use reputable transportation services. Be cautious of scams, especially involving tour operators and rental services.

In case of emergency, dial 191 for police assistance, 199 for fire services, and 1669 for medical emergencies. Krabi Hospital and several private clinics are available for medical issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are common and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering a temple and dress appropriately. Public Transport: Do be polite and patient. Don't argue over fares; negotiate beforehand. Greetings: Do greet with a 'wai' (a slight bow with hands pressed together). Shaking hands is less common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food and drinks. Don't waste food; it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Krabi like a local, visit the night markets where you can enjoy authentic Thai street food and shop for local crafts. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share tips about hidden gems. Take a longtail boat to less touristy islands such as Koh Jum. Explore the inland attractions like the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs for a break from the beaches.