Krabi's topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts. Flowing through Krabi City to the Andaman Sea at Pak Nam Sub-district is Maenam Krabi which is 5 kilometers in length. In addition, there are several canals originating from the province's highest mountain range, Khao Phanom Bencha including Khlong Pakasai, Khlong Krabi Yai and Khlong Krabi Noi. Lush mangrove forests line the canals and the banks of Maenam Krabi particularly before it empties into the Andaman Sea. The provinces sandy soil conditions are suitable for growing various agricultural products, particularly rubber trees, palms, coconuts, cashew nuts and coffee.
Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon, there are only two seasons in Krabi; the hot season from January to April and the rainy season from May to December. Temperatures range between 17 °C and 37 °C.
Krabi is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes (Districts): Amphoe Mueang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luek, Lam Thap, and Nuea Khlong. The provinces jurisdiction covers not only in-land districts and sub-districts, but also extends to more than 130 large and small islands including the world famous Phi Phi Islands.
In addition, Krabi is the location of two world class beaches Ao Nang and Rai Le Beach which offer numerous diving trips, restaurants, shops etc. Additional attractions in the province are stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations which make it a heaven for rock climbers and a National Park located approximately 40 kilometers outside of town with lakes, caves and spectacular natural scenery.
Krabi Natural - It's estimated that the Krabi coastline contains over 200 limestone and jungle covered islands. Many are uninhabited outcrops rising from the sea with tiny patches of pristine white sandy beaches.
Much of Krabi's coastline is dotted with little coves and mangroves which form a unique eco-system and serve as a natural breeding ground for diverse aquatic life. Krabi's beaches are gradually opening out to tourism, although care is being taken to ensure management of the environment.
Development is being kept low rise with many hotels designed to blend in with the surroundings. There are few deckchairs and building directly on the beach has been kept to a minimum in most resort areas.
Fishing is widely carried out along the coastline and on most larger islands, and although traditional methods are still in use, modern trawling techniques are threatening numbers and the industry. Shrimp and cockle farming has been a high growth industry since the early 1990's, and there is also a flourishing grouper farming industry.
Krabi Border - Bordered by Phang Nga and Suratthani provinces, the interior of Krabi province presents a landscape of weirdly shaped limestone mountains, separated by flat valley floors with rubber and oil palm plantations.
There are many unusual cave systems in the rocks resulting in large caverns and tunnels. Some of the larger caverns have been made into Buddhist temples or shrines and others have revealed evidence of human habitation from over 43,000 years ago.
Best time to visit Krabi
The climate of Krabi Province is tropical and therefore warm throughout the year. On the other hand, Krabi is also affected by the monsoon winds that bring about seasonal changes.
There are two very hot periods of weather on Krabi, the first is between April and May when the average temperatures ranges from 27 to 36 degrees Celsius with occasional tropical thunderstorm bringing relief from the heat.
It is also very hot between September and October, but the frequent rainfall has a wonderful cooling effect.
In May, at the peak of the southwest monsoon, it rains on an average of 25 days during the month, making it to one of the most humid months of the year. Rainy days are interspersed with sunny days during this period and the rain generally comes in tropical downpours of an hour or so throughout the day mixed with periods of sunshine.
November to March is the most popular time for tourists to visit Krabi. It is when the northeast monsoon brings beautiful blue skies and predominantly sunny weather with an average temperature of 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. Visitors are advised to make early reservations (maybe a year in advance) for accommodations during this period of time because of the popularity of the Krabi and its attractions.
People - The people of Krabi represent a mix of different races who over history came to settle from different regions. It is said that each group of people represent a different page in the history of Krabi. The Chao Ley or "Sea Gypsies" reside on various of the islands in Krabi's waters, and traditionally made their living from wandering around fishing and diving for their livelihood.
Their small communities are in danger of overexposure to tourism, and inevitable assimilation, however some of their traditional ways are presented in the yearly sea gypsy sailing ritual held in May on Koh Lanta, Koh Pu and Koh Cham.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Southern Chinese people flocked to Thailand in search of work and many made their way to the south of Thailand to work in local industry.
In more recent times, there involvement has been high in oil palm plantations and gypsum mining. Despite the assimilation of Chinese people and their descendants with local people over time, many retain vestiges of their Chinese heritage.
Many still retain the ability to speak Chinese, have Chinese (and Thai) names, and observe Chinese rituals and religious beliefs. Being in close proximity to Malaysia, southern Thailand is also home to many Muslim communities, and Krabi itself has a strong Muslim presence.
Climate - Krabi has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all year 'round, but the two periods of April-May and September-October are the hottest.
The September-October period is also the wettest.
The best time to visit Krabi is during the cool NE monsoon season, from November though March, when it isn't so humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable.
The average temperature is around 75 F to 89 F (24 C to 32 C). The hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures ranging from 80?F to 95?F (27 C to 36 C). There are frequent short heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity.
The Thai New Year occurs on April 13th and everyone sprinkles (or throws) cool water on each other. Locals enjoy June, July and August, since the weather is usually fine and favourite haunts remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at this time of year, as well. Temperatures range between 70 F and 90 F (20 C to 33 C).
During September and early October we start to remember our umbrellas. This makes an ideal time to visit abroad. One consolation for those who remain is that the beaches, outdoor restaurants and streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors.
And even at this time, we still get long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers. Anyway, plenty of lowseason activities, both water- and land-based, still offer themselves in Krabi during this wettest part of the summer season.
