Krabi beefs up its claim as being among Thailand’s major tourist destinations by unveiling some new, unusual attractions that many visitors have probably taken for granted before or haven’t seen yet.
1. Kao Kanap Nam (Twin Mountains)
Two little hills, about 100 meters high, flank the Krabi River in the heart of town, forming what is now considered Krabi’s most symbolic attraction. Indeed, it has become a very popular sightseeing option of late. Visitors can take a long-tail boat to go near them depending on tidal conditions, passing by a lush mangrove forest inhabited by macaques and other wild animals. Once you make it to the hills, there are stairs leading to caves where your can feast your eyes on amazing stalactites and stalagmites.
2. The Black Crab by the River
A very recent addition to the sightseeing attractions of Krabi town, the giant Crab Monument sits along the Krabi River banks, one of the most interesting attractions in town today. The “Black Crab” (as locals call the monument) not only symbolizes the local reverence for the mangrove forests, the natural habitat of the black crabs, but it also offers a glimpse of their traditional sea-based lifestyle. The monument has become a popular resting and picture-taking area.
3. Flintstone Traffic Lights
The people of Krabi are noted for their sense of humor. They like to poke fun at themselves and others, and the traffic light sculptures along the main roads of the town will only confirm this. Around the city, unique sculptures encasing traffic lights can be seen: an elephant holding and raising the sword with its trunk, a flying hawk and, just before the town’s market, a big ape statue wearing a strip of cloth. That ape is modeled after the Siamopithecus eocaenus, who lived in Krabi some 35 million years ago, as fossils prove—probably explaining the “Flintstone” tag.
4. Krabi Contemporary Arts Museum
This arts museum has become a great source of pride among the locals since its opening in 2008. Founded by expressionist artist Bonkasame Saekow, the museum has become both a hub for other artists and their works and a training ground for budding artists and artisans in the locality. Located at the hill next to Kaew Kowararam Temple, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
5. Wat Kaew Korawaram
This Buddhist temple nestled on a hill above downtown Krabi is noted for its all-white color, which is a bit uncommon for Thai temples. The temple, said to be one of the largest in Krabi, can be reached through an entrance off one of the city’s main streets.
6. Historical Wall of Krabi
Krabi Historical Wall, completed in 2013 with a budget of THB 12.6 million, celebrates the region’s immense historical importance. The wall features 28 panels of bas-reliefs lined up along Krabi City Hall’s western fence on Chao Fah Road, illustrating Krabi’s history. The walkway by the park is beautifully illuminated, making it popular for night strolls.
7. Wat Thum Sua
This sprawling temple complex eight kilometers northwest of town is also called Tiger Cave Temple. The main viharn is built into a long, shallow limestone cave at the wat’s entrance, but the best part of the temple grounds can be found by following a loop trail through a little forest valley behind the ridge, where the central sanctuary is located. Back near the park entrance, you’ll come to a gruelingly steep 1,237 steps leading to a 600-meter karst peak.
8. HMS Lanta Gallery
A former transport ship christened by His Majesty King Bhumibol in 1970 was transformed into a museum in 2011 after years of service to the kingdom. The 98-meter ship was named after Lanta, an island in Krabi, making it a symbol of local pride. People can take a tour of museum after crossing an overpass attached to the ship. From its rear, you can see Klong Ji Lad pier. The open space is the parking lot of the new local government office.
9. Krabi Walking Street
Unveiled in December 2008, it has become a favorite spot for shopaholics. What makes it different from similar walking streets in Thailand is that it is “environmentally friendly shopping street.” Unlike in many parts of Thailand, vendors here do not use synthetic food containers. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is located on Maharaj Street, Soi 8 and behind Vogue shopping mall.
10. Street Food @ Chao Fah Pier
Chao Fah Pier was once the main dock off point for boats going to Koh Klang, where a Muslim community still maintains a simple and traditional way of life. Today it is popular among foreign tourists looking for inexpensive but authentic Thai dishes. Open 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
