Krabi

Krabi is one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations, noted for its many beautiful beaches fringed with limestone cliffs and tropical islands. Krabi is located along the eastern coast of Southern Thailand. It is bounded by the provinces of Phang Nga, Surathani, Nakorn Si Thammarat, and Trang.  

Krabi has a stretched coastline of 160 km beaches with alternate bays and capes along the Andaman Sea. The highlands of Krabi are mostly covered by mangrove forests and dense deciduous forests. Known as “Ban Thai Samor” in ancient days, Krabi has the distinction of having one of the earliest settlements in the world. Archeological evidence like beads, pottery, and skeletal remains from many of its cliffs and caves indicates that Krabi was inhabited by Home sapiens belonging to 35,000 B.C.

The modern history of Krabi starts in the late 19th century when the large elephant population of the area prompted the then Thai king Rama V to establish an elephant kraal in the area to ensure a constant supply of elephants to the capital Bangkok. This elevated Krabi as a unique entity, distinct from other provinces, under the direct control of the capital. Pakasai, Khlong Pon, and Pak Lao – three thriving community boroughs in the area – were elevated to town status in 1872 by King Chulalongkorn and named it Krabi.

According to legend, villagers presented a large and ancient sword to the governor of the region. This sword was considered to be sacred and auspicious and the name “Krabi” came into being. Another legend attributes the name to the local tree "Lumphi" which the Malay and Chinese merchants corrupted to "Ka-lu-bi" or "Kho-lo-bi", which again became "Krabi" or sword. 

Krabi is an agrarian area, with sandy clay soil conditions. However, the development of tourism in Thailand since the 1980s elevated Krabi as a major tourist destination, and the establishment of an airport in 1999 has elevated the status of Krabi further. Owing to its natural attractions, Krabi earns a substantial income today from its tourism industry.

Krabi has a population of about 400,000. Much of the local populace consists of Muslims and Buddhists, with some thriving Indian, Malay, Thai – Chinese and Moken (sea gypsies) making for a multicultural society. The official language of Krabi is Thai. Chinese and Yawi are also used among the masses. English is used by the educated people. In the rural area a thick Southern dialect is used which is difficult to understand by other Thais. The cuisine of Krabi is a blend of Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Indian tastes.

Being a premier tourist destination in Thailand, Krabi has a lot to offer to tourists that range from National parks, marine reserves, museums, historic and cultural sites, beaches, hot springs and caves.