Argh - which beach?
We fly in to Krabi on Monday for 5 days (arriving and leaving included).I am looking for a beach that doesn't have thousands of people on it but I don't need an empty beach either. Ideally the beach should be gorgeous looking or the view from it being gorgeous. I want it to be easy to do stuff from such as local restaurants, some decent drinking venues and easy to jump on a boat to visit some other place should we wish to.
I had sort of settled on Koh Lanta but now I've heard several people saying it's really quiet with very little to do outside the hotel (unless you take a tour off the area you stay at). Some people say I'd be better off at Phi Phi Islands, some that I should go to Riley beach instead, there's even been a comment about staying at Krabi using it as a base.
Please help, I really need to book a hotel!
1
Parts of Phi Phi are quiet and others are not. But, I wouldn't stay there for how corrupt and how badly tourism is managed, negatively effecting the ecology of the island.Railay can get quite crowded, but since you are here a bit before tourist season really gets in full swing, it shouldn't be that bad. There are a few bars, but it doesn't get too crazy. I can't comment on Lanta as I've never been there, but I heard it's picked up more in the last few years.
Koh Lipe sounds like it might be right up your alley, but is a bit far away from Krabi.
2
I am looking for a beach that doesn't have thousands of people on it but I don't need an empty beach either. Ideally the beach should be gorgeous looking or the view from it being gorgeous. I want it to be easy to do stuff from such as local restaurants, some decent drinking venues and easy to jump on a boat to visit some other place should we wish to.Seriously Ria, I feel that you expect far too much from Thailand, and if you can't compromise you will never find anything that satisfies.
I have been to many, many Thai beaches, but none would fit your criteria.
You can find busy beaches with all the restaurants etc, or quiet beaches, but I doubt you'll find both in one place.
I should go to Riley beach instead
That's Railay beach and it's very quiet and has transport restrictions.
there's even been a comment about staying at Krabi using it as a base
Krabi is both a town without a beach ( very quiet and little to do ) and a region with many beaches. Railay is in Krabi.
Perhaps you should consider Ao Nang.
5
Currently being in Railay at the moment I might be a bit biased, but for your purposes I think it would be great. Unquestionably stunning beaches, not too crowded right now, enough variety for dining/drinking but not yet turned into the zoo that Phi Phi has become. Transport necessitates a 150b shuttle from the airport and a 100b, 15 minute longtail boat transfer. Easy to arrange excursions if you want to check out other places/activities. I like the cabañas at Railay Garden View (east side), basic but well turned out.6
I picked Railay after all that - it looked better in pics.
