| The coastal province of Krabi heralds some of | | | | What to Do |
| Thailand's most inviting and evocative tropical beach | | | | Lazy-day beach dueling comes high on most people's |
| idylls. White sand decorated by tanning bodies and | | | | itinerary of things to do in Krabi, with the locale, the |
| azure seas punctuated by captivated snorkelers | | | | excellent Thai food on offer from nearby |
| define the region, as do its selection of luxury beach | | | | restaurants, and the ever-available option of a Thai |
| hotels and all-round tourist facilities. | | | | massage, all combining to keep visitors enthralled for |
| Thankfully, for all its obvious splendor, Krabi remains | | | | weeks on end. |
| slightly 'off the tourist map' in terms of beach travel | | | | Given the inviting temperature of the Andaman Sea |
| in Thailand. Beach hotels here tend to be of the | | | | here and the Technicolor coral that lives beneath its |
| secluded variety, offering vacationers the chance to | | | | surface, snorkeling and diving are also understandably |
| lie back, cocktail in hand, while listening to the sea lap | | | | popular pursuits. PADI courses and expeditions are |
| at the sand. | | | | widely available should you wish to gain certification in |
| Where to Stay | | | | the latter. |
| Costa Lanta: This chic designer retreat on Lanta Yai is | | | | For the truly exertive vacationer, a trip to Railay |
| considered perfect for romance-seeking couples. | | | | (where you'll find the Rayavadee) heralds excellent |
| Small enough to be intimate yet populated enough | | | | climbing opportunities. The limestone cliff faces here |
| not to feel deserted, its grounds feature a | | | | are dotted with avid climbers of all abilities; a glut of |
| carefully-planned plumage of open-style bungalows | | | | climbing schools offer guidance and tuition, should you |
| and social areas that mingle freely with the | | | | need it. |
| surrounding tropical greenery. The beach is only ever | | | | Boat trips to the islands that surround your hotel are |
| a stone's throw away. | | | | another great way of passing a day here. One such |
| Rayavadee: Luxury beach hotels in Thailand don't | | | | popular excursion is to the island of Koh Phi Phi, which |
| come more lavish, well situated, or exclusive than | | | | is famously where the movie The Beach was filmed. |
| Rayavadee. Set on the isolated beach of Phranang | | | | When to Go |
| and backed by soaring limestone cliffs, this | | | | Krabi experiences less seasonal weather variations, |
| out-of-this-world hotel features three award-winning | | | | which means you can almost always consider it for a |
| restaurant (one's located in a cave), an exceptional | | | | beach vacation. That being said, November - March is |
| spa, champagne breakfasts, and 24-hour butler | | | | when conditions are generally considered to be at |
| service. Unsurprisingly, it's known to be a frequented | | | | their best, with the warm temperatures and clear |
| by Hollywood A-listers. | | | | skies complemented by cool sea breezes. |