Krabi Information and Thailand Travel Guide

Locale and Landscape
Covering an area of approximately 4709sq km, Krabi province is bounded by Phang Nga and Surathani provinces from the north, Trang province and the Andaman Sea from the south, Trang and Nakorn Si Thammarat provinces from the east and Phang Nga province and the Andaman Sea from the west. Krabi's landscape is undulating and dotted with hills and mountains, the highest of which is Khao Phanom Bencha at 1,350m. Along the 160km coastline of Krabi are alternately bays and capes - which viewed from the air reveal a jagged outline with outcrops of limestone mountains rising up from the sea waters.

Much of the coastal area is covered by mangrove forest which serves as a natural breeding ground for Krabi's diverse aquatic life. Inland, Krabi's extensive deciduous forest area are mainly reserved and feature high flora and fauna biodiversity.

Geography
Krabi's mountainous physical geography is broken by highlands and plains on the mainland. The provincial administration also covers more than 130 islands in the Andaman Sea. Natural forest cover is chiefly mangrove and Cassia trees. Krabi's sandy clay soil conditions are perfect for a variety of agricultural products, including rubber trees, palms, mangos, coconuts and coffee.

The Krabi River flows 5 kilometers through the city and falls into the Andaman at Tambon Pak Nam. There are other streams as well : the Khlong Pakasai, the Khlong Krabi Yai and the Khlong Krabi Noi in the province's highest range of mountains, the Khao Phanom Bencha.

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.