Krabi Holiday Blog
My heart started pounding as I peeped out of the window while the aircraft made its final descent into Krabi, Thailand. This Krabi holiday blog covers my trip: climbing to the Tiger Cave Temple, the backpacker buzz of Ao Nang Beach, and the night markets of Krabi town.
Krabi lies in southern Thailand on the Andaman coast, and the area is believed to have been inhabited by early humans as far back as 35,000 BCE. In Krabi, I was a guest of the Tup Kaek Beach resort, nestled in a quiet neighborhood away from the bustling center.
My chauffeur drove me through lush tropical streets, and the ride itself was rejuvenating. After a quick check-in, I was escorted to my luxurious villa with access to a private pool.
My First Day in Krabi: Tiger Cave Temple
At first light, I set off to wander the tropical streets in my rented car. My first stop was the Tiger Cave Buddha Temple.
The Legend of the Tiger Cave
Locals believe a tiger once sought refuge here and slept in the cave during the morning sunlight. Sometimes it let out a ferocious roar, and hunters who came to the forest heard it and began calling the place Tiger Cave.
Later, the venerable Luangpor Jumnean Seelasettho, chief monk of the Tiger Cave Temple, led a group of Buddhist monks and nuns to live there, practicing dharma from 1975. Once they arrived, the tiger migrated towards the Phanom mountain range that extends from the adjacent hill. Since then, no one has seen the tiger.
Climbing the 1,237 Steps
Next to the cave stands a tall hill with a temple on top, reached by a single stairway of 1,237 steps. Some steps are more than a foot high, and climbing in temperatures of 35 degrees and up is simply hellish. Monkeys roam the stairway, so stay alert.
Two hours of arduous climbing got me to the summit, where a magnificent golden shrine of Lord Buddha and a rewarding view of the area awaited.
- Steps: 1,237, some over a foot high
- My climb time: about two hours
- Heat: around 35 degrees and up
- Watch out for: monkeys on the stairway
Ao Nang Beach: Krabi’s Backpacker Hub
On the following day, my second stop was the backpacker hot spot of Ao Nang Beach. It is the hub for island tours by long-tail boat to Koh Phi Phi Island, Koh Lanta and Rai Leh.
Ao Nang is packed with backpacker hostels and tour companies and is the liveliest part of the area. One long stretch of road has a pristine beach on one side and restaurants and shops on the other, often crowded with cars and tuk-tuks. It is a popular stop on any Thailand Tour Package.
Eating on Ao Nang Road
Ao Nang Road has a wide range of restaurants with charmingly eclectic menus, from Indian cuisine and local Thai food to Swiss and Italian delicacies.
Krabi Town and Its Night Markets
My next stop was the most versatile of all: Krabi town, known for its culture, museums and Buddhist wats. At night, a charming night market sets up on the promenade next to the piers. The food is nice and cheap, and locals occasionally put on shows on a small stage.
Maharat Soi 10 Market
Maharat Soi 10, in the center of town, has an even better market with plenty of cooked food and fresh fruit. Only a few stalls have menus; otherwise, simply point at what you want and enjoy. Note that there is no alcohol at Maharat Soi 10.
Walking Street Night Market
There is also a night market on Walking Street, between the Vieng Thong Hotel and the Vogue Department Store. It is open Friday to Sunday from 17:00 to 22:00 and sells handicrafts and clothes, plus plenty of local street food.
The Covered Morning Market
The covered morning market on Maharaj Soi 9 (behind the Shell station), the biggest in southern Thailand, is not to be missed. By 08:00 the action starts to subside, and at that moment the Thai national anthem plays and everything comes to a standstill.
| Market | Location | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Promenade night market | Next to the piers | Cheap food, occasional local shows |
| Maharat Soi 10 | Town center | Cooked food and fruit, no alcohol |
| Walking Street | Between Vieng Thong Hotel and Vogue | Fri to Sun, 17:00 to 22:00 |
| Covered morning market | Maharaj Soi 9, behind Shell station | Biggest in southern Thailand |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steps are there at the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi?
There are 1,237 steps to the summit. The climb took me about two hours in the heat.
Where do island tours from Krabi start?
Ao Nang Beach is the hub for long-tail boat tours to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Rai Leh.
When is the Walking Street night market open?
Friday to Sunday, from 17:00 to 22:00.
Leaving Paradise
I felt so wretched driving back to the airport and leaving this paradise behind. If you are planning a Krabi holiday, save time for the Tiger Cave climb, a day in Ao Nang and an evening in the markets of Krabi town.
