Krabi

One of the most beautiful beaches on earth — Railay, a stunning peninsula of soft white sand hemmed in by towering limestone cliffs draped in jungle, its emerald water dotted with longtail boats, reachable only by boat. Split into the lively Railay West (gorgeous for sunsets and swimming), the mangrove-fringed Railay East and the show-stopping Phra Nang beach around the headland, it's pure tropical paradise, with climbers scaling the cliffs above. Come for a day or stay over; it's the essential, unforgettable Krabi experience. Simply breathtaking. Don't miss it.

The most spectacular thing to do from Krabi — a boat trip to the jaw-dropping Phi Phi Islands, where sheer limestone cliffs plunge into impossibly turquoise water above the famous Maya Bay (of 'The Beach' fame), hidden lagoons, coral reefs and pristine sand. Snorkel among tropical fish, swim in the clear bays, visit Monkey Beach and the Viking Cave, and drink in some of the most beautiful island scenery on earth. Go by speedboat, or better on a longer or overnight trip to beat the day crowds. Breathtaking and unmissable. Simply paradise.

The classic Krabi island-hopping day out — the Four Islands tour by longtail or speedboat, taking in Koh Poda (a postcard-perfect white beach with a karst offshore), Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phra Nang Cave beach, with a highlight at low tide: the 'Thale Waek' or Separated Sea, a sandbar you can walk across between the islands. Snorkel over coral, laze on empty beaches and soak up the spectacular karst seascape close to shore. A gorgeous, easy and essential half- or full-day trip. Beautiful and fun. Go early to beat the crowds.

A magical day among the karsts — the Hong Islands, a cluster of dramatic limestone islands north of Ao Nang, centred on the extraordinary Hong Lagoon: a hidden, emerald 'room' of shallow turquoise water enclosed by towering cliffs, entered through a narrow gap and utterly serene. Swim and kayak in the lagoon, snorkel over coral, laze on the beautiful Hong beach, and climb to the panoramic viewpoint over the whole archipelago. Quieter and even prettier than the Four Islands; a stunning, essential trip. Serene and spectacular. Unforgettable.

Railay is one of the world's great rock-climbing destinations, and even total beginners can have a go — its sheer limestone cliffs, riddled with pockets and overhangs and rising straight from the beach, offer hundreds of bolted routes with a jaw-dropping backdrop of sea and karsts. Join a half-day beginner course with a local school (no experience needed), clip in and haul yourself up for the exhilaration and the incredible views, or just watch the climbers dangling above Phra Nang beach. A thrilling, only-in-Railay experience. Exhilarating and unforgettable. Go with a reputable guide.

A leg-burning climb to one of the finest views in the south — the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua), where a punishing staircase of 1,237 steps zigzags up a jungle-clad karst to a golden Buddha and stupa on the summit, with a breathtaking 360° panorama over the limestone mountains, the patchwork countryside and the sea beyond. It's a genuine workout (go early before the heat), but the reward at the top is spectacular, and the forest temple at the base, with its caves and resident monkeys, is worth a look too. A memorable, rewarding highlight. Tough but worth every step. Dress modestly.

The lively heart of Krabi's beach scene — Ao Nang, a long sweep of sand backed by a buzzing promenade of restaurants, bars and shops, with longtail boats lined up on the sand and beautiful views out to the karst islands. It's not the prettiest beach in the area (the islands are the draw), but it's the convenient, sociable hub where you'll base yourself, eat, drink and catch every boat trip; stroll the front, swim, and watch the sunset behind the islands with a drink. A pleasant, central beach day and the perfect springboard for everything else. Convenient and fun. Great for sunsets.

Regularly rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world — Phra Nang, tucked around the headland from Railay, a flawless crescent of soft white sand and glowing turquoise water framed by dramatic cliffs, with rock climbers overhead and a famous cave shrine (the 'Princess Cave') at one end, hung with offerings. Swim in the clear shallow water, laze under the cliffs, snorkel around the rocks, and buy a fresh fruit shake or grilled skewer from the longtail 'boat bars' moored on the sand. Pure, spectacular paradise. Simply stunning. A must for any Krabi trip.

A refreshing escape into Krabi's jungle interior — the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot), a natural spring-fed pool of astonishing, glowing blue-green water deep in the rainforest of the Khao Nor Chuchi wildlife reserve, where you can swim in the cool, clear water surrounded by dense jungle and birdsong. Nearby, the Krabi Hot Springs cascade into smooth stone 'bathtubs' of naturally warm mineral water for a soak. A lovely, cooling half-day away from the beaches and boats, deep in nature; combine the two. A beautiful, refreshing highlight. Bring your swimmers and mozzie spray.

For a taste of local life and superb cheap food, head into Krabi Town for its lively weekend walking-street night market — rows of stalls sizzling up southern Thai street food, fresh seafood, grilled skewers, curries, sweets and fruit shakes, with a stage of live music and a friendly, local buzz. It's where residents eat and hang out, far cheaper and more authentic than the tourist strips, and a brilliant, tasty evening. Graze your way along the stalls, try the local specialities, and soak up the atmosphere. A fun, delicious and very local highlight. Come hungry. Cash only.

Krabi's nightlife is centred on Ao Nang, and while it's more laid-back than Phuket's Patong, it's a fun night out — the buzzing Center Point and the lanes behind the beach are packed with lively bars, live-music venues, beer bars and a few clubs, plus relaxed beachfront spots for a cocktail under the stars. Bar-hop the strip, catch a band, or settle in for sunset drinks with the karsts silhouetted offshore. Sociable and easygoing rather than wild — a great, relaxed evening after a day on the islands. Lively and fun. Perfect for a sundowner.

A serene, beautiful contrast to the beaches — sea-kayaking through the karst-and-mangrove wonderland of Ao Thalane or the Bor Thor caves, paddling at your own pace along calm channels that wind between towering limestone cliffs, through mangrove tunnels and into hidden lagoons and caves (some with ancient rock paintings). It's peaceful, gentle and gorgeous, with a good chance of spotting monkeys, kingfishers, mudskippers and sea eagles along the way. A lovely, low-key half-day among some of Krabi's most dramatic and untouched scenery. Tranquil and stunning. Great for all ages.

Krabi sits on some of Thailand's richest fishing grounds, and its fresh seafood is a highlight — pick your catch (prawns, crab, squid, whole fish) from the ice at a beachfront or riverside restaurant and have it cooked to order, Thai-style with garlic, chilli, lime and lemongrass, or try the fiery southern-Thai specialities like spicy yellow crab curry and stir-fried morning glory. The Ao Nang seafront and Krabi Town's riverside spots do it beautifully. Feast on a seafood platter with your toes near the sand; it's fresh, delicious and great value. Superb and unmissable. Come hungry and spice-ready.

For Krabi at its most peaceful, escape to the quiet north-coast beaches of Klong Muang and Tubkaak — long, palm-backed stretches of sand with calm, shallow water, upscale resorts and spas, and some of the most beautiful sunset views in the region, looking out to a scatter of karst islands turning gold in the evening light. Far calmer than Ao Nang, they're perfect for a relaxed beach day, a swim and a sunset stroll, with the boat trips still within easy reach. A serene, gorgeous beach highlight for those wanting to slow down. Tranquil and lovely. Magical at sunset.

There's no better way to end a Krabi day than out on the water — a sunset longtail-boat cruise among the limestone islands, chugging past sheer cliffs and hidden beaches as the sky and sea turn molten gold and pink, often with a stop to snorkel in glowing plankton after dark. Sip a cold drink, trail your hand in the warm water and drink in the spectacular karst seascape at its most magical hour; on a private longtail it's romantic and serene, on a group boat it's sociable and fun. A gorgeous, unforgettable way to round off the day. Simply magical. Bring a light layer for the ride back.