Krabi is a fabulous beach destination, a bustling tourist trap, a transport centre and a colonial town rolled into one. Endless white beaches and gigantic cliffs adorn it from one side while majestic temples and lively local bars embellish the other. Discover your inner peace at the Railay Beach and soak in the beauty of coral reefs and enigmatic caves at Phra Nang. Witness the ‘footprint of the Buddha’ at the Tiger Cave Temple and let the Khao Khanab Nam Mountains enthrall you with their grace. Go for a swim in Krabi’s dazzling Emerald Pond, or rejuvenate in one of its many hot springs. Visit the Krabi Contemporary Art Museum for some creative inspiration and gorge on street food on the ‘infamous’ Walking Street. You will never be idle in this southern Thailand gem. While this place isn’t much of a shopping destination, the Downtown Krabi Fresh Market is worth your time if you wish to interact with locals.

Given its size, the abundance of luxury hotels and the crazy number of sights, Krabi is a lot more than a mere side trip. However, for those short on time, it makes for the perfect weekend getaway from Phuket as it is a 1.5 hour speedboat ride away from the island. Unlike other destinations in Thailand, Krabi has stuck to its roots and deserves your attention.