One of the most attractive tourist destinations in Thailand, the region's focal point is Krabi Town, a popular port of call for independent travellers - with most of tourist interest concentrated by the quayside - although few visitors stay in the town for more than a few days. Most gravitate towards the local beaches, such as Ao Nang and Phra Nang, which are situated between 8 and 10 mls W of the town. Ao Nang is the most developed area, stretching for nearly 3 mls along the beach and inland for just over 1 ml up the neatly sloping hillside. A backpackers' destination in the 1990s, it now caters more for the middlemarket tourist. Development at the beaches has generally been gradual but 2002 saw a sudden increase in the building of shopping centres, fast-food outlets and mid-range hotels, stretching from the Ao Nang shopping centre westwards. This hasn't yet affected the gentle, laid-back atmosphere of the region, and secluded beaches, coves and inland retreats can still be found.

Krabi suffered some damage from the Asian tsunami. Before travelling to the area, contact your tour operator for the latest information or visit the website www.tourismthailand.org/. You should also check the latest advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk). Previously an established retreat for backpackers. Nowadays, more adventurous package tourists are beginning to discover the delights of the region, especially as it has been added to many cruise-ship itineraries. Suits travellers looking for a relaxing, hassle-free holiday within reach of some of the world's most stunning natural seascapes.

Most accommodation in Krabi Town is geared towards backpackers. Out of town, several good-quality hotels - some on the beach front - serve the needs of middlemarket package tourists.

Ao Nang is a long, white-sand beach stretching to the foot of a prominent limestone range; the most developed beach in the area with a reasonable choice of amenities. Phra Nang comprises 3 beautiful beaches on a remote headland, accessible only by boat and frequented by day-trippers from Krabi, Phi Phi Island and Ao Nang. Numerous other secluded beaches along the coast and on nearby islands.

Mainly limited to the usual Thai trinkets, fake watches and T-shirts. Hotel shops provide a good choice of gifts, although more expensive. Krabi Town offers good local shopping opportunities.

Daytime: snorkelling and diving, with many fine coral reefs off the coast; sailing and sea-kayaking; walking and hiking in nearby national parks; bird-watching; Shell Cemetery, a 75-million-year-old fossilized shell bed, viewed at low tide. Nightlife: generally quiet with hotels offering occasional live entertainment.

Some pleasant beachside eateries offering a choice of Thai and Western fare. Seafood in the region is particularly good. Krabi Town has a few simple restaurants catering mainly for backpackers.

Buses and boat taxis serve most of the local beaches. Shared motorised rickshaws ply the streets of popular areas and link Ao Nang with Krabi Town.

Full day: numerous boat trips to various islands and secluded beaches, including Phi Phi Island; botanical gardens close to Ao Luk; Khao Phanom Bencha National Park with its waterfalls and caves; various temples including Tiger Cave Temple, built into limestone rocks; deep-sea fishing trips.

In the province of Krabi, on the Andaman Sea, on the W coast of the mainland peninsula. 500 mls S of Bangkok. 110 mls E of Phuket by road. Most transfers are from Phuket or Krabi airports.

Set in a region of outstanding natural beauty, many fine beaches and over 130 offshore islands. Close to the mouth of the Krabi River.

Telephone Area Code: 75
Post Code: 81000
Website: www.gokrabi.com

Airport : Phuket
Airport Code: HKT
Flight time from ther U.K.: 12 hrs