Krabi – a truly Thai town

Posted by admin on February 23rd, 2010 filed in Uncategorized, activities, attractions, living here, travel tips

Most visitors to Krabi Province are attracted by its stunning beaches and islands, or for its climbing or kayaking scene. Few take time to explore the town itself, which is the commercial and cultural heart of the province.

Just wandering the streets and browsing the small shops is a great way to get a feel for this bustling little town. Krabi’s population is made up of a blend of Buddhist, Muslim, Chinese and Indian residents, and this diverse mix is reflected in the local culture and cuisine.

You can find the popular southern Thai dish ‘khao moo daeng’ (red marinated pork on rice) on one side of the street, while aromas from Malay-inspired dishes such as ‘khao mok gai’ (chicken on aromatic rice) drift from across the road.

Indian-owned fabric shops sell an array of vibrant textiles, while next door the Thai Chinese community sip tea and dine on dim sum. There are lots of small souvenir shops dotted around the town, selling wooden carvings, silk scarves, jewellery and other random little trinkets.

Two markets set up on a nightly basis, while another larger market takes place each weekend; these markets are a great place to sup up the local social scene. Even you only have a few hours to spare Krabi town is worth a wander, just to ensure you take home a truly authentic experience of a Thai town.