Krabi, Thailand

Krabi is often singled out as Thailand’s most beautiful province along the Andaman Coast. Attractions on Krabi include Ao Nang beach, which has 83 small islands in its bay; Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, a marine national park; and Mu Koh Lanta National Park, which encompasses several islands ringed by coral reefs. Krabi Town also has one of the best night markets in Thailand, with options for sampling local street food and bargaining for everything from authentic crafts to designer knock-offs.

maritime park and spa resort krabi

An exterior view of the Maritime Park and Spa Resort in Krabi

The twin Phi Phi isles with their picturesque limestone cliffs, are about a two-hour journey by boat from Krabi and will be instantly familiar to those who saw the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach.

The best time to visit Krabi is November to April when the region’s climate cools off a bit. The rainiest season is June to November. Krabi’s peak travel season runs from December 20 through January 10; book three to six months in advance for travel during those weeks.

The Maritime Park and Spa Resort has a stunning location that has lured such high-profile guests as DiCaprio and Jackie Chan. The lagoon-side resort is a short distance from the beach. The Presidential Suite offers the most spacious accommodations at the resort, with two bedrooms, a large living room with dining area and an exclusive elevator to the private kitchen. A real selling point is the suite’s panoramic views of Mount Kanab Nam. Deluxe Rooms have all the basic amenities and are considered a good value. The Maritime Suites have a separate room with the option for a connecting room.

The resort’s Adora Spa has five treatment rooms. The most popular treatment is the Thai Touch Package. Ask for Yupa Pan Chu, a celebrated therapist at the spa. Pan Chu is also the general manager; he can be contacted directly at 011-66-0-7562-0028 or [email protected].

sofitel krabi

Rooms at the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort are classic in style, with subdued colors and furnishings

The 276-room Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort has a lot going for it. The resort claims to not only be the largest on Krabi, but to also have Krabi’s largest swimming pool and only golf course (a nine-hole). Most rooms have a large balcony providing views of Krabi’s signature limestone islands and sunsets over the Andaman Sea. The best views of the ocean and pool (together with the sunset) are to be had in Wing B from rooms 369-382. The most requested premium accommodations are the Executive Suites. These are spacious enough at 807 square feet to accommodate families with children. Another option is to book two connecting rooms. For example, connect a Superior Room to a second Superior Room, a Superior to a Luxury Room or a Prestige Suite to a Superior Room. The resort has a total of 48 connecting rooms. The Presidential Suite is 1,722 square feet and offers a view to the ocean, and pool views from a large balcony with a sundeck. The suite has a spacious living room, bathroom and private dining area that can seat eight people. A nice touch is the Lavazza coffee machine. The resort’s Le Spa has eight treatment rooms: four rooms for couples and four rooms for singles, and each room has a private soaking tub. Traditional treatments are featured, such as Traditional Thai massage, Thai Herbal Compress and Oriental Foot Massage. Agents can book treatments for clients ahead of time by contacting the spa manager at [email protected].

The hotel also has three restaurants, five bars, a fitness center, a Turkish bath, a children’s playground and conference facilities for up to 350 people.

Agents with questions can reach out to Ove Sandstrom, the general manager (011-66-0- 7562-7800, [email protected]).

red ginger chic resort

From a room at Red Ginger Chic Resort, guests can plunge right into the pool, while inside the decor is modern and chic with an Asian flair

The 63-room Red Ginger Chic Resort recently completed an extensive room refurbishment. The resort is located 650 feet from Nopparat Thara Beach. Rooms and suites come with a choice of a private balcony or terrace. DVD players are a nice touch. The Ginger Suite Club Room (#411) has the best beach views.

Clubrooms are duplex-style rooms and are a good choice for honeymooners and families with children. Additionally, the resort has four connecting rooms.

Spa facilities are available at the Adora Spa at Red Ginger’s sister property, the Pakasai Resort. Facilities at Red Ginger include a swimming pool and café/restaurant.

The general manager is Umaporn Sriraksa (011-66-0-7563-7999, [email protected]).
The 104-room Pakasai Resort overlooks the Andaman Sea and is nestled among the tropical hills beside Noppharat Thara National Park. It’s important to note that it’s not a beachfront property. For the best views of the mountain and sea, book one of the two Pakasai Peak View Suites, the most expensive accommodations at the resort. The resort has 10 Adora Suites; each has an outdoor Jacuzzi and a small garden. There are also five connecting rooms, with the Deluxe Family rooms being a good bet for families with children.

In the spa, which has two rooms, the Adora Thai touch treatment is a signature treatment, and we hear that Kanchana Butdhawek is the most popular massage therapist.

The general manager, Umaporn Sriraksa, can be contacted directly for VIP requests (011-66-0-7563-7777, [email protected]).