Krabi province in southern
Thailand has been included in the list of “52 Paces to Go in 2014” by The New
York Times, one of the leading newspapers in the world.
The list tags Krabi as “A
Phuket-like hideaway, but still unspoiled.” The list comes out every year in
the second week of January to recommend top destinations that tourists would
enjoy exploring in various parts of the world.
The town of Krabi lies just
a 45-minute boat ride across the Andaman Sea from Phuket. According to the
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Krabi is welcoming more flights from both
domestic and international destinations. Malaysia Airlines has announced that
it will introduce a direct Kuala Lumpur – Krabi service with four flights per
week, from 3 February 2014.
The announcement came as
Thai budget airline Nok Air launched a twice-daily Bangkok – Krabi service from
1 January 2014, and Bangkok Airways’ newly-introduced twice daily flights on
the route from March 2013. From 25 November 2013, low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia
launched a daily direct Singapore – Krabi service and increased the frequency
on the Bangkok – Krabi route to eight flights daily. The low-cost carrier also
introduced a new direct daily Krabi –Chiang Mai service from 15 December 2013.
Located 814 kilometers from
Bangkok, or little more than an hour’s flight from the capital city, Krabi
boasts not only beautiful beaches, but also many scenic islands, particularly
Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, and limestone cliffs that draw rock-climbing
enthusiasts from around the world. The Phi Phi islands are recognized as one of
the most beautiful marine tourist sites in the world.
The province has two major
cash crops, namely oil palm and natural rubber. It has set a vision to become
an international tourist city and a center for sustainable agro-industry. The
population is now more than 441,000.
Known as the “Emerald of
the Andaman Sea,” Krabi has great potential for further growth in tourism
because of its readiness in terms of natural beauty suitable for accommodating
the high-end market. The local people also have a unique way of life.
Designated as a tourist city in 1985, this province has been chosen as a
suitable site for location shooting by many filmmakers.
Since Krabi is situated
near the internationally renowned tourist destination of Phuket Island, it has
been regarded as an alternative for tourists turning from the crowded Phuket.
Krabi International Airport is the second largest in the Andaman group of
provinces, after Phuket, in terms of the number of passengers and the volume of
goods transported through it. It ranks fourth in southern Thailand.
So it is clear that the
inclusion of Krabi on The New York Times list of 52 Places to Go in 2014 has
further reaffirmed Krabi’s position as one of the most popular tourist
destinations in Thailand and the world.
(thailand.prd.go.th)