Introduction
Industry
In recent years, with it's natural attractions such as tropical islands, palm fringed beaches, forest waterfalls and caves attracting more and more sunseeking adventure-bound tourists, Krabi has begun to earn a substantial income from its tourism industry. Predominantly however, it is an agricultural based area, with sandy clay soil conditions, like many surrounding provinces, making it ideal for producing rubber, palm oils, oranges, coconuts, and coffee. Rubber is the main cash crop grown with over 700,00 rai being under cultivation for this purpose.
Palm oil comes in second, followed by coconuts. Fishing is widely carried out along the coastline and on most larger islands, and although traditional methods are still in use, modern trawling techniques are threatening numbers and the industry. Shrimp and cockle farming has been a high growth industry since the early 1990's, and there is also a flourishing grouper farming industry.
People
 The people of Krabi represent a mix of different races who over history came to settle from different regions. It is said that each group of people represent a different page in the history of Krabi. The Chao Ley or "Sea Gypsies" reside on various of the islands in Krabi's waters, and traditionally made their living from wandering around fishing and diving for their livelihood.
Their small communities are in danger of overexposure to tourism, and inevitable assimilation, however some of their traditional ways are presented in the yearly sea gypsy sailing ritual held in May on Koh Lanta, Koh Pu and Koh Cham.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Southern Chinese people flocked to Thailand in search of work and many made their way to the south of Thailand to work in local industry.
In more recent times, there involvement has been high in oil palm plantations and gypsum mining. Despite the assimilation of Chinese people and their descendants with local people over time, many retain vestiges of their Chinese heritage.
Many still retain the ability to speak Chinese, have Chinese (and Thai) names, and observe Chinese rituals and religious beliefs. Being in close proximity to Malaysia, southern Thailand is also home to many Muslim communities, and Krabi itself has a strong Muslim presence.
Climate
Krabi has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all year 'round, but the two periods of April-May and September-October are the hottest.
The September-October period is also the wettest.
The best time to visit Krabi is during the cool NE monsoon season, from November though March, when it isn't so humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable.
The average temperature is around 75?F to 89?F (24?C to 32?C). The hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures ranging from 80?F to 95?F (27?C to 36?C). There are frequent short heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity.
The Thai New Year occurs on April 13th and everyone sprinkles (or throws) cool water on each other.
Locals enjoy June, July and August, since the weather is usually fine and favourite haunts remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at this time of year, as well.
Temperatures range between 70?F and 90?F (20?C to 33?C).
During September and early October we start to remember our umbrellas. This makes an ideal time to visit abroad. One consolation for those who remain is that the beaches, outdoor restaurants and streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors.
And even at this time, we still get long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers. Anyway, plenty of lowseason activities, both water- and land-based, still offer themselves in Krabi during this wettest part of the summer season.
Administration
Krabi is divided into eight districts : Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, and Lam Thap and, Nhua Khlong.
Size, Location and Boundaries
Krabi is on the Andaman Sea coast of south-west Thailand, between 7' 30" and 8' 30" north latitude, and 98' 30" and 99' 30" west longitude. Total area is 4,709 square kilometers bounded thus :
Population
Krabi's estimated population, as of September 1999, is 344,610
Geography
 Krabi's mountainous physical geography is broken by highlands and plains on the mainland.The provincial administration also covers more than 130 islands in the Andaman Sea. Natural forest cover is chiefly mangrove and Cassia trees. Krabi's sandy clay soil conditions are perfect for a variety of agricultural products, including rubber trees, palms, mangos, coconuts, and coffee.
The Krabi River flows 5 kilometers through the city and falls into the Andaman at Tambon Pak Nam. There are other streams as well : the Khlong Pakasai, the Khlong Krabi Yai and the Khlong Krabi Noi in the province's highest range of mountains, the Khao Phanom Bencha.
Communications
Mail and Postal Services Open: 8am to 4.30pm. The Thai post service is usually reliable. Urgent or important items can be sent by EMS services.
This is faster and safer but the cost is higher. Krabi Town's main post office is located on Uttarakit Road, near the Customs Pier (See Map).
Telecommunications/Internet International phone calls, bureau fax, and Internet services are widely available throughout Thailand. Krabi Town's post office and most hotels can provide telephone and fax services and Internet services are springing up in all the main tourist areas, catering for Internet savvy tourists.
Banks
Krabi Town has a number of banks that provide standard services, Mondays to Fridays, except public and bank holidays, between 8.30am and 3.30pm. Check our town map for location details. Currency exchange centers also operate from 7.00am to 9.00pm, seven days a week including holidays.
Important Telephone
NumbersHospitals
Krabi Hospital 611-202, 611-210, 611-2203
Ao Lak Hospital 681-159, 681-510
Koh Lanta Hospital 697-017, 697-100
Assistance
Provincial Tourist Police 637-308
Immigration Office 612-740
Tourism Authority 212-213
Provincial Travellers Assistance Centre 612-740
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