Krabi, Provincial capital in southern Thailand
Krabi is a town in Krabi Province in southern Thailand and serves as a gateway to the nearby islands and beaches of the Andaman Sea. The houses and low buildings spread along the riverfront and the few main streets in the compact center.
The settlement developed in the 18th century as a trading post for tin and rubber in the region. Archaeologists found tools and cave paintings from prehistoric times in the surrounding limestone caves.
The name comes from the Malay word for sword and refers to a legend about a weapon found in the river. Locals use the riverside promenade for evening walks and gather at street food stalls along the roads in the town center.
Most travelers use the town as a starting point for day trips to the nearby beaches and islands or to explore the mangrove forests. Accommodations and restaurants concentrate around the riverside promenade and the markets in the center.
Two prominent limestone formations called Khao Khanab Nam face each other across the river and once served as landmarks for ships entering the port. Caves inside the rocks contain ancient burial sites and can be reached by rented boats.
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