Espresso Boarding: Krabi, Thailand

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Krabi, Thailand: Bask in the heat

There is something about floating in crystal-clear water while admiring the beach and jungle that makes all thoughts of work disappear from my head. Krabi is the ideal location to unwind, reconnect, and heal. There is even a ‘James Bond’ island where we can debate if we want to be the villain or the hero today. We can choose again tomorrow. Let’s go choose our spot.

Wat Kaew Korawaram

Beautiful, relaxing Krabi.

Thailand is my “go to” destination to reconnect with the non-digital world.

As I step off of the plane and stretch my legs, the warm air hits me and my restoration begins. This is a country in which people are kind to each other, strangers are people you just haven’t met yet, and the food is fabulous. Each visit restores my faith in humanity. Krabi is a place that will delight and restore you. Let’s look at the places that we enjoy the most.

Walk up 8 flights of 8 stairs to reach the Buddhist temple.

Wat Kaew Korawaram

In the center of Krabi Town, Wat Kaew Korawaram is a Buddhist temple that is a great place to cool down and calm down. If you meditate, this is your place. The gleaming (and clean!) white temple stands is covered in intricate carvings, golden accents, and the tranquil hilltop location offers sweeping views. Its peaceful atmosphere, combined with intricately beautiful murals and a giant golden Buddha, creates a perfect blend of spirituality and artistry. For people not into meditation, there are often little kittens that play in the temple. A dog will also occasionally wander in and hang out with you. They love the cool interior and the calm vibe.

Phra Nang Cave Beach and Island Hopping

Need a little luck? Leave an offering at the princess cave.

Phra Nang Cave Beach

Breathe in, exhale, and smile. Today, we are going to a place with crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and towering limestone cliffs. Phra Nang Cave Beach is home to the Princess Cave, a fascinating shrine adorned with offerings for fertility and good fortune. Want to win the lottery? Have a baby? Leave an offering here and your karma will improve. Burn off some energy and go explore hidden caves, snorkel in vibrant waters, or simply lay on the beach and soak up the sun.

A local tip? Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the magical sunrise. They mean arrive ‘really early.’ Don't miss kayaking along the cliffs for unique perspectives or climbing the nearby rock walls. Phra Nang Cave Beach is a “must do” experience that captures natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation in a single location. This is a great place for digital detox.

Island hopping

Rent a guide and tour the 4 islands of Phra Nang Cave, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island. The water is crystal clear and refreshingly cool in the hot Thai sun. This is typically a full-day of remembering how to giggle like a child and say ‘whoa’ like a teenager. Embrace the beauty and leave your email behind. This is what vacation is intended to be.

Does this scenery look vaguely familar? Congratulations! You have passed your ‘James Bond trivia’ quiz. Phang Nga Bay in Thailand is famously connected to James Bond through the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974). The bay's limestone islands and emerald waters was the filming location for the lair of the villain Scaramanga, portrayed by Christopher Lee. One of its islands, Khao Phing Kan, is now widely known as "James Bond Island." Its unique needle-shaped limestone rock and cinematic history make it a must-visit destination for fans of the iconic spy series and nature lovers alike. There is a speedboat day trip that will take you there and even serve lunch. We wouldn’t want to find out who turns into an evil villain when they are hungry.

“James Bond island” in Phang Nga Bay

Water so clear you would think you can walk among the islands

🐟 What should we eat? 🐟

Nong Joke Restaurant (ร้านน้องโจ๊ก)

When in Thailand, always ask locals where to eat. Nearly every time, they will recommend Nong Joke Restaurant (ร้านน้องโจ๊ก). This family business began as a street food stall owned by a young couple. When they had a child, they nicknamed him “Joke.” Nong means “young” in Thai and so the restaurant name was a little bit of humor and a lot of love for their son. They moved from a street stall into a full restaurant and saw their business and their son grow up together. The parents have recently retired and the “young joke” himself runs the restaurant.

Do you ever have a nightmare that you are really hungry but are handed a menu the size of a textbook when you arrive at the restaurant? Ha! Welcome to Nong Joke 😀 Their menu is almost intimidating and contains local food from Southern Thailand but also dishes native to Southern China. When I am faced with such impossible decisions, I close my eyes and randomly point to something on the menu. After politely asking about the spice level (I am totally weak when it comes to hot spices and order a “0” in spice level), I get really excited to find out what I ordered. Never in my life have I been disappointed. (Side note - I don’t use this strategy in China because the menu options include some foods that turn my stomach from an ethical perspective. In China, I order green beans and eggplant and eat when I get home).

If you are more of a planner when it comes to food, then we recommend either the khua kling (a spicy dry curry) or gaeng som (sour curry). Contrary to what you might expect from a sour dish, this one is so good that I make it at home.

The food is delicious, beautiful, and they even have one floor that is air conditioned.

Check out some of the dishes.

💤 Where should we sleep? 💤

Now that we have eaten at least 5 lbs of food, it’s time to find someplace perfect to sleep. Thailand is fairly inexpensive, and it’s a long flight to get there, so we will focus on luxury resorts. You may be shocked at how affordable these places can be.

Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort

Nestled along the pristine shores of Klong Muang Beach, Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort is where luxury meets tranquility. Unlike the bustling scene at Ao Nang, this resort offers a peaceful retreat with soft white sands and uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea. The sprawling, beautifully landscaped grounds are lined with swaying palm trees, and two massive infinity pools invite you to soak in the tropical serenity.

What makes it special? The service is where Dusit Thani truly shines. The staff embodies the warmth of Thai hospitality, ensuring that every guest feels at home. Mornings here start with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the sea, followed by a refreshing dip in the ocean, just steps away from your room. If you're up for adventure, the resort can arrange private island-hopping tours that take you to some of Krabi’s hidden gems—without the tourist crowds.

Pro: Secluded beachfront location – Unlike the more tourist-heavy spots, Klong Muang Beach remains peaceful and uncrowded, perfect for those who want a more exclusive experience.

Con: A bit far from nightlife – If you're looking to enjoy the buzzing bars and restaurants of Ao Nang, it’s about a 20-minute drive away, so getting around requires some planning.

Still, if your idea of a perfect vacation is sipping cocktails by the sea, indulging in world-class spa treatments, and waking up to the sound of waves—this is the place to be.

Check out photos of the Dusi Thani Resort.

Sip something refreshing by the Breeze Pool

Want to treat yourself with a place that is a little more over the top?

Rayavadee

Tucked away on the breathtaking Railay Peninsula, Rayavadee isn’t just a resort—it’s an experience. Accessible only by boat, it feels like stepping into another world, where dramatic limestone cliffs frame powdery beaches and lush jungle paths lead to secluded pavilions. The design blends seamlessly with nature, making you feel like you’re in a hidden paradise rather than a typical luxury hotel.

What truly sets Rayavadee apart is its location. It sits between three of Krabi’s most stunning beaches—Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, and Nopparat Thara Beach—each offering its own unique charm. You can kayak through emerald waters, climb iconic cliffs, or just relax with your feet in the sand while sipping on a fresh coconut. The dining experience is also unforgettable—The Grotto, set inside a limestone cave right on the beach, is one of the most romantic spots to have dinner in Krabi.

Pro: Unbeatable scenery and exclusivity – With its secluded setting, lush gardens, and stunning beaches at your doorstep, Rayavadee feels like a private paradise.

Con: Boat access only – While the seclusion is part of the charm, getting here requires taking a boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town, which might not be ideal if you like easy access to shops or nightlife.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime luxury escape, surrounded by nature yet pampered with five-star service, Rayavadee is the place to be.