When you're feeling Krabi about Phuket

Unspoiled: a Thai longtail boat.

The rising star of southern Thailand is an idyllic beach and nature destination minus the crowds, writes Christina Pfeiffer.

Thailand's largest island, Phuket, has long been one of the most popular destinations in the land of smiles. Now there's a challenger from across the Andaman Sea. Krabi, on the western side of the Thai peninsula, is an ancient landscape that has much to offer. It has a stunning coastline, with sandy beaches wedged between green peninsulas and soaring rock formations. Mangroves, tropical forests, rivers and natural hot springs keep active travellers busy.

Here are our top 10 things to do in and around Krabi.

Rayavadee Resort, Krabi.

1 CRUISE THE ANDAMAN SEA

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Gaze at soaring limestone cliffs, snorkel among the colourful fish and sunbake on beautiful beaches. A boat cruise around the Andaman Sea islands is a pleasurable way to spend the day. The region has different types of boats for hire, including rustic longtails and glitzy speedboats. Most itineraries will take you to top snorkelling spots near Koh Poda and the strangely shaped Chicken Island, which has a rocky outcrop resembling a chicken's neck and head.

2 SOAK IN NAM TOK RON, A HOT-STREAM WATERFALL

Nam Tok Ron is one of Krabi's most picturesque hot springs. It's a natural outdoor spa with a tiered series of rock pools fed by water from thermal springs. The warm water (around 40 degrees) gushes into the pools from underground volcanic chambers. The hot-stream waterfall is located 45 kilometres from Krabi city and is popular with locals. The entrance fee is 90 baht ($3).

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When you're feeling Krabi about Phuket