KRABI

Krabi has always been one of those places that brings back some of my favourite memories from travelling around Thailand. On my very first trip, I stayed at Blanco Hideout Hostel in Railay Beach and looking back now, it was probably one of the best weeks of my life. Every day seemed to follow the same routine in the best possible way. We'd spend the afternoons relaxing by the pool overlooking the sea with a few cold Chang beers, then head out in the evenings where the hostel came alive. It was one of those places where everyone spoke to everyone and within a day or two it felt like we'd all known each other for years.

One of the people I met was Bob, an older guy travelling on his own who had this completely free spirited attitude to life. We spent days exploring Railay together, sitting on the beach, climbing up to the famous viewpoint and just enjoying whatever the day brought. Along the trails we'd regularly spot monkeys swinging through the trees and even a few huge monitor lizards wandering around. It was one of those trips where nothing was really planned, but somehow every day turned into another great memory.

I've since been back to Krabi a second time, this time with one of my best mates when he came out to Thailand to travel with me for a month before his first child was born. I knew I had to bring him to Railay and Ao Nang because I wanted him to experience it for himself. It was just as good as I remembered. We spent the day exploring the beaches, taking in the views, and it reminded me exactly why it's still my favourite place in Thailand.

What I love most about Railay and Ao Nang isn't just the scenery, although the limestone cliffs rising out of the sea are unlike anywhere else I've ever been. It's the atmosphere. The whole place has this laid back, almost hidden world feeling to it, especially Ao Nang. Some of the wooden bars in Railay and restaurants remind me of something straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean, reggae music drifts through the streets, longtail boats line the beaches and there's always a relaxed, friendly vibe wherever you go. It feels completely different to anywhere else in Thailand.

Ao Nang is another place I've always enjoyed because it's the perfect base for exploring everything Krabi has to offer. You can spend the day hopping between islands, head over to Railay in just a few minutes by longtail boat, then come back in the evening for dinner, a few drinks or a walk along the beachfront. For me, Krabi has always been about adventure during the day and slowing down in the evening, and it's somewhere I'll happily keep returning to whenever I'm back in Thailand.