Hello fellow travellers, today I’m bringing you to Krabi, a beautiful region of Thailand that I completely fell in love with and hope to explore more someday. On my short visit here, I stayed in a gorgeous hotel that impressed me in every single way from it’s sustainability efforts to it’s beautiful design and incredible staff who made me feel right at home. This hotel completely changed the way I experienced Krabi and I think it is such a hidden gem that I can’t wait for more of you to discover. So if you’re looking for a sustainable hotel to visit in Krabi, or just want to see how they take part in sustainable tourism then keep reading.

Welcome to, Varana Hotel…

Varana Hotel is the perfect place for an upscale retreat in Krabi, just moments away from Phang Nga Bay, a beautiful white sand beach bosting gorgeous views of the islands. Even though it is right by the beach, it was a very secluded feel to it, surrounded by greenery and mountain views yet with a minimalist modern design.

To provide a little backstory to Varana Hotel, they have combined the Thai words for Vana (forest) , Nava (water) and Nara (people) to create the name ‘VARANA’ and they use triangles in their name and logos to represent this too. They have a real focus on health and wellbeing and recognising that this may look different for each person. Varana quotes, ‘Wellness looks different for everyone. Your version of well may include active movement, sports, and physical fitness. It may include a fabulous meal and biodynamic glass of wine. It may be having time to yourself, or spending time with family and close friends. It may be spending time in our forests, mountains, or oceans. Feeling the freedom that comes from being outdoors in this beautiful world’.

I’ll admit, it’s not always easy to find eco-friendly accommodations around the world, especially those who also meet your needs and feel like complete luxury, so I’m impressed at Varana’s efforts to embrace Bio-Circular-Green economy. Within the resort they have groundwater banking, using water pumps that have been made from recycled materials and locally grown renewable bamboo to retain and store water throughout their grounds using zero electricity and zero emission. Their TukTuks are also electric rather than gas powered and much of their furnishings are made from recycled materials, just ask the staff to point them out to you. Finally, there is an abundance of greenery around the hotel, including a little veg garden where Varana grows their own veggies and herbs that will then be served to you during your stay along with lots of locally sourced food.

Book your stay here.

The Food!

Okay, let’s talk about the food here at Varana as it was a whole experience in itself. The resort has five restaurants to choose from and I visited two, The Nook, available all day with a variety of delicious eats, and Xin, a beautiful Chinese Restaurant with an open kitchen. At each of their restaurants, Varana collect chemical-free food from their own garden, from the local community and to from organic farms to support sustainability with less transportation needs and also support their local community.

The Nook Restaurant is open throughout the day and evening and has a great variety of delicious food. Everything is fresh and made well and you can really taste it. I had an incredible lunch here, a favourite dish of mine being the refreshing salad and of course I enjoyed this with a fresh coconut. I was also lucky enough to have a private dinner by the pool here at Varana and it was one of the most incredible dining experiences of my life. The setting was absolutely beautiful, as was the food. I had lots of amazing local seafood dishes here including jellyfish!

The Xin restaurant is also a must visit. It boasts lots of delicious Chinese dishes from soups to noodles to veggies. Again I had this dinner in a private setting and would really recommend this if you are visiting for a special event as it is very intimate and such a special experience.

The Activities & Facilities

There are lots of amazing things to do in Krabi and some in particular that I really recommend…

First things first, a visit to Hong Island is an absolute MUST DO! There are different boat trips you can take to the island with very different experiences depending on your budget and preferences. As a solo traveller, I love choosing group trips on bigger boats as it’s a great way to meet new people and not feel as though you are alone however, Varana Hotel offer a private longtail boat experience and send you off with a picnic and honestly, it is the best way to travel to Hong Island and the neighbouring islands, it was really special. Not only was it so much fun to travel via longtail boat and enjoy a picnic on board, but having a private tour meant I was able to alter the plan slightly and stop in different places or stay longer at particular places which was amazing.

A visit to Dragon’s Crest mountain is an incredible experience and will give you some amazing views. This beautiful spot located in Khao Ngon Nak National Park is amazing for those who love a hike, it is 565 metre high and a 3-5 hour round trip. You can also take a lunch packed by The Nook Restaurant at Varana to make this all the more enjoyable.

Another amazing activity I did at the hotel was learn how to paddle board! This has been on my bucket list for years now and I’ve finally mastered it! Ok, ok, I was in a pool so I didn’t have moving water to contend with however it was really great to finally learn. You can book this amazing experience with the hotel and do this in their Olympic pool.

For those who like a bit more of a workout, Varana has an incredible climbing wall you can try out. Practice your climbing skills and test your strength and don’t worry, you’re harnessed in!

There is also an amazing fitness centre at Varana, a jogging track and wellness classes that can get your heart pumping, so if relaxing by the pool isn’t your thing, Varana have got you covered.

For those who want to relax and enjoy some wellness treatments, the FAA Spa is a beautiful space with private rooms and is named after the Thai word for ‘sky’. Relax in the Onsen Spa, Detox in the sauna or treat yourself to a massage, facial, guasha (my personal favourite), or many other incredible treatments that’ll leave you feeling calm and relaxed.

I hope you keep this beautiful hotel in mind for your next trip to Krabi and are able to enjoy a truly relaxing, worry-free stay knowing you’re also choosing a place that cares about you and the planet so go ahead and book your stay here. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and have safe travels!

As always, love Elise x

P.S. This post contains affiliate links, which helps me continue to write travel blogs for you! It doesn’t cost you any extra, but I get a small amount of commission from the sale.

FAQ

What is the best time of year to visit Krabi?

The best time to visit Krabi is during the dry season which is usually from November to April, with pleasant weather, lower humidity and less rain.

How do I get to Krabi?

You can get to Krabi easily by plane, by flying to Krabi International airport. There are routes from aorund Thailand and various other countries directly to Krabi and I find the best flights on Skyscanner. Or, if you are already in Thailand and prefer not to fly, there are lots of transport options with a mix of coaches, minivans, private taxis and boats. It’s really easy and affordable to move around in Thailand, I often just use Google Maps to see what routes are available, then use 12Go Asia to find bookings.

What are the must-visit attractions in Krabi?

Some popular attractions in Krabi include Hong Island, Railay Beach, Ao Nang, Phi Phi Islands, Tiger Cave Temple, Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, and the Emerald Pool. I’d recommend looking each of these up and reading some reviews before your visit to see which suits you better. Some of these spots can get super touristy, so if you’re not a fan of that then I’d recommend hiring a little scooter and going around to look for more secluded spots. Thailand is full of them!

Are there any water activities in Krabi?

There are lots of fun water activities to do in Krabi for adventurers and those looking for something more relaxing. You can take part in activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, island hopping, and boat tours to explore the stunning limestone cliffs and clear waters.

What is the local cuisine in Krabi?

Krabi offers a variety of local Thai dishes, seafood, and international cuisine. Try dishes like Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, Green Curry (my favourite) , and fresh seafood at local markets and restaurants. Personally, I love a mix of really beautiful upscale restaurants, and super local street food and I think it’s great to experience both!

Are there any cultural or religious considerations for visitors to Krabi?

While Krabi is relatively relaxed, it’s essential to respect local customs and traditions as with anywhere you travel to. When visiting temples, dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering, and be mindful of local customs. This applies to all of Thailand, not just Krabi.

What is the currency used in Krabi?

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are often accepted in tourist areas, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for local markets and smaller shops. I’ve noticed that I need cash in Thailand much more often than in other countries, so it’s always good to have some on you.

Is it necessary to know the local language?

While many locals in tourist areas speak basic English, it’s helpful to learn a few common Thai phrases. It can enhance your experience and interactions with the locals, I always try to learn at least ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ are the bare minimum when I visit a new country and I think it’s polite to make some effort, however most people will speak relatively good English, so don’t worry about not being understood afterall, there is always Google Translate!