Walking Street in Krabi features dozens of vibrant stalls and there's a market held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 5pm – 10pm. It generates a large crowd and is immensely popular with tourists looking for a local buzz. Maharaj Market is active all day and night and offers a great range of local produce, although the quiet times are generally between 12pm – 4pm and 9pm – 4am. If you want a modern shopping experience, head to Nopparat Thara Plaza, which has over 20 shops and a food court.

Krabi’s relaxed vibe extends further into its nightlife scene. There are plenty of low-key cocktail bars dotted throughout the town, but Center Point in Ao Nang is where the party’s at, with a range of lively, loud music bars welcoming a mixture of tourist from singles, couples and older travellers. You can enjoy the Full Moon party experience at The Freedom Bar in Krabi and the beaches around the area all feature a number of tourist orientated bars and nightlife.

If you want to experience authentic street food in Krabi, a night market should be your first stop. One of the best is located on Soi 10 Maharat and serves everything from catfish curry to tasty pad thai. Ruan Mai has a unique bamboo construction and while slightly more expensive than some other options, it’s one of the best restaurants in Krabi. For a taste of home, The Frog and Catfish is both English and Thai run, featuring a hybrid of both cuisines and a popular spot for tourists.

Beyond the gorgeous beaches there is a melting pot of culture to explore in Krabi. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Seua) is one of the resort’s most popular religious structures, regularly visited by Monks to mediate. If you’re brave enough, climb the 1,237 steps to the gilded Buddha statue at the top and admire panoramic views below. Attend one of Krabi’s many cultural festivals, with Laanta-Lanta Festival, celebrating harmony through traditional music, dance and a medley of cuisines, and Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival, praising the opening of the Andaman with sea kayaking competitions, boat races and sale products.

Aside from the beaches and watersports, there is a medley of exciting things to do in Krabi. Head to Poda Island, a natural park just offshore of mainland where you’ll be met by spectacular scenery. Learn to cook iconic Pad Thai in one of Krabi’s many small shops offering cooking lessons, hop on a boat and discover the lesser-known Emerald Pool for it’s unmatchable natural beauty, or soak in Klong Thom Hot Springs.

If you’re into adventure holidays, the Krabi International Rock Climbing event is held every April on Tonsai Beach and Poda Island, where tourists can explore the famous limestone cliffs up close – so be sure to pack your climbing boots! Or, if you’re a party person, the resort’s famous Full Moon beach parties are held regularly throughout the year – so get ready for neon paint, bucket-sized cocktails and an all round buzzing atmosphere.