STAY

Dusit Thani Krabi

Old hotel; new name. Dusit Thani has sexed up the beachfront at what used to be The Sheraton with a new health-centric cafe offering fresh juices, snacks and cocktails. Unchanged is the property’s perfect location beside picturesque limestone cliffs, caves and waterfalls. For some serious pampering, check into the Mandara Spa.
155 Moo 2, Nong Talay, 075-628-000. www.dusitthanikrabi.com
 

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Classic colonial charm sets the mood at this swooping low-rise resort, which just underwent a major renovation. Rooms and suites now get giant 48” LED TVs, while out on your private terrace you can relax on new wooden furnishings. The new Club Millesime also offers a luxurious lounge and two more restaurants. The resort’s real highlight though is its private golf course—nine holes of uncrowded bliss right beside the beach.
200 Moo 3, Nong Talay, 075-627-800. goo.gl/ya5B9N

EAT

Ko Tung

Thirty-six years of service has made this Sino-Thai kitchen so good at what it does that they recently had to move to a bigger location to satisfy the crowds. Enjoy amazing dishes of braised pork belly (kao yok), tofu topped with crabmeat gravy (tao hoo song krueng), and stir-fried chicken with gingko nuts and syrup prunes (pad ngow guay). Of course, you can’t miss their Southern food—crab curry with rice noodles and gaeng som (a spicy sour soup) are favorites of the region.
66 Maharaj Rd., 091-951-9245. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.fb.com/kotungkrabi2522

PLAY

Deep Lounge Krabi

Jazz and folk music provide the soundtrack to this moody lounge bar most nights. Drop in some evenings though and you’ll find everything from local DJs to Cuban theme parties. The drinks list ranges from classic cocktails to shots of Scotch whiskey and imported craft beers. Hungry? Grab some fried squid roe or a grilled Australian beef steak with the spicy Thai dipping sauce known as jaew.
The Urbana Hemthanon, 88/40 Hemthanon Rd., 091-821-6626. Open Wed-Fri 6pm-1am. www.fb.com/deeploungekrabi

DO

Paka Show Park

Manorah is a traditional Southern Thai dance art which this theater breathes new life into with light and sound shows. The outcome is called “Illumanorah”, telling mythical stories through powerful choreography on a stage that can be viewed from 360 degrees. You can choose to just drop in and watch the show or accompany it with a Southern food buffet dinner.
196/1 Sritrang Rd., 075-656-853. Open Wed-Mon 1-10pm. www.pakashowpark.com
 

Live Life Andaman

Grab yourself a glass of wine and depart on a cruise that’ll take you through mango forests, past a cemetery of shells dating back 75 million years and onto four beautifully undisturbed islands—Koh Po Da, Koh Gai, Koh Tub and Koh Mo—before dropping anchor at Railay Bay for sunset barbecue snacks. The boat trip departs every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from Krabi River Marina Pier at 3pm.
9/2 Sarukanpattana Rd., 063-078-7416, 063-078-7417. www.livelifeandaman.com

WHERE Hot Spots 2016 lists the best new openings around Thailand. Explore the hottest restaurants, bars and hotels in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and Chiang Mai. Download your copy here.