Krabi Expat Guide

• Back to main page of Krabi Expat Guide

THERE is a small, but lively ex-pat scene around the tourist areas of Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi. There is very little in the way of organised activities such as clubs and groups, however: the expats here are Krabi-style, i.e. very laidback and unwilling to be coerced into doing anything.

Communities tend to form by nationality, but also by occupation - diving, hotel owners, retirees etc. But Krabi is still small enough that everyone knows each other, by sight at least (this is changing rapidly however, as more and more people move to the area). It is quite easy to meet people, especially in the handful of bars and restaurants favoured by the locals. Whether you then make friends with them, is of course up to you.

There is a multiplex cinema in the Tesco Lotus mall outside of Krabi Town, though the offerings are Thai and only the biggest Hollywood blockbusters, some of which are shown with subtitles; the local movie theatre in Krabi Town shows all foreign movies dubbed into Thai. But you will find plenty of stalls selling the latest Hollywood releases, plus some American and British TV series on DVD.

The girly bar scene is almost non-existent in Ao Nang and Phi Phi (what there is is fairly tame, with a mixed clientele, including women and couples uninterested in after hours activities); there is none whatsoever in Ko Lanta, Klong Muang and Railay. Most nightlife is in the form of small beer bars and pubs, some with live music - there are no real large nightclubs or entertainment venues.