Krabi Expat Guide
Comfort food: finding western products in Krabi
IT will happen at some point: you will start to miss the food from home. For some a meal every few weeks is enough, others require western food every day. In the tourist areas (Ao Nang, Klong Muang, Phi Phi, Ko Lanta in high season), there is a reasonably good choice of western restaurants, that are run by expats themselves, and thus offer fairly authentic food. See our restaurant reviews page for details on specific restaurants.
There are also several international fast food chains here, including McDonald's and Burger King (Ao Nang), KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Dairy Queen and Swensen's (all in Krabi Town).
If you would like to cook at home, choices are more limited. Even the recently opened supermarkets in Krabi like Tesco Lotus stock a poor selection of western goods compared with the same shops in Phuket. However, it is possible to find pasta, potatoes, cereals, imported meat and a limited selection of bread and cheese. (Anyone who wants to open up a good bakery is most welcome!). Makro, the cash and carry wholesaler (on the highway Route 4 heading north to Phuket) is a better bet for fresh western fruit and vegetables, as well as frozen meats and fish.
Some fresh ingredients such as fruit (e.g. apples) and vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus etc.) can also be found in the morning market in Krabi Town, or the local market in Ao Nang. Dried herbs and imported sauces and seasonings are also fairly easy to get hold of.
Drinks-wise, good wine is quite hard to find and expensive when you do. This also goes for beer - although there are specialist pubs in Ao Nang which have a better selection than most, including draught Guinness. International brand spirits and soft drinks are available everywhere.
To commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated the coast of Krabi on December 26, 2004, The Sriphong Phukaoluan Foundation has produced a DVD to raise funds to sponsor children orphaned in the disaster.
The average Thailand guidebook has only a couple of pages dedicated to Krabi. We've created a whole book about the province, its attractions and where to stay. You'll find everything you need to plan your holiday and comprehensive maps and information for when you are here. Order your copy now!