KRABI must be seen to be believed. I know, everybody says that. But unlike the travelling freak show, this is for real (and it won't scare the kids). A big chunk of wild mainland and a smattering of islands in the Andaman Sea, Krabi province is unique in its mind-boggling scenery, ecological diversity, and million-and-one ways to get out and have fun. It may not be as well known as its sister-in-the-sea Phuket - a big plus for recently converted Krabi-heads - but it's just as accessible.

So what is there to do? Be challenged by new activities, brush up on old ones, or pack a week's worth of soothing relaxation into an afternoon. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Diving, fishing, canoeing, elephant trekking, mountain biking - the list is longer than an Icelandic summer's day.

Just for you, my dear reader, I've gathered a small collection of Krabi's highlights and tied them together with a cheap gimmick. Lets allow the 'kays' to speak for themselves:

The limestone of the karst formations may be irregular, but the awe they produce is anything but. Towering over jungle, mangrove, and open water, these majestic cliffs are impressive in any setting. Need to get a closer look? Railay's beaches look small from a cliff-side perch, but there's no reason to be knock-kneed.

Expert guides will teach you how to tie a mean knot and have you scaling world-class - and world-famous - walls in no time. This is an outdoor playground, and who loves playgrounds more than kids? Collecting shells, chasing crabs, zooming down the beach - endless ways to entertain the small set abound.

Maybe you love adventure, exploration, and solitude, and don't mind an upper-body workout. Paddle a kayak to your own Shangri-La at sea.

Food is the keystone of Thai culture and every holiday in Thailand. You can find Thai cuisine at home, but it's not like this. Deliciousness is unavoidable. Scrumptiousness guaranteed. Mixed in with the restaurants and shops pushing typical tourist trinkets and beach gear are vendors selling handcrafted Thai keepsakes. High quality and eye pleasing, mom would appreciate something authentic far more than the "I Feel Krabi" tee shirt you were considering.

There's no shortage of things to write home about. Tap out a few quick keystrokes at the ubiquitous internet cafes and let the whole crew know about Thailand's biggest - and best - secret. Employing a lot more than just fingers, knees, elbows, hands, and feet grow wings Friday nights at the Ao Nang boxing stadium. The appendages take flight in an all out assault on their opponent. This is real kickboxing; this is Muay Thai.

After a day of hard work (or hardly-work), get the kinks out with a massage on the beach. It's cheap, it's effective, it's a massage on the beach. Enough said. Afterwords, order up a shaken kamikaze or cold beer straight from the keg. Sundowners on the beach are the ideal end to an afternoon - or beginning of a night. With so many beaches - and drinks - to choose from, it's a shame there aren't more sunsets in a day.

In the end, what goes around comes around. If you're lucky enough to visit this jewel, karma is shining on you. In this life or the last, you did something good. Very good.

Where to Stay in Krabi

Photos of Krabi