With Valentine’s Day coming up, we round up our top five hot spots to get you in the mood for love.
Ruen Mai
This intimate, beautifully-lit dining room deserves the title of “best Thai restaurant in Krabi”. The vast menu caters to all palates, from newcomers to Thai cuisine to the seasoned pro seeking obscure southern Thai delicacies, and is masterfully adapted to your required chilli tolerance. The owner is Chinese-Thai, so vegetarians are also well taken care of. Discreet service and a relaxed ambience allow couples to make the most of their time together. Contact 089-2883232 for reservations.
GPS: 8.088049, 98.882102
Jenna’s Fine Wine & Bistro
For foodie couples favouring a western menu, Jenna’s with its Finnish owner-chef, and seasonal selection of beautifully prepared dishes is the place for a lip-smacking Valentine’s Day dinner. Ao Nang’s largest selection of wines will help set the mood for love. Service is excellent; we recommend the atmosphere of the outdoor terrace over the indoor dining room. Contact 075 692 152 for reservations.
GPS: 8.032982, 98.825142
Khao Thong Terrace
For a sunset dinner away from the crowd, it is worth making the trip out to Ao Thalane. This hillside restaurant serving above average Thai food, enjoys unparelleled views over what is surely one of the best vistas in Krabi – the island dotted horizon of southern Phang Nga Bay. The lack of tourists in this part of Krabi means your special moment is assured. Contact 083 107 4400 for reservations.
GPS: 8.173597, 98.749275
The Grotto
There are many romantic hotel restaurants in Krabi – especially those on Tubkaek and Railay beaches, that have their tables on the sand – but we chose to include The Grotto, belonging to the 5 star Rayavadee Resort on Phra Nang Cave beach, as it is a unique proposition. Cave dining may not sound very romantic, but this particular high roofed cavern, opening onto a dream-like landscape is pure romance – and pure Krabi. Nature’s own decor and a mouth-watering menu (with eye-watering prices – be warned) is the place for a special meal with a loved one. Note: the restaurant is primarily a lunch venue, so is only open for early sunset dinners, closing at 8pm. Contact 075 620 740 for reservations.
GPS: 8.005454, 98.839022
The Hilltop
This is the go-to place for a sunset dinner in Ao Nang, and rightly so: the view over the islands is magnificent. But though impressive, its fame now means sunset at The Hilltop is no longer romantic – unless you find crowds of people queuing up for photos romantic! – so for us, the perfect time to visit here is after the sun goes down. Book a table at 8, and you will find the stylish restaurant emptying out, leaving you and your loved one alone with the stars, the cool night breeze, and the twinkling lights of Ao Nang below. On a clear night, the best table in the house – the aptly named “Love Seats” on the edge of the cliff – is possibly the most romantic spot in Krabi. Thai and seafood specialities. Contact 075 637 195 for reservations and free pick-up service.
GPS: 8.039248, 98.821505