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Krabi is a small provincial
capital sitting on the banks of the Krabi River, close to where the
river flows into the Andaman. The surrounding area is littered with tall
limestone outcrops, pocked with caverns and topped with thick jungle,
which feature prominently in the northern and central parts of the
province. The shoreline alternates between luscious limestone precipices
and coves of fine white sand, bordering on the turquoise clear waters of
the Andaman. There are also many caves that can be found in the
province, some that have shown up evidence of human habitation from over
43,000 years ago.
In former times the economy of the area was based solely on fishing and
agriculture. With the advent of tourism in the 80's Krabi Province has
transformed itself into a major tourist centre, especially the islands
off the coast. The islands mostly belong to the Koh Phi Phi National
Marine Park and are easily accessible from Krabi.
From Krabi city to nearby provinces
- Phang Nga 86 kms.
- Phuket 176 kms.
- Trang 131 kms.
- Phattalung 193 kms.
- Surat Thani 211 kms.
- Nakhon Si Thammarat 233 kms.
- Satun 276 kms. From Krabi city to its districts
- Ao Luk 43 kms.
- Plai Phraya 66 kms.
- Khao Panom 39 kms.
- Khlong Thom 42 kms.
- Ko Lanta 103 45 kms.
- Lam Thap 67 kms.
- Nua Khlong 17 kms.
Places of Attraction:
Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)
This temple, located 3 km to the NE of town, is a famous meditation
centre. It is spectacularly set in the Ao Luk Thanu mountain range. The
main viharn is situated in a limestone cave, with many kutis (monastic
cells) on both sides. Behind the bot is a ridge which leads to a network
of caves. The paths have electric lights that aide you along the way.
Follow the path, through interesting scenery, it eventually leads back
to the entrance.
Susaan Hoi
Known as the 'shell cemetery', this natural phenomenon is located about
20 km from Krabi - close to the village of Laem Pho. What at first seems
like slabs of concrete scattered along the shoreline, are
in fact fossilized shells over 75 million years old. It is one of only
three such sites in the world and the only one in Asia. The cemetery is
best observed at low tide, when more of the shells are
exposed for viewing.
Thanboke Khranee National Park
This is a wonderful place for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural
surroundings. The park, established in 1991, is set in the north of
Krabi province, around Ao Luk. The park incorporates the Thanboke
Khranee botanical garden, where trails lead the visitor around the
beautiful forest scenery dotted with small streams and rock pools. In
the upper pool visitors are welcome to take a relaxing swim in the
crystal clear water.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Pank
This small national park is set in the north of the province, around the
1350m mountain peak of Phanom Bencha. The relatively small park, at 500
sq km, is situated in a region of virgin rainforest. The
remains of the rainforest shelter over 150 species of birds and 32
species of mammals.
The ruggedness of the terrain, topped with lush tropical vegetation,
provides a spectacular backdrop to the park's natural attractions. The
impressive Huay Tho falls, with eleven levels (each containing a small
pool), is one of the most striking as well as the most popular. The park
has two trails for visitors to follow; both winding through the heart of
the park, and can be rather gruelling to some.
The rewards however are always worth the sweating and aching.
Ao Nang
The bay is about 18 km from Krabi town. It contains a group of 83
islands, most of which are only a short trip away by a long-tail boat
ride. It has a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere than Krabi. The
dramatic limestone cliffs drop majestically into the calm waters of the
sea, while in the hinterland caves and grottos adorn the area. The long
fine beach runs along the length of the resort and offers a
great view over the bay and the nearby islands. The waters off the beach
are shallow here, making it a safe and suitable place for children to
enjoy. At low-tide it's possible to reach the deserted beach at Pai
Plong, just around the headland.
Hat Napporat Thara
This beach lays about 20 km west of Krabi. It is about 3 km long and
lined with Casuarina forest. The beach is part of the Napporat Thara and
Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park. At the visitors information centre
there is a small exhibition of local artefacts on display. During low
tide it's possible to wander out to some of the islands in the bay.
Ao Phra Nang
Ao Phra Nang is the peninsular just to the south of Ao Nang. It contains
the popular beaches of Rai Leh and Hat Tham. There are no roads along
Phra Nang, due to the craggy limestone cliffs, giving a secluded feel to
the place. Although it is easily and regularly accessible by long-tail
boats. The beach at Rai Leh is rather spectacular and has a fine range
of pleasant accommodation available. As is typical in this area, the
limestone geology has forged many interesting rock formations. The bay
is also abound with many caves, containing interesting stalagmites and
stalactites formations, to wander around in.
The pristine beaches, well known for their beauty, have fine clear
waters and are excellent for swimming and sunbathing. For those that
don't suffer from vertigo, the limestone cliffs that surrounds Rai
Leh offer great opportunities for enthusiastic rock climbers. The
rewards are a spectacular view over the surrounding area.
Located at the southern end of the beach are the remarkable limestone
formations around the mountain cave of Phra Nang - named after a
mythical princess called Nang. Many rock climbers from around the world
have been drawn here to enjoy their pursuit on the challenging cliff
faces.
Phi Phi Islands
The spectacular Phi Phi Islands are two islands; Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi
Don, of which only Phi Phi Don is inhabited. These idyllic islands are
easily accessible from the mainland, with boats leaving from Krabi.
There are also plenty of boats that leave from Phuket.
Phi Phi Le is only six square kilometres in area and is predominantly
made up of sheer cliffs, with a number of caves and hidden coves. One of
the most interesting is the Viking cave, with paintings dating back over
400 years ago that resemble Viking long boats adorning its walls. The
cave also contains the famous sea-swifts nests, of birds-nest soup fame.
The island is uninhabited, mainly because of the priceless birds nests,
but many boats from Phi Phi Don regularly take the short jaunt over to
visit the cave and the island's secluded beaches.
Phi Phi Don, 2 km to the north is the larger of the two at 28 square
kilometres. All accommodation is on this island, based mainly around Ton
Sai Bay, where all the incoming boats dock. The bay is a long curving
stretch of white sandy beach, wedged between two limestone peaks. Phi
Phi Don has an abundance of fine tropical beaches along its southern and
eastern shores, with plenty of limestone karsts offering spectacular
views over the islands.
The island is still inhabited by Chao Lay (sea gypsies), mainly on the
western, unspoiled reaches of the island |