This coastal province covers an area of 4,709 square kilometers and is located 814 kilometres south of Bangkok. Krabi’s major attractions are located largely along its extensive coastline, which contains several well-known beaches and bays, and numerous offshore tropical islands.
History of Krabi From archaeological discoveries, it is believed that Krabi was one of the
oldest communities in Thailand dating from the prehistoric period. It is also believed that Krabi was once the town of Ban Thai Samo, one of 12 royal cities that used a monkey as the town symbol. Krabi was a dependency town of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom. Another legend indicates that the town may have taken its name after the meaning of Krabi, which means sword. This may have stemmed from a legend that says an ancient sword was unearthed prior to the city’s founding. Later, the sword became a symbol of Krabi.
Geography of Krabi Krabi's mountainous physical geography is broken by highlands and plains on the mainland; the provincial administration also covers more than 130 large and small islands in the Andaman Sea. Natural forest cover is chiefly mangrove and Cassia trees. Krabi's sandy clay soil conditions are perfect for a variety of agricultural produces, including: rubber trees, palms, oranges, coconuts, and coffee. The Krabi River flows 5 kilometres through the town and falls into the Andaman Sea at Tambon Pak Nam.
Krabi is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes (districts): Amphoe Muang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luek, Lam Thap, and Nuea Khlong.
Travel around Krabi To getting around the town is very convenient by local taxi (Tuk Tuk). Some attractions like Hat Noppharat Thara, Susan Hoi , Ao Nang, Wat Tham Suea, Namtok Huai To, and Ao Luek can be reached by local mini-bus (Song Thaeo). The mini-buses depart from Vogue Department Store on Maharat Road in Krabi Town. Trips to other attractions can be made by taxi and rental car.
Distances from Krabi to Neighbouring Provinces
Phang-nga 86 kilometres
Phuket 176 kilometres
Trang 131 kilometres
Surat Thani 211 kilometres
Nakhon Si Thammarat 233 kilometres
Satun 276 kilometres
The popular Phi Phi Islands consists of 2 separate islands famed for their spectacular
landscapes, beautiful beaches and spectacular island reefs teeming with variety of coral fishes. Ideal place to enjoy scuba diving. Its paradise-like appearance can best be seen in the movie, The Beach, where most of the filming occurred. Koh Lanta Yai is a predominantly Muslim fishing island where many resorts have recently sprouted up. The island is covered with forested hills sweeping down to numerous sandy bays on the western side. A good alternative for those seeking peace and quiet.
On a smaller scale, an island worth visiting, but with fewer tourists, is Koh Hong (Room Island), an island encircled on 3 sides by towering limestone formations. The cove inside, with its crystal clear waters and pristine beach, inspires images of a deserted island. Closer to the mainland are Koh Poda and Koh Hua Khwan (Chicken Island), ideal spots for snorkeling and playing in the waters and beaches.
Mountaineers and rock climbing fanatics will love the climbing trails at Railei Bay. With a cliff wall dotted with deep niches and stalactite hauls, the runs offer various levels of difficulty satisfying to challenge novice to experts. But the main attractions are the sun, scenery and the ambience. Nowhere else can you start climbing straight from the beach, with the promise of a cooling dip into the shimmering turquoise water after mastering a difficult route.
Slightly north of town is Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) named after a rock formation resembling a tiger paw. Regarded as one of the most renowned forest temples in the south, the main hall was built inside the cave, providing a peaceful environment for practicing meditation. A circular path in the nearby forest offers a pleasant walk and a 300-meters high staircase leads to a large Buddha image and Buddha footprint perched atop the cliff. Great view of the province.
Regarded as the symbol of Krabi, the Khao Khanap Nam (Hill Beside the Water) rises high above the waters before the city. A long tail boat will quickly transport you to the site, where one has to climb a staircase to see caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Highly interesting archaeological remains were discovered here, along with some human remains believed to be earlier immigrants.
Aside from frolicking in the sun and playing in the waters, most sport enthusiasts enjoy the diverse marine surroundings by partaking in sea kayaking. The most beautiful bay of mangrove forests in Thailand is at Ao Thalan (Thalan Bay). Towering karst formations and lovely offshore islands surrounding the bay creates complex channels for maneuvering your kayaks.
Not far from town is the Noppharat Thara Beach, a scenic, tranquil beach lined with soft
pine trees and extending for several kilometers. The beach has a relatively flat slope, being safe enough for children to play in. At low tide, you can walk to the rocky island located one kilometer away from the beach.
Long ago, a fresh water marsh was densely populated mainly by pond snails, which multiplied at such great rates that the dead formed a floor for the living. Over eons, the repeated process created a layer of fossils about 40 cm thick. Scientific tests have proven that the fossils at the Fossil Shell Beach are about 40 million years old.
A 12-km bumpy ride from Khlong Thom District leads to a hot spring in the forest. Walk further and discover the rewarding Tung Tieo Forest Trails. Posted signs guide you through the protected woodlands with ample opportunities for dips in the emerald pools along the trails.Susan Hoi or Fossils Shell Beach Situated at Ban Laem Pho, 17 kilometres from town. The area was once a large freshwater swamp, home to a kind of snail. Over eons dating from the Tertiary Age, about 40 million years ago, these snails lived and died by the million. Eventually, weather changes caused the swamp's disappearance, but by then the layer of fossilised snail shells was forty centimeters thick, resting on ten centimeters of lignite below which is the subsoil. Because of geographic upheaval, the fossilised shells are now distributed in great broken sheets of impressive magnitude on the seashore at Laem Pho.
Ao Nang This bay is situated some 20 kilometres from town. Its white sandy beach stretches to the foot of a conspicuously prominent limestone range. Accommodation is available along the beachfront. Other facilities include diving shops, boats for rent and sightseeing by canoe. From Ao Nang, tourists may hire boats to visit nearby attractions such as Hat Rai Le, Tham Phra Nang located on the land to the east of Ao Nang, as well as other offshore isles such as Ko Poda, Ko Kai, Ko Mo and Ko Thap.
Hat Rai Le This beach is generally divided into two sections, east and west. West Rai Le
offers a broad sandy beach. Although it has less facilities to offer than Ao Nang, West Rai Le is quieter and more peaceful.
Across the peninsula from West Rai Le is East Rai Le, which varies from the other beaches in the area. It could actually be classified as a mud flat, especially during low tide. Even so, it does offer some rather remarkable views. One end of the beach is covered with mangroves.
Hat Tham Phra Nang Accessible only by boat, this sweeping beach offers fine-grained white sand and crystalline waters, as well as magnificent jagged karsts. Although visitors flock to this beach year-round, it is still extremely pristine, and considered to be the most attractive in the area.
The Inner and Outer Phra Nang Caves, and Phra Nang Lagoon are close by, and offer some truly spectacular views. Accommodation is available over a wide price range. Despite the fact that it is reachable only by boat, this area offers plenty of recreational activities.
Than Bok Khorani National Park The park office is situated 46 kilometres from town or 1 kilometre from Ao Luek Nuea Market. Near the park office there are several natural ponds of emerald water in a shady forested area. Tourists can enjoy swimming in these ponds. Admission is 200 baht per person. Camping in the park can be done but tourists have to bring their own tents.Other attractions in the park include several caves in limestone mountains, verdant mangrove forests, and beautiful islands which can be reached only by boat.
Tham Lot can be reached by boat from Bo Tho Pier. The pier is located 2 kilometres from Amphoe Ao Luek on the way to Laem Sak. Ride a long-tail boat along a canal passing through mangrove forests for 15 minutes. Tham Lot is a tunnel under a limestone mountain where a natural stream runs through a small tunnel and charming stalactite and stalagmite formations are found. The cave can be visited only during low tide.
Tham Phi Hua To is 500 metres from Tham Lot and can be visited by boat from Bo Tho Pier. The cave is in Phi Hua To Mountain which is surrounded by mangrove swamps. There are 2 split paths inside the cave. On the left lies the shortcut the back of the cave where sunbeams can shine through, and on the right is a path to a natural hall believed to have been once a shelter for prehistoric people. The prehistoric paintings of men, animals and human organs including numerous seashells, can be seen in the cave. Big human skulls had been discovered in the cave, thus giving the cave its present name.
Tham Chao Le is located in the west of Laem Sak in the bay where mountains and picturesque islands surround it. It is accessible by taking a boat from Laem Sak. The trip takes 10 to 15 minutes. In the cave, there are prehistoric paintings featuring men, animals and geometric symbols including stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is assumed that the paintings may have been painted after those of Tham Phi Hua To.
Mu Ko Hong is a group of limestone islands including Ko Lao or Ko Sa Ka, Ko Lao Riam, Ko
Pakka and Ko Lao La Ding. Most of them are limestone islands with fine beaches, coral reefs in both deep and shallow water, and various kinds of fish. Ko Hong or Ko Lao Li Pe is the biggest island in the south. There is a 400-metre hiking trial around the island. This area also suitable for sea-canoeing. Mu Ko Hong is located at the edge of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, and is accessible by boat from Ao Nang. The trip takes about an hour. The park charges 200 baht for entrance and 20 baht for camping on the island.
Canoeing One of several eco-tourism activities available in Krabi is sea-canoeing, and there are few better ways to thoroughly enjoy the spectacular scenery than by drifting leisurely amongst the limestone karsts. This is perhaps the best way to explore Krabi's countless inlets and deserted beaches, allowing travellers to discover the true magic of the area at their own pace.
Kayaking Kayaking is available in the waters off Krabi and Phang-nga provinces, which boast some of the most spectacular seascapes and marine life anywhere. The sport is accessible to beginners and veterans alike, since operators offer training at the start of the trip. The sea-kayaking centre is at Ao Nang, which blends the rugged appeal of rocky outcrops with the serene beauty of beaches and crystal-clear water. Off its shore lie limestone outcrops honeycombed with caves and hollows and fringed by mangrove forests.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available at many of the guesthouses in the Ao Nang area, and guides are also available to lead you through the myriad of small, deserted islands.
Snorkelling & Diving Dive shops provide mask, snorkel and fins for hire at around 150 baht a set per day. You will probably have to pay a deposit of around 500 baht. They also offer you dive trips to, and education about, some of the most spectacular destinations in Southern Thailand.
Biking Mountain bikes cost around 80 baht per day to hire and can be found around Ao Nang. The terrain is spectacular and this is a great, and healthy, way to take in the most spectacular scenery.
Rock Climbing Every year literally thousands of climbers come to Krabi specifically to challenge themselves on the famous limestone karsts, and most will agree that it was well worth the trip. There are over 150 challenging pegged routes, concentrated primarily on the Phranang peninsula, between Hat Tham Phranang and Hat Rai Le. These routes are typically in the mid to high difficulty range, with numerous overhangs, and sheer limestone faces. However, there are also several beginner climbs, so that even the novice climber can experience the thrill of climbing. Equipment rentals, instruction, and guides are all available.
Excursion
Travel shops in Ao Nang sell island tour tickets which pool strangers into the one boat. This has brought two daytrips within reach of most pockets.
The Tham Phranang and Ko Poda daytrip costs 200 baht per person, and the Ko Hong daytrip costs 250 baht per person. The price usually includes snorkel, mask, lunch of fried rice, water and fruit. Each boat leaves around 9a.m. and returns about 4 p.m. Booking is available at most bungalows and at travel counters. The Ko Poda group of islands is recommended with a stay at Ko Kai, to relax, snorkel and sunbathe. At low tide on Ko Kai a powdery white land bridge forms linking three islands.
The Phi Phi daytrip by boat leaving Ao Nang at 9 a.m. daily and returns at 5 p.m. A roundtrip ticket costs around 700 baht including a simple lunch, touring the Viking Cave and snorkelling in Maya Bay.
The Khlong Thom Hot Spring & Forest Hiking costs 500 baht per person.
The Ao Luek daytrip (to see waterfalls and caves) costs around 500 baht
Note: These are guideline prices, which may vary slightly between travel agents.
Mu Ko Phi Phi Phi Phi Islands are located at an equal distance from both Krabi and Phuket, about 40 kilometres. Made up of six small and large isles, the main
features are sheer limestone cliff and rock. Some offer beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The best time for a visit is between November and April.
Ko Phi Phi Don covers an area of 28 square kilometres. Laem Tong in the north offers beautiful marine nature. Diving can be done as well at Laem Hua Raket, Hat Yao and Hin Phae. A number of accommodations are available at Ao Ton Sai , and Ao Lo Da Lam .
Ko Phi Phi Le is a lovely island that covers an area of only 6.6 square kilometres. It is surrounded by limestone mountains and high hills with jutting cliffs. The sea is 20 metres deep and the deepest point in the south of the island is around 34 metres. Ko Phi Phi Le offers superb scenic bays such as Ao Pi Le, Ao Maya, and Ao Lo Sa Ma. In the northeast of the island is a large cave called Tham Viking. The cave was renamed "Tham Phaya Nak" or Serpent Cave by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej because of a stone resembling the mythical creature, which His Majesty saw when he paid a visit here in 1972.
The cave is considered sacred to locals who come here to collect swallow nests. Inside the eastern and southern parts of the cave are ancient colour paintings of elephants and various types of boats, including an Arabian sailboat, a European sailboat, a sampan, a Chinese junk, and a steamboat. It is believed the paintings were the works of sea merchants or pirates because the study of west-to-east ship routes indicates that this area may have been a stopover for boats seeking shelter from storms, transferring cargo or making repairs.
Ko Yung is north of Ko Phi Phi Don. The island has a stone beach in the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. It is teeming with various kinds of colourful coral reefs.
Ko Phai is north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko Yung. Marvellous beaches are in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs with antler corals, in particular, stretches from north to south of the island. The best time to visit Phi Phi Island is during the monsoon-free season, which is from November to April.
How to get to Ko Phi Phi
Ferries depart from Chao Fa Pier in Krabi town at 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The 2 hour trip costs 150 baht per person. On return, the ferries leave Ko Phi Phi at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. A one-day trip on a speedboat is available at Ao Nang. The trip starts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On arrival to Ko Phi Phi Don, trips to the surrounding islands can be made in a long-tail boat. Visitors travelling from Phuket can contact tour operators who organise a one-day trip to Ko Phi Phi.
Ko Lanta Ko Lanta consists of two adjacent islands: Ko Lanta Yai and Ko Lanta Noi.
Ko Lanta Yai is full of tourist facilities while Ko Lanta Noi is the location of the district office. Most of the beaches on Ko Lanta Yai lie in the west and offer a wide range of accommodation.These beaches include Kho Kwang, Khlong Dao, Phra Ae, Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Ba Kan Tiang, all can be reached by road.
Sala Dan Pier in the north is where tour operators, shops and banks are situated. At the south end of the island is the headquarters of Mu Ko Lanta National Park which offer a camping ground and beautiful views. Travelling to the east of the island, visitors can see an old community of Ko Lanta and a sea gypsy village. Some guesthouses are available. Motorbikes can be rented at Sala Dan to explore the island. The peak season lasts from November to April.
How to Get to Ko Lanta
1. Take air-conditioned vans which leave Krabi Town at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The fare is 120 baht per person. The van boards a motor-raft at Ban Hua Hin and then another raft at Ko Lanta Noi. The trip takes 2 hours. On return, the vans depats from Sala Dan (on Ko Lanta Yai) at 7 a.m. and 12 noon.
2. Boats from Chao Fa Pier (available from November to May) leave at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The trip takes 2 hours.
Travel agents on Ko Lanta sells tickets to many destinations such as Krabi, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Ngai and Ko Rok. Departure times and fares are as follows:
Lanta - Phi Phi : 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. (200 baht)
Lanta - Krabi : 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.(200 baht)
Lanta - Phi Phi - Phuket : 9 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.(250 baht)
Lanta - Phi Phi - Krabi : 9 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park The park has an office at the southend of Lanta Yai Island. The park covers an area of 152 square kilometres and occupies many islands including parts of Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta Noi, Ko Ta Leng Beng, Ko Ha, Ko Rok, and Ko Ngai. Camping is allowed near the park office with advance notice. Ko Rok also provides tents for tourists. Please contact Mu Ko Lanta National Park, No.5, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi 81150, Tel. 0-7562-9018-9.
Ko Talabeng is a limestone island that is similar to Ko Phi Phi Le. It consists of small lovely beaches. During low tide, the cave is clearly visible. Some swallows can be seen on the island.
Ko Rok comprises two islands: Ko Rok Nai and Ko Rok Nok. Ko Rok Nai is an island that is
mostly steep cliffs. It offers a superb beach and unspoiled coral reefs among rocks. Ko Rok Nok is full of soft white sandy beaches and coral reefs in shallow water in the southeast and the south. Hat Thalu and Ao Man Sai are situated at the end of the island. Tourists can contact tour operators, resorts and bungalows on Ko Lanta Yai for an excursion to Ko Rok by speedboat. The trip by long-tail boat is not recommended.
Ko Ngai or Ko Hai is a small island that has a long sandy beach in the east and unspoiled coral reefs in shallow water at the beachfront. The island is accessible by taking a ferry and a chartered boat from Pak Meng Pier, Trang province.
Hin Daeng is a rock that is a hazard to ships. It is on the outer edge of the Andaman Sea. It offers various kinds of coral reefs, so it is a superb diving spot.
Ko Ha is an archipelago of five islands. Ko Ha Yai is where coral reefs are found in shallow water.
Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival is annually held to inaugurate the province’s tourist season. The festival features parades, local products contests, sea Kayak competitions and boat races.
Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival is a rare festival on Ko Lanta of sea gypsies. The festival is held annually, on the full moon day in the sixth and the eleventh months of the lunar calendar. The sea gypsies on Ko Lanta and from neighbouring areas will gather at the beach near Ban Sala Dan to float boats in the sea in order to bring good luck. The Rong Ngeng, a typical southern dance as well as traditional music, will be performed around the boats.
