Rich in spectacular natural beauty, Krabi offers an excess of attractive tourist spots and activities. Its splendid beaches with iridescent aquamarine waters together with its picturesque islands are the highlight among others. However, Krabi has much more things to offer, the historical sites which trace the province's exuberance in the past are all worth visiting. The lush and green areas in Krabi are also fascinating; they are a source of province's fertility, creating the way of life of people here.

Beaches

Lying along the Andaman coast, Krabi offers several striking beaches, making them the ideal place for swimming and sunbathing in the tranquil atmosphere. Each beach possesses its original beauty and offers the basic facilities for tourists. These are the principal beaches of which the charm is incontestable.

Hat Noppharat Thara is located eighteen kilometers northwest of Krabi in the boundary of Hat Noppharat Thara National Marine Park. The beach is praised for its breathtaking scenery. Its name means "the Nine Gemmed Streams", given by Field Marshal Sarit, one of Thailand's Prime Ministers who found the remarkable beauty of the beach. In the old days, this area used to be the hidden shelter for pirates due to its dozens of caves and cliffs covering the beach. The beach stretches for two kilometers with its white fine sand and the scenically magnificent cliffs and limestone islands springing up offshore in the bright aquamarine water. Due to its striking environs, this one is the favorite beach among Thais, and the construction of a new royal residence is to be built for His Majesty the King in this area.

Hat Noppharat Thara is easily accessible. Songtaews (local minibus) are available every fifteen minutes from town. The beach can be also reached by boat from the tourist pier in Krabi.

Ao Nang Beach is a palm-fringed beach, fronted by accommodation, guesthouse, dive shops and restaurants. The accommodations on the beach offer the picturesque panorama of mountains and sea. Despite the rapid growth of tourism, the beach itself is still quite striking. It is the ideal place for sunbathing and sunbathing.

Pranang Beach is a long and beautiful stretch of sand, located just the south of Hat Noppharat Thara. The beach is visited for its and its clear and clean waters. The Soaring limestone islands and cliffs create the picturesque backdrop. Hat Pranang is a full service beach, providing a wide variety of water sports, accommodations, and restaurants. Additionally, the abundant coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life make Hat Pranang excellent for scuba diving. In recent years, Hat Pranang has gained more fame for its new challenging activity, top-notch rock climbing. This kind of challenging and adventurous activity approximately attracts 300 climbers a day. The beach can be accessible by road; most transportation is found in Krabi town.

Tham Pranang Beach is one of the most popular destinations for travelers for its secluded atmosphere. The beach is composed of white fine sand and transparent waters as well as its stunning jagged karsts. Its extreme pristine nature lures a great deal of visitors a year. Nearby, the inner and outer Pranang Caves as well as Pranang Lagoon are located, offering the incredibly spectacular view. Despite the fact that the beach is reachable only by boat, the beach possesses accommodations which offer facilities and recreational activities both on the beach as well as in the vicinity. Tham Pranang Beach can be reached from town by long- tailed-boat at Chao Fah Pier or from Hat Pranang, and Phi Phi Island.

Rai Lay Beach is divided into two sections, East Rai Lay Beach and Western Rai Lay Beach. West Rai Lay offers more fascinating view with its towering limestone cliffs and densely unspoiled jungle which conceals wondrous stalactites and stalagmites in caves; its water is clean and clear. Although it has less to offer in terms of facilities, its quiet and peaceful surroundings can compensate for that. Across the peninsular form West Rai Lay beach locates East Rai Lay Beach. This beach is distinct from the other beaches in the area in that it could be classified as mud flat, especially at the low tide. Despite that, it does offer the remarkably distinguished views. On the end of the beach is covered with mangrove trees, backed up by the picturesque panorama of mountains and islands.
Both West and East Rai Lay Beaches can be reached y boat from Krabi's Chao Fah Pier, taking about 45 minutes to reach the beach.

Islands

More than 130 islands of Krabi offer their incontestable beauty with their unique landscape. Among those, the most well-known is the incomparable Phi Phi Island; others are second to none for its natural beauty. The islands do not offer only beaches and sea, the sheer precipices together with green and lush mountains on the island crate caves, lagoon as well as mangrove forest, offering the opportunity to explore more Krabi.

Phi Phi Island is by far the main attraction to Krabi, divided into two islets, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le, located in the area of a national park, 34 km southeast of Phuket. It is famous for its magnificent beauty; the water is turquoise blue clear with white wonderful sand. Its virgin nature and its tranquil environment always attract hundreds of visitors a day. On Phi Phi Don Island, the larger of the two, you can appreciate the incredibly picturesque panorama with the idyllic tropical beaches lining its southern and eastern shores.

On Phi Phi Le Island, you can enjoy your snorkeling above the coral reef offshore. Diving activity is also recommended. Here is Thailand's newest diving attraction, the King Cruiser wreck that sank one year ago. Above water, you can see a spectacular scene created by the nature itself; there are a few caves and a sea lake formed by a clef between the two cliffs that allows water to enter into a bowl-shaped canyon wherein several nice beaches are shaped.

Lanta Island is another paradise of isolation among its scenically natural beauty, situated not far from the mainland. Most of Lanta wonderful beaches line along the western coast, offering secluded atmosphere and striking scenery such as Klong Dao, Pra Ae, Klong Koang, Laem Tong, Kantiang, and Klong Jark beaches. Additionally, Lanta possesses the world popular diving and snorkeling sites with their abundant coral and marine lives such as Koh Ha and Koh Rok.

Garos Island is off the eastern tip of Laem Sak in Krabi mainland. On the island the archeological curiosity is found; ancient painting of men and animals are on the cliff walls facing the bay.

Talu Island got its name due to its wondrous rock formation. At the center of the island springs up a 45-meter-high hill, punctured by a 30 meter hole; Talu in Thai means to pass through. Talu Island is home to a large number of swifts which provide the precious swallow bird's nests used in Chinese delicacy, Bird's Nest Soup.

Daeng Island is 25-meter-long stretch of fine sand. The island offers the soaring limestone cliffs which majestically sandwich the broad sandy passage passing through them.

Hong Island is visited for its impressive beaches and some splendid deep and shallow water coral beds, located at the edge of the Than Bokkhorani National Park. The island also possesses several caves which are home to swifts whose nests are popularly used in Chinese cuisine. The beach is accessible via boat from Ao Pranang.

Poda Island is situated to the south of Ao Nang, 8 kilometers from the main land. The island is noted for its white sandy beach and its crystal clear water. The beach is fringed by the formidable coral reefs; it is then the ideal place for snorkeling and fishing. Not affected by the monsoon, the island can be visited all year round. Just 25 minutes from Ao Nang, Poda Island is easily reached by hired boat.

Natural wonders

Khao Khanap Nam is the twin hills straddling the river of Krabi town, considered as the symbol of the town for its wondrous formation. The site can be visited by renting a boat from Chao Fah Pier in town; it takes only 15 minutes. Around the area of Khao Khanap Nam, you can also climb up to the caves rich in spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. The skeletons of the early settlers used to be found here, believed to have been cut off by a sudden inundation, but the remains are all gone. In addition, its fertile mangrove forest with its dormant water is great for canoeing. Not far from the twin hills, there situates the community of local people, called Koh Klang. On the islet, there stands the museum displaying ancient utensils, handicrafts, and way of life of people living there.

Wat Tham Sua also known as "tiger cave" is only 3 kilometers from Krabi. The cave is reputed for the tiger prints captured in stone and its surrounding dense forest which is home to ancient, enormous trees. The legend has it that there used to be a big fierce tiger living inside the cave; thus its name. This cave is served at the same time as the temple due to its archeological significance; many artifacts have been found in the area, including tools, pottery, and the mold of the Buddha's footprint. Many other caves can be visited around the area. In addition, you can climb up along the trail through the lush jungle until reaching the viewpoint at the top of the hill.

Tham Sadet is located 7 kilometers from the town on Highway No.4034. The cave houses the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. In 1909, the future Kign Rama VI visited the cave, originating its title "Sadet Cave", "sadet" indicates the presence of royalty.

Than Bokkhorani National Park sprawls over the total area of 121 square kilometers, composed of limestone cliffs, dense jungle, mangrove forest and islands. The Park is teemed with a various species of trees. With its abundance and variety of forest types, the Park is a good place for eco-education; there are also two trails available for natural study. In the area, there are attractive sites for visiting and relaxing in this verdant land.

-Than Bokkhorani is a natural pond after which the Park is named. Initially, it was called Than Asoka which was named after the dense Asoka trees growing around the pond. Than Bokkhorani flows through the winding passage in the mountains and layers of natural ponds; it is embraced by the green and lush forest providing shady surroundings. At the northern end of the pool, there stands the replica of foot print of the Lord Buddha carved in wood which is close to Jao Pho To Yuan-To Chong Temple.

- Tham Phi Hua Toh or Tham Hua Kalok is a cave with many grottos in a mountain surrounded by water and mangrove forests. In the cave, an unusually big skull of human was found, from which comes its name; Phi Hua Toh means big-head ghost. The cave is also featured by many prehistoric colored pictures of men and animals; on the floor of the cave, shells in great number accumulate on each other, creating a large court of shells. Canoeing can be done in its surrounding mangroves as well. To visit the cave, take a ferry at Bor Tor Pier.

- Tham Phet or Diamond cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the region. At the front of the cave, an image of Buddha is enshrined. It got its name due to the dazzling stone on the cave wall which offers a beautiful reflection like a diamond. A guide is required when visiting the cave; guide service is available at the National Park's office.

-Tham Lod consists of two caves. Tham Lod Nua and Tham Lod Tai. Tham Lod Nua is characterized by its elbow-like shape. Tham Lod Tai is a limestone tunnel which houses the splendid stalactites and stalagmites as well as a quarter-moon-shaped boulder. You can visit this cave when the water is low by boarding a long tail boat at Bor Tor Pier; the journey takes only 10 minutes.

- Tham Chao Le is located in the west of Lam Sak Cape, facing the beautiful bay surrounded by limestone mountains. Inside are impressive stalactites and stalagmites as well as the historic paintings of human, animals and geometric features. These paintings are believed to be more recent than ones in Tahm Phi Hua Toh. The surrounding area of the cave is good for canoeing. To visit the cave, take a boat leaving regularly from Saphan Pla or Fishing Pier at Lam Sak Cape; it takes about 15 minutes.

Khao Phanom Benja Natonal Park is the only one terrestrial National Park in Krabi Province, covering the area of Amphoe Ao Luk and Amphoe Khao Phanom. The Park is covered with the densely abundant jungle and complicated high mountains stretching in north to south direction. The highest peak is Pha Nom Benja Mount which is 1,397 meters high. The Park offers the magnificent scenery composed of streams, falls, and caves; wild animals can be found here also. Within the Park, you can visit its naturally beautiful attractions.

- Huay Toh waterfall has its provenance from Pha Nom Benja Mount, possessing five tiers. Its waters merge together to be one watercourse in Klong Krabi Yai in Krabi town.

- Huay Sade is located about 300 meters away from the Park's office. The white water flows through the three-layered-lime stone cliff. There is a pool with clear water in it, good for swimming. The falls empty into Klong Krabi Yai, its final destination. There are aslo trails for trekking up to the viewpoint at the top of the mountain. Along the trek, you pass trough the dense jungle, beautiful waterfalls; and when reaching the top of the mountain, you get a remarkably picturesque panorama of the sea of mist as well as the superbly fresh air.

To get to the Park, get out Krabi town to intersection of Ban Talad Kao along Petchkasem Road for 1 kilometer. Then turn left to Talad Kao-Ban Huay Toh route for about 20 kilometers, and you reach the National Park office.

Khao Pra-Bang Kram Wildlife Sanctuary is the plain forest, characterized by the Emerald Pool which consists of three pools of hot spring; its water color is like emerald. The average temperature of the water is between 30-50° C. The surrounding area is teemed with green and lush verdure, providing the relaxing atmosphere. The Park is also a home to hundreds of species of birds, so this is a good place for bird watching lovers. There are natural attractions to visit within the Park as well.

- Klong Tom hot waterfall is one of many other hot falls scattering around the area. Hot water percolates from underground to the surface covered with a shady grove. The hot water flows through the terraced terrain, creating distinctive beauty of a small waterfall. This hot fall is situated 12 kilometers from the district office of Klong Tom.

- Hin Poeng Waterfall is located about 25 kilometers away from the district office of Klong Tom. It requires a walk along the slope for about 400 meters to reach the fall. It white waters plumb down through the sheer limestone cliff, offering the impressive sight.

Wat Klong Tom Museum is created from the finds of the archeological excavations in the area, particularly at Khuan Luk Pat. The museum is located at kilometer 69.5 on Phetchkasem Highway, near the district office of Klong Tom. This museum possesses a varied collection of artifacts dating back for thousands of years, including stone and ceramic ornaments in animal shapes, and religious beads. To get to the museum, there are public bus services available.

Susan Hoi (Fossil Shell Beach) used to be a freshwater swamp, home to a kind of snail. Over millions of years, with weather changes, swamp disappeared, and emerged a slab flecked with fossilized snail shells. It was forty centimeters thick, resting on ten centimeters of lignite below which is the subsoil. Susan Hoi is located at Lam Pho, 19 kilometers west of Krabi.

This article is authored and copyrighted by
Royal Exclusive Travel Co., Ltd.