Krabi Province

BackGround
    One of the most attractive tourist destinations in southern Thailand, KRABI is located some 800 kilometers from Bangkok with an area of 4,708 square kilometres. To the West it borders on the Andaman Sea where countless natural attractions abound, including white. sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs. numerous large and small islands, verdant forest and highly interesting archaeological remains.

    Administration
    Krabi is divided into 7 Amphoes and 1 King Amphoe: Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Amphoe Khao Phanom, Amphoe Ao Luk, Amphoe Plai Phaya, Amphoe Khlong Thorn, Amphoe Lamthap, Amphoe Lanta and King Amphoe Nua Khlong.

    Weather
    Krabi is affected by the northwest monsoon and has only two seasons. The hot season starts in January and ends in April. The rainy season begins in May and lasts till December. Average temperatures range between 16.9 to 37.3 degrees Celsius.

Interesting Places

Attractions in Amphoe Muang
Khao Khanap Nam (หาดนพรัตน์ธารา) , 100 meters high hills rising from the water, is regarded as the symbol of Krabi. It sits before the city and can be visited by long tail boat from Chao Fa Pier. Travel time is about 15 minutes, From the boat, one climbs a staircase to see caves with stalactites and stalagmites, Many human skeletons have been found in the area. It is theorized they are the remains of immigrants who became stranded and died after a sudden flood.

Tham Sua (ถ้ำเสือ) or "Tiger Cave" is located about 3 kilometres from Krabi Town. Inside the cave there are what appear to be tiger paw prints in the stone. The surrounding area is covered withlarge trees hundreds of years old, particularly in the Khiriwong Valley. Mountains are on all sides and there are smaller caves in great number. Aside from being the site of a meditation center, it is also a place of archaeological and historical interest. Stone tools, pottery remains, and the mold for making Buddha footprints have been found in excavations.

Tham Sadet (ถ้ำเสด็จ) is located at Ban Nong Kok, Tambon Sai Thai, 7 kilometres from the town on Highway No. 4034. It is a beautiful cave with stalactites and stalagmites. In 1909 the future King Rama VI visited the cave here, earning it the title "Sadet" indicating the presence of royalty.

Sa Kaeo (อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดนพรัจน์ธารา-หมู่เกาะพีพี) , composed of eight small natural swamps in a vast valleyofTambon Khao Thong. This forms partofa parkwhichisbeing turned into recreational area. Sa Kaeo is accessible by the Krabi-Nai Sa route (Highway No. 4034), a distance of 28 kilometres.

Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park This marine national park covers the coastal area and other off-shore islands within the district territory of Amphoe Muang. With white, clean stretches ofbeach and scenic coral reefs, it also offers numerous natural attractions such as the Hat Noppharat Thara beach, Hat Ao Nang beach, the Susan Hoi or Fossil Shell beach, the Phi-Phi island group and the Po Da islands.

Hat Noppharat Thara , about 18 kilometres from Kribi town along Nai Muang-Nai Sa Road, is a scenic beach lined with casuarina trees which extend for several kilometres. A rocky island, about one kilometre from the mainland, can be reached by foot at low tide. Minibuses leave the town to the beach daily from 6.00-17.00 hrs. Accommodation at the beach is available. Reservations should be made in advance at the Forestry Department, Tel. 5790529, 5794842

Fossil Shell Beach is located at Ban Laem Pho, 17 kilo- metres from downtown Krabi along the route to Hat Noppharat Thara. Long ago this was a freshwater marsh populated by clams and other bi-valves, chiefly little two centimeters long "Hoi Khom" or pond snails, which grouped and multiplied in such numbers that the dead formed a floor for the living. This process, repeated over eons. led to the creation of layer of fossils about 40centimetres thick, called shelly limestone. Scientific tests have established that the age ofthese fossils is about 40millionyears. Minibuses leave the town for the Fossil Shell Beach daily from 6.00-17.00 hrs.

Ao Nang is situated six kilometres south of Hat Noppharat Thara next to a road that runs parallel to the coastline. A scenic bay, 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 sight-seeing by canoe. From Ao Nang bay, tourists may hire boats to visit nearby attractions such as Hat Rai Le, Tham Phra Nang, Sa Phranang located on land to the east of Ao Nang, as well as other off-shore isles of Po Da, Tap and Mo.

Mu Ko Phi Phi or 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 beautifulbeach andcoral reefs. The best time for a visit isbetween November and April.
Interesting isles in the group include: --
# Ko Phi Phi Doe , is home to fishermen and Thai Moslems Located about 2 kilometres from Ko Phi Phi Le, This island has a total area of 28 square kilometres. An outstanding attraction here is Ao Ton Sai, a vast bay with a curving white sandy beach stretching to a mountain range which reaches into the sea. The clear waters are perfect for swimming. There is also a pier on the beach where visitors can easily get on and get off a boat. On the other side, a fishing village is located at Laem Tong, an area renowned for its underwater natural beauty. Coral reefs can be found on both sides of the island.
    Tourists who wish to dive or hire a boat are suggested to contact tour operators on the island. Most are situated in Ao Ton Sai area.
# Ko Yung lies to the north of Phi Phi Don. There is a rocky beach on the east side; a small beach in a fold of the hill; and perfectly preserved coral gardens.
# Ko Phai lies to the north of Phi Phi Don, and not very far from Ko Yung. There are lovely beaches on the north and east sides, and coral gardens spreading to the south.
# Ko Phi Phi Le , an island of steep cliffs, covers a total area of 6.6 square kilometres. A small bay called "Pi Le" reaches into a valley and gives a lake-like scenery. This part of the sea is almost encircled by steep cliffs. The waters are still, clear, and deep. To the south of Pi Le, is a small bay which hides in a fold of a steep rock, This is called "Lo Sa Ma" Another attraction is Tham Viking, a huge, vast, and airy cave which is home to a large number of swallows. On the cave walls are ancient paintings of sailing ships similar to those used by anicent Vikings. Near the entrance, there is a spectacular collection of stalagmites and stalactites.
    In 1972 Tham Viking was renamed Tham Phaya Nak or The Great Serpent Cave by H.M. the king because of a serpent like rock inside.

Travel to Ko Phi Phi
    Ko Phi Phi can be reached from Krabi and Phuket. In downtown Krabi, ordinary boats run from Chao Fa Pier to Ko Phi Phi twice a day at 11.00 and 14.00 hrs. The fare is 125 baht per person and it takes 2 and a half hours. Air-conditioned rapid boat operated by Phi Phi Marine Travel Com- pany also runs between Krabi and Ko Phi Phi once a day at11.00 hrs, The fare is 200 baht per person. The boat takes an hour and a half. For further information call 2557600 (Bangkok Office) or 075-612514 (Krabi Office)
    Ao Nang Travel operates a boat from Ao Nang to Ko Phi Phi. Call 01-7250433 for further information.
    Many cruisers run between Phuket and Ko Phi Phi daily. Reservation can be made at boat companies or any travel agents in Phuket. The fare is about 250-450 baht per person for one way trip.


Attractions in Amphoe Khao Phanom
Kho Phanom Bencha National Park is 20 kilometres from Krabi along Talat Kao-Ban Huai To Road. It covers a total area of 50 square kilometres including some parts of Amphoe Ao Luk, Amphoe Khao Phanom, and Amphoe Muang. Khao Phanom Bencha National Park had thick forest on its highest peaks. Its marvellous scenery is enhanced by streams, waterfalls, and wild animals. The park's major attractions are as follows:

Namtok Huai To , located some 500 meters from the park's office, has as its source Phanom Bencha Mountains. The waterfall itself runs down over rocks onto 11 huge pools, each with its own name such as Wang Thewada, Wang Sok, Wang Chan etc.

Namtok Huai Sa-de runs down over a high cliff. The waterfall is about 1.2 kilometres from the park's office.

Tham Khao Phung (Khao Phung Cave) , is located some 3 kilometres from the park's office. Another 5 caves are in the area nearby. The cave's beauty is enhanced by countless stalagmites and stalactites of various shapes, Some are like mushrooms, others like pagodas and curtains. The walls are white and glitter brightly.

Namtok Khlong Haeng It is about 500 meters high and springs from Khao Thep Bencha which is the tallest mountain in Krabi and is 10 kilometres from Amphoe Khao Phanom

Namtok Tom Han : is 16 kilometres from the District Headquarters. Its source is the same as that of Khlong HaengWaterfal1, but it is not so high.
    For accommodation within the park please contact the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, Tambon Thap Prik, Amphoe Muang, Krabi 81000.

Attractions in Amphoe Ao Luk

Than Bokkhorani National Park is situated 45 kilometres from downtown Krabi. Travel along Phetchakasem Road to the crossroads ofAmphoe Ao Luk Turn left to Highway No. 4039, and travel a further 1.5 kilometres to the national park office. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometres consisting of limestone mountains, mangrove forests and islands, Among the interesting tourist attractions are:
Than Bokkhorani is made of several natural streams flowing downto basins ofdifferent sizes and at different levels, creating many small waterfalls. The water is emerald green reflecting the cool, green forest.
Tham Lod Nua and Tham LodTai canbe reachedby taking the Au Luk-Laem Sak route for about two kilometres. Then take a right turn to the Bo Tho pier then transfer to a rented boat along the Ta Prang canal, About ten minutes after passing a mangrove swamp will be the Tham Lod Tai, which is a cave beneath a limestone hill with a stream flowing through narrow passages. The main attractions are beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The Tham Lod Nua is a large cavern with meandering passages longer than at the Tham Lod Tai. They are navigable only during low tide.
Tham Phi Hua To or Tham Hua Kalok is located in amphoe Ao Lukon Phi Hua To Mountains, which are surrounded by mangrove swamps. The cave is accessible by the same route as Tham Lot Tai with its entrance not far beyond the canal to Tham Lot Tai. The mouth of the is some 6-7 meters above ground level, From the entrance, the cave divides into 2 routes, the left one leading to a vast chamber pierced by a shaft of light, while the right route leads to a hall believed by archaeologists to have been once a shelter for prehistoric people. Rock paintings can be seen within the cave. The paintings, 70 of them, are painted in red and black and portray people as well as animals, The cave was named Phi Hua To or Big-headed Ghost owing to the unusually large skulls discovered there. All have since disappeared. A large pile of shells were also found in the cave.
Tham Phet is 3 kilometres from the intersection at Ao Luk Nua market. In front is enshrined an image of Buddha. The name of this cave "Phet" means "diamond", and indeed sparkling stone casts beautiful reflections on the cave walls. The best way to get there is to first contact the National Park Office at Tharm Boke Korani for guide. Be sure to bring along a flashlight.
Ko Garose is on the east end of Laem Sak. There are colored drawings of both men and animals in the vicinity of Ao Hin Bai.
Tham Chao Le is abeautiful cave on the west side of Laem Sak. Inside, there are stalactites and stalagmites as well as prehistoric cave paintings of people, animals, and various geometrical shapes.
Ko Hong , is an island located on the edge of the national park. The easiest way to reach the island is to hire a boat from Ao Phra Nang. The trip takes about an hour. This limestone island has a beach andcoral reefs in both deep and shallow water levels.

Attractions in Amphoe Khlong Thorn

Wat Khlong Thorn Museum Situated withinthe precincts ofWat Khlong Thorn between Km. 69-70on Phetchakasem Highway, one kilometre from the District Office, the museum features various kinds of artifacts discovered during excavations within an area called "Khuan Luk Pat" or a bead mound behind Wat Khlong Thorn. The discoveries include stone tools, stone and earthen ornaments in the shapes of animals and particularly beads from some 5,000 years ago.
Namtok Hin Phoeng , is located at Mu 8, Ban Hin Phoeng, Tambon Khlong Phon, a distance of 25 kilometres from the District Office. This is accessible via Phetchakasem Highway, (Krabi-Trang route) turning left at Khlong Phon and travelling a further 8 kilometres. To reach the waterfall which runs down over a steep rock, one has to take a 400-meter walk along the hillside.
Thung Teao is located within the no-hunting zone of Khao Pra-Bang Khram next to the village of Tung Dio in Tambon Khlong Tom Nua, about 18 kilometres from Amphoe Khlong Tom. It is a virgin forst with natural ponds, rare flora and species of birds. A 2.7-k.m.-long nature trail offers opportunity to study the environment. Trekking handbook may be obtained from the No Hunting Zone office at Ban Bang Dio.
Namtok Ron is located in the forest within Tambon Khlong Tom Nua, about 12 kilometres from the district town. The source of this fall is from undergroundthermal water, hence the high temperature of the water.


Attractions in Amphoe Ko Lanta

Mu Ko Lanta NationalPark comprises of many different-sized islands, some of which are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs such as Ko Ha , Ko Rok and Ko Hai . The main island in the park is Ko Lanta Yai, where both the District Headquarters and National Park Office are located. The island itself is generally rugged and mountainous. There are beaches both gravelly and sandy toward the south. The suitable time to visit Ko Lanta is from November to April.
    Ko Lanta Yai is also home to "Chao Le" or sea gypsies. They still maintain their old way of life and have peculiar traditions, such as setting a boat adrift to drive out evil and bring good luck. This is done during the full moon in June and in November.

Travel to Ko Lanta
  # 1. From Chao Fa Pier in downtown Krabi a boat leaves for Sala Dan Pier, Ko Lanta Yai one time daily at13.30hrs. It takes two anda halfhours for the trip. Boat fare is 150 baht per person.
  # 2. From downtown Krabi near TAT's Tourist Information Centre minibuses leave for Tha Bo Muang Pier, Amphoe Khlong Thorn, 80kilometres away at 10.00 and 12.00 hrs. Bus fare is 50 bath per person. From the pier, regular boats leave for Ko Lanta daily at 12.00 and 14.00 hrs. The trips take 45 minutes and costs 50 baht per person.

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Provinces in Thailand

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