Beaches & Islands Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park This marine national park covers the coastal area and offshore islands within Amphoe Mueang. The varied scenes within the park limits include the tranquil casuarinas-backed beach of Hat Noppharat Thara, the long sandy stretch of the more developed beach of Ao Nang, Mu Ko Phi Phi and Susan Hoi (Shell Cemetery) a beach of fossilised limestone and shells formed some 40 million years ago.

Mu Ko Phi Phi
Now famous as the location for the movie The Beach, there are two principal islands in the Phi Phi group, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. The former is larger and has been developed with bungalow accommodation and other tourist facilities. Phi Phi Le, smaller and uninhabited, is stunningly beautiful with sheer cliffs, idyllic bays, hidden coves and caves.

Laem Phra Nang
Around the headland from Ao Nang are three of Krabi’s best beaches, Ao Phra Nang, Hat Rai Le and Ao Nam Mao. The area can be reached only by boat and is quite spectacular. Rock climbing and cliff-trekking to a hidden pool and a magnificent viewpoint are among the attractions.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Several different islands are encompassed by the park, some of which are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, while the main island of Ko Lanta Yai is an up-and-coming resort destination.

Khao Khanap Nam
These mountains, walling the Krabi River in between, are somewhat a symbol of the town. It is accessible within 15 minutes by long-tail boat from Tha Chao Fa, the main pier in the town.

Ao Nang
Ao Nang, located 6 km. from Hat Noppharat Thara, is a large bay with scenic beaches and 83 small islands. A number of hotels and bungalows as well as dive shops are available.

Inland Attractions
Mueang Krabi
The markets and the river frontage of Krabi town, an unpretentious little place huddled near the mouth of the Krabi River, are worth strolling around for their local colour. The main attraction, however, is Khao Khanap Nam, a rock outcrop in the river facing the town where there are caves with stalagmites and stalactites.

Susan Hoi / Fossil Shell Beach
The place is 17 km. from town along the route to Hat Noppharat Thara. A tremendous number of shells embedded near the seashore piled up a large amount of shells some 40 million years ago.

Wat Tham Suea
Situated about 7 km. from Krabi town, Tiger Cave Temple as  the name translates, is a famous forest temple set in a wooded valley surrounded by high cliffs where monks practice meditation.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
Covering a total area of 50 sq. km. and located about 20 km. from Krabi town, the park is typified by forested peaks, and its marvellous scenery is enhanced  by streams, waterfalls and a comparative wealth of fauna.

Than Bokkhorani National Park
Off the main Krabi-Phang-nga highway some 45 km. from town, the park extends over an area of 121 sq. km. and has many attractions including limestone cliffs, caves and waterfalls. The focal point of this popular beauty spot is a lotus pool fed by a waterfall splashing down from the rocks overhead. Streams flow from the lagoon and meander though a botanical garden of tropical flowers, trees and shrubs. In the area, there is a replica of the Lord Buddha’s footprint carved from wood and a shrine of Chao Pho To Yuan-To Chong.

Sporting Opportunities
Scuba-diving
Excursions into Krabi’s waters are organised by dive operators in Krabi and Phuket.

Snorkelling
Conditions are good for snorkelling, especially around the offshore islands.

Rock Climbing
The limestone cliffs at Ao Nam Mao, Hat Rai Le by Phra Nang headland are ideal for rock climbing, and a number of professional companies provide equipment and tuition.

Special Events
Visit Krabi and Andaman Festival Held annually to inaugurate the province’s tourism season, the festival features local entertainment, traditional shows and water sports.

Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival
Celebrated on the full moon night of the 6th and 11th lunar months at the beach near Ban Sala Don on Ko Lanta, the Sea Gypsies of the region gather in order to float model boats in the sea to bring good luck. The Festival also features typical southern dance and traditional music.

Getting There
By Air
 • Thai Airways International Bangkok office Tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, Hotline 1566 Krabi office Tel. 0 7562 2439 Website: www.thaiairways.com
By Bus
Coaches leave daily for Krabi from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal. Please Tel. 0 2435 1199 for more information.
By Car
From Bangkok to Krabi, the route via Phetchaburi-Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon-Ranong-Phang-nga is 946 km.
By Rail
There is no direct rail service to Krabi. The closest southern rail stations are Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat, from where visitors can take a bus or taxi to Krabi. For more information, please contact the State Railways of Thailand. Tel. 0 2220 4334 or Hotline 1690

Accommodation
Hotels in all categories, from super deluxe to budget bungalows are to be found in Krabi. For full details, please contact the TAT’s Krabi office located on Uttarakit Road in Krabi town, Tel. 0 7562 2163.

Shopping
Souvenirs of Krabi include turtle dove cages, while the local fish paste and dried fish and shrimp are popular. Shopping is best on Uttarakit Road.

South of Krabi, the province of Trang is something of a mid point, figuratively speaking, an up-and-coming tourism destination that has yet to achieve the status of Krabi or Phuket. It is also distinguished by offering both coastal and inland attractions.

With a coastline of nearly 200 km. and more than 46 offshore islands, Trang’s prime marine attractions are cruising the coastal waters, visiting such notable sights as Tham Morakot or Emerald Cave along with excellent opportunities for snorkelling and scuba-diving. Then, for a change of scenery, inland excursions are equally rewarding, with a lush and hilly landscape dotted with caves and waterfalls.