KRABI ISLAND Krabi, a province on southern Thailand’s Andaman coast, is an almost otherworldly region of labyrinthine archipelagos, where islands seem to erupt vertically out of the sea and secluded beaches are only accessible by colorfully adorned long tail boats. Krabi’s myriad of bays and coves have sheltered pirates, merchants, and sea gypsies for thousands of years and archaeological evidence indicates that Krabi was originally inhabited as early as 25,000 - 35,000 years ago! With attractions including hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world, and national parks that include the island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one could
easily spend weeks in Krabi and leave yearning for more.If that wasn’t enough, Krabi features some of the most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, often accompanied by spectacular displays of cloud to cloud lightning, that are best enjoyed from a beachside bar or restaurant. Meanwhile, with all the tourists spread out among various beaches and islands, life goes on in Krabi Town, the
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somewhat sleepy provincial capital. Surprisingly few tourists spend time in the charming riverside town, whose hilly streets feature a number of cozy cafes and inexpensive and authentic Thai cuisine is served at an outdoor, riverside evening market. Town to most visitors is Ao Nang, a seaside strip of guesthouses, hotels, bars, restaurants, and
souvenir shops that continues to grow as tourist arrivals increase, now spreading north into Noppharat Thara, whose quiet, shady beach is part of the national park that includes the Phi Phi Islands. Ao Nang is the major launching point for boat trips to nearby islands and the isolated beaches of Phra Nang Cape, where the famous former hippie enclave of Railey Beach is located. Krabi Province, which lies along the coast of the Andaman sea in Southern Thailand, is a top tourist destination as a result of its plentiful natural attractions including, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, extensive coral reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls, and over 130 islands, including Koh Lanta and the jewels of the Andaman coast, the six islands of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. While not
the top destination in and of itself, Krabi Town is a charming provincial capital located along the banks of a river that leads to the nearby Andaman Sea. Consequently, Krabi is an important port city for both local fisherman as well as boats ferrying visitors to the nearby attractions, including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Railey Beach, one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world.Krabi Town Is located 15 km from Krabi Airport and the transit point to the beaches and islands of the region. The closest beach is about a 30 minute drive from the Airport. The city has developed from a sleepy town to a much livelier one in recent years, with more hotels and nightspots popping up, and offering a variety of restaurants, clubs and dive shops.
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From the town’s Chao Fah pier regular passenger boats and speedboats connect to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Jum and longtail-boats are available to bring travelers to nearby beaches or to explore smaller islands in the area. It is also a good base to discover the temples, caves, waterfalls amongst other attractions in the area and shops and markets invite for bargain hunting. Many offshore islands with great beaches Krabi is blessed with a score or more beautiful islands all within easy reach by longtail boat or speed boat. Most of these are also comprised of the vertical karst rock that makes the whole region so spectacular, Most are, happily, national parks and uninhabited, leaving them in a relatively pristine state.
It means visitors to Krabi can rent a boat and get away from the crowded beaches near the mainland. Without doubt, the beaches of Krabi, especially those around Railay peninsula, are among the most beautiful in Thailand. Some people believe they rank with the best in the world. The backdrops of vertical walls and rockstack pinnacles are powerful visual elements that set these landscapes apart, something rarely ever seen in beach scenery. It is these dramatic scenes, complimented by clear warm waters and soft white sands, that have made Krabi so famous. As one of the most striking rock formations, Hong Archipelago is a composition of 12 islets that vertically stretching from
the North to the South of Krabi sea, near Phang Nga province. The islands are blessed by its shady silhouettes and Mother Nature’s charm, though they feature only a few reachable beaches and an overnight stay is not permitted. The highlight is a large lagoon embraced by surrounding mountains at the archipelago’s main island.The best time to pay a visit is during NovemberApril when you can try kayaking for sightseeing nearby attractions. The kayak route usually starts on the beach close to National Park Ranger Station (rental spot), then sail by the majestic limestone cliff and head to the lagoon at the opposite end of the island. The total trip can take up to 30 minutes to one hour.
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As one of the most striking rock formations, Hong Archipelago is a composition of 12 islets that vertically stretching from the North to the South of Krabi sea, near Phang Nga province. The islands are blessed by its shady silhouettes and Mother Nature’s charm, though they feature only a few reachable beaches and an overnight stay is not permitted. The highlight is a large lagoon embraced by surrounding mountains at the archipelago’s main island. The best time to pay a visit is during November-April when you can try kayaking for sightseeing nearby attractions. The kayak route usually starts on the beach close to National Park Ranger Station (rental spot), then sail by
Phi islands - made famous as the idyllic location for the Hollywood film ‘the Beach” and popular with yachtsmen, scuba-divers, snorkellers and day-trippers from Phuket. The Ko Lanta National Park, also in Krabi province, includes several coral-fringed islands, prime diving sites, and comparative solitude. The largest island, Ko Lanta Yai, is the site of park headquarters, and is also home to Chao Le, or sea gypsies who sustain themselves largely through fishing. The islands are best visited during the non-monsoon months of October through April.
the majestic limestone cliff and head to the lagoon at the opposite end of the island. The total trip can take up to 30 minutes to one hour. In Phranang Beach you can enjoy your time for releasing your stress while exploring the Princess Cave. Inside the Princess Cave, there are many fishermen conduct a ritual before going for fishing. They believe that by doing so they will get many fishes and safety.Snorkeling activity can be done when you reached Tup Island and Chicken Island. Both of them have a beautiful underwater reefs and corals as well as many colorful fishes. If you have more times in Krabi, then you can visit Susan Hoi Fossil
Shell Beach that located in Ban Laem Pho. You can find fossil of shells from million years ago that embedded on rocks plate from the beach. Located on southern Thailand’s east coast, 800 kilometres south of Bangkok, Krabi province is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Classic virgin beaches fringed with towering limestone formations, is an understatement to describe this stunningly beautiful area of Thailand. The Krabi coastline is dotted with rarely visited tropical islands, palm fringed beaches, waterfalls, caves, and strange rock formations. Relatively new to tourism, the area is being carefully developed with no real
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high rise hotels and a wide range of places to stay from small bungalows to the five star prestigious, but relaxing Sheraton Rayavadee Resort. Most accommodation is located around the beach areas of Ao Nang, Rai Ley and Phra Nang with some small local hotels in the provincial capital, Krabi town.
As well as beautiful and relaxing scenery, Krabi offers an adventure playground for those who like to get “out and about.” Kayaking, sailing, birdwatching, snorkelling, island hopping and sightseeing are just a few. In the interior, two predominantly mainland
national parks, Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bokkhorani, offer inland scenic attractions including waterfalls and caves, and opportunities for trekking, birdwatching and eco-tours. Covering an area of approximately 4709sq km, Krabi province is bounded by Phang Nga and Surathani provinces from the north, Trang province and the Andaman Sea from the south, Trang and Nakorn Si Thammarat provinces from the east and Phang Nga province and the Andaman Sea from the west. Krabi’s landscape is undulating and dotted with hills and mountains, the highest of which is Khao Phanom Bencha at 1,350m. Along the 160km coastline of Krabi are alternately bays and capes - which viewed from the air reveal a jagged outline with outcrops of limestone mountains rising up from the sea waters. Much of the coastal area is covered
Krabi is a great place to relax. The pace is unhurried and many beaches can only be reached by boat, keeping development to a minimum. Much of the province has been designated national park. The Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park incorporates many of the mainland beaches, over 80 smaller islands and the Phi
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by mangrove forest which serves as a natural breeding ground for Krabi’s diverse aquatic life. Inland, Krabi’s extensive deciduous forest area are mainly reserved and feature high flora and fauna biodiversity. In recent years, with it’s natural attractions such as tropical islands, palm fringed beaches, forest waterfalls and caves attracting more and more sunseeking adventure-bound tourists, Krabi has begun to earn a substantial income from its tourism industry. Predominantly however, it is an agricultural based area, with sandy clay soil conditions, like many surrounding provinces, making it ideal for producing rubber, palm oils, oranges, coconuts, and coffee. Rubber is the main cash crop grown with over 700,00 rai being under cultivation for this purpose. Palm oil comes in second, followed by coco-
nuts. Fishing is widely carried out along the coastline and on most larger islands, and although traditional methods are still in use, modern trawling techniques are threatening numbers and the industry. Shrimp and cockle farming has been a high growth industry since the early 1990’s, and there is also a flourishing grouper farming industry. The people of Krabi represent a mix of different races who over history came to settle from different regions. It is said that each group of people represent a different page in the history of Krabi. The Chao Ley or “Sea Gypsies” reside on various of the islands in Krabi’s waters, and traditionally made their living from wandering around
fishing and diving for their local people over time, many retain vestiges of their Chilivelihood. nese heritage. Their small communities are in danger of overex- Many still retain the abilposure to tourism, and inevi- ity to speak Chinese, have table assimilation, however Chinese (and Thai) names, some of their traditional ways and observe Chinese rituals are presented in the yearly and religious beliefs. Being sea gypsy sailing ritual held in close proximity to Malayin May on Koh Lanta, Koh Pu sia, southern Thailand is also and Koh Cham. In the late home to many Muslim com19th and early 20th centuries, munities, and Krabi itself has Southern Chinese people a strong Muslim presence. flocked to Thailand in search Krabi has a tropical of work and many made their way to the south of Thailand monsoon climate. It’s warm all year ‘round, but the two to work in local industry. periods of April-May and In more recent times, there September-October are the involvement has been high in hottest. The September-Ocoil palm plantations and gyp- tober period is also the wetsum mining. Despite the as- test. The best time to visit similation of Chinese people Krabi is during the cool NE and their descendants with monsoon season, from No-
vember though March, when it isn’t so humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature is around 75?F to 89?F (24?C to 32?C). The hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures ranging from 80?F to 95?F (27?C to 36?C). There are frequent short heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity. The Thai New Year occurs on April 13th and everyone sprinkles (or throws) cool water on each other. Locals enjoy June, July and August, since the weather is usually fine and favourite haunts remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is brief but heavy showers, with plenty
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of sunshine between downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at this time of year, as well. Temperatures range between 70?F and 90?F (20?C to 33?C). During September and early October we start to remember our umbrellas. This makes an ideal time to visit abroad. One consolation for those who remain is that the beaches, outdoor restaurants and streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors. And even at this time, we still get long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers. Anyway, plenty of lowseason activities, both water- and land-based, still offer themselves in Krabi during this wettest part of the summer season.
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Krabi is divided into eight districts : Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, and Lam Thap and, Nhua Khlong. Krabi is on the Andaman Sea coast of southwest Thailand, between 7’ 30” and 8’ 30” north latitude, and 98’ 30” and 99’ 30” west longitude. Total area is 4,709 square kilometers bounded thus Krabi’s mountainous physical geography is broken by highlands and plains on the mainland.The provincial administration also covers more than 130 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 products, including
rubber trees, palms, man- reliable. Urgent or important items can be sent by EMS gos, coconuts, and coffee. services. The Krabi River flows 5 kilometers through the city This is faster and safer and falls into the Andaman at but the cost is higher. Krabi Tambon Pak Nam. There are Town’s main post office is loother streams as well : the cated on Uttarakit Road, near Khlong Pakasai, the Khlong the Customs Pier (See Map). Krabi Yai and the Khlong Telecommunications/InterKrabi Noi in the province’s net International phone calls, highest range of mountains, bureau fax, and Internet serthe Khao Phanom Bencha. vices are widely available Mail and Postal Services throughout Thailand. Krabi Open: 8am to 4.30pm. The Town’s post office and most Thai post service is usually hotels can provide telephone
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and fax services and Internet services are springing up in all the main tourist areas, catering for Internet savvy tourists. Krabi’s scenery provides the perfect place for outdoor activities, sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling...... It simply goes with the sun, sea and sand. Nightlife in Krabi is well... mellow. Lively bars and a variety of restaurants can be found around Ao Nang beach with a small par-
transit point for trips to the islands and other beaches. Many of Krabi’s beaches like Railay can only be accessed by boat which helps to retain their unspoilt character. This Krabi’s beaches offer is the place to simply get on a not just sea and sand, but boat and search for the peralso some stunning back- fect beach. drops. Some, are surroundKrabi has a wealth of ed by huge limestone cliffs. Almost all, are fringed by a National Parks which include vista of tiny islands, perfect both the islands and coastal for day trips and shallow wa- area. Many come under the ter snorkelling.Ao Nang is the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi main beach is the main boat Phi National Park which also ty scene at Railay. Lots of opportunities to sip a cocktail, stop for a coffee, meet new people and watch a stunning sunset.
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includes the famous Phi Phi islands. You can hire a local boat to local inshore islands or take a day trip to places like Phi Phi.Close by, the Lanta Marine National Park has Island group also provides good snorkeling, diving, rock climbing and trekking. Lanta is best visited from November to April.
Krabi has a jungle covered interior with limestone crags, hidden lagoons, caves, hot springs, and even a unique “Shell cemetery” millions of years old.The impressive scenery is also the source of spiritual energy and inspiration reflected in some of the more unusual attractions. You’ll find temples located in sea caves, at viewpoints and other natural sites - often at the site of early settlement, where cave paintings and artifacts have been found. The Interior lagoons, caves and cliffs also provide great places for sea kayaking, eco-tours, rock climbing and trekking.
the location of the Waiking cave where the King Phumiphol Adulyadej had been here and gave the new name as “Phaya Nak Cave” because there is one stone looked like the head of naga which local people who collect the nests of swallow birds pay their respects. In this cave, eastern side and southern side, you would find the historical paints of elephant and many kinds of boats pictures.
Large cave about 80 meters high with beautiful stalactite stalagmite. East and south. Will find historical paintings modern elephant and boat types. It is also the island to collect bird’s nest In the northeastern concession. Normally not part of Phi Phi Le Island, is open to the outside inside.
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Fear will interfere with nesting birds in the nest. But when the painting. Is open to view, sometimes from time to time. Khao Phung Cave is located some 3 kilometers 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, other pagodas and curtains. The walls are white and glitter brightly. Phra Cave is 3 kms. from Ao Luk market. It contains a very old Buddha image which was later braced by two other equalsized images and smaller wooden images round the base.