Krabi Thailand Travel Information Guide and Hotels

Krabi - Krabi’s major attractions are located largely along its extensive coastline, which contains several well-known beaches and bays, and numerous offshore tropical islands.

This coastal province covers an area of 4,709 square kilometres and is located 814 km. 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.

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.

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 is perfect for a variety of agricultural produce, including rubber trees, palms, oranges, coconuts, and coffee. The Krabi River flows 5 kilometres through the town and empties into the Andaman Sea at Tambon Pak Nam.

Khao Khanap Nam
Khao Khanap Nam 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. A boat can be rented for 300 baht per trip to visit Khao Khanap Nam, mangrove forests and the Ko Klang fishing village.

Susan Hoi or Fossil Shells 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 millions. Eventually, weather changes caused the swamp’s disappearance, but by then the layer of fossilised snail shells was 40 centimetres thick, resting on 10 centimetres of lignite below which is the subsoil. Because of geographic upheavals, 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 km. from town. Its white sandy beach stretches to the foot of a 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 Railay Bay, 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.

Noppharat Thara Beach
This is a 3-km. long sandy beach located 6 km. from Ao Nang. The beach, paved with tiny seashells, was formerly called“Hat Khlong Haeng” by locals, which means “dried canal beach”. The canal will dry up during low tide and the area turns into a long beach. The headquarters of Noppharat Thara Beach Phi Phi Island National Park are situated here. The park covers a large area both onshore and offshore.

Railay Bay
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.

Tham Phra Nang Beach
Accessible only by boat, this sweeping beach offers fine-grained white sand and crystalline waters, as well as magnificent cliffs and caves. Although visitors flock to this beach year-round, it is still extremely pristine, and considered to be the most attractive one 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.

Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island is located an equal distance from both Krabi and Phuket, about 40 km. Made up of six small and large isles, the main features are sheer limestone cliffs and rocks. Some have 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 sq. km. 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 accommodation is available.

Ko Phi Phi Le is a lovely island that covers an area of only 6.6 sq. km. It is surrounded by limestone mountains and high hills with jutting cliffs. On average, the sea is 20 metres deep and the deepest point to the south of the island is around 34 metres. Ko Phi Phi Le is blessed with 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 swallows”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 to 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 Ko Phi Phi is during the monsoon-free season, which is from November to April.

Ferries depart from Chao Fa Pier in Krabi town to Ko Phi Phi at 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The 21/2 hour trip costs about 150 baht per person. Heading back, 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 runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel. 0 7563 7152-3 for more information. Andaman Wave Master Co., Ltd. operates boat services, departing Chao Fa Pier at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tel. 0 7563 0471 (Krabi Office) or 0 2281 1463-5 (Bangkok Office). 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 of which has a camp 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.

Getting to Ko Lanta, visitors can take air-conditioned vans from Krabi Town. The van boards a motor raft at Ban Hua Hin and then another raft at Ko Lanta Noi. The trip takes 2 hours. To return, the vans depart from Sala Dan (on Ko Lanta Yai) at 7 a.m. and 12 noon. For more information, contact Krabi Lanta Tour Tel. 0 7562 2792. Visitors can also take the boats from Chao Fa Pier (available from November to May). The trip takes 2 hours. Tel. 0 7563 0470-2 Royal Fern Co.,Ltd. operates boat services to Krabi via Ko Cham (or Ko Jum) and to Ko Ngai, Ko Rok and Ko Kradan. Tel. 0 7568 4163, 0 1719 4811

Canoeing
One of several ecotourism activities available in Krabi is sea-canoeing, and there are few better ways to enjoy the spectacular scenery than by drifting leisurely amongst the limestone cliffs. 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 and advice about some of the most spectacular destinations in Southern Thailand.

Biking
Mountain bikes can be found around Ao Nang. The terrain is spectacular and this is a great and healthy way to take in the most captivating scenery.

Rock Climbing
Every year thousands of climbers come to Krabi specifically to challenge themselves on the famous limestone karsts, and most agree it’s well worth the trip. There are over 150 bolted routes, concentrated primarily on the Phranang peninsula, between Hat Tham Phranang and Railay Bay. 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.

By Car
Route A: Drive along Highway No. 4, passing Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Phang-nga, to Krabi. The distance is 946 km. from Bangkok.

Route B: Drive along Highway No. 4 and turn into Highway No. 41 at Chumphon via Lang Suan and Phunphin, Surat Thani. Continue driving along Highways No. 401 via Ban Ta Khun, No. 415 and No. 4 via Ao Luek to Krabi. This route is 814 km. from Bangkok.

By Bus
Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi every day. The journey takes 12 hours. For more information, contact Tel. 0 2435 1199. Lignite Tour (Tel. 0 2884 5767) also operates daily bus services to Krabi.

By Rail
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Krabi. Visitors may take a train from Bangkok Railway Station to Surat Thani and then take a bus or a taxi to Krabi. For more information, contact Tel. 0 2220 4334 or Hotline 1690

By Air
Thai Airways operates daily flights to Krabi. Tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 (Bangkok Office) or 0 7563 6543 (Krabi Office) or visit www.thaiairways.com

P.B. Air also flies to Krabi. For more information, Tel. 0 2261 0220 (Bangkok Office), 0 7569 1942 (Krabi Office)

Phuket Airlines also flies between Bangkok and Krabi. Tel. 0 2679 8999 or visit www.phuketairlines.com.

Getting around the town is very convenient by local taxi (tuk tuk). Some attractions like Noppharat Thara Beach, 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.

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival
The festival is held annually 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
This is a rare sea gypsy festival on Ko Lanta. 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.

Thailand Destination Guide

		:: North
		Mae Hong Son Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Phayao Lampang Lamphun Phrae Nan Tak Sukhothai Uttaradit Phitsanulok Kamphaeng Phet Phichit Phetchabun Uthai Thani Nakhon Sawan

		:: North East
		Loei Chaiyaphum Nong Bua Lamphu Khon Kaen Udon Thani Nong Khai Sakon Nakhon Nakhon Phanom Kalasin Mukdahan Nakhonratchasima (Khorat) Maha Sarakham Roi Et Yasothon Amnart Charoen Buriram Surin Si Sa Ket Ubon Ratchathani

		:: East
		Chon Buri (Pattaya) Rayong Chanthaburi Trat

		:: Central
		Chainat Kanchanaburi Suphan Buri Sing Buri Ang Thong Lop Buri Saraburi Ayutthaya Ratchaburi Nakhon Pathom Nonthaburi Pathum Thani Bangkok Samut Songkhram Samut Sakhon Samut Prakan Nakhon Nayok Chachoengsao Prachin Buri Sa Kaeo Phetchaburi (Hua Hin - Cha-Am) Prachuapkhirikhan

		:: South
		Chumphon Ranong Surat Thani (Samui) Phang-Nga Krabi Phuket Nakhon Si Thammarat Trang Phatthalung Satun Songkhla Pattani Yala Narathiwat