Attractions

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 Hat Rai Le, 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.

Hat Noppharat Thara
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 Hat Noppharat Thara- Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park are situated here. The park covers a large area both onshore and offshore.
Website: www. dnp.go.th

Hat Rai Le
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.
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.

Hat Tham Phra Nang
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.

Wat Tham Suea
This temple, also known as “Tiger Cave”, is 9 km. north of Krabi Town. The inside of this cave features tiger prints captured in stone, and it’s in the middle of a lush forest, with enormous, ancient trees. As well as serving as a temple, this site is also very significant archaeologically, as many artefacts have been found on the premises, including tools, pottery, and a mould for the Buddha’s footprint. In addition, there are several other caves in the surrounding hills.

Tham Sadet
This cave is at Ban Nong Ngok, 7 km. from Krabi town. The villagers named it to mark the visit of King Rama IV (before he ascended to the throne). The cave features marvellous stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Krabi Horticultural Centre
This agrotourism attraction, supported by the Department of Agricultural Extension, is some 20 km. from Krabi on the way to Amphoe Ao Luek. The centre covers a large area and boasts a collection of local fruits, flowers and plants.

Mu Ko Phi Phi
Phi Phi Mu Ko 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 Viewpoint of Ao Phra Nang 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.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
The park office is at Ban Huai To, 20 km. from town. The park covers a total area of 50 sq. km. with high mountains and thick forests. Its marvellous scenery is enhanced by streams, waterfalls, and wild animals. Namtok Huai To is some 500 metres from the park office. The waterfall plunges over rocks into 11 huge pools, each with their own name, such as Wang Thewada, Wang Sok, and Wang Chan. There is also Namtok Huai Sade, a 3-tier waterfall located 300 metres from the park office.
Trekking to the peak of the Phanom Bencha Mountain, 1,397 metres high, is an interesting activity for adventurous tourists. Treks take at least 3 days, passing streams, waterfalls, caves and viewpoints on high cliffs. Admission is 200 baht per person.
A tent can be rented for 50 baht a day per person. Contact the headquarters of Phanom Bencha National Park, P.O. Box 26 Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000,
Tel. 0 762 9013.

Than Bok Khorani National Park
The park office is situated 46 km. from town or 1 km. from Ao Luek Nuea Market. Near the park office there are several natural ponds of emerald water in a shady forested area. Tourists can enjoy swimming in these pools.
Other attractions in the park include several caves in limestone mountains, verdant mangrove forests, and beautiful islands which can be reached only by boat. Admission is 200 baht per person. Camping in the park can be done but tourists have to bring their own tents.

Tham Lot can be reached by boat from Bo Tho Pier. The pier is located 2 km. from Amphoe Ao Luek on the way to Laem Sak, where visitors can ride a long-tail boat along a canal passing through mangrove forests for 15 minutes. Tham Lot is a tunnel under a limestone mountain where a natural stream runs through a small tunnel and charming stalactite and stalagmite formations are found. The cave can be visited only during low tide.

Tham Phi Hua To is 500 metres from Tham Lot and can be visited by boat from Bo Tho Pier. The cave is in Phi Hua To Mountain which is surrounded by mangrove swamps. There are
2 split paths inside the cave. On the left lies the shortcut to the back of the cave where the sun can shine through, and on the right is a path to a chamber hall believed to have once been a shelter for cave dwellers. Prehistoric paintings of men, animals, human organs and numerous seashells can be seen in the cave.
Big human skulls were also discovered, thus inspiring its name,
“Big-headed Ghost Cave”.

Tham Chao Le is located to the west of Laem Sak in a bay surrounded by mountains and picturesque islands. It is accessible by boat from Laem Sak. The trip takes 10 to 15 minutes. In the cave, there are primitive paintings featuring men, animals and geometric symbols including stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is assumed that the paintings may have been painted after those of Tham Phi Hua To.

Mu Ko Hong is a group of limestone islands including Ko Lao or Ko Sa Ka, Ko Lao Riam, Ko Pakka and Ko Lao La Ding. Most of them are limestone islands with fine beaches, coral reefs in both deep and shallow water, and various kinds of fish. Ko Hong or Ko Lao Li Pe is the biggest island in the south. There is a 400-metre hiking trail around the island. This area is also suitable for sea-canoeing. Mu Ko Hong is located at the edge of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, and is accessible by boat from Ao Nang. The trip takes about an hour. The park charges 200 baht for an entrance fee and 20 baht for camping on the island.

Wat Khlong Thom Museum
This local museum in a temple compound is located 1 km. from Khlong Thom District Office, between Km. 71 and Km. 72 of Highway No. 4. The museum features various kinds of artefacts that were discovered during the excavations within an archaeological site called “Khuan Luk Pat” or “a mound of beads” behind the temple. Other discoveries include stone tools, earthen ornaments in the shape of animals, and the beads< are about 5,000 years old.

Namtok Hin Phoeng
This waterfall is situated 25 km. from Khlong Thom District. Drive along Highway No. 4 (Krabi-Trang), and turn left for 8 km. at Khlong Phon Market. On arrival at the lower basin, visitors must walk along the edge of a mountain for 400 metres to see the waterfall on a steep cliff.

Namtok Ron Khlong Thom
These hot springs are steaming at Ban Bang Khram. Travel some 45 km. from town to Amphoe Khlong Thom, then take Sukhaphiban 2 Road for 12 km. The area is full of hot springs in a shady forest. The temperature is warm at 40-50 degrees Celsius. The hot springs and cool streams converge on a slope to form lovely cascades with warm water. Admission is 10 baht per person.
Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary

At Ban Bang Tiao, 18 km. from Amphoe Khlong Thom, there is a 2.7 km. nature trail through a lowland forest with the Emerald Pool and a variety of natural habitats. The forest is home to rare birds like Gurney’s Pitta, Rufous-coloured Kingfisher and Black Hornbill, and various kinds of plants. Visitors are allowed to stay overnight but they have to bring their own tents.

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

Mu Ko Lanta National Park
The park has an office at the south end of Ko Lanta Yai. The park covers an area of 152 sq. km. and occupies many islands including parts of Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Lanta Noi, Ko Ta Leng Beng, Ko Ha, Ko Rok, and Ko Ngai. Camping is allowed near the park office with advance notice. Ko Rok also provides tents for tourists. Please contact Mu Ko Lanta National Park, No.5, Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi 81150, Tel. 0
7562 9018-9.

Ko Talabeng is a limestone island, similar to Ko Phi Phi Le, and blessed with small lovely beaches. During low tide, the cave is clearly visible. Swallows can be seen on the island.
Ko Rok comprises two islands: Ko Rok Nai and Ko Rok Nok. Ko Rok Nai is an island consisting of steep cliffs, superb beaches and unspoiled coral reefs. Ko Rok Nok has similar features, while Hat Thalu and Ao Man Sai are situated at the end of the island. Tourists can contact tour operators, resorts and bungalows on Ko Lanta Yai for an excursion to Ko Rok by speedboat. The trip by long-tail boat is not recommended.
Ko Ngai or Ko Hai is a small island that has a long sandy beach in the east and unspoiled coral reefs in shallow water at the beachfront. The island is accessible by taking a ferry and a chartered boat from Pak Meng Pier, Trang province.

Hin Daeng is a rock that poses a hazard to ships on the outer edge of the Andaman Sea. With a dazzling array of coral reefs, it is a great diving spot.

Ko Ha is an archipelago of five islands. Ko Ha Yai is where coral reefs are found in shallow water.