General Information

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 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.

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 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.

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 Bokk-horani, offer inland scenic attractions including waterfalls and caves, and opportunities for trekking, birdwatching and eco-tours.

Locale and Landscape
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 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.

 

Industry
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 coconuts. 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.

People
 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 livelihood.

Their small communities are in danger of overexposure to tourism, and inevitable assimilation, however some of their traditional ways are presented in the yearly sea gypsy sailing ritual held in May on Koh Lanta, Koh Pu and Koh Cham.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Southern Chinese people flocked to Thailand in search of work and many made their way to the south of Thailand to work in local industry.

In more recent times, there involvement has been high in oil palm plantations and gypsum mining. Despite the assimilation of Chinese people and their descendants with local people over time, many retain vestiges of their Chinese heritage.

Many still retain the ability to speak Chinese, have Chinese (and Thai) names, and observe Chinese rituals and religious beliefs. Being in close proximity to Malaysia, southern Thailand is also home to many Muslim communities, and Krabi itself has a strong Muslim presence. 


Climate
Krabi has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all year 'round, but the two periods of April-May and September-October are the hottest.

The September-October period is also the wettest.

The best time to visit Krabi is during the cool NE monsoon season, from November 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 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.


Administration
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.


Size, Location and Boundaries
Krabi is on the Andaman Sea coast of south-west 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:


Population
Krabi's estimated population, as of September 1999, is 344,610


Geography
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, mangos, coconuts, and coffee.

The Krabi River flows 5 kilometers through the city and falls into the Andaman at Tambon Pak Nam. There are other streams as well : the Khlong Pakasai, the Khlong Krabi Yai and the Khlong Krabi Noi in the province's highest range of mountains, the Khao Phanom Bencha.
 

Communications
Mail and Postal Services Open: 8am to 4.30pm. The Thai post service is usually reliable. Urgent or important items can be sent by EMS services.

This is faster and safer but the cost is higher. Krabi Town's main post office is located on Uttarakit Road, near the Customs Pier.

Telecommunications/Internet International phone calls, bureau fax, and Internet services are widely available throughout Thailand. Krabi Town's post office and most hotels can provide telephone and fax services and Internet services are springing up in all the main tourist areas, catering for Internet savvy tourists.


Banks
Krabi Town has a number of banks that provide standard services, Mondays to Fridays, except public and bank holidays, between 8.30am and 3.30pm. Check our town map for location details. Currency exchange centers also operate from 7.00am to 9.00pm, seven days a week including holidays.


Important Telephone
NumbersHospitals

• Krabi Hospital 611-202, 611-210, 611-2203
• Ao Lak Hospital 681-159, 681-510
• Koh Lanta Hospital 697-017, 697-100

Assistance
Provincial Tourist Police 637-308 
Immigration Office 612-740 
Tourism Authority 212-213 
Provincial Travellers Assistance Centre 612-740

Krabi History
Krabi has many cliffs and caves where ancient colour paintings, stone tools, beads, pottery and skeletal remains have been found.

It is believed that Krabi has been home to homosapiens since the period 25,000- 35,000 B.C. In recorded time,it was called "Ban Thai Samor",and was one of twelve towns that used, before people were widely literate, the monkey for their standard. At that time, c. 1200 A.D., Krabi was tributary to the Kingdom of Ligor, a city on the Kra Peninsular's east coast better known today as Nakorn Sri Thammarat.

At the start of the Rattanakosin period, about 200 years ago, when the capital was finally settled at Bangkok, and elephant kraal was established in Krabi by order of Jao Praya Nakorn (Noy),the Rajah of Nakorn Sri Thammarat, which was by then a part of the Thai Kingdom. He sent his vizier, the Pra Palad to oversee this task, which was to ensure a regular supply of elephants for the larger town. So many emigrated in the steps of the Pra Palad that soon Krabi had a large community in three different boroughs : Pakasai, Klong Pon, and Pak Lao.

In 1872, King Chulalongkorn graciously elevated these to town status, called Krabi, a word that preserves in its meaning the monkey symbolism of the old standard. The town's first governor was Luang Tehp Sena, though it continued a while as a dependency of Nakorn Sri Thammarat. This was changed in 1875, when Krabi was raised to a fourth level town in the old system of Thai government. Administrators then reported directly to the central government in Bangkok, and Krabi's history as a unique entity, separate from the other provinces, had begun.

During the present reign, the corps of civil servants, the merchants, and the population generally of Krabi and nearby provinces have tegether organized construction of a royal residence at Laem Hahng Nak Cape for presentation to Her Majesty the Queen. This lies thirty kilometers to the west of Krabi town on the Andaman coast.

The mountainous geography, broken by highlands and plains on the mainland, and 130 big and small islands in the Andaman Sea make Krabi a perfect place for recreation.

The famous "Phi Phi islands", named "Paradise on Earth" , has never lessened in its amazing beauty which includes beaches, limestone sea cliffs and . "Lanta islands" which lies to the South of Krabi Town includes stretches of mangrove with breaks of coral rimmed beaches with rugged hills caused in exotic forest. There is lillte development on Lanta Islands. "Ao Nang" and "Rai Ley Bay" are uniquely beautiful by their nice sand beaches and lime-stone steep sided mountains and cliffs that attract rock climbers from around the world. Other Islands and shore beaches are never the same in their beauty.

Nataural forest cover is chiefy mangrove and Cassia trees. Krabi's sandy clay soil conditions are perfect for a variety of agricultural products, including: Rubbles trees, Palms, Oranges, Coconuts and coffee.

The Krabi river flows 5 kilometers throngh the city and flows into the Andaman Sea at Tambon PAK NAM .This river has its source the Panom Benja Mountains.

Temperrature for the year range between 16.9 and 37.3 degrees Celsius; yearly rainfall averages 2,568.5 millimeters

How to get there

By Car
From Bangkok, use highway no.4, or highway no.35 (Thon Buri - Pak Tho) and join highway no.4, pass Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, to Chumphon junction, then turn left along highway 4001 for 8 kilometres to town.

By Bus
There are regular buses of Transport Co., Ltd. from the Southern Bus Terminal to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact the Southern Bus Terminal at Tel: 0 2434 5557 - 8, 0 2435 1199 or visit www.transport.co.th. For the round-trip, buses leave from Chumphon Bus Terminal at Tel: 0 7750 2725, 0 7751 1094.

For air-conditioned buses, contact:
Chok-anan Tour: in Bangkok at Tel: 0 2435 5027 - 9, 0 2435 7429 or in Chumphon at Tel: 0 7751 1480, 0 7751 1757.

Suwannathi Tour: in Bangkok at Tel: 0 2435 5026, or in Chumphon at Tel: 0 7751 1422.

By Train
From Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamgphong): There are both rapid and express trains to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact at Tel: 1690, 0 2 223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or at Chumphon Station Tel: 0 7751 1103 or visit www.railway.co.th.

From Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi): There are fast trains to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact at Tel: 0 2411 3102.

By Air
Air Andaman flies from Bangkok to Chumphon. Call 02229 9555 or visit www.airandaman.com for more information.

Communications within Chumphon and to Nearby Provinces

Bus Chumphon - Sawi - Lang Suan Route: The terminal is in front of Chumphon Market, Thanon Tha Taphao from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Taxi:
Taxi queue is behind old market, opposite to Chumphon Bus Terminal. Taxi can be hired to Lang Suan, Ranong and Surat Thani.

Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts

Pathiu Tha Sae Sawi Thung Tako Lang Suan Lamae Phato

30   32   45   62   76   95 115

kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms.

Distances from Chumphon to Nieghbouring Provinces
 

Prachuap Khiri Khan Ranong Surat Thani

183 117 193

kms. kms. kms.

Attractions

Amphoe Ao Luek
Mu Koh Hong
Mu Koh Hong consists of a group of limestone islands including Koh Lao or Koh Sa Ka, Koh Lao Riam, Koh Pakka, Koh Lao La Ding and Koh Hong or Koh Lao Li Pe which is the biggest island to the south. The attractions on these islands include fine beaches, shallow and deep-water coral reefs and various kinds of fish while popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sea-canoeing and nature studies on the 400-meter hiking trail around Koh Hong. Mu Koh Hong is located at the edge of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, and is accessible by a 1-hour boat trip from Ao Nang. The park entrance fee is 200 baht per person with an additional fee of 20 baht per person for camping on the island.

Tham Chao Le
A beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites as well as prehistoric cave paintings depicting people, animals and various geometrical shapes. These paintings are assumed to have been painted after those of Tham Phi Hua To.

The cave is located to the west of Laem Sak in a bay surrounded by mountains and picturesque islands. The cave can be reached by taking a 10 to 15-minute boat trip from Laem Sak.

Tham Lot Nuea and Tham Lot Tai
To visit these two caves take the Ao Luk-Laem Sak route for approximately two kilometers and then take a right turn to the Bo Tho Pier. From the pier, hire a rental boat and travel along the Tha Prang Canal for approximately 15 minutes. After passing a mangrove swamp, you will see Tham Lot Tai a cave beneath a limestone hill with a stream flowing through narrow passages. The main attractions are beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Tham Lot Nuea is a large cavern with meandering passages longer than those of the Tham Lot Tai, which are navigable only during low tide.

Tham Phet
The name of this cave "Phet", which means diamonds, is derived from the sparkling stone inside the cave that produces beautiful reflections on the cave wall just like glittering diamonds. Another attraction is a Buddha image is enshrined in front of the cave. This cave is 3 kilometers from the Ao Luk Nua market intersection, however, the best way to get there is to contact the National Park Office at Than Bok Khorani and ask for a local guide.

Tham Phi Hua To
Located just 500 meters from Tham Lot, the cave can only 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 different paths inside the cave. On the left lies the shortcut to the back of the cave where the sunlight can shine through, and on the right is a path to a natural hall believed to have been a shelter for prehistoric people. Prehistoric paintings of men, animals, human organs and numerous seashells can be seen in the cave. The discovery of big human skulls in the cave, resulted in the caves present name.

Than Bok Khorani National Park
The National Park covers an area of 37.5 rai of land in Tambon Ao Leuk Tai. Its headquarters is located just one kilometer from Tambon Ao Leuk Neua Market intersection on the Ao Luk Sak road. The Park is covered by a canopy of diverse species of trees such as wild gardenia, asoka, and Apocynaceae that are scattered around Sa Bok Khorani, an attractive emerald pond after which the park is named where visitors can swim.

At the north end of Sa Bohk Kohrani, which flows through a winding passage in the mountain, is a wood carving of a footprint of the Lord Buddha and a shrine of Chao Pho To Yuan - To Chong. Other attractions in the park include several limestone mountain caves, verdant mangrove forests and beautiful islands which can be reached only by boat Admission fee is 200 baht per person. The Park does not provide accommodations, but camping in the park is allowed although tourists have to bring their own tents.


Amphoe Khao Phanom
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
Located 20 kilometers from Krabi along Talat Kao-Ban Huai To Road, the Park covers a total area of 50 square kilometers including some parts of Amphoe Ao Luk, Amphoe Khao Phanom, and Amphoe Mueang.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park has pristine, lush forest on its highest peaks. Admission is 200 baht per person. A tent can be rented at the rate of 50 baht per person per day. For additional information contact Phanom Bencha National Park headquarters at P.O. Box 26 Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000 or tel: 0-7662-9013.

With streams, waterfalls, and wild life enhancing its magnificent scenery, the park's major attractions are follows:

Namtok Huai To
Located approximately 500 meters from the Park's office, this waterfall flows over rocks into 11 huge pools, each with their own name, such as Wang Thewada, Wang Sok, and Wang Chan. Another 3-tiered waterfall originating from a high-altitude cliff called Namtok Huai Sa-de is located some 1.2 kilometers from the Parks office. Apart from visiting waterfalls, adventurous visitors can trek to the peak of the Phanom Bencha Mountain, which is 1,397 meters high. This challenging and memorable activity takes at least 3 days and passes streams, waterfalls, caves and view points on high cliffs.

Namtok Khlong Haeng
This 500-meter high waterfall, which springs from Khao Thep Bencha, Krabis tallest mountain, is 10 kilometers from Amphoe Khao Phanom. Accommodations are provided within the park but advance reservations are required. For more information please contact the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, Tambon Thap Prik, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000.

Tham Khao Phueng
This group of 5 caves, which is approximately 3 kilometers from the park's office, has sparkling white walls and countless stalagmites and stalactites of various shapes resembling mushrooms, pagodas and curtains.


Amphoe Khlong Thom
Emerald Pool
This hot spring originates from a warm stream in the lowland forest of Khao Nor Juji which is supposedly Thailand's last piece of virgin and fertile forest. The intensity of the pools turquoise colored water varies according to the light and time of the day so visitors determined to see the real emerald color should plan to visit at dawn or early in the morning. The pool, which can be visited all year round, charges and entrance fee of 20 baht. To get there, take Highway No. 4 to Khlong Thom District, then turn left to Route No. 4038 to Lam Hap Sub-district. The Emerald pool is located along the way, with clear signs posted.

Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Ban Bang Tiao, 18 kilometers from Amphoe Khlong Thom. Major attractions in this Sanctuary include a 2.7-kilometer nature trail through lowland forests, the Emerald Pool and a variety of natural habitats. The forest is home to rare birds like Gurney's Pitta, Rufus-colored Kingfisher, Black Hornbill, and various kinds of plants. Visitors are allowed to stay overnight but they have to bring their own tents.

Namtok Hin Phoeng
In order to see this 3-level waterfall, which drops from a height of 800 meters, visitors have to take a 400-meter walk along the mountainside after arriving at the lower basin. The waterfall is situated 25 kilometers from Khlong Thom District and can be reached by driving along Highway No. 4 (Krabi-Trang), turning left at Khlong Phon Market and proceeding for another 8 kilometers.

Namtok Ron Khlong Thom (Hot shower waterfall)
The waterfall, located quite near to the Emerald pool, is in a shady forest area with numerous hot springs. The hot springs and cool streams converge on a slope to form lovely cascades of warm water with a temperature of 40-50 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit is from 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. To reach the waterfall visitors should travel 45 kilometers from town to Amphoe Khlong Thom, then take Sukhaphiban 2 Road for another 12 kilometers. The admission fee is 10 baht per person.

Wat Khlong Thom Museum
The Museum exhibits various artifacts discovered during excavations of an area called "Khuan Luk Pat" or a bead mound behind Wat Khlong Thom. Unearthed artifacts include stone tools, bronze implements, metal coins, pottery shards, ceramic and stone decorative art and colored beads that are over 5,000 years old. This Museum is situated within the compound of Wat Khlong Thom between Kilometer marker 69-70 on Phetchakasem Highway, one kilometer from the District office.


Amphoe Koh Lanta
Hin Daeng
Despite being a hazard to ships this submerged open water reef on the outer edge of the Andaman Sea is a superb diving spot featuring diverse colorful corals.

Koh Ha (Five Island)
An archipelago of five islands, Koh Ha Yai is where shallow water coral reefs are located.

Koh Hai
This small island has a long sandy beach in the east and unspoiled shallow water coral reefs at the beachfront. The island is accessible by taking a ferry and a chartered boat from Pak Meng Pier, Trang province.

Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta consists of two adjacent islands: Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi.

Kohh Lanta Yai, This island is home to "Chao Le" or sea gypsies who continue to maintain their traditional lifestyle and beliefs, such as setting a boat a drift to drive out evil and bring good luck, which is practiced during the full moon in June and November. In addition, the island provides tourist facilities while Koh Lanta Noi is the location of the district office. Most of the beaches on Koh Lanta Yai such as Kho Kwang, Khlong Dao, Phra Ae, Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Ba Kan Tiang lies in the west, can be reached by road and offer a wide range of accommodations.

Koh Rok
This attraction is actually comprised of two islands: Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok. Koh Rok Nai is composed mainly of steep cliffs with superb beachs and unspoiled coral reefs among rocks. On the other hand, Koh Rok Nok has soft white sandy beaches and shallow water coral reefs towards the southeast and south with Hat Thalu and Ao Man Sai situated at the end of the island. Visitors can contact tour operators, resorts and bungalows on Koh Lanta Yai for an excursion to Koh Rok by speedboat. However, it is not recommended to take the trip by long-tail boat.

Koh Talabeng
This is a limestone island similar to Koh Phi Phi Le with numerous small and attractive beaches and caves that are clearly visible during low tide. Another attraction is the swallows that can be seen on the island.

Mu Koh Lanta National Park
Covering an area of 152 square kilometers, the Park is comprised of many different-sized islands, some of which are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs such as Koh Ha, Koh Rok and Koh Hai. The Parks main island is Koh Lanta Yai, where both the Headquarters and National Park Office are located. The island itself is generally rugged and mountainous with gravelly and sandy beaches to the south. The most suitable time to visit Koh Lanta is from November to April. For more information please contact Mu Koh Lanta National Park, No.5, Tambon Koh Lanta Yai, Amphoe Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150, Tel. 0-7562-9018-9.

Travel to Koh Lanta
Boat departs from downtown Krabi to Koh Lanta Yai daily. The journey takes 2.5 hours.


Amphoe Muang
Ao Nang
Ao Nang is located approximately 6 kilometers from Hat Noppharat Thara and 20 kilometers from the town of Krabi. A large bay with scenic beaches and 83 small islands, Ao Nang has several famous beaches which include East Rai Le, West Rai Le and Tham Phra Nang (cave) which stretches to the foot of a prominent limestone range. A boat from Ao Nang Village can be hired for sightseeing excursions around Ao Nang, Hat Tham Phra Nang and Hat Nam Mao, all of which are only accessible by foot. Other offshore isles such as Koh Poda, Koh Kai, Koh Mo and Koh Thap, are popular destinations that can be reached by a rented boat from Ao Nang. An abundance of colorful coral reefs and lovely cartoon fishes make these islands ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Ao Nang has recently emerged as a 5-star tourist attraction due to its numerous 4-5 star hotels and boutique resorts complete with facilities such as diving shops and rental boats. Popular activities include sightseeing by canoe along the beachfront and paddling tours by inflatable canoes or kayaks of the coast and its mangrove forests, islands and semi-submerged caves.

Canoeing & Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are two ways to enjoy the spectacular seascape, limestone cliffs and caves in Krabi's waters as these sports allow visitors to explore hidden offshore areas at a more leisurely pace. Canoeing and kayaking operators are available at Ao Nang.

Diving & Snorkeling
Like Phang-nga, Krabi offers a great opportunity for diving due to its numerous natural marine resources including over a hundred offshore islands. Dive shops around Rai Le and Ao Nang provide dive trips as well as rent diving and snorkeling gear such as mask/snorkel/fin at the rate of 150 baht/ set/ day (with a deposit of 500 baht).

The advantage of diving from Ao Nang is the nearby sites in the Poda Island group, where water visibility is better than that of the mainland, but not as good as Phi Phi. There are 15 dive sites off of Ao Nang, all reachable with a 20 to 60-minute boat ride. For experienced divers there is a 50-meter long cave at 5-12 meters depth at Yawabon Island behind Poda. The water visibility is at its best from November to April. Some Ao Nang dive shops close during low season, May to October, while some (Ao Nang Divers for instance) remain open all year long. Two local dives in the Poda/Yawasam group cost approximately 1,900 baht. Four-day PADI open water courses have risen to 10,000 baht. For more information contact either Seafan, Aquavision, Poseidon, Phra Nang, Stingray, Ao Nang Divers (in Krabi Seaview), or Coral Diving (Krabi Resort). Unlike Phi Phi, scuba dive operators in Ao Nang close from May to October.

Hat Noppharat Thara (Noppharat Thara Beach)
Located 6 kilometers from Ao Nang is a famous 3-kilometer long white sandy beach lined with dense casuarinas and coconut groves. The beach, paved with tiny seashells, was formerly called "Hat Khlong Haeng", which means dried canal beach by locals, because the canal dries up during low tide and the area turns into a long beach. Situated 18 kilometers north-west of Krabi, Hat Noppharat Thara is in fact part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park and is the location of the Park headquarters. This Park covers a large area both onshore and offshore and. Reservations for accommodations on the beach should be made in advance at the Forestry Department in BangKohk, contact tel. (02) 5797223, 5795734, or at Hat Noppharat Thara National Park, P.O. Box 23, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000, tel. (075) 6347436.

Ferry services to Koh Phi Phi are provided from this beach all year round. This beach can be reached by songthaew from the city at the rate of 20 baht and to travel further to Ao Nang, it will cost an additional 10 baht.

Hat Rai Le (Rai Le Beach)
This beach is generally divided into two sections, east and west. West Rai Le provides visitors with peace and quiet as it is a broad sandy beach with fewer facilities than Ao Nang.

East Rai Le which lies across the peninsula from West Rai Le is different from other beaches in the area as it could actually be classified as a mud flat, especially during low tide. In addition to remarkable views and mangrove forests to the north of the beach, the main attraction for visitors to Hat Rai Le is the adrenaline pumping activity of cliff climbing. The limestone cliffs on the huge headland between Hat Rai La East and Tham Phra Nang, as well as other nearby islands provide world-class rock climbing facilities against a stunning backdrop of the sea with approximately 700 sport routes of mid to high difficulty ratings.

Hat Tham Phra Nang
Accessible only by boat, this stunning, pristine beach has fine-grained white sand and crystalline waters as well as magnificent jagged karsts. This is a highly secluded picture perfect beach that attracts thousands of visitors year round but is able to maintain its flawless appearance and relaxing ambience.

This beach is the location of the 5-star Rayavadee resort, a private property that occupies 26 acres of the beach and the only compound located near Phra Nang Beach.

The Inner and Outer Phra Nang Caves, and Phra Nang Lagoon, which are located nearby offer remarkable views against a stunning backdrop and a range of accommodations to suit every budget. Although these attractions are accessible only by boat, they still draw numerous visitors for recreational and adventurous activities such as diving, snorkeling, hiking and rock climbing.

Khao Khanap Nam
Regarded as the symbol of Krabi, Khao Khanap Nam are two mountains that are roughly 100 meters tall, separated by Maenam Krabi and located at the entrance to Krabi city. Khao Khanap Nam has beautiful caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites worth exploring. In addition to natural attractions, a large number of human skeletons have been found here. It is theorized that they are the remains of people who came and established a home at Kanab Nam, but were cut off by an inundation and quickly perished. The mountains can be reached by taking a 15-minute long tail boat ride from Chao Fa Pier. For visitors interested in a more extensive excursion, it is possible to tent a boat can be rented at 300 baht per trip to visit Khao Khanap Nam, mangrove forests and Koh Klang fishing village.

Krabi Horticultural Centre
Location: Mu 1, Thanon Phetkasem, Tambon Khao Khram, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000. Tel. 075-612913. Fax. 075 612913

This agro-tourism attraction, supported by the Department of Agricultural Extension, is approximately 20 kilometers from Krabi on the way to Amphoe Ao Luek. The center covers a large area with a collection of local fruits, flowers and economic plants. Facilities provided include a touring route, demonstrative research plant plots, parking areas, toilets and beverages.

Note: There are also an agricultural product promotion centre, herb gardens, fisheries and mussel farms located along the Krabi-Phuket route. Please contact the Agricultural Promotion Centre at tel. 075 612913 and Amphoe Tapput Agricultural Office at 075 599124 for more information.

Mu Koh Phi Phi (Phi Phi Islands)
Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi Islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. In addition, the islands are famous as the location where the movie "The Beach" featuring Leonardo Di Caprio was shot. The islands, together with the nearby Noppharat Thara Beach, a total area of 390 square kilometers, were recently established as a national park.

Phi Phi Islands are located just 40 kilometers away from both Krabi and Phuket. Thus, despite the fact that both Noppharat Thara Beach and Phi Phi administratively are a part of Krabi Province, most tourists think that Koh Phi Phi is part of Phuket Province.

The islands and the coastal hills are composed mainly of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in Phang-Nga Province. The main characteristics of these mountains and islands are their steep cliffs, large caves and dwarf trees growing out of the rock crevices, like those in Phang-Nga Bay.

The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don, the larger islet to the north, is well known for its fine beaches and coral formations. Above average tourist facilities and accommodations are available along two beautiful curved bays, namely Ton Sai Bay and Lodalam Bay. Several shops at Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkeling trips around the island or the nearby islands - Koh Phi Phi Le, Koh Yung and Koh Mai Phai.

About 2 kilometers to the south is Phi Phi Le. Contrary to Phi Phi Don, this islet is uninhabited as there is no beach area as the island descends abruptly into the sea on all sides and it is prohibited by the administrative body. The main attraction is a large cave about 3.2 square kilometers in size known as Viking Cave derived from one of the numerous drawings on the wall which resembles a Viking ship. The cave has a 10 to 15-metre high ceiling which contains many ledges inhabited by thousands of swallows, thus a bird's nest collection demonstration is a regular feature of guided tours.

Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi Phi Islands scenic coves are favorite snorkeling places while the sea around the islands, especially the southern part, which are deep and full of coral formations are popular diving spots. With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi Phi is a paradise in the Andaman Sea. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is from November to April, when the sea is calm.

Koh Yung, an island to the north of Koh Phi Phi Don, has a stone beach on the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. In addition, the island is teeming with diverse colorful coral reefs. Koh Phai, another island to the north of Koh Phi Phi Don and not far from Koh Yung, has spectacular beaches in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs comprised mainly of antler corals stretches from the north to the south of the island.

Getting to Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi Islands which are equidistant to Phuket and Krabi Provinces can be reached by boat.

From Krabi
Chao Fa Pier: Passenger boats leave Chao Fa Pier twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The trip takes about 2.30 hours.

Ao Nang: There is one express boat trip leaving daily at 9 p.m. taking 40 min.

From Phuket
Many tour companies in Phuket organize one-day trips to Phi Phi Islands. Tickets can be obtained from any hotel.

Rock climbing
Apart from marine sports, Krabi is also an ideal place for rock climbing. Lines of sheer limestone cliffs along Tham Phranang and Rai Le beaches have challenged thousands of climbers from all over the world every year. The levels of difficulty of the various routes vary, so even the most inexperienced climbers can experiment. Equipment, instruction and guides are available at most lodgings.

Sa Kaeo
Within the Sa Kaew compound in Khao Thong Sub-district forest plantation area are eight small natural ponds which is currently a major recreational area for the local residents. Sa Kaeo is 28 kilometers from town on the Krabi-Nai Sa route (Highway No. 4034).

Susan Hoi or Fossils Shell Beach
Susan Hoi features a slab formed from a huge number of embedded various types of mollusks which can be dated to approximately 40 million years ago. This shell graveyard at Ban Laem Pho was once a large freshwater swamp, the habitat of diverse mollusks. With changes on the surface of the earth, seawater flooded the freshwater swamp and the limestone elements in the seawater enveloped the submerged mollusks resulting in a homogenous layer of fossilized mollusk shells forty centimeters thick known as Shelley Limestone. With geographical upheavals, the limestone layer is now distributed in great broken sheets of impressive magnitude on the seashore. The site is located 17 kilometers from the town.

Thale Waek (Separated Sea)
One of Thailand's unseen highlights, Thale Waek is situated along Koh Dam Khwan. As the tide recedes, the sea is gradually separated by the white sand and limestone beach that will appear to amazingly connect the two islands at low tide. The best time to visit Thale Waek is 5 days before and after the full moon from December to beginning of May. To visit Thale Waek, proceed on Highway No. 4034 from the city, then turn left and follow Highway No. 4202 to Ao Nang.

Tham Sadet
This beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites is located at Ban Nong Kohk, Tambon Sai Thai, 7 kilometers from town on Highway No. 4034. "Sadet" means visit, and the use of the term in the name of the cave refers to the royal visit to the site in 1909 by the King Rama VI (at that time that Crown Prince).

Wat Sai Thai
The monastery is Krabi's central temple and a local gathering point during Buddhist events and weddings. The main attraction in the temple is an impressive reclining Buddha image.

Wat Tham Suea
Wat Tham Suea, which literally means tiger cave temple, is located in the Khiriwong Valley amidst lush forests and mountains with large trees over a hundred years old approximately 9 kilometers northeast of Krabi Town. Aside from being the site of a meditation center, the compound is also a place of archaeological and historical interest as excavations have uncovered stone tools, pottery remains and Buddha footprint crafting molds. In addition, a cave in the compound has what appears to be tiger paw prints in the stone.

Festivals

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival
Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival is annually held to inaugurate the provinces tourist season. The festival features parades, local products contests, sea Kayak competitions and boat races.


Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival
Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival is a rare festival on Ko Lanta of sea gypsies. 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.

Shopping

As well as the wonderful countryside around, Krabi Town itself has lots to keep you interested. There are many shops selling everything you could imagine, from modern supermarkets and department stores like Vogue on Maharaj Road, to smaller specialist shops selling clothes, electronics or handicrafts and souvenirs.

You should also wake up early one morning and visit the colourful local market between Phruksauthit Road and Maharaj Road, where every day the stalls are pilled high with all the fresh produce the sea and countryside around Krabi can produce.

It is a real pleasure to wander among the stalls, sampling the different and often unusual tastes and smells but go early to see all the wares piled at their highest and to feel the manic energy of this place, by 10 O'Clock it has begun to slow down, the day's dealing done.

There are also two popular night markets one on Maharaj Soi 8 just around the corner from Thaimit Tours and the other on the river front at Khongkha Road.

These are the best places to sample many sweet and strange new fruits including the (in)famous Durian or practice your new language skills ordering tasty and cheap Thai dishes, deserts and drinks.

Ao Nang offers many of the same shopping and eating facilities as Krabi though it is perhaps, a little more familiar to tourists.

This resort town has a wide range of shops, many right behind the beach and perfect for those beach essentials that you always seem to have forgotton or just run out of. For more 'serious shopping', about a kilometre out of town, on the way to Haad Nopparattara Beach, is "The Beach Plaza".

This is a modern shopping centre perfect for buying electronics and brand name clothing and toiletries. In fact, every imaginable shopping needs is catered for here under one roof, plus a large choice of eating options from Thai rice and noodles to Western fast food, and everything in between.

Dining

Food & Drink
Food is easily available in Ao Nang itself, outside of the numerous resort restaurants, you will find many small restaurants serving excellent food from the around the world. If it's fresh seafood you're after, Ao Nang specializes in this and has it in abundance with a whole road at the northern end of town selling nothing else, ask the way to the seafood centre as you walk up the beach road, if the smell of the delicious dishes doesn't reach you first.

Restaurants Choice
All bungalow complexes have restaurants. Food in Rai Ley is generally mediocre and overpriced. Cheap drinks are similar everywhere, but the food prices vary according to the how fancy the restaurant is. But normally twice as much as expensive as the local restaurants in Krabi town. The best choice is seafood.

Sand Sea Bung. & Rest.: West beach. Good location
Thai/International, Popular. Good seafood.

Coco Restaurant: East Beach Thai/International 
Popular. One of the main socializing spots. Natural setting, trees, flowers, birds.

Ya Ya: East Beach Thai/International Very good sea food Rec
Popular, pleasant surroundings. Shows videos. 
r Scholar Coffee House: Ya Ya Complex near Ya Ya restaurant. Coffee & Herbal teas. Mornings only. Excellent coffee served in a mug - grown by an 85 year old Italian living in the Golden Triangle - or so they say. 1st cup 45B, refill 25B?.

Bobo Bar & Rest.: N end of West Beach. Thai/International
One of the cheapest options on the Sunset Beach side. Has some connection with the Scholar Coffee House - same coffee and mugs.