Rai Lei Beach
The west side of the headland features a beautiful curved beach
backed by limestone cliffs and jungle which provide contrast
with the flat blue waters of the Andaman sea. The very picture
of tropical paradise, it is a favourite place for climbers and
water sport enthusiasts. Accommodation choice is surprisingly
varied for such a small area - everything to luxury resort style
to the most basic bungalows, and a few restaurants and bars
provide the basic necessities. High season is busy, but it's
also worth making a trip in low season when most activities
can still be enjoyed, and monsoon weather changes provide spectacular
views over the ocean. The east side of Rai Leh Beach is home
mostly to mangroves, some accommodation and restaurants. It
is also the most convenient spot from which to hail boat transport
(unless you want to hike back over the headland). |
Tahm Pra Nang Beach
Within 10 minutes walk of Rai Leh east, this beach lies on the
outer most point of the headland and backed by a limestone cliff
housing the Outer Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok. Swimming
and snorkeling can be enjoyed off this pristine, white sandy
beach, and from here it is possible to hike to the top of the
headland to get spectacular views of the entire area. |
Nopparat Thara Beach
Located within 18 km west of Krabi town, this quiet beach lies
within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park and
features a long sandy stretch lined by casurina trees. Popular
with local Thai picnickers and those who like to swim and sun
worship, it is also possible at low tide to walk from the beach
across to some of the islands dotted in the bay. Great for a
day visit. |
Krabi Islands
In the coastal waters off Krabi, lie more than 200 islands,
some of them inhabited, and many that belong to Hat Noppharat
Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park. These islands offer a host of
recreational opportunities including reef diving and world-class
rock climbing, and harbor some of the most exotic, private beaches.
|
Phi Phi Islands
Comprising of two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley,
these islands are a part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi
National Park.
Phi Phi Don Island One of southern Thailand's most popular tourist destinations,
features sheer limestone cliffs and sandy beaches. Anvil in
shape, the island covers a total area of 28sq km in length and
3.5km at its broadest point. The neck or handle of the island
is where the majority of the tourist accommodation and services
are located, and is the central point for boats to dock. An
uninhabited section of the island lies to the west, and Cape
Laem Tohng, on the northern tip, is home to the Chao Ley, or
Sea Gypsys. Diving at Laem Tohng is excellent, as it is also
at Hua Rah Ket to the extreme south.
Phi Phi Ley Island Eentirely comprised of steep cliffs, with caves and a sea
lake. It features several beautiful bays ideal for snorkeling,
and on the northeast side, the famous Viking Cave, which contains
pre-historic paintings. The island is also a popular site for
nesting swifts, and local people come there daily to collect
the nests used to make Bird's Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy.
To the north of Phi Phi Don lies Koh Yoong Island featuring
2 small beaches and well preseved coral gardens off shore.
Adjacent to Koh Yoong lies Koh Pai Island with small swimming
beaches on the north and east side, and coral gardens off the
south end west.
|
Lanta Islands
About 53 islands are included in this
group, which form the southern most district of Krabi
Province.
Koh Lanta Yai
The largest of the islands,it was known long ago by its name
in the Malay language, Pulao Satak, which means Long Beach
Island. The island is a favourite spot for those who seek
peace and solitude, and is the home of the District and
National Park offices. Mountainous and rugged in some spots,
especially near the southern tip; with a combination of gravelly and fine white sandy beaches, the island is also home
to a clan of Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies who preserve many of
their ancient customs and ceremonies. Some accomodation and
services are available, and the island is easily accessed by
ferry from Ban Hua Hin Pier in Tambon Koh Khlang; Bor Muang
Pier in Tambon Sai Kao; or Jao Fah Pier in Krabi Town.Koh Taleng Beng
Lies in the Lanta district and similar in shape to Phi Phi Ley.
Swallows also nest at this island which at low tide features a
small beach and tunnel.
Mu Koh Hah
Still in the Lanta area, this is a group of 5 islands
featuring coral gardens and good diving spots.
Koh Ngai, Koh Rock Nai and Koh
Rock NokSouth of Lanta Island, these 3 islands are close to Trang
Province. Koh Ngai is easily accessed via ferry
from Pak Meng Beach, others are accessed by hired boat and
feature both beaches and coral gardens. |
|
Sports/Ricreation
Krabi's close proximity to Phuket,
about 45km west, brings it within close range of one of the
top 10 diving destinations in the world. Though not of the
standard of diving available in Phuket, Krabi has much to
offer, with a wide range of diving possibilities that is
sometimes simply fantastic. The remarkable variety of
dive sites that are concentrated in such a small area,
particularly off Phi Phi Don Island, is what makes this area
unique, as do the amazing limestone cliffs that rise
dramatically out of the sea and plunge equally dramatically
straight down underwater. The opportunity to relax on
exquisite beaches, explore the numerous coves and bays, whilst
enjoying some colourful and enticing scuba diving or
snorkeling in this yet relatively unexplored marine park
environment, is one not to be missed.
Day trips and overnight excursions can
easily be arranged through the multitude of dive shops around
Krabi year-round, with late-October to mid-May being peak
season. Snorkeling and diving equipment is easily acquired at
most places. A number of first-rate Dive Shops offer
affordable scuba accreditation all the way from absolute
beginner up to master instructor. Krabi Boating and Yachting
Explore and discover some of the hidden
secrets of this area by chartering a boat to cruise around the
islands. The water clarity is near crystal around the islands
off Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands are a must-see port of call.
Anchorages here are plentiful, usually deserted and always
beautiful. Even in the southwest monsoon season the calm,
protected waters in fascinating Phang Nga Bay provide the
ultimate in boating enjoyment, even for the least experienced
of sailors. There are many charter sailing boats available and
some even offer "join-in" day trips for two or more people.
Sea Kayaking
Krabi's shoreline is dotted
with caves, mangroves, beaches - all harbouring a wealth of
marine, animal and plant life. For a close and leisurely look,
there is no better option than to spend a day or few hours in
a sea kayak. Access to the caverns or hongs is a breeze
at low tide in these low lying craft which can be hired in
most tourist locations in the area, along with experienced
guides if Krabi Rock Climbing
The limestone cliffs that dot the entire area
surrounding Krabi are heaven for rock-climbing enthusiasts, who come
from all over the world to take up the challenge of climbing.
Over 150 odd routes have developed since the
late 1980's when Krabi first witnessed the sight of people scaling
it's craggy mountains. Routes include high quality limestone, steep,
pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites, with some accessed
by boat belay, others involving jungle walk approaches or abseils into
the sea.
The headland between Tham Phra Nang and Rai
Leh Beaches harbours some particularly popular spots, with good
climbing for beginners and more experienced climbers alike. Guided
climbs and instruction are available in most of the more populated
tourist areas, particularly in the resorts and bungalows of Ao Nang
and Rai Leh Beach. Climbing gear is readily available for hire as is
information on routes and bolting. Extreme care must be taken however,
to ensure that your guides and equipment are reliable.
Hiking
The interior of Krabi's mainland is covered with richly forested
lands much of which is designated national park area and ideal for
avid hikers. A favoured area for hiking is Khao Phanom Bencha
National Park, featuring caves, waterfalls, streams and rock
pools. Easily reached by Songteaw, motorbike or mountain bike, the
park has several trails leading to it's scenic spots and provides
ample opportunity to observe abundant plant and animal life along
the way.
Another good hiking spot is at Khao Pra-Bang Khram next to the
Bang Teao Village. A 2.7 km forest trail - the Thung Teao Trail -
begins and ends at the Khao Nor Chuchi Sanctuary Headquarters.
Information can be obtained from the no-hunting zone office at Ban
Bang Teao.
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.
Climate
Weather in Krabi is typically that of the tropical monsoon,
providing the province with just two seasons, the hot season from
January to April, and the rainy season from May to December.
Monsoon winds, which change according to season, blow from the
southeast, the southwest, and the northeast. Temperatures range
between 16.9 and 37.3 degrees Celsius and the yearly rainfall
averages 2,568.5 millimeters.
Getting there
By Car
From Bangkok take Route 4, passing Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khirikhan,
Chumphon, Ranong, and Phangnga Provinces before reaching Krabi a
total distance of 946 kilometers. An alternate route is to take
Route 4 to Chumphon and then turn onto Route 41. This leads
through Lang Suan and Chaiya Districts of Chumphon to Wieng Sa
District of Surat Thani from there follow Route 4035, passing Ao
Luk District of Krabi, back onto Route 4, and down to Krabi Town.
This shortcut is just 814 kilometers, and is followed by the bus
services.
From Phuket Take Route 402 to Route 4 and pass Tambon Kok Kloy of
Takua Thung District in Phang-nga Thap Pud District, Phang-nga and
enter Ao Luk District of Krabi the total distance is 185 kilometers. Regarding bus transport from Phuket, contact,
Tel.(076)211480.
By Bus
Buses leave Bangkok for Krabi daily in the evening. The journey
takes about 12 hours. The fare for 24 seats air-conditioned bus is
655 Baht, and 446 and 421 Baht for 40 seat air-conditioned bus and
234 Baht for non air-conditioned bus. Contact Bangkok Southern Bus
Terminal (Borommaratchonnani Road) at Tel.(02) 435-1199, 435-5061
(air-conditioned bus) and (02) 4345557 (non air-conditioned bus).
By Train
From Bangkok Railway Station take the train to one of the
following stations : Trang, Phun Pin in Surat Thani Province, or
Thung Song in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. From any of these
places a bus may be taken onward to Krabi. Regarding train
schedules and costs, contact Bangkok Railway Station ,
Tel.(02)223-7010, 223-7020. |
| Airline |
Flight No. |
Dep. |
Arr. |
Days |
|
Flight No. |
Dep. |
Arr. |
Days |
One way Baht |
Round trip Baht |
| Thai Airways |
TG 249 |
08.10 |
09.30 |
Daily |
|
TG 250 |
10.10 |
11.30 |
Daily |
2,120 - 2,920 |
4240 - 5840 |
| Thai Airways |
TG 259 |
16.10 |
17.30 |
5 6 7 |
|
TG 260 |
18.10 |
19.30 |
5 6 7 |
2,120 - 2,920 |
4,240 |
| PB Air |
9Q834 |
10.15 |
11.40 |
5 |
|
9Q835 |
12.05 |
13.30 |
5 |
2,560 |
5,120 |
| PB Air |
9Q836 |
15.45 |
17.10 |
7 |
|
9Q837 |
17.35 |
19.00 |
7 |
2,560 |
5,120 |
| Phuket - Krabi |
|
Krabi - Phuket |
Price |
| Airline |
Flight No. |
Dep. |
Arr. |
Days |
|
Flight No. |
Dep. |
Arr. |
Days |
One way Baht |
Round trip Baht |
| Air Andaman |
2Y102 |
11.00 |
11.30 |
Daily |
|
2Y103 |
12.00 |
12.30 |
Daily |
900 |
1,800 |
| Days: 1 - Monday, 2 - Tuesday, 3 - Wednesday, 4 -
Thursday, 5 - Friday, 6 - Saturday, 7 - Sunday |
Festivals & Events
Andaman Sea Festival
This Festival takes place in November and celebrates the
opening of the tourist season in Krabi. Water sport
competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are the
schedule.
The Setting Adrift of the Chao Le Boats
Takes place on Ko Lanta during the full moon night of the
sixth and eleventh lunar months. This is a religious rite
performed by Sea Gypsies or "Chao Le" who gather on the
beach near Ban Saladan Village. They dance their famous "rong
ngeng" round the boats to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature
singing and dancing. The reason for the fest is to bring
prosperity and happiness to the participants.
Provided by TOURISM
AUTHORITY OF THAILAND |
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