Krabi is a province in Thailand, popular among tourists, located opposite Phuket, namely, in the opposite part of Phang Nga Bay. Every year, travelers are attracted by cliffs, beaches, and uninhabited islands. In Krabi (Thailand), the nature and infrastructure are conducive to travel. Local boats and modern motorboats ply to most uninhabited islands. In addition, Krabi has many attractions, so the vacation options are almost limitless.
General information
Krabi province is considered the most beautiful in Thailand. The resort is located near the Malaysian border, off the coast of the Andaman Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean. This picturesque coastline will certainly appeal to tourists who love to discover corners of nature that have not yet been touched by man.
The Krabi province in Thailand has more than three dozen beaches, more than two hundred islands, exotic tropical vegetation, mountains, waterfalls and caves. If you want to experience the local flavor, take a trip on a wooden boat. If you prefer comfort, take a trip on a modern boat or ferry. The shallow waters off the coast of Krabi are a suitable place for snorkeling, and tourists are offered kayaking in the bays and lagoons. The caves are filled with stalactites and stalagmites that were formed over centuries.
Interesting fact! It is in the province of Krabi that the oldest limestone deposit is located - the shell cemetery - scientists believe that the age of the natural attraction is more than 75 million years.
Krabi has a population of 360 thousand inhabitants and every year less and less time is devoted to fishing, and more money is invested in tourism. Hotels are being built, coconut oil is being produced, and infrastructure is being developed. And in Krabi, you should definitely visit the local markets - day and night. The region is a place with unusual, memorable landscapes and comfortable beaches.
Holidays in Krabi province
Over the course of several decades, the infrastructure of the province in Thailand has been actively developing, so here you can find housing for every taste and budget. Of course, the cost of living in hotels of different categories differs significantly.
Accommodation
If you are interested in budget accommodation, pay attention to hotels where the price of a room per night varies from 500 to 900 baht. The price includes a clean, fairly comfortable room, furniture, bathroom, air conditioning.
K.L. Boutique Hotel It is important! The closer to the center of the resorts and the farther from the coastline, the cheaper the room rental.
Purin Resort & Restaurant Many tourists plan a long vacation in Krabi - a month or longer. In this case, booking a hotel room will not be financially profitable. It is better to rent an apartment, bungalow or private house from local residents or. The cost of a house with an area of 80 m2 with two bedrooms and two bathrooms will be from 15 thousand baht per month. A small house with one bedroom will cost from 10 thousand baht per month.
It is important to know! It is better to book accommodation in Thailand in advance, since prices depend on the season. In the dry season, prices are maximum, and in the rainy season they are reduced by 1.5-2 times.
Find out PRICES or book any accommodation using this form
Krabi beaches
The beaches of Krabi in Thailand are located east of Phuket; tourists are attracted by picturesque cliffs, soft, fine sand and privacy. This part of the country is perfect for tourists who relax on their own and seek silence, young couples who are attracted by romance, as well as for families with children.
The main advantage of Krabi beaches is their easy accessibility - you can travel around the entire coast and make your own personal rating of places for relaxation or active recreation. Krabi's coastline is varied. Many travelers mistakenly believe that we are talking about islands, but in fact this is the mainland of Thailand; the province also includes picturesque uninhabited islands. Most beaches are located on the mainland.
Good to know! You can go to any of the islands on your own or purchase an excursion. Since the islands are uninhabited, there is no infrastructure there, so it is not possible to stay for an extended period.
The coastline of Krabi stretches for 15 km, there are many beaches, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages. When choosing, keep in mind that some can only be reached by water.
The most populous coast with developed infrastructure is located next to Ao Nang. Here you can eat and buy drinks. East of Ao Nang, the coastline is more focused on visitors to luxury hotels. The Railay Peninsula is separated from roads by high cliffs and can only be reached by water.
Another distinctive feature of a beach holiday in Krabi in Thailand is the lack of a lot of entertainment. There are no jet skis, parachutes or bananas here. The beaches of Krabi also cannot be called fully equipped - there is no abundance of sun loungers and umbrellas. This decision was made consciously by local residents in order to preserve the nature as untouched as possible. In fact, the lack of umbrellas and sun loungers is easily solved with a blanket or mattress, as well as the shade of palm trees.
Ebbs and flows
In the province of Krabi, the tides are very pronounced. In order not to find yourself in an unpleasant situation and not to come ashore when the water goes down several hundred meters, you need to study the tables of natural phenomena. There is a lot of such information on the Internet.
Good to know! During the full moon, the ebb and flow of the tides are more pronounced, and during the waning moon they become less noticeable.
At low tide, the water goes so far that swimming becomes simply impossible, and at high tide the water near the shore becomes somewhat cloudy and choppy. It is most comfortable to swim on days when the difference between high and low tides is minimal. As a rule, this period coincides with the high tourist season. But in summer the differences between high and low tides become too sharp.
Sights of Krabi province
Krabi province is notable not only for its comfortable beaches, but also for its natural, historical and architectural attractions. If you get bored of relaxing on the shore, you can always take a trip to the nearby islands, visit temples, waterfalls and caves.
A trip to the peninsula will be a memorable holiday event in Thailand. Millions of tourists from all over the world celebrate the snow-white sand on the shore, and the elaborate rocks give this place a special charm. Be sure to visit the Diamond Sight - a cave located in the eastern part of the peninsula, its length is 180 m.
Good to know! Railay can only be reached by water; boats depart regularly from Krabi and Ao Nang. There is no need to pay to visit the peninsula. You can purchase a two-day excursion tour and spend the night on Railay.
More detailed information about the peninsula, all its beaches and attractions has been collected.
Phi Phi Don Island
This is the only one of the Phi Phi Islands where there is a port and hotels have been built. Its dimensions are 3.5 km by 8 km. The eastern part is more comfortable and suitable for tourist recreation, while the western part is covered with rocks. The coastline is very diverse - there are places with developed infrastructure, mainly near Ton Sai Village, and you can find a secluded part of the coast. Be prepared for the fact that most roads are not designed for long walks at night. The most convenient way to explore natural beauty is by moving on the water.
On Phi Phi Don there are six large beaches ranging from half a kilometer to 700 meters in length and about ten small ones - no more than 50 m.
The island of Pi-Pi-Don is described in detail on.
Phi Phi Ley Island and Maya Bay
Island with an area of 6.6 square meters. km consists of cliffs 100 m high, as well as picturesque bays. Phi Phi Ley is uninhabited, but it is its seclusion that attracts thousands of tourists. Most travelers settle here and go to Phi Phi Ley on an excursion to see the natural attractions.
The main attraction is Maya Bay, which became famous thanks to the movie “The Beach”. The attraction is a beach covered with white sand and surrounded by rock cliffs and picturesque coral reefs.
Good to know! Today, this part of the province in Thailand can hardly be called deserted and uninhabited, since hundreds of travelers come here every day. If you want to enjoy peace and tranquility, come to Phi Phi Ley no later than seven o'clock in the morning or after five o'clock in the evening.
Viking cave Things to do:
- snorkeling;
- visit the Viking cave;
- try swallows' nests.
How to get to Pi-Pi-Lei, useful tips for visiting and photos, see.
This attraction of Krabi in Thailand is on the list of places you must visit while traveling around the province. The distance to the nearest resort - Phi Phi Don - is only 5 km, and the distance to Krabi Town is 32 km. An easy way to visit the attraction is to buy a sightseeing tour in Krabi or Phi Phi Don. You can rent a boat and travel on your own.
Good to know! Bambu is part of a national reserve, so all travelers are charged a fee of 400 baht for an adult and 200 baht for a child.
People come here for the picturesque nature, exotic vegetation and clear sea. The fewest tourists are early in the morning - before 7-8 o'clock. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas on the island, but you can rent a mat and a life jacket. Be sure to bring a mask with you to observe the life of the coral reef.
All details about visiting Bamboo Island can be found at.
The attraction is located 13 km from Krabi Town. This is a Buddhist complex where many religious symbols and statues are displayed. The journey begins in a cave where statues of panthers and tigers are installed. The goal of visitors is the observation deck, which offers an excellent view of the entire province. The road to the observation deck is more than 1237 steps.
Good to know! Along the way, tourists are accompanied by wild monkeys. Entrance to the attraction is free and you can visit it during daylight hours.
More detailed information about the temple is provided.
Are you bored of lying on the shore and don't know what to see in Krabi (Thailand)? Note the 10 km by 6 km scenic landmark located 5 km offshore, opposite Phra Nang Beach. A distinctive feature of Poda Island is its geographical location - in shallow waters. At low tide, a sand spit appears between the small islands; you can travel along it and admire the scenic beauty. Well-fed macaques hide in the shade of the trees, watching tourists with interest and boldly taking treats directly and from people’s hands.
Good to know! A trip to Poda is the most popular boat trip in Krabi province. The attraction welcomes tourists all year round; visiting is paid, since Poda is part of the National Park.
The most famous entertainment - Deep Water Solo - everyone is taken out to sea, right from the boat you need to climb onto a rock and jump into the water.
Another feature is the lack of infrastructure - there are no hotels, shops, the local authorities managed to preserve the impassable jungle. There are several gazebos, bars, toilets, and changing areas for tourists.
Beaches of Poda
There is only one beach on the island, divided into two parts - northern and southern.
- The northern part is where boats moor, the wide coastline allows you to choose a secluded place to relax, the main attraction is the rock. The entrance to the water is gentle and soft.
- The southern part is less comfortable, there are a lot of stones, the descent into the sea is also rocky, and the nature is not so picturesque.
Good to know! The best time to visit is before 12-00 or after 16-00. At other times there are many tourists here.
Before traveling to Poda, stock up on food and drinks; there is a bar on the shore, but it may be closed; prices for treats there are several times higher than in other establishments in the province. Fresh, refreshing drinks and traditional Thai food are regularly brought for vacationers.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to the attraction:
- excursion tour, within which you can visit four islands, the cost depends on transport and what is included in the excursion;
- rent a motor boat on Ao Nang;
- rent a private boat - this option is more suitable for large companies.
While on vacation in Krabi, Thailand, be sure to visit the Khao Pra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, where there are picturesque lakes filled with clear water. You can see the Blue and Emerald lakes during an excursion or on your own. The main feature of the reserve is untouched nature, fresh air and exotic jungle.
Be sure to take a map of the attraction, where hiking trails are marked. The first one on the way is Emerald Lake; it is better to take the long route to get there - this road is more picturesque. There are signs along the routes.
Good to know! The descent to the lake is slippery, you must be careful. It is recommended to swim no longer than a quarter of an hour. Water temperature is about +25 degrees.
Approximately 600 m from Izumrudny there is another attraction - Blue Lake. The reservoir delights tourists with its amazing blue color due to the large accumulation of minerals at the bottom. Swimming in the reservoir is prohibited, so local authorities are trying to preserve the natural beauty of the attraction.
The park's opening hours are from 7:30 to 17:30. Plan your trip on a weekday.
If you're driving on your own, take Route 4 to Route 4021. The drive takes just under an hour. Parking at the entrance to the park is paid.
All prices and schedules on the page are for November 2018.
Weather and climate
The province of Krabi is subject to the influence of monsoons, which determine climatic conditions and weather, as well as the amount of precipitation. The province has three seasons:
- hot (from early April to late May);
- cool (lasts from November to the end of March);
- rainy (from June to October).
The best time to travel to Thailand is the cool season, when the average daytime temperature is +30-31°C, and at night it drops to +23-25°C.
In Krabi, on the coast of the Andaman Sea, there are two types of monsoons:
- southwest - brings rain and thunderstorms, lasts from mid-summer to mid-autumn;
- northeastern - brings long-awaited coolness, begins in November and lasts until March.
In the off-season - the period between monsoons - the weather is hot, the air warms up very much - up to 33 °C during the day and 26-27 °C at night.
The water temperature in the sea stays between +28-30°C throughout the year.
Good to know! When is the best time to go to Krabi in Thailand? Plan your trip from November to March. If you want to celebrate the New Year in Thailand, book your hotel rooms several months in advance.
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Transport connection
Krabi Airport Not far from Krabi Town there is an airport that accepts domestic and international flights. The length of the runway is 3 km, and the terminals serve about 700 thousand passengers per year. The airport cooperates with numerous airlines, so getting to Krabi province is not difficult.
Good to know! The airport building has two terminals - for servicing domestic flights and for servicing international and charter flights.
The airport is small, but it has everything necessary for the comfort of travelers.
How to get around the city
- Songthaew is a vehicle that resembles a pickup truck. The fare depends on the color of the transport and the length of the route - the most budget option will cost 20 baht (brown songthaew), the most expensive - 60 baht (blue transport). Blue and red Songthaews offer a trip for 40 baht.
- Taxi and motorcycle taxi. Taxis are red vehicles; prices, as elsewhere in Thailand, are negotiable. Motorcycle taxis are a rather rare form of transport for a large city; passengers are offered a ride on the back seat of a motorcycle. The average trip costs 150 baht.
- Knock Knock. Transport is reminiscent of songthaew. The most common method of transportation in Thailand.
Good to know! As a rule, local drivers do not understand English well, so it is better to show the route on the map.
Krabi Province (Thailand) is undoubtedly the best choice if you want to relax on the beach and admire the many attractions. This part of the country has not yet been sufficiently promoted, the more attractive the landscapes look and the brighter the impressions of the trip will be.
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Landscapes of fabulous beauty and numerous attractions of Krabi will not leave any tourist indifferent. Here nature itself has created many places that will appeal to both children and adults. Picturesque islands, gorges, thermal springs, waterfalls, nurseries with exotic animals - and this is not the entire list of the most interesting places in the region. I will tell you in detail about the most interesting sights of the province in this article.
This is one of the most recognizable and visited attractions in Krabi province. It is located 13 kilometers north of the city. is an amazing Buddhist complex, surrounded on all sides by Buddha statues and other religious symbols.
At the foot of the cliff there is a cave, from which an exciting journey usually begins. It consists of two tiers, decorated with sculptures of a tiger and panthers. Dizzying views of the province and the city of Krabi open from the observation deck, the path to which consists of 1237 steps. There are gazebos at the top.
Along the way you can meet monkeys who will happily eat a piece of banana. The temple is open during the day, and entry to its territory is absolutely free.
Shell Cemetery
The rock slab, which is more than 75 million years old, is covered with a 40-centimeter layer of shells. This is a unique place, as there are not many analogues to it in the world. The rock is gradually sinking into the water, which is why no one makes accurate forecasts about how long it will still be possible to admire it.
Numerous mangrove trees grow around the shell cemetery, among which there are trails for hiking in the shady thickets of untouched nature. Not far from the rock there is a kind of open-air museum. Within its boundaries there are several slabs with samples, each of which is provided with a full description. The cemetery is located between Krabi town and Ao Nang. You can get here at any time. Entry price is 200 baht, 2 times cheaper for a child.
Within the ticket office there is a souvenir shop with a huge selection of shells of the most intricate shapes.
Blue lake and emerald pool
A picturesque lake with crystal clear water is located within the Khao Pra Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary park. Its bottom is covered with minerals, which give the lake its unusual deep blue color. The entire territory of the park is virgin wild nature. In addition to mangroves, you can find rare species of tropical plants here. If you clap your hands near a pond, small bubbles will begin to rise from the bottom. This phenomenon has not yet found its explanation.
Not far from the blue lake there is an emerald pool, its appearance completely corresponding to its name. The purest water from geothermal springs flows along the flat surface, thereby forming a small emerald pond, the diameter of which does not exceed 20-25 meters. This place is very popular among Thais because, unlike the blue lake, you can swim here.
The lakes are located 60 kilometers south of Krabi Town. To get to them, you should take the Krabi-Trang highway and follow the signs. Entrance to the park is available during daylight hours. Ticket price for an adult is 200 baht, children are 2 times cheaper.
Hot Springs
Krabi hot springs are famous for their healing properties and relaxing effects. This place is so popular that a large number of Thais and tourists come here every day. The Saline Hot Spring Khlong Thom is the hottest and is perfect not only for a pleasant pastime, but also has a positive effect on the entire body. The water temperature varies from 38 to 55 degrees Celsius.
Note! It is recommended to stay in a pool with thermal water for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
Here, on the territory of the source, you can order a massage session. For convenience, changing rooms and showers are installed.
Not so long ago, this area was less landscaped, and entry here was absolutely free. After making some changes, the cost of visiting began to be 100 baht. You can visit the springs at any time throughout the day. They are located 55 kilometers from Krabi Town towards Trang. There are signs along the way.
In 1979, the Khao Phanombencha National Park was opened, which combines magnificent landscapes and became a habitat for numerous plants and tropical animals. The park occupies a hilly area with a maximum altitude of 1397 meters. That is why there are caves, waterfalls and cliffs within its boundaries. A shady path leads to the top of the mountain; everyone can make the climb, at the end of which you will find picturesque views of the surrounding areas.
There is a three-level waterfall 300 meters from the administrative building. At the base of each level there are pools where you can cool off on a hot day.
Conditions for overnight stays have been created within the park. In addition to accommodation in a bungalow, each visitor can set up his own tent. To get to Khao Phanombench you should follow Route 4 to the east. After about 20 kilometers there will be a sign “Huai To Waterfall”. The cost of visiting the park is 100 baht. It works around the clock.
Catfish farm
The catfish farm is a fish nursery consisting of several freshwater reservoirs. This is a great place to visit with the whole family. Here you can not only see catfish of different sizes, but also feed them yourself.
Numerous tropical plants grow around the ponds. Among them there are shady paths with bridges, a walk along which will bring a lot of pleasure on hot days. There are places on the farm that, once visited, create the feeling of a different reality. After crossing the suspension bridge, you find yourself in a real jungle. Those wishing to swim can go to the well-maintained beach of the raging river. Amenities include sunbeds and changing rooms, and a bungee jump has been specially built for extreme sports enthusiasts.
The farm is located a few kilometers from the resort of Ao Nang. It is open from morning until 18:00. The cost of visiting for adults is 50 baht, for children - 30 baht.
Elephant Farm
A few kilometers from the catfish farm there is an equally amazing place - an elephant camp. As you know, these animals are considered a symbol of Thailand; local residents love and honor them. But, nevertheless, there are nurseries in the country, within which you can take an unforgettable ride on the back of the largest land mammal.
Elephant safari will appeal to both children and adults. During the walk, you will overcome the impenetrable jungle and enjoy the most beautiful views of the surrounding area. In the middle of the journey there will be a stop for a rest, during which you can have a snack or take beautiful photographs.
Each elephant is accompanied by a professional mahout. It is he who will be responsible for your safety. In general, the elephant is a peace-loving animal, capable of clearly expressing its emotions and mood. The cost of the safari is 800 baht. You can visit the elephant farm from 8:30 to 17:00.
Snake farm
There are about 170 species of different snakes in Thailand, some of which are poisonous. Visiting snake farms is a traditional activity, because where else can you see truly impressive tricks of showmen trying to tame the reptiles?
The most popular snake farm in Krabi is the King Cobra Snake Show. Here you will have the opportunity to learn many interesting things about snakes, as well as watch a show, the highlight of which will be the performance of a real king cobra. Snakes are creatures that cannot be trained, and all tricks are based on the showmen’s ability to handle their favorites.
During the excursion you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with medical preparations that are made from snake organs. This is a new direction in medicine, gaining more and more popularity every year.
The farm is located near Nopparat Thara Beach. Snake shows are held from 9 am to 5 pm. The cost of visiting for an adult is 700 baht, for a child – 400 baht.
Railay Peninsula
One of the most scenic trips to Krabi is a trip to the Railay Peninsula. Its snow-white beaches and azure blue sea have won the love of thousands of vacationers. In the western part of the peninsula there is one of the best beaches in all of Thailand, above which rise two-hundred-meter cliffs, giving Railay even more mystery and mystery.
In the eastern part of the beach there is the Diamond Cave. Its length is about 180 meters. And 5 kilometers from the peninsula are the famous islands of Poda and Chicken.
Railay can only be reached by sea. Small boats regularly travel here from the beaches of Krabi Town or Ao Nang. The cost of such a trip is from 120 to 300 baht. Visiting the peninsula itself is free. Those who wish can stay here overnight.
Chicken Island and Poda
9 kilometers from Ao Nang beach there are wonderful islands with snow-white beaches - Chicken and Poda. The first got its name thanks to an unusual rock, shaped like a chicken's head.
On one side the islands are inaccessible cliffs, but on the other there are beautiful beaches with fine sand and turquoise water. Despite the fact that Kuriny and Poda are distant from each other, at low tide a sand spit appears between them, along which you can easily cross in one direction or the other.
The islands are accessible to visitors all year round. You don’t need to pay anything for landing on the shore; the only thing you have to spend money on is travel. Within Chicken Island there is a small cafe where you can buy light snacks and soft drinks.
Map with attractions
On this map I marked all the attractions that I talked about in this article.
Numerous attractions of Krabi province will help you organize exciting leisure time. There are really a lot of places within the resort that will appeal to both you and your children. A properly designed program will give you the opportunity to see as many interesting places as possible in a short period of time.
Krabi is a fairly popular resort two hours away by land from Phuket. Krabi is a piece of paradise, luxurious beaches, palm trees, azure waters, tall rocks and cliffs. In short, a complete bounty corner. This part of the land is famous for its shell deposits! Beautiful Krabi is no longer inferior to Phuket and Pattaya in popularity, so be prepared for crowds of tourists. Although there are only about 25 thousand local residents here. 
All the fun in Krabi happens on Ao Nang is a beach line with hotels, restaurants, bars and diving centers. 
And, if you want a little more tranquility, go to Hat Nopharat Thara - a secluded beach. No less beautiful is Laem Phra Nang Cape, which is hugged by beaches on three sides - the coolest beach of which is Hat Phra Nang. It’s also great to climb through caves, admire the rocks, sit on a cliff and, of course, take great photos. Don't forget that the best time to vacation in Krabi is from November to April.
In Krabi, everything is for tourists, and most of the locals here also work in the tourism industry. So, you don’t have to worry about entertainment venues. As for any attractions, there are not very many of them. So, as an alternative to lying on the beach, you can visit the following places:
Wat Khlong Thom Museum 
If you want to learn a little more about prehistoric civilization, then this is the place for you. We leave to the southeast of Krabi and stop in the town of Klong Tom - the ride will take about half an hour. The museum houses a wonderful collection of archaeological finds that were discovered in the lands near the ancient temple in this settlement. Also impressive is the collection of the oldest stones, bronze tools, coins, ceramics, household utensils and art objects, which, for a moment, are already about 5,000 years old.” It’s simply unbelievable! The exhibits have captions in English, if that helps you, of course. This museum is generally open every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Address: Thanon Phet Kasem, Khlong Thom
Tiger Cave Temple, Wat Tham Suea 
Wat Tham Sua is located three kilometers north of Krabi, in the middle of a picturesque forest. You can get to this temple by taxi or tuk-tuk - it's very close. The Buddhist temple is located in a cave, and it is named so because a tiger's paw print was found on one of the stones in the cave (and perhaps because the shape of the cave resembles a tiger's paw). About 250 monks now live in this temple. The temple is divided into two parts - below and above. To get to the top floor, you will have to sweat and overcome as many as 1237 steps. But, believe me, this torment due to the kilograms of all-inclusive thrown on in a couple of days is worth it. 
On the top deck you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the rubber bushes, mountains and snow-white beaches of Krabi. And at the top there is a statue of Buddha and there is an imprint of his foot. 
You can also look into the Seated Buddha Pagoda. In the forest next to the monastery there are numerous huts-cells of monks.
Address: Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park 
This reserve is located on an area of 50 sq. km. The park has an endless number of streams, waterfalls and mysterious caves. And what kind of trees and flowers grow there! The pearl of the park is the Nam Tok Huai waterfall. 
It is quite easy to find, because it is located half a kilometer from the entrance to the reserve. Jets of water flow down high rocks into 11 impressive pools, each of which, by the way, has its own name (I think there is no point in listing).
Another beautiful waterfall called Nam Tok Huai Sade is located a kilometer from the entrance - this is also a very picturesque place. 
Next we go to Tham Khao Ping cave, which is located 3 kilometers from the gate. The walls and ceiling of the cave are covered with stalactites and stalagmites of the most fantastic shapes. In general, the place is extremely picturesque and peaceful.
Address: Thap Prik, Mueang Krabi
Wat Kaew 
Kew Temple (Keukoravaram) in the center of Krabi is not very large, smaller than the Tiger Cave Temple. But still, quite impressive, also with steps. To find this temple, follow the main street of the city (which runs next to the Vogue Department Store). The temple will identify itself with two large golden snakes - this is the entrance to the temple. 
These snakes in Thai ideology are called the Great Naka (or Naga), and they are designed to drive away evil spirits from the temple, however, they also cannot crawl inside the temple. Snakes coil around the stairs up to the temple. The temple itself has white walls and a bright blue roof. It's not a very touristy place, so it's generally pretty quiet. The inside of the temple is also very bright and very beautiful. The walls are painted azure, the ceiling is red. 
Interestingly, near the temple you can see cats, dogs, chickens and even peacocks. Some animals are thrown into the temple by local residents. Next to the temple there is a nice park with a waterfall and a lake, as well as an interesting row of elephant statues. By the way, if you climb a little higher, you will find city walls painted with scenes of life in Krabi - at least that’s how it was in 2012
Fossil Shell Beach 
Susaan Khoy is an amazing and rare beach. There is something like it in Japan and the USA, although these places are much smaller there. In general, this beach contains ancient pressed shell clusters. 
Some of these fossils are over 40 million years old. Scientists speculate that this area was once a freshwater swamp. 
Then it dried up and became dry land - that was 200 thousand years ago. The shells formed a 40 cm layer of limestone, which over time split into plates. You can gaze at this miracle in three places. The first place is slightly east of the information center, the second point is right near the center, and the third appears only at low tide, but the layer of sediment here is up to 5 centimeters. All these natural finds are incredibly valuable, and scientists are constantly poring over them. This beach is located southwest of the center of Krabi.
This is such a luxurious and interesting place, this Krabi resort! We choose instead of the usual Pattaya!
Article text updated: 02/09/2019
Krabi province is located in the southern part of Thailand, almost a thousand kilometers from Bangkok. The nature here is strikingly different from the landscape that you can see while relaxing in Pattaya. I wanted to go to Krabi to see the beautiful limestone rocks sticking out of the water. Although, as it turned out, the region has a huge number of attractions that can be seen on the ground.
- Photo report on vacation in Krabi in 2010.
- Brief overview of the province. Explanation of geography (map of the location of Krabi city, resort and airport; map of beaches).
- How to get there from Phuket, Koh Samui and other parts of Thailand.
- What time of year is the high season?
- What attractions can you see in the province (map of the location of nature reserves).
Note from 02/09/2019
The report you are reading now is based on the results of my first trip to Thailand in 2010. Then we visited mainly only very tourist places in the province. In the years since our first trip, my wife and I have visited this country three times.
Including, in 2015, we rented a car at Bangkok airport and drove 2,500 km to the south and back. I advise you to read the series of reviews about that trip in the “Independent Travel” section - a lot of useful information both on vacation in Krabi and on organizing a trip to Thailand.
Another chapter contains a lot of useful information for tourists traveling wild: how to buy cheaper air tickets, why you shouldn’t book hotels in advance, the climate throughout the year in different regions of the country. There you can download a detailed guide to all nature reserves in Thailand.
1. Photo report on vacation in Krabi
It is said that the director of the film "Avatar" was inspired by the views of the mountains in the Chinese province of Zhangjiajie National Park. But this is pure marketing and the fight for tourist flow. I haven't been to Zhangjiajie yet. But I think that the prototype of Pandorra was the mountains in Krabi or on the Philippine island of Palawan (Palawan). Another contender for James Cameron's muse is Vietnam's Ha Long Bay. And yet, the mountains could also very well be the source of inspiration for the American.
From Pattaya (Phattaya) to Bangkok (Bangkok) we ordered a taxi at 5 am. Toyota Corolla car - 800 baht, Camry - 1200 baht. We ordered a Corolla, but a Camry arrived ;)) for 800 baht + 60 baht toll highway fee.
The flight duration from Bangkok to Krabi Airport is one hour. On the ground floor at the ticket office there is an announcement in large letters “The bus to Ao Nang is leaving right now!” Ticket price is 300 baht per person. From the airport to the village it takes about 50 minutes. We dropped off in front of our hotel, Aonang Paradise Resort & LongStay Krabi.
I was shocked several times by the hotel. The first time at the reception the girl fell on her knees in front of us and did not want to get up. She explained the rules of staying at the hotel on her knees.
Secondly, the room cost 2800 baht per night. The photo showed a room with a wooden interior, but they renovated it and our room was in Art Nouveau style: the bed, shelves and walls were made of concrete, sanded and varnished. I found it depressing at first, but my wife was delighted! The bungalows stand at the foot of a cliff in the jungle.
In general, the food, staff, rooms - super! I would like to go back there again.
Photo 7. At the top of the mountain of the Tiger Cave Temple or Wat Tham Sua. No one else from our group wanted to climb, so the guide allocated only 1 hour for the ascent and descent. It is very small and very difficult. In 2015, we climbed here again, but on our own and in no hurry. Reviews about holidays in Thailand.
11. One of the excursions on the peninsula includes: swimming in the Emerald Pool, climbing the Tiger Cave Temple Mountain and riding elephants through the jungle. On our first trip to Thailand, the experience was unsuccessful: one of the elephants went berserk, and ours slipped and fell while going down into the river... This is what our faces looked like five minutes after this unpleasant and terrible event. Reviews from tourists about independent holidays in Thailand.
Photo 12. Beach on Koh Poda Island in Krabi. Tourists are brought here on excursions from both the Krabi Peninsula and the island of Phuket. In November 2010 we bought an excursion to 4 islands, in 2015 we swam to Podu for 200 baht on our own.
Photo 12. Looking for tourist reviews about a trip to Krabi by savages? Holidays here are like in Paradise. The main thing is to use sunscreen. In February 2015, we spent the entire day at Koh Poda. It's good that I swam in a shirt and bandana. Otherwise it would have burned.
Attention! In the report you see 2 photographs where we feed fish in the sea. As of autumn 2017, this is strictly prohibited: feeding marine life is punishable by a fine of 3,000 US dollars (180 thousand rubles) or imprisonment for 1 year.
The same penalty comes into force for smoking on the beaches of Thailand: 3000 USD or 1 year in a correctional facility. Be careful!
We went on 3 excursions. The first time we bought tickets on the street. But then at the hotel the girls from the reception told us: “Why are you like idiots? We will sell you tours at a discount!” And we took two more excursions at the hotel.
The first excursion is to 4 islands: Chicken Island, Poda, Tub Island and Koh Dam Kwan. I really liked it. Especially Poda (Koh Poda)!!! Here is Heaven on Earth! And it was possible not to go to other places, but simply take a boat directly to this island.
The second excursion is to the tiger temple and an elephant ride. I really liked it too! Only we almost died: climbing 1240 steps up the mountain is incredibly difficult. And the elephant fell into the river with us on its back, because... It rained at night and the coast became slippery. The animal slid and fell on its side.
The third excursion is to 5 islands. Compared to a trip to four islands - a complete disappointment. Everywhere there is a crowd of people. They bring you to the island: “Take photos for 5 minutes and we’ll move on!” We stopped for lunch, I think on Phi-Phi Don. I didn’t like it there either – there were a lot of people!!! Sorry for the wasted time.
In fact, this trip was the first experience of traveling as a savage on vacation to a distant country. We didn't see much. We went to Thailand for the second time (to Pattaya, as a continuation of our trip to China) in March 2014 and again we were delighted with the country. I’m sure we’ll visit Krabi as well, although this time we’ll most likely rent a car and travel around Thailand while driving. Below is the information that I am slowly collecting for my future trip. Maybe it will be useful to you too.
Map of the location of attractions on the map of Krabi province, which you can see on your own. You can see that Koh Phuket and Krabi Peninsula are next to each other. Please note: the blue color indicates the observation deck on the Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail, which offers the same amazing views as from Wat Tam Suea (Tiger Temple), but they are not “overwhelming”. The description and coordinates are given in the comments to the 10th chapter of the report on a trip to Thailand while driving in 2015 (link at the end of the article).
2. Brief overview of Krabi province
The most beautiful region in the south of Thailand is the province of Krabi, located 814 kilometers from the capital of the country. The region covers an area of 4,708 square kilometers. From the West it is washed by the Adaman Sea, in the North it borders with the provinces of Surat Thani and Phang-nga, in the South - with the Trang region, in the East - with the provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang. A trip to Krabi is the perfect holiday destination if you want to sunbathe on the white sands, go diving or snorkeling to explore the underwater life of the coral reefs, visit numerous large and small islands, hike through virgin evergreen forests, climb caves and swim in waterfalls.
Basically, the landscape of Krabi province consists of mountains and hills, in some places separated by beautiful plains. The Maenam Krabi River, which flows through the regional capital and flows into the Adaman Sea at Pak Nam, is 5 kilometers long. There are also several canals (Khlong Pakasai, Khlong Krabi Yai and Khlong Krabi Noi) supplying water from the highest ridge in the region, Khao Phanom Bencha. In the Maenam Krabi delta itself and along the banks of the canals you will see luxurious mangrove forests. The sandy soils in Krabi province are suitable for growing a variety of plants such as rubber trees, palm trees, coconuts, cashew nuts and coffee.
Thanks to the influence of tropical monsoons, Krabi has only two seasons: it is hot from January to April and rainy from May to December. The air temperature varies from 17 to 37 C.
Krabi province is divided into 8 ampha (as districts are called in Thailand): Mueang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luek, Lam Thap and Nuea Khlong. The regional government is responsible not only for the state of affairs on the mainland, but also on more than 130 large and small islands, including the Phi Phi Islands, famous among our tourists.
The beaches of Ao Nang and Hat Rai Le are world famous, where you can book numerous tours for diving, eat delicious food in restaurants, buy souvenirs, and so on. The stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations make Krabi a rock climber's paradise. 40 kilometers from the city there is a national park where you can see beautiful lakes, caves and magnificent landscapes.
Update from 02/09/2019
2.1. Some explanations for tourists on the geography of Krabi
Discussing with blog readers and acquaintances who were going on vacation in Thailand, I realized that there is some confusion in the perception of what Krabi is.
So, Krabi is a province, most of which is on the mainland. It also includes a large number of large and small islands. The most famous among Russian tourists are Koh Lanta and Ko Phi Phi.
To make it easier to understand, I propose to distinguish four concepts:
- Krabi Town is a city, the capital of the province. Government authorities, a bus station and port, hospitals, markets, and shopping centers are located here. In the distance is Krabi Airport (KBV).
- Krabi Resort- These are about 16 beaches stretching over a distance of 20 km from the coast opposite the island of Koh Lanta in the south to Tap Kaek in the north. In the past there were fishing villages here, now they are fashionable and not very popular places for tourists to relax.
- Krabi Islands- there are a huge number of them. You can get here by purchasing an excursion from a travel agency on the shore. During our first trip in 2010, we took 2 tours: to 4 islands near Ao Nang beach (Chicken Island, Poda, Tub Island and Koh Dam Kwan) and to 5 islands (Phi Phi). In 2015, we arrived in the province in a rented car, along the way we had plenty of shopping in other places, so in Krabi we only sailed to Poda Island on our own by minibus (see report No. 11 for 2015).
- The rest of Krabi province– mountains, plains, fields, waterfalls, villages and towns.
3. History of Krabi
Some archaeological finds suggest that the city of Krabi is the oldest settlement in Thailand. People settled in these places as early as 25,000 - 35,000 BC. Evidence is provided by stone tools, rock paintings, beads, ceramic shards and human bones found among rocks and caves.
In 1200 AD Krabi was called Ban Thai Samo and was one of the 12 royal cities whose symbol was the monkey. At that time, Krabi was part of the kingdom of Ligor, with its capital in the city now called Nakhon Si Thammarat.
During the reign of King Rama 5th (1868-1910), the region was renamed Pakasai and left under the provincial capital, Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Around 1872, Rama V decided to raise the status of Pakasai and appointed Krabi as the capital of the region, and settled the regional administration in Krabi-yai (now it is located near the estuary of the Pak Nam microdistrict). In 1875, an official decree was issued to separate Krabi from the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Grateful residents represented by civil servants, merchants and commoners chipped in money and built a royal residence at Laem Hang Nak Cape, 30 kilometers west of the city of Krabi, on the shores of the Adaman Sea, to thank His Majesty.
4. Origin of the name Krabi
There are 2 legends telling about the appearance of the name “Krabi”. The first says that the villagers accidentally found a huge ancient sword (called krabi in the local dialect) and handed it over to the governor. Later, another, already small sword was found, and it was also presented to the leadership of the regional committee. The governor decided that these were necessary, sacred and good luck things in the city economy, and therefore it was necessary to leave the swords in the provinces. At that time, the area was still developing as an independent region, so the swords were installed crosswise in the Khao Khanap Nam cave. Since then, crossed swords have been depicted on regional seals.
The second story states that the word "Krabi" comes from the name of a local tree known as "Lumphi". But merchants from Malaysia and China distorted the pronunciation and said "Ka-lu-bi" or "Kho-lo-bi", which eventually became "Krabi" (meaning "sword" in Thai).
5. How to get to Krabi from Bangkok
To get to Krabi by car, you need to leave the capital along Highway No. 4, pass through the provinces of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong and Phang-nga. The distance between Bangkok and Krabi will be 946 kilometers.
Another option for getting from Bangkok to Krabi is to also take Highway No. 4, get to Chumphon Province, take Highway No. 41, cross the Amphoe Lang Suan district in the province of Surat Thani, Amphoe Wiang Sa and then take Highway No. 4035 towards the Amphoe Ao Luek area, and then again along Highway No. 4. This trip by car would be 814 kilometers long.
If the option of renting a car in Thailand does not suit you, go to Krabi by bus. Comfortable air-conditioned buses depart daily from 6.30 to 20:00 from the Southern Bus Terminal on Borommaratcha Chonnani Road. You can choose a regular seat, 2nd class with air conditioning, 1st class and VIP class. The journey from Bangkok to Krabi by bus takes approximately 12 hours. Details can be found on the website: www.transport.co.th.
If you don’t want to be stuck on a bus on the roads of Thailand, choose railway transport. There is no direct train from Bangkok to Krabi. But you can get to Trang or Nakhon Si Thammarat (the train departs from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok). Train schedules can be viewed on the website: www.railway.co.th. From these cities you can get to Krabi itself by bus or take a taxi.
For example, towards Trang station, the express train departs from Bangkok every morning at 5:05 and arrives at the final stop at 21:40. A regular train leaves the capital at 6:20 am and arrives in Trang at 00:20 am.
If you travel to Krabi via Nakhon Si Thammarat, the fast train leaves Bangkok at 05:35 in the morning and arrives at 22:45 in the evening. And the express leaves every morning at 7:15, you will arrive at the final station at 24:00.
You can also get to Krabi by plane. There are several flights every day. Flight time from Bangkok is 1 hour 20 minutes.
It seems that there is still an opportunity to get to Krabi from Singapore. Silk Air operates 4 flights per week. Tickets can be purchased at any agency in the city.
5.1. How to get to Krabi from Phuket Island
Nothing complicated either: from the bus station in Phuket (Phuket Bus Terminal) buses leave for Krabi several times a day. Be careful: there are flights with and without air conditioning! Travel time is 3-4 hours.
You can rent a car. Then we take the road Route 402 and 4, which runs through Takua Thung and Thap Pud Districts in Phang-nga Province and enter Krabi in the Au Luek District. The distance between Phuket and Krabi will be 185 kilometers, the trip will take about 4 hours.
You can fly here from Phuket: flights also operate daily. The flight also lasts an hour and twenty. The schedule can be viewed here: www.phuketairlines.com.
5.2. How to get to the regions neighboring Krabi and how to get around the city
You can travel to nearby provinces by air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned bus. From the central bus station Krabi Bus Terminal there are flights to Phuket, Phang-nga, Trang, Hat Yai and Surat Thani (Samui). In addition, street agencies sell tickets for air-conditioned minibuses.
From the bus station, located 4 kilometers north of Talat Kao, you can take a bus from Krabi to the following destinations: Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, Phang-nga, Ranong, Su-nagi Kolok, Surat Thani and Trang.
If you combine a bus and boat trip, you can get to Koh Samui or Ko Pha-Ngan. The price of a ticket to Ko Samui from street agents is 300-370 baht, to Pha Ngan - 450 baht. Flights operate 4 times a day.
To go to some place in the city or in the suburbs, you need to go to the Krabi Bus Terminal, located in Talat Kao. There are local red buses and city routes operating from 6am to 5pm. Public transport provides access to major tourist attractions. The price of a trip around the city is 10 baht. To go further, for example to Ao Nang or Noppharat Thara, you need to catch a white bus on Maharat Road for 20 baht.
Songthaew minibuses and tuk-tuks will take you to the city bus station for 8 baht. Normal car-based taxis will charge 30 baht. You can also take a tuk-tuk around the area. For example, a trip to the Tiger Temple (What Tham Seua) will cost 100 baht, and to the airport – 200 baht.
Most songthaew taxis depart from the 7-11 on Maharat Road. Terminuses: Ao Leuk (20 baht), Ao Nam Mao (40 baht), Ao Nang (20 baht), Hat Noppharat Thara (20 baht) and Su San Hoi (40 baht).
Also, in Krabi you can use the Ban Hua Hin ferry for an excursion to the island of Ko Lanta. It is located at the intersection of Phattana and Preuksa Uthit Road. Ticket price is about 40 baht per person. The ferry runs frequently and the journey lasts 40 minutes.
You can rent a bike for 150 baht per day or an SUV for 800 to 1200 baht and ride around the area. If you don't like the idea of renting a car, make an agreement with the hotel or take a normal taxi.
Boat excursions. You can rent a speedboat, or you can take a slow-moving boat, typical of Thailand. It is called a "long-tailed boat" because the engine is mounted on a long pole at the rear of the boat, similar to the tail of an animal or fish. Ticket price is 70 baht per passenger when traveling from Saphan Jao Fah Pier to East Rai Le (East Railay).
And the ferry to the island of Ko Lanta (or Ko Jam) departs only from October to April and costs 200 baht per person. There are 2 flights per day: at 10:30 and 01:30. Twice a day, all year round, you can get to Phi Phi (Phi Phi Island) for 200 baht per person. Departure: at 10:00 and at 14:30.
6. When is the best season for independent travel to Krabi?
Krabi province is located in the tropical zone, which means it is warm all year round. On the other hand, the weather in Krabi is influenced by tropical monsoons, which bring with them the change of seasons.
There are two very hot seasons in this part of Thailand. The first, with air temperatures from 27 to 36 degrees Celsius, lasts from April to May. Only occasional tropical thunderstorms provide some relief from the heat.
It is also very hot from September to October, but frequent tropical showers provide pleasant coolness.
If you're traveling in May, prepare to get wet as this time, at the peak of the southwest monsoon, sees up to 25 rainy days a month, making it the wettest period of the year. Rainy days alternate with sunny ones, and the rain usually falls like a real tropical downpour: powerfully, but not more than an hour. And during the day the weather can change several times: rain and sun.
The most popular time for a holiday in Krabi is from November to March. The skies are blue and the weather is sunny most of the time with temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees. If you want to travel to Krabi on your own at this time, it is recommended to book a hotel in advance, as travelers from all over the world will flock here.
7. Festivals
Perhaps you will get to Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival, which
held annually in honor of the opening of the tourist season in the province. Local residents organize parades, exhibitions of local goods, sea kayak competitions and boat races.
The Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival is special. It is organized on the island of Ko Lanta by sea gypsies. The celebration is held on the full moon in the sixth and eighth months of the lunar calendar. Sea gypsies from Ko Lanta and nearby areas gather on the beach near Ban Sala Dan and take boats out to sea to return with good fortune. The traditional southern dance The Rong Ngeng is danced around the boats and local music is played.
8. Local products
Hoi Chak Teen (gastropod)
Hoi chak or winged shellfish belong to the Strombus Canxarium family. Externally, they are similar to strombids, but smaller and brown in color. A distinctive feature is the dark brown leg, which is called “teen” in Thai slang. Hoi Chak Teen is found in the Adaman Sea off the coast of Krabi and neighboring provinces.
To prepare the delicacy, winged shells are soaked in salt water for half an hour. To add spiciness, add a little ground chili pepper. Then the poor shells begin to move, stick their legs out and try to get rid of the dirt inside their house. They are washed several times and finally placed in a pot of cold water. Then they put the vessel in the oven and heat it up, the shell releases its leg. Delicious meat is ready to eat immediately after cooking.
To eat a winged shell, you need to pull the mollusk by its leg. It will taste better if you dip it in a sauce made from garlic, chili, sugar and lemon juice.
Hoi chak teen is a popular snack in Krabi. And the shells themselves are used to make souvenirs and home decorations.
Som Shogun (Shogun oranges)
Oranges are famous for their sweet taste. They have a thin skin and a little pulp, and are best eaten fresh.
Orange trees bloom from March to June (the period depends on the climate in a particular region), and the ovary appears after a month. The harvest is harvested after 8-9 months.
The most common propagation method is by shoots. Fruits begin to be collected no earlier than the tree reaches three years of age.
9. What attractions can you see in Krabi?
Mu Ko Hong Islands
Mu Ko Hong is a group of limestone islands including Ko Lao or Ko Sa Ka, Ko Lao Riam, Ko Pakka, Ko Lao La Ding and Ko Hong or Ko Lao Li Pe (the largest island in the south). Here you will find snow-white beaches, coral reefs in shallow and deep waters with countless fish. It is clear that the most popular pastimes here are snorkeling and diving, fishing, canoeing and hiking along the 400-meter trail around Ko Hong. The entrance fee to the park is 200 baht per tourist. And for another 20 baht you will be allowed to pitch a tent on the island.
The Mu Ko Hong Islands are located on the border of Than Bok Khorani National Park. You can get to them in 1 hour by renting a longtail on the Ao Nang beach (as I wrote above, this is a boat with a motor on a long pole).
Watch the video shot in 4K with a quadcopter camera above these islands on the big screen. The beauty of this miracle of Thailand takes your breath away and even makes you a little dizzy.
Tham Chao Le Cave
A beautiful underground kingdom, decorated with stalactites and stalagnites, as well as cave paintings of ancient people. In the images you can recognize people, animals and various geometric shapes. Archaeologists suggest that the drawings appeared later than those found in another famous cave in the province - Tham Phi Hua To.
The cave is located west of the Laem Sak microdistrict in a bay surrounded by mountains and picturesque islands. You can get to the cave on your own in 10-15 minutes by renting a longtail boat from Laem Sak.
Tham Lot Nuea and Tham Lot Tai Caves
To find them, you need to walk along the Ao Luk-Laem Sak road for about 2 kilometers and then turn right to Bo Tho Pier. Here you can rent a longtail boat and sail along the Tha Prang Canal for about 15 minutes. As you cross the mangrove swamp, you will see the entrance to the Tham Lot Tai cave at the foot of the limestone hill, from which streams of water flow. The main attraction is stalactites and stalagnites. The second cavern, Tham Lot Nuea, is longer, but can only be walked through at low tide.
Tham Phet Cave
The word "Phet" in the name means "diamonds". It comes from the name of the sparkling stone inside the cave, casting reflections on the walls of the cavern, like a real diamond. Another attraction is the Buddha image placed at the entrance to the cave. Although this site is located 3 kilometers from the Ao Luk Nua market, it is better to contact the national park office on Than Bok Khorani and ask for a guide.
Cave Tham Phi Hua To (Phi Hua To Tham)
It is located 500 meters from T ham Lot, but can only be reached by boat from Bo Tho Pier. The cave is located in the Phi Hua To mountains, surrounded by mangrove swamps. There are 2 paths inside. On the left is a shorter one, it leads to the back wall of the cave, where the sun's rays shine. The path on the right goes into a large hall where ancient people took refuge. Here you can also see a large number of drawings of people and animals, and ancient shells.
9.1. Than Bok Khorani National Park
Than Bok Khorani National Park is located in Tambon Ao Leuk Tai. The office can be found one kilometer from Tambon Ao Leuk Neua Market on Ao Luk Sak road. The park is home to plants such as wild gardenia, ashoka and apocynaceae, which can be found near Sa Bok Khorani. There is also a delightful pond with emerald-colored water.
In the northern part of the Sa Bohk Korani River, which flows between the mountains, you can find Buddha's imprints and the Chao Pho To Yuan - To Chong Temple. Other attractions in the park include several limestone caves in the mountains, green mangrove forests and beautiful islands that can only be visited with a boat permit in advance (200 baht per person). There are no hotels on the territory of the reserve, but you can put up your own tent and live here as savages.
9.2. Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
Another place you should definitely visit if you are traveling wild in Thailand is the Khao Phanom Bencha Nature Reserve, located 20 kilometers from Krabi along the Talat Kao-Ban Huai To Road. It covers an area of 50 square kilometers, including parts of Amphoe Ao Luk, Amphoe Khao Phanom and Amphoe Mueang districts.
At the highest point of Khao Phanom Bencha National Park lies an ancient, lush forest. The entrance fee is 200 baht per person. You can rent a tent for 50 baht per day.
Here you will see many streams, waterfalls, various animals, and beautiful landscapes. The most famous attractions of Khao Phanom Bencha National Park are as follows:
Namtok Huai To Waterfalls
They are located half a kilometer from the national park office. The water flows over the rocks into 11 huge ponds, each with its own name, such as Wang Thewada, Wang Sok and Wang Chan. Another 3-tier waterfall, falling from the high cliff of Namtok Huai Sa-de, can be found 1.2 kilometers from the office. In addition to visiting the waterfalls, tourists can climb the 1,397-meter-high Phanom Bencha Mountain peak. You need to plan at least three days for such an excursion. You will ford streams, waterfalls, visit caves and observation decks on high cliffs.
Namtok Khlong Haeng Waterfall
Namtok Khlong Haeng is located 10 kilometers from Amphoe Khao Phanom. The water falls from a height of 500 meters, from the highest mountain in Krabi, Khao Thep Bencha. You can find a hotel in the park, however, you need to book rooms in advance.
Tham Khao Phueng Caves
A group of 5 caves located 3 kilometers from the national park office. The walls of Tham Khao Phueng sparkle, and countless stalactites and stalagmites resemble mushrooms, pagodas and curtains in shape.
9.3. Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary National Park is located in Ban Bang Tiao province, 18 kilometers from Amphoe Khlong Thom district. The main attractions can be seen along the 2.7 kilometer long hiking trail through lowland forest, the Emerald Pool and a variety of natural animal habitats. This jungle is home to rare birds such as Gurney's Pitta, the rufous kingfisher, the black hornbill and a variety of plants. Here you can spend the night in your own tents.
Emerald Pool
A hot stream flows from the low-lying forest of Khao Nor Juji - probably the last place in Thailand with such lush vegetation. The turquoise shades of the water change depending on the lighting and time of day. If you decide to come here to see the emerald color, you need to arrive at dawn. The ticket price to visit the emerald pool is 20 Thai baht per tourist. To get to Emerald Pool, take Highway 4 to Khlong Thom District and then turn left onto Road 4038 towards Lam Hap Sub-district. Along the way you will see signs for Emerald pool.
Namtok Hin Phoeng Waterfall
To see the 3-level waterfall falling from a height of 800 meters, tourists must walk along a 400-hundred-meter trail along the mountainside where the lower pond is located. Namtok Hin Phoeng Waterfall is located 25 kilometers from Khlong Thom District. To get there, you need to take Highway No. 4 (Krabi-Trang), turn left at the Khlong Phon Market shopping center and proceed 8 kilometers.
Hot waterfall Namtok Ron Khlong Thom
Namtok Ron Khlong Thom waterfall is located next to the emerald Emerald pool under the shady arches of the jungle, where there are many hot springs. Cold and hot streams mix on the mountainside and form a warm stream with a water temperature of 40-50 degrees. The best time to visit this natural attraction is from 7 to 8 am and from 4 to 5 pm. To get here, you need to drive 45 kilometers from the city to the Amphoe Khlong Thom area, then turn onto Sukhaphiban 2 Road and drive another 12 kilometers. Ticket price is 10 baht per person.
Wat Khlong Thom Museum
The museum displays artifacts found during excavations at an area called "Khuan Luk Pat" or the prayer hill behind Wat Khlong Thom. Among the artifacts found were various stone and bronze tools, metal coins, fragments of pottery, ceramic and stone jewelry, and colored rosaries. The approximate age of these artifacts is 5000 years. The Wat Khlong Thom Museum is located between the buildings of the Wat Khlong Thom temple between kilometers 69 and 70 on the Phetchakasem Highway, one kilometer from the regional government building.
Hin Daeng Underwater Reef
It is dangerous to swim here, but the reef under the clear waters of the Adaman Sea is a great place for diving and observing colorful corals.
Ko Ha Five Islands
The five-island archipelago of Ko Ha Yai offers coral reefs in shallow waters.
Koh Hai Island
On the eastern side of this small island there is a long beach of white sand and pristine shallow coral reefs. You can get to Koh Hai Island by renting a boat at Pak Meng Pier in Trang Province.
Ko Lanta Islands
Ko Lanta consists of two adjacent islands: Ko Lanta Yai and Ko Lanta Noi.
The island of Koh Lanta Yai is the homeland of the “Chao Le” or sea gypsies, who continue to live, as they did many centuries ago, on drifting boats and believe that during the full moon in June and November, everything that floats away is carried away by the devil, and everything brought by the sea is a gift from God. There are hotels for tourists on this island. But on Ko Lanta Noi there is a building of regional authorities.
Most of the beaches on Koh Lanta Yai are located in the western part of the island: Kho Kwang, Khlong Dao, Phra Ae, Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Ba Kan Tiang. They can be reached by road. Tourists have a huge number of accommodation options to choose from.
Ko Rok Islands
This attraction also includes two islands: Ko Rok Nai and Ko Rok Nok. On the first, Ko Rok Nai, you will find many sheer cliffs with excellent beaches below them and undisturbed coral reefs between the cliffs. But the island of Ko Rok Nok (Koh Rok Nok) boasts fine white sand and shallow corals on the beaches of Hat Thalu and Ao Man Sai opposite the southeastern and southern parts of the island.
Travelers can contact travel agencies or inquire at a hotel on Koh Lanta to book a speedboat to Ko Rok. It is not recommended to take a longtail to swim to Koh Rok Island.
Ko Talabeng Island
Talabeng is a limestone islet, similar to the famous Ko Phi Phi Le, with numerous small beaches and caves, clearly visible at low tide. Well, there are a lot of corals here.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Mu Koh Lanta Nature Park covers an area of 152 square kilometers. It includes a large number of islands of varying sizes, some of which are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, such as Ko Ha, Ko Rok and Ko Hai. The main island of the reserve is the above-mentioned Koh Lanta Yai, on which both the headquarters and management of the park are located. The best time to travel to Mu Koh Lanta National Park is from November to April.
How to get to the islands of Ko Lanta
Boats depart from Krabi Town to Ko Lanta Yai every day. The journey lasts 2.5 hours.
Ao Nang Bay
Ao Nang is located approximately 6 kilometers from Nat Noppharat Thara National Park and 20 kilometers from the city of Krabi. A large bay with magnificent beaches and 83 islands. A o Nang has several famous beaches: East Rai Le, West Rai Le and Tham Phra Nang (cave), located at the foot of the limestone cliffs. You can rent a boat for a tour around Ao Nang, visiting the Hat Tham Phra Nang cave and Hat Nam Mao.
Also from Ao Nang Beach you can take a boat to other popular islands: Ko Poda, Ko Kai, Ko Mo and Ko Thap. The presence of a large number of colorful coral reefs and cartoonishly colored fish makes these islands ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Today, Ao Nang has become a 5-star tourist attraction with a large number of high-quality hotels and boutiques, diving schools and boat rentals. Popular excursions include canoeing and kayaking along the coast, exploring mangrove forests, visiting islands and half-submerged caves.
Beach Hat Noppharat Thara (Noppharat Thara Beach)
Hat Noppharat Thara is located 6 kilometers from Ao Nang. This is a three-kilometer beach with white sand, casuarinas and thickets of coconuts. The shore is strewn with tiny shells and was formerly called “Hat Khlong Haeng”, which means “dry channel”, as the area turns into a long beach at low tide.
Located 18 kilometers northwest of the city of Krabi, Hat Noppharat Thara Beach is actually part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and the Park's management office is located here. Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi Nature Reserve covers a vast area on land and sea.
From this beach you can take a boat to Ko Phi Phi all year round. You can get to the beach by songthaew from Krabi for 20 baht and go further to Ao Nang (fare 10 baht).
Hat Rai Le (Rai Le Beach)
Hat Rey Le Beach is divided into two zones: eastern and western. West Rai Le is famous for its peace and quiet, as its wide sandy beach has far fewer hotels than Ao Nang.
East Rai Le is located across the peninsula and, unlike West Rai Le, is not like most beaches in the region. It can be considered a "tidal strip", especially at low tide. In addition to the amazing views and mangrove forests to the north of the beach, the main activity on the beach is rock climbing.
The limestone cliffs on the large headland between Hat Rai La East and Tham Phra Nang, as well as other nearby islets, provide world-class climbing conditions along with stunning sea views. In total, there are approximately 700 sports tracks: from medium to high levels of difficulty.
Photo 16. People go to the Krabi Peninsula not only to relax at sea, but also for other entertainment. Here, for example, is a Mecca for rock climbers. Railay Beach.
Hat Tham Phra Nang Beach
Hat Tham Phra Nang can only be reached by sea. There is fabulous, flour-thin white sand and glass-clear water, delightful karst hills. Tourists from all over the world flock here to find solitude and relaxation.
The only building on the beach is the 5-star Rayavadee Hotel (located next to Phra Nang Beach), which owns 10 hectares of beach.
Outside and inside the Phra Nang Caves, the Phra Nang Lagoon offers unforgettable views of the cliffs and sea. Here you can find hotels for every budget. Also, this place can only be reached by boat, and the main activities are snorkeling, diving and rock climbing.
Mountains Khao Khanap Nam
The two mountains at the entrance, approximately 100 meters high, separated by the Maenam Krabi River, are considered symbols of the city of Krabi. There are also beautiful caves with stalactites and stalagmites that deserve separate exploration. A large number of human skulls were found in the caverns. There is an assumption that people found refuge in the cave, but died instantly during the flood. You can get to the Khao Khanap Nam mountains by longtail in 15 minutes if you rent a boat at Chao Fa Pier. Maybe someone will be interested in taking a tour for 300 baht, which includes a visit to the cave, mangrove forest and fishing village of Ko Klang.
Krabi Province is a rapidly developing resort located on the southwestern coast of Thailand, on the opposite side of the Phang Nga Strait from Phuket Island, with an area of 4,700 km².
Krabi is an ideal place for those who like to combine a relaxing holiday on the beach with active travel and contemplation of the natural beauties of Thailand. The main attractions of Krabi are concentrated both on water and on land. These are islands, caves, national parks and temples.
Tiger Cave Temple (What Tham Suea)
The most visited Buddhist temple in the province is located at the foot of a mountain surrounded by a centuries-old forest. It is a vast complex decorated with Buddha statues and other religious symbols. The first point of the excursion is the cave. On the first tier, tourists will find a sculpture of a tiger, on the second – two panthers. Here you can leave a coin and make a wish to return to enchanting Thailand.
After examining the cave, you should walk about a hundred meters from the entrance and climb the stairs to the observation deck, overcoming 1260 steps. From the top of the mountain there is a breathtaking view of the province, worthy of your photographs. Here you can relax, taking refuge in the gazebo, and watch a particularly beautiful sunset.
Path: from Krabi town 13 km north, following the signs. Opening hours: from dawn to dusk, admission is free. Bring comfortable shoes for the climb, drinking water and bananas to treat the local monkeys.
Other temples are also of interest: Wat Bang Riang, Wat Suwan Khuha.
Khao Phanombencha National Park, Huai To Waterfall
There's plenty to keep you busy for an afternoon in one of the province's most popular national parks. Here you can walk along a nature trail and get acquainted with the flora of the jungle. The trail takes on a fairly steep climb, ending at a vantage point with a good view.
But the main attraction of the park is the 11-tier waterfall, many of which have natural pools. You can swim in the waterfall, taking precautions.
Route: from Krabi town along highway No. 4 in the direction of Phuket, then follow the sign to No. 1016, at the intersection keeping to the left.
Opening hours: from 8:00 to 16:30. Visit: ticket – 100 baht ($3), children 50 baht ($1.5). Parking for a motorbike - 20 baht ($0.5), car - 50 baht ($1.5). At the ticket office they give you a leaflet with a map on which different routes are marked.
Other famous Krabi national parks — forest: Khao Sok, Khao Phanom Bencha and sea: Ao Phang-nga, Mu Ko Lanta, Than Bok Khorani, Hat Nopparat Thara.
Lakes Emerald Pool, Sa Morakot and Blue Pool, Sra Nam Put, Hot Waterfall (Khlong Thom Hot Waterfall)
Two mineral lakes, attracting tourists from all over Thailand with their bright colors and crystal clarity, are located in the Khao Pra Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary forest park. From the entrance to the park, you can get to the lake along concrete pedestrian paths installed on stilts.
Along the way, wonderful plant landscapes and views will open up. The Emerald Lake, fed by underground thermal springs, has, according to the Thais, a beneficial effect on the body. Unlike the Blue Lake, you can swim in the Emerald Lake. In addition to exploring the lake in the park, it is worth taking a walk along the eco-trails and getting acquainted with the flora and fauna of the mangrove forest of Thailand.
A trip to the lakes can easily be combined with a visit to the Hot Waterfall, located 5 km from here. On the road to Emerald Lake, you need to turn right 1 km from the fork. The temperature in mineral springs reaches 50 C.
Route: from Krabi town along highway No. 4, go to the town of Khlong Thom, turn left at the intersection, then follow the signs to the lakes.
Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:00. Visit: ticket – 200 baht ($6), children 100 baht ($3), parking – 20 baht ($0.5) per motorbike.
The province is rich in thermal springs. You can also swim in hot healing water in well-maintained springs Krabi Hot Springs, Salty Hot Springs Khlong Thom, Nattha Waree Hot Springs.
Railay Peninsula: beaches, cliffs and cave
For many admirers of the country, Railay has sunk into the soul as one of the most picturesque and must-see places in Thailand. This peninsula is famous for its picturesque cliffs and beaches.
Railay West deserves the title of best beach. It’s worth coming here for the solitude surrounded by 200-meter cliffs, snow-white sand and emerald water.
There are few beaches in the world that can compare with this place. To the east of the beach, in the rocks, there is a curious Diamond cave (Diamond cave, Tham Phra Nang Noi) with a length of 185 m. The cave is well equipped and quite safe for tourists to visit.
Arriving at Railay, it would be foolish not to visit the two islands of Poda and Gai, which are also called Chicken Island. The islands are located 5 km from the coast of the Railay Peninsula, and are interconnected by a sand spit that opens at low tide.
Route: The peninsula can only be reached by sea. Longtail boats go here from Krabi Town or Ao Nang, about 100 baht ($3) per person, and regular boats from 300 baht ($9).
Visiting time: daylight, or with a stop at local hotels at a price of 1,500 baht ($44) per night.
Bamboo Island, Koh Mai Phai
The purest emerald in the Phi Phi Islands group, is part of the Tarutao Marine National Park. If you look at a map of Thailand, Bamboo Island is located northeast of Phi Phi Don. The island is small, only 400 by 600 m, in the center it is covered with coniferous and deciduous forest.
The island is uninhabited, but many tourists are attracted here by the snow-white coral sand of the beaches and extraordinary emerald coastal waters. In addition, near the island there is a fairly extensive, mid-depth coral reef rich in marine life. In the central part it is accessible to snorkelers, but in deeper places you will need diving equipment.
Route: on a rented longtail. Renting a boat during daylight hours will cost from 1,500 baht ($44). Or an organized excursion from the following points in the province: Krabi Town, Phuket or Phi Phi Don.
When planning an independent excursion, visiting the sights of Krabi, as well as the whole of Thailand in general, you should follow several rules:
- be sure to take drinking water, a Panama hat, and sun cream with you;
- wear comfortable shoes and don't forget swimwear;
- Plan your trips for the first half of the day, leaving the hotel early in the morning to avoid crowds of tourists.
- On weekends, as well as on public holidays in Thailand, it is better to avoid visiting temples and national parks, as they will be especially crowded.
