TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN KRABI
KRABI MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
Krabi Province is fast becoming a very popular tourist destination and now has its own airport which handles international as well as national flights. With miles and miles of spectacular coastline, lush, verdant interiors and lots of water sports and rock climbing it's no wonder that the area is in the flush of growth. Still, one of the main attractions of Krabi is that it still is relatively untouched and still manages to retain its charm. From simple beach bungalows to opulent five-star mega-resorts, accommodation choices are wide and flexible and the area's comparative compactness works for it in a positive way.
RAILAY BEACH
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RAILAY BEACH
Now on every savvy traveller's list, Railay is nevertheless one of Thailand's most sought-after beach areas. Just south of Ao Nang Beach, around a rocky headland and accessible only by boat, Railay presents a tranquil and extraordinary world. In just one small peninsula you'll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. All within walking distance! At Railay there are no roads; only footpaths. No buses, no cars, just longtail boats. Although it's actually connected to the mainland, the spectacular Phra Nang Peninsular is effectively cut off from the rest of Krabi by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys; the only access is by sea. The very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers lazy days, adventure forays and chilled-out evenings.
Now on every savvy traveller's list, Railay is nevertheless one of Thailand's most sought-after beach areas. Just south of Ao Nang Beach, around a rocky headland and accessible only by boat, Railay presents a tranquil and extraordinary world. In just one small peninsula you'll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. All within walking distance! At Railay there are no roads; only footpaths. No buses, no cars, just longtail boats. Although it's actually connected to the mainland, the spectacular Phra Nang Peninsular is effectively cut off from the rest of Krabi by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys; the only access is by sea. The very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers lazy days, adventure forays and chilled-out evenings.
ISLANDS NEARBY KRABI
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ISLANDS NEARBY KRABI
It's estimated that there are around 200 islands around the Krabi coastline, many are small rocky outcrops that rise precipitously out of the sea and have no landing access. Others are larger and uninhabited, with characteristic tiny white sand beaches, coral reefs, and intricate cave systems. Go island hopping. Rent a local boat from Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Railey. Alternatively explore these lovely islands with a guide and take a trip that includes snorkeling or kayaking. Below you'll find a selection of just a few...
Note: Not all islands can be visited in the monsoon season (May-October) when the weather conditions can be unpredictable.
It's estimated that there are around 200 islands around the Krabi coastline, many are small rocky outcrops that rise precipitously out of the sea and have no landing access. Others are larger and uninhabited, with characteristic tiny white sand beaches, coral reefs, and intricate cave systems. Go island hopping. Rent a local boat from Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Railey. Alternatively explore these lovely islands with a guide and take a trip that includes snorkeling or kayaking. Below you'll find a selection of just a few...
Note: Not all islands can be visited in the monsoon season (May-October) when the weather conditions can be unpredictable.
PHI PHI ISLANDS
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PHI PHI ISLANDS
Just south west of Krabi coastline lie the stunning Phi Phi Islands, part of a marine national park that's one of the world's most unforgettable destinations. Phi Phi Don, the larger island, offers sheer limestone cliffs, fine sand beaches and hidden coves. Not far away, coral gardens and deeper reefs are sensational for diving and snorkeling. There are no cars on Phi Phi, just simple small tracks that crisscross the island, so getting around is easy – simply take a local longtail boat, or walk. Smaller Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited and made up of steep limestone cliffs rising sheer out of the turquoise waters. It also features caves and small rocky coves. There are several bays ideal for shallow snorkeling, and on the northeast side, the famous Viking Cave, containing what are claimed to be prehistoric paintings. Phi Phi Leh is also a popular site for nesting swifts, and workers collect the nests used to make the lucrative bird's nest soup, a much-valued Chinese gourmet delicacy. Day trips to Phi Phi are easily available from Phuket and Krabi and offer snorkeling at Phi Phi Leh. If you are already on Phi Phi Don, it's possible to hire a local boat or join a tour to visit Phi Phi Leh.
Just south west of Krabi coastline lie the stunning Phi Phi Islands, part of a marine national park that's one of the world's most unforgettable destinations. Phi Phi Don, the larger island, offers sheer limestone cliffs, fine sand beaches and hidden coves. Not far away, coral gardens and deeper reefs are sensational for diving and snorkeling. There are no cars on Phi Phi, just simple small tracks that crisscross the island, so getting around is easy – simply take a local longtail boat, or walk. Smaller Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited and made up of steep limestone cliffs rising sheer out of the turquoise waters. It also features caves and small rocky coves. There are several bays ideal for shallow snorkeling, and on the northeast side, the famous Viking Cave, containing what are claimed to be prehistoric paintings. Phi Phi Leh is also a popular site for nesting swifts, and workers collect the nests used to make the lucrative bird's nest soup, a much-valued Chinese gourmet delicacy. Day trips to Phi Phi are easily available from Phuket and Krabi and offer snorkeling at Phi Phi Leh. If you are already on Phi Phi Don, it's possible to hire a local boat or join a tour to visit Phi Phi Leh.
KOH LANTA
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KOH LANTA
Koh Lanta consists of 52 islands including the largest, Koh Lanta Yai. It's located approximately 70 kilometres south of Krabi Town. Koh Lanta's scenic beauty may not quite compete with some other areas in the province. However, if you're looking for complete peace and quiet away from the bustling tourist areas, with a few home comforts, head there! Low-key development and unspoiled nature are Lanta's main attractions. Mountainous and rugged in some areas, especially near the southern tip, its green forested hills, gravel and sand beaches, pretty coral reefs, clear emerald water and traditional lifestyle, provide a charming retreat from modern life. Only 20,000 people live on Lanta including a clan of Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies. This distinct ethnic group still follow their traditional customs and culture. Along with the Muslim and Chinese locals they give the island its unique ambiance. Although more locals are becoming involved in the tourism industry, many remain unaffected by tourism, still earning their living from rubber, prawn farming and fishing. Traditional houses and friendly faces still remain. A little to the south of Koh Lanta lies Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan and Koh Muk which offer stunning beaches, great snorkelling and total seclusion.
Koh Lanta consists of 52 islands including the largest, Koh Lanta Yai. It's located approximately 70 kilometres south of Krabi Town. Koh Lanta's scenic beauty may not quite compete with some other areas in the province. However, if you're looking for complete peace and quiet away from the bustling tourist areas, with a few home comforts, head there! Low-key development and unspoiled nature are Lanta's main attractions. Mountainous and rugged in some areas, especially near the southern tip, its green forested hills, gravel and sand beaches, pretty coral reefs, clear emerald water and traditional lifestyle, provide a charming retreat from modern life. Only 20,000 people live on Lanta including a clan of Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies. This distinct ethnic group still follow their traditional customs and culture. Along with the Muslim and Chinese locals they give the island its unique ambiance. Although more locals are becoming involved in the tourism industry, many remain unaffected by tourism, still earning their living from rubber, prawn farming and fishing. Traditional houses and friendly faces still remain. A little to the south of Koh Lanta lies Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan and Koh Muk which offer stunning beaches, great snorkelling and total seclusion.
KRABI CRYSTAL LAGOON
THUNG TEAO FOREST NATURAL PARK
Krabi is well-known for areas of outstanding natural beauty and one place that should make your must-see list is the Crystal Lagoon in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, an unusual lowland forest rich in bio-diversity, complete with a nature trail and a crystal lagoon. Located in the Khao Pra-Bang Kram area, the nature trek is a superb place to spot rare animals and plant species including the Pitta Gurney bird which was once considered extinct. The forest is lush with age-old trees stretching up to the sky, unusual forest creatures and limestone foothills that open onto a dazzling green pool. There is a park office close by at Ban Bang Teao which offers some information although their primary goal is to ensure that the no-hunting zone is enforced and that no harm comes to this naturally beautiful sanctuary.
Krabi is well-known for areas of outstanding natural beauty and one place that should make your must-see list is the Crystal Lagoon in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, an unusual lowland forest rich in bio-diversity, complete with a nature trail and a crystal lagoon. Located in the Khao Pra-Bang Kram area, the nature trek is a superb place to spot rare animals and plant species including the Pitta Gurney bird which was once considered extinct. The forest is lush with age-old trees stretching up to the sky, unusual forest creatures and limestone foothills that open onto a dazzling green pool. There is a park office close by at Ban Bang Teao which offers some information although their primary goal is to ensure that the no-hunting zone is enforced and that no harm comes to this naturally beautiful sanctuary.
Crystal Lagoon Highlights
Thung Teao Forest National Park is a virgin rainforest home to spectacular flora and fauna unseen elsewhere in Thailand. A 2.7 kilometres nature trail provides a superb vantage point, plus there’s a waterfall to explore, although the major attraction is the crystal lagoon also known as the emerald pool. The emerald waters are wonderfully warm and crystal clear making them great for swimming in, there’s even a small ladder to help you get in and out.
It’s a stunning eco-tourist spot with visually beautiful aquamarine colours surrounded by tropical rain forest and a fantastic spot for bird watchers. The journey to the crystal lagoon begins at the wildlife sanctuary office and takes around 800 metres through a well-trodden forest path or alternatively you can follow the longer nature trail which winds through spectacular tropical rain forest - one of the few remaining in Southern Thailand. The nature trek should be taken slowly so that you get a chance to see some of the very rare animals living in this ancient woodland.
Opening Hours: open every day during daylight hours
Location: Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is situated in the Khao Pra-Bang Khram area which is located next to the Bang Teao Village, about one hours drive from Ao Nang.
Remarks: Bring mosquito repellent and water if you’re planning on taking the nature trail, also do not leave any valuables such as cameras unattended as you swim as thefts have been known.
Price Range: Admission is 100 baht for children and 200 baht for adults
How to get there: head towards Amphur Klong Thom on highway No.4/ Turn left onto highway 4038 then right onto the rural road following the signs towards the Emerald Pool Waterfall.
It’s a stunning eco-tourist spot with visually beautiful aquamarine colours surrounded by tropical rain forest and a fantastic spot for bird watchers. The journey to the crystal lagoon begins at the wildlife sanctuary office and takes around 800 metres through a well-trodden forest path or alternatively you can follow the longer nature trail which winds through spectacular tropical rain forest - one of the few remaining in Southern Thailand. The nature trek should be taken slowly so that you get a chance to see some of the very rare animals living in this ancient woodland.
Opening Hours: open every day during daylight hours
Location: Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is situated in the Khao Pra-Bang Khram area which is located next to the Bang Teao Village, about one hours drive from Ao Nang.
Remarks: Bring mosquito repellent and water if you’re planning on taking the nature trail, also do not leave any valuables such as cameras unattended as you swim as thefts have been known.
Price Range: Admission is 100 baht for children and 200 baht for adults
How to get there: head towards Amphur Klong Thom on highway No.4/ Turn left onto highway 4038 then right onto the rural road following the signs towards the Emerald Pool Waterfall.
KRABI TIGER CAVE - WAT THAM SUA
KRABI ATTRACTIONS
Tiger Cave Temple or Wat Tham Sua offers a genuine spiritual experience in stunning natural surroundings. Located close to Krabi town this is one of Thailand’s finest natural wonders and definitely worth a visit. The temple here is a warren of natural caves formed within a lush jungle and home to monks who worship and live in this beautiful environment.
There are interesting icons and relics in the main temple cave but the real attraction here is the ‘footprint of the Buddha’. To get to this historic site you need to hike 1,272 steps up a limestone tower which is a challenging climb especially in the Thai climate. Those who make it to the top are compensated with panoramic 360 degree views of the amazing Andaman Sea, tropical islands, dramatic limestone cliff formations, verdant rainforests and ‘the Buddha’s footprint’. The incomparable vistas are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset which is also the best time to climb up and avoid the heat and humidity.
Tiger Cave Temple or Wat Tham Sua offers a genuine spiritual experience in stunning natural surroundings. Located close to Krabi town this is one of Thailand’s finest natural wonders and definitely worth a visit. The temple here is a warren of natural caves formed within a lush jungle and home to monks who worship and live in this beautiful environment.
There are interesting icons and relics in the main temple cave but the real attraction here is the ‘footprint of the Buddha’. To get to this historic site you need to hike 1,272 steps up a limestone tower which is a challenging climb especially in the Thai climate. Those who make it to the top are compensated with panoramic 360 degree views of the amazing Andaman Sea, tropical islands, dramatic limestone cliff formations, verdant rainforests and ‘the Buddha’s footprint’. The incomparable vistas are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset which is also the best time to climb up and avoid the heat and humidity.
Krabi Tiger Cave Highlights
Krabi Tiger Cave Highlights
Arriving at Tiger Cave Temple, spend some time exploring the lower levels before taking the challenging climb up. Legend has it that a tiger once made the main cave his home hence the temples name, ‘Sua’ or ‘Suea’ being Thai for tiger. There are still tiger footprints on the floor of the lower temple which is surrounded by mountains and a rich tropical forest. You might want to purchase some bananas by the entrance to feed the many monkey occupants, but remember that they can bite and scratch so don’t get too close. Thereafter take one of the two staircases up to the top; the one which is located close to the Chinese fertility goddess statue is slightly easier. Either way the climb is strenuous and should not be taken lightly; the steps are uneven and steep jutting up the mountain. You should allow up to one hour to make the climb, enjoying the rest stops and vantage points on the way up.
Remarks: Dress respectfully and remember to take a bottle of water with you and to remove any jewellery, sunglasses or valuable items which may be taken by the playful monkeys. A visit is best scheduled early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
How to get there: Tiger cave temple is located about three kilometres from Krabi town and easiest reached by mini-bus, taxi or tuk-tuk (arrange a fare with the tuk-tuk driver in advance). Alternatively you can take a traditional Thai public bus also known as a songthaew from either Krabi town or from Ao Nang. The public bus makes for a really cheap and interesting option where you’ll see plenty of Thai sights and sounds along the way in addition to meeting some locals. The bus stops at the road next to Wat Tham Sua and from there it takes about 20 minutes on foot.
Arriving at Tiger Cave Temple, spend some time exploring the lower levels before taking the challenging climb up. Legend has it that a tiger once made the main cave his home hence the temples name, ‘Sua’ or ‘Suea’ being Thai for tiger. There are still tiger footprints on the floor of the lower temple which is surrounded by mountains and a rich tropical forest. You might want to purchase some bananas by the entrance to feed the many monkey occupants, but remember that they can bite and scratch so don’t get too close. Thereafter take one of the two staircases up to the top; the one which is located close to the Chinese fertility goddess statue is slightly easier. Either way the climb is strenuous and should not be taken lightly; the steps are uneven and steep jutting up the mountain. You should allow up to one hour to make the climb, enjoying the rest stops and vantage points on the way up.
Remarks: Dress respectfully and remember to take a bottle of water with you and to remove any jewellery, sunglasses or valuable items which may be taken by the playful monkeys. A visit is best scheduled early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
How to get there: Tiger cave temple is located about three kilometres from Krabi town and easiest reached by mini-bus, taxi or tuk-tuk (arrange a fare with the tuk-tuk driver in advance). Alternatively you can take a traditional Thai public bus also known as a songthaew from either Krabi town or from Ao Nang. The public bus makes for a really cheap and interesting option where you’ll see plenty of Thai sights and sounds along the way in addition to meeting some locals. The bus stops at the road next to Wat Tham Sua and from there it takes about 20 minutes on foot.
PHI PHI ISLAND
The Phi Phi islands are some of the loveliest in Southeast Asia. Just a 45-minute speedboat jaunt and a 90-minute ferryboat ride from Phuket, these picture postcard islands offer the ultimate tropical getaway. Classic beaches, stunning rock formations, and vivid turquoise waters teeming with colourful marine life - it's paradise perfected.There are two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The larger and inhabited, Phi Phi Don attracts hundreds of visitors to stay on its lovely shores.
KHAO KHANAB NAM
Standing at 100 metres tall the stunning Khao Khanab Nam Mountains are one of Krabi’s most famous landmarks. These majestic natural wonders act as the gateway to Krabi city with the river running between the two limestone cliffs forming a widely photographed beauty spot. Inside, the mountains hide a very spiritual site, caves with collections of stalagmites and stalactites are definitely worth exploring, although the location is more well-known for the large number of human skeletons that have been found here and the theories surrounding their demise. In addition to discovering these mystical caverns, you can also climb one of the two mountains. Visiting Khao Khanab Nam is certainly worth a trip to discover the inside of these prominent mountains and in addition it can be easily combined with a visit to a nearby mangrove forest and a traditional Thai fishing village.
Khao Khanab Nam Highlights and Features
The Khao Khanab Nam Mountains are widely regarded as the symbol of Krabi so its well-worth scheduling a trip to see these historic landmarks close up. Inside the caves there are beautiful cluster formations of stalagmites and stalactites created over thousands of years alongside prehistoric paintings. A large number of human skeletons were also discovered inside these caves which legend considers to have been people who were either trapped when cut off by the water, or who were once living in the caves and perished in an ancient flood. The caves are easily accessed via a stairwell. It’s also worth stopping by the Ko Klang fishing village as part of the trip, where you’ll discover a museum and a local craft centre. Villagers will demonstrate cotton weaving, the making of local tools and utensils plus fish breeding, it’s also possible to buy souvenirs and gifts direct from the local folk.
Location: situated directly next to Maritime Park and Spa Resort
How to get there: Khao Khanab Nam is reached by chartering a long-tail boat from Krabi’s Chao Fa Pier which takes around 15 minutes. Try and include a trip to visit a local mangrove forest and taking a look at Koh Klang fishing village as part of your trip. Boat rental should be around 300 baht per trip including the fishing village and mangrove forest, and there is no admission charge for Khao Kanab Nam. Long tail boats may not always include shade from the sun or drinking water so remember to take sun lotion, a hat and a bottle of water with you.
Location: situated directly next to Maritime Park and Spa Resort
How to get there: Khao Khanab Nam is reached by chartering a long-tail boat from Krabi’s Chao Fa Pier which takes around 15 minutes. Try and include a trip to visit a local mangrove forest and taking a look at Koh Klang fishing village as part of your trip. Boat rental should be around 300 baht per trip including the fishing village and mangrove forest, and there is no admission charge for Khao Kanab Nam. Long tail boats may not always include shade from the sun or drinking water so remember to take sun lotion, a hat and a bottle of water with you.
KOH LANTA
Koh Lanta is delightfully exotic, thanks to its remote location, pristine beaches and balmy weather. It comprises 52 islands in the southernmost region of Thailand's Krabi Province, of which the largest and best-known is Koh Lanta Yai. The island is approximately seventy kilometres from Krabi, and offers an appealing escape from highly popular tourist estinations like Phuket and Phi Phi. Once a backpacker's haven, Koh Lanta Yai nowadays sports several exclusive resorts. Friendly locals and its unspoiled nature are still main attractions. Misty mountains abound in some areas, especially down south, while the islands' lush jungle, clean sandy beaches, pretty coral reefs and crystal-clear water make for a relaxing retreat.
KRABI SHELL CEMETERY (SUSAN HOI)
KRABI ATTRACTIONS
Susan Hoi is an archaic petrified shell cemetery located 17 kilometres from Krabi town centre on a 200 metre stretch along Ban Laem Pho. This shell cemetery is considered by recent scientific experts to date back 40-25 million years, although local folklore claims it’s even older at 75 million years. The cemetery came into being after the limestone deposits in the water covered and fossilised shellfish, snails and a variety of other sea creatures creating slabs of intricate geological relics. This is great place to visit if you’re interested in geology or historical artefacts and is claimed to be one of only three such shell cemetery sites in the world. There are also mangrove forests worth exploring close by and a Chinese Temple at the cemetery which is open to the general public.
Susan Hoi is an archaic petrified shell cemetery located 17 kilometres from Krabi town centre on a 200 metre stretch along Ban Laem Pho. This shell cemetery is considered by recent scientific experts to date back 40-25 million years, although local folklore claims it’s even older at 75 million years. The cemetery came into being after the limestone deposits in the water covered and fossilised shellfish, snails and a variety of other sea creatures creating slabs of intricate geological relics. This is great place to visit if you’re interested in geology or historical artefacts and is claimed to be one of only three such shell cemetery sites in the world. There are also mangrove forests worth exploring close by and a Chinese Temple at the cemetery which is open to the general public.
Highlights and Features
Susan Hoi is a fascinating pre-historic shell graveyard which continues to attract much attention as a geological wonder dating back millions of years. Despite modern technology claiming the site to be no more than 40 million years old, fossil experts claim to have discovered the remains of turtles and fish which date back up to 50 million years, whilst locals have their own age opinions. Although opinion is divided over just how ancient, Susan Hoi is certainly at least 20 million years old. This natural beauty was once the home to a vast freshwater swamp which counted huge numbers of sea creatures including millions of snails. Over the ages the limestone rich water eventually transformed the swamp into layers of fossils which today stands at 40 centimetres thick. At 200 metres in length, the shell cemetery is surrounded by the rocky headlands of Ban Laem Pho where there are three formations in total with thousands of remains covering the rocks.
Location: Susan Hoi is situated at Bam Laem Pho Cape which is 17 kilometres southwest of Krabi town
Remarks: It’s worth booking a guide when going on this excursion who will be able to point out the different formations and add background information as you explore. The site is best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun, you might also be taken to visit shell souvenir outlets or shops as part of your daytrip whether you travel by taxi or as part of a booked excursion.
Location: Susan Hoi is situated at Bam Laem Pho Cape which is 17 kilometres southwest of Krabi town
Remarks: It’s worth booking a guide when going on this excursion who will be able to point out the different formations and add background information as you explore. The site is best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun, you might also be taken to visit shell souvenir outlets or shops as part of your daytrip whether you travel by taxi or as part of a booked excursion.
KRABI TOWN
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KRABI TOWN
Krabi Town is a market Thai town that was around long before international tourists started to visit the area. It's charming, laid back, and as much as the word is overused, it's very local. Tourism has arrived, but Krabi Town doesn't jump through hoops to bring in foreigners; as the main commercial and transit point for the province, it doesn't need to. Its unique personality is a welcome contrast to the surrounding beach areas.
The river is a hub of activity with fishing boats and river taxis ferrying both locals and visitors to spots near and far and the pier to the west of town is the place to catch a ride to the surrounding beaches and islands. Many visitors hurry to the big name destinations - Railay, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi - getting in and out of town as quickly as possible. But for those interested in a dose of genuine Thai culture and hospitality, sticking around Krabi Town is a rewarding experience.
Krabi Town is a market Thai town that was around long before international tourists started to visit the area. It's charming, laid back, and as much as the word is overused, it's very local. Tourism has arrived, but Krabi Town doesn't jump through hoops to bring in foreigners; as the main commercial and transit point for the province, it doesn't need to. Its unique personality is a welcome contrast to the surrounding beach areas.
The river is a hub of activity with fishing boats and river taxis ferrying both locals and visitors to spots near and far and the pier to the west of town is the place to catch a ride to the surrounding beaches and islands. Many visitors hurry to the big name destinations - Railay, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi - getting in and out of town as quickly as possible. But for those interested in a dose of genuine Thai culture and hospitality, sticking around Krabi Town is a rewarding experience.