Amphoe Khao Phanom
- Khao Phanom Bencha National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาพนมเบญจา)
Covering a total area of 31,325 rai, including parts of Amphoe Mueang, Amphoe Ao Luek, and Amphoe Khao Phanom, Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is Krabi’s only on land National Park. It offers pristine, lush forest with mountain ranges running north to south. Khao Phanom Bencha, the highest elevation of Krabi, stands at 1,397 meters above sea level. Its marvellous scenery is enhanced by streams, waterfalls, caves, and wild animals such as Asian tapir, Sumatran serow, Asiatic black bear, and Fishing cat. In addition to this, it boasts more than 218 species of birds such as eagles, hornbills, and woodpeckers. Other attractions include:
- Huai To Waterfall (น้ำตกห้วยโต้)
Originating from Khao Phanom Bencha, this waterfall is composed of 5 cascades, each with its own name, such as Wang Sam Hap, Wang Chong Loi, Wang Doi Prong, Wang Thewada, and Wang Ton Phrio. Namtok Huai To eventually flows to Khlong Krabi Yai in Amphoe Mueang, Krabi.
- Namtok Huai Sade (น้ำตกห้วยสะเด)
Located some 300 meters from the park's office, this waterfall is composed of 3 cascades with a crystal clear pool. It eventually flows to Khlong Ton and Khlong Krabi Yai. Trekking to the peak of the Khao Phanom Bencha is another highlight. Two routes are available.
First route: This route takes 4 days and 3 nights starting from Namtok Huai To, which is located 300 meters from the park’s office. Visitors climb 5 cascades and at the top walk further towards the stream. Take a left turn at the large dipterocarpus Yang tree and stay overnight at Khao Luk Chang. The next morning continue walking and stay overnight at Khuan Namkhang. Then, keep trekking towards the foot of Khao Phanom Bencha. The next day, visitors can trek to its peak and stay one more night. Second route: Commute by car towards Bang San Operational Base. This route is 60 km and takes 3 days and 2 nights. Trekking starts by walking from the said base heading for Khao Phanom Bencha’s peak; this takes the whole day. Stay overnight. Proceed downhill the following day and stay at Khuan Namkhang. Trekking continues the next morning towards the park's office.
Either route, tourists will experience the beauty of flora and fauna, caves, cliffs, waterfalls, streams, sea of fog, panoramic view of Krabi, and cool weather all year- round. Getting the necessary information beforehand is recommended.
Rental tents are available (2 – 8 people) at a rate of baht 150 – 600/night. Alternatively, tourists may bring their own and pay a fee of baht 30/tent/night. Contact Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, P.O. Box 26, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi, 81000, Tel. 0 7662 9013, 08 9893 6455. In addition to this, contact the Department of National Park, Wild Life, and Flora, Tel. 0 2579 7223, 0 2579 5734 or visit www.dnp.go.th, e-mail: phanombencha_np@yahoo.co.th. To get there from the provincial town of Krabi, proceed along Phetchakasem Road for 1 km towards Ban Talat Kao T-junction. Take a left turn onto the Talat Kao – Ban Huai To route. The total distance to the National Park is 20 km.
Amphoe Ao Luek
- Than Bokkhorani National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติธารโบกขรณี)
The park covers an area of 121 square km. The landscape is dominated by a series of limestone mountains, evergreen forests, mangrove forests, and numerous islands. The main flora is evergreen forest, peat swamp forest, strand forest, and mangrove forest, as well as, various types of marine flora. Two natural trails are available. Firstly, a 1km path within the National Park. Secondly, a trail of some 3 - 4 km from the park to the mangrove forest. Admission for adults and children is 200 and 100 baht, respectively. No accommodation is available. For more information, Tel. 0 7568 1071, 075-682058
Other attractions include:
- Than Bokkhorani (ธารโบกขรณี)
Located near the park’s office, Than Bokkhorani is a stream formerly known as Than Asok, where Asoka or Asok trees in Thai were grown. Its topography sees various flowing streams on their journey to numerous pools of different cascades among a shady forested area.
To the north of Than Bokkhorani sees a replica of the Lord Buddha’s footprint carved from wood. It is situated near the shrine of Chaopho To Yuan – To Chong.
- Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua To (ถ้ำลอดและถ้ำผีหัวโต)
They are located 6 km from the park. To get there, proceed from Amphoe Ao Luek via Ao Luek - Laem Sak route for 2 km. Turn right for Bo Tho Pier. Take a 15-minute long-tail boat ride along Khlong Tha Prang, which passes through the mangrove forests.
Tham Lot is a tunnel under a limestone mountain where stalactite and stalagmite formations are found. Tham Phi Hua To or Tham Hua Kalok is 500 meters from Tham Lot. Oversized human skulls had been discovered in the cave, thus giving the cave its present name. The prehistoric paintings of men and animals, as well as, a pile of numerous seashells on the floor can be seen in the cave. Tourists can enjoy the serene view of the mangrove forests by canoes. Rental including lunch costs 1,200 baht per/person. A canoe rental service is available at the Bo Tho Pier.
- Tham Chao Le (ถ้ำชาวเล)
Located to the west of Laem Sak, Tham Chao Le is a cave that sits within the bay, where mountains and picturesque islands surround it. The prehistoric paintings of men, animals, and geometric symbols, as well as, stalactite and stalagmite formations are found. It is assumed that the paintings may have been painted after those of Tham Phi Hua To. Canoeing near the cave is possible. Tham Chao Le is accessible by a boat service or rental boat from Laem Sak. The trip takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Ko Karot/Garose (เกาะกาโรส)
It is situated to the east of the end of Laem Sak. Canoeing is possible.
- Ko Dang (เกาะแดง)
With its white sandy beach stretching 25 metres, Ko Dang offers a cave measuring 70 metres wide and 20 metres high, and a diving spot for coral reefs.
- Mu Ko Hong (หมู่เกาะห้อง)
Mu Ko Hong is a group of islands including Ko Lao or Ko Saka, Ko Lao Riam, Ko Pakka and Ko Lao Lading. Ko Hong or Ko Lao Pile is the biggest island in the south. Most of them are limestone islands with crystal clear water, fine beaches, coral reefs in both deep and shallow water, most suited for diving and fishing. There is a 400-meter hiking trail around Ko Hong. This area is also suitable for sea-canoeing. The park’s entrance fees for adults and children are 200 and 100 baht, respectively. In addition, the park charges 20 baht for camping on the island. Visitors must bring their own tents. Mu Ko Hong is accessible by long-tail boat from Ao Nang. The trip takes about an hour. To get there: Located 46 km from the provincial town of Krabi, Mu Ko Hong is situated at Than Bokkhorani, Tambon Ao Luek Tai, a distance from the Talat Ao Luek Intersection. Proceed along the Ao Luek - Laem Sak route for 1 km. Alternatively, take the local taxi or Song Thaeo ride (Krabi – Ao Luek Neua – Tai) from Amphoe Mueang and get off at the park’s entrance.
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