Get around
Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicles)
Various tourist attractions can be conveniently reached by local Songthaew. Such attractions include Ban Huai To, Ban Nong Thale, Ban Khao Thong, Hat Noppharat Thara, Susan Hoi, Ao Nang, Ban Khlong Muang, Ban Nai Sa, Amphoe Khao Phanom, Amphoe Nuea Khlong, Amphoe Khlong Thom, Ban Bo Muang, Ban Hua Hin, Ban Khlong Phon, Amphoe Lam Thap, Amphoe Ao Luek, and Amphoe Plai Phraya. The local Songthaews depart from the Vogue Department Store on Maha Rat Road. Trips to other destinations can be made by taxi and rental car.
By boat
Krabi is mostly coast and islands, so you'll be spending quite some time on boats when getting around.
The most common boat type for shorter hops is the long-tail boat (reua hang yao), which true to the name has the propeller at the end of a long 'tail' stretching from the boat. This makes them supremely manoeuvrable even in shallow waters, but they're a little underpowered for longer trips and you'll get wet if it's even a little choppy.
See
Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town)
With its outstanding landscape, the provincial capital boasts a prominent landmark Khao Khanap Nam and verdant mangrove forests, where visitors can enjoy canoeing or exercising. They can also take a long walk in the afternoon breeze, or dine at the night bazaar. Chao Fa Pier and the bazaar on Maha Rat Road also feature authentic cuisine; rice noodles in curried fish sauce, chili paste, Southern-style fish curry, and fried chicken. Tourists can use the ferry service or hire a boat from Chao Fa Pier to various beaches and islands such as Hat Rai Le, Ao Nang and Ko Poda.
- Khao Khanap Nam (เขาขนาบน้ำ)
These two hills, roughly 100 meters high, flank the Krabi River running between them to form a distinctive vista and the town's most prominent landmark. They are accessible within 15 minutes by long-tail boat from Chao Fa Pier. Apart from admiring these hills from the boat and visiting the local mangrove forests, Khao Khanap Nam has a beautiful cave with amazing stalagmites worth exploring. From the boat, one climbs the stairs leading up to the cave. A large number of human skeletons have been found here but are currently gone. It is theorized that they were those who came and established a home at Khanap Nam, but were cut off by an inundation of water and quickly perished. This is an ideal place for canoeing lovers because it is fringed by mangrove forests and the water is quite still.
Not far from Khao Khanap Nam is the local community of Ko Klang. This island features a museum, as well as, handicraft centre housing numerous folk tools and utensils, and souvenirs (Hua Thong boat). Tourists can enjoy the local way of life, cotton weaving, or breeding of fish in the floating baskets. It is accessible within 20 minutes by rental boats (300 Baht) from Krabi Municipal Pier situated around the Khao Khanap Nam area.
- Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดนพรัตน์ธารา – หมู่เกาะพีพี)
Covering the areas of Tambon Nong Thale, Tambon Sai Thai, Tambon Ao Nang and Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Mueang, Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park has an area of 242,437 rai in which 200,849 rai is water. There are 3 distinctive kinds of forest here. Firstly, moist evergreen forests are found on the high steep mountains of Khao Hang Nak and Khao Ao Nang. Secondly, mangrove forests are found in Khlong Hang, which is within the area of the national park’s headquarters, as well as, around Khlong Yan Saba and Susan Hoi or the 40-million-year fossil shell beach (situated to the northeast). Thirdly, peat swamp forests comprise of an outstanding plant society of pure samet or cajuput forest. Numerous species of fauna include frigatebird, brahminy kite, white-bellied sea-eagle, edible-nest swiftlet, common wild pig, monkey, and langur. The national park provides accommodation of 8 houses at the rate of Baht 800 – 4,000. The best time to visit is between November – March. Major attractions include:
- Hat Noppharat Thara (หาดนพรัตน์ธารา)
Situated 17 km from the provincial town of Krabi, Hat Noppharat Thara (Noppharat Thara Beach) is a famous 3-km long sandy beach lined with dense casuarinas. The beach, paved with tiny seashells, was formerly called Hat Khlong Haeng, which means dried canal beach, because when the tide ebbs the stream flowing from the northern mountains almost disappears. The area, hence, turns into a long beach and stretches all the way to the island of Ko Khao Pak Khlong. It is also possible at low tide to walk from the beach to various small islands within the bay. Accommodation is available; Tel. 0 7563 7200, 0 7566 1145. Alternatively, to the west of the afore-mentioned lodging, various bungalows are available at tourists’ disposal. This beach is popular among those who prefer serene and tranquil surroundings.
- Su-san Hoi (Shell Cemetary) (สุสานหอย)
Located 17 km from the provincial capital, within Ban Laem Pho, Susan Hoi is accessible via the same route as Hat Noppharat Thara. A road sign to this shell cemetery is visible when one reaches Ban Sai Thai. Once a large freshwater swamp, the habitat of diverse mollusks of about 2 cm in size, Su-san Hoi features a slab formed from a huge number of embedded various types of mollusks which can be dated to approximately 40 million years ago. With changes on the surface of the earth, seawater flooded the freshwater swamp and the limestone elements in the seawater enveloped the submerged mollusks resulting in a homogenous layer of fossilized mollusk shells forty centimetres thick known as Shelley Limestone. With geographical upheavals, the limestone layer is now distributed in great broken sheets of impressive magnitude on the seashore.
- Ao Nang (อ่าวนาง)
Ao Nang Beach, is Krabi's most developed beach. Fringed by palms. From Ao Nang, tourists may hire boats to nearby attractions on the west such as the white sandy beach of Hat Rai Le or explore the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as, enjoy rock climbing at Hat Tham Phra Nang. There are more than 83 offshore islands, which some of them are shaped like a boot, junk, or parrot’s head. Ko Poda, Ko Mo and Ko Thap are popular destinations among tourists for their beautiful beaches and colourful coral reefs. They are ideal islands for diving and snorkelling.
Boat travelling times and fares from Ao Nang to various beaches and islands are as follows:
- Ao Nang – Rai Le: 80 baht (10 minutes)
- Ao Nang – Tham Phra Nang: 80baht (15 minutes)
- Ao Nang – Ko Poda: 300 baht return (25 minutes)
- Ao Nang – Ko Kai: 300 baht return (25 minutes)
- Ao Nang – Mu Ko Hong: 2,500 baht for a charter boat (1 hour)
A night trip from Ao Nang to Rai Le costs 100 baht. All boats are available from 7.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. Tourists may take the local Songthaew (passenger pick-up vehicle from Krabi Town to Ao Nang. The fare is 50 baht and takes 45 minutes. Alternatively, one can proceed directly to Hat Rai Le by boat service at Chao Fa Pier. The fare costs 150 baht and takes 45 minutes.
- Pra Nang Beach (Princess Cave Beach)
This area has limestone scenery, which dominates the entire region offering a fascinating network of cave systems, both inland and along the coastline. Phra Nang Beach (Princess Cave Beach) is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This is evidenced by the number of Hollywood movies shot in the area. The huge cave which shades some of the beach, the nicest part, is awesome. It is believed by local fishermen to be the home of a mythical sea princess. There is a collection of strange phallic symbols, offerings and objects believed to help with fertility inside the cave.
The best way to reach Prah Nang Beach is by a taking a short boat trip across a secluded section of sand that costs around 20B. Otherwise, just go on foot.
- Klong Muang
Klong Muang is Krabi's most recent beach destination aimed at offering only 5-star location. This beach may not be the most impressive in the area but it is quiet. Dozens of tiny islands lie dotted on the horizon and to the south. At Laem Hang Nak, is a Royal residence of the Crown Prince.
- Mu Ko Poda (หมู่เกาะปอดะ)
Situated south of Ao Nang, 8 km offshore, Mu Ko Poda (Poda Islands) are fringed by clear waters and white sandy beaches, as well as pristine coral reefs. They are a year-round attraction; an excellent place for fishing because they are not affected so much by the monsoon. Mu Ko Poda can be reached within 25 minutes by boat from Ao Nang. Many noteworthy islands like Ko Thap, Ko Mo, Ko Hua Khwan, and Ko Kai are situated nearby. A beautiful sandy beach, connecting these islands, is visible at low tide.
- Thale Waek or Separated Sea (ทะเลแหวก)
During the lowest tide of the day, the sea is gradually separated by the white sand and limestone beach that will appear to amazingly connect two islands. The best time to visit is 5 days before and after the full moon from December to the beginning of May.
To Get There: From the provincial town of Krabi, proceed along Highway No. 4034, then turn left and follow Highway No. 4202 to Ao Nang. Rental boats with a maximum of 8 - 10 passengers are available at a rate of 2,000 – 2,500 baht.
- Mu Ko Phi Phi (หมู่เกาะพีพี)
Located 42 kilometres from the provincial town of Krabi, Mu Ko Phi Phi (Phi Phi Islands) are an archipelago, formerly called Pulao Piah Pi. Pulao is the Malay word for island and Piah Pi refers to the cassia and mangrove wood found there. The name previously sounded something like Pi Pi and later the p was pronounced with a stronger aspiration and the name became Phi Phi as we know today. Exceptionally clear waters teem with a rich variety of underwater anemones, coral reefs, and colourful marine life, Phi Phi Islands is a popular destination for snorkelling. Mu Ko Phi Phi, an archipelago of six islands located at an equal distance from Krabi and Pkuket, consist of Ko Phi Phi Le, Ko Phi Phi Don, Ko Yung, Ko Mai Phai, Ko Bida Nok, and Ko Bida Nai. These islands are renowned for their marvellous beaches and crystalline water.
Interesting Attractions of Mu Ko Phi Phi:
- Ko Phi Phi Don (เกาะพีพีดอน)
Ko Phi Phi Don (Phi Phi Don Island) covers an area of 28 square km. Outstanding attractions are the twin bays with curving white sandy beaches of Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Da Lam. Ko Phi Phi Pier, accommodation, and restaurants are situated at Ao Ton Sai. Visitors can walk from this bay uphill to the scenic spot where the visibility of the twin bays is generally excellent. Besides Ao Ton Sai, there are also other attractive beaches and bays around the island. A number of accommodation is available at Hat Laem Hin, Hat Yao, and Ao Lo Bakao. At the northern end of the island is Laem Tong, renowned for its underwater natural beauty with lodging available. A huddle of fisherman’s huts (15 – 20 families) is located here. Most of them have previously migrated from Ko Li Pe of Tarutao National Park, Satun province.
A day trip by boat or snorkelling spectacular coral shallows around Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Le is recommended.
- Ko Phi Phi Le (เกาะพีพีเล)
Covering an area of only 6.6 square kilometres, Phi Phi Le Island is surrounded by limestone mountains and sheer cliffs plunging hundreds of metres to the sea. The sea is 20 meters deep and the deepest point in the south of the island is around 34 meters. Ko Phi Phi Le offers superb scenic bays such as Ao Pi Le, Ao Maya, and Ao Lo Sa Ma. In the north-east of the island is a large cave called Tham Viking. The cave was renamed Tham Phaya Nak or Naga Serpent Cave by HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej because of a stone resembling the mythical creature, which he saw when he paid a visit there in 1972.
The cave is considered sacred to locals who come here to collect swallow nests. Inside the eastern and southern parts of the cave are ancient rock paintings of elephants and various types of boats, including a European sailboat, an Arabian sailboat, a sampan, a Chinese junk, a waterwheel sailing boat, and a steamboat. It is believed the paintings were the works of sea merchants or pirates because the study of west-to-east ship routes indicates that this area may have been a stopover for boats seeking shelter from storms, transferring cargo or making repairs.
- Ko Yung (เกาะยูง)
Ko Yung (Yung Island) is north of Ko Phi Phi Don. The island has a stone beach in the east and small sandy beaches at the foot of the hills. It is teeming with various kinds of colourful coral reefs.
- Ko Mai Phai (เกาะไม้ไผ่)
Ko Mai Phai(Mai Phai Island) is north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko Yung. Marvellous beaches are in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs with staghorn corals, in particular, stretches from north to south of the island.
How to Get to Ko Phi Phi It is accessible from both Krabi and Phuket. From Krabi, take the Songthaew service (15 baht) from the provincial town of Krabi to Pak Khlong Jilard Pier. From there, ferries depart for Ko Phi Phi twice daily at 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. On return, the ferries leave Ko Phi Phi at 9.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. The 2-hour trip costs 450 baht per person (price for one way ticket). For further details, contact Phi Phi family Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7561 2463, Chao Ko Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7563 1823. Alternatively, a one-day trip on a speedboat is available at Ao Nang. Departure time is 9.00 a.m. On return, it reaches Ao Nang at 5.00 p.m. Contact Ao Nang Travel and Tour Co., Ltd. for more information, Tel. 0 7563 7152 - 3 The trip costs 1,500 baht per person with lunch included.
Remarks: Boat fares are subject to change without notice.
Visitors travelling from Phuket can contact tour operators in Phuket’s provincial city for a one-day trip to Ko Phi Phi. On arrival to Ao Ton Sai in Ko Phi Phi Don, trips to the surrounding islands can be made by long-tail boat.
- Ranger Station Pho Pho 4 (Thap Khaek) (หน่วยพิทักษ์อุทยานแห่งชาติที่ พ.พ.4 (ทับแขก))
This is part of the National Park. To get there, proceed along Highway No. 4200 onto the Khlong Chilat Intersection. Take a left turn onto Highway No. 4034 towards Ban Nong Thale. Take another left turn towards Ban Khlong Muang and then a right turn to the Ranger Station. This route is 38km. Thap Khaek boasts numerous species of flora and fauna and offers a lookout point or Ngon Nak point for a bird's eye view of Krabi’s sea. The natural forest trail of Thap Khaek has a total length of about 3.7km. A guide is necessary.
- Tham Sadet (ถ้ำเสด็จ)
This cave is located at Ban Nong Kok, Tambon Sai Thai, 7 km from the provincial town of Krabi. The villagers named it to mark the visit (Thai language, visit = “sadet”) of King Rama VI (before he ascended to the throne) in 1909. The cave features marvellous stalactite and stalagmite formations.
- Tiger Cave Temple
This temple complex not only serves as a religious site for the monks who live and worship there, but also features a maze of natural caves in an overgrown jungle valley where stone tools, pottery remains and the mold for making Buddha footprints have been excavated.
This cave is located at Ban Tham Suea, Tambon Krabi Noi, 9km from the provincial town of Krabi via Phetchakasem Road (Highway No. 4) and turning left onto Ratsadon Phatthana Road (Highway No. 4037). Tham Suea means tiger cave because the cave in front of Ao Luk Thanu Range or Khao Kaeo features natural rock impressions of tiger paws and real tigers once roamed this area. The surrounding area is covered with lush forest and enormous trees hundreds of years old, particularly in the Khiri Wong Valley. Mountains are on all sides and there are smaller caves in great numbers such as Tham Khonthan, Tham Lot, Tham Chang Kaeo, Tham Luk Thanu, and Tham Phra. Aside from being the site of a meditation centre, it is also a place of archaeological interest, dating from the prehistoric into proto-historic times. Stone tools, potsherds, and unbaked clay votive tablets have been found. In addition to this, there are trekking routes, and a trail of 1,272 steps leading to the lookout point for a bird's eye view of the place.
- Krabi Extention and Agriculture Development Center ศูนย์ส่งเสริมและพัฒนาอาชีพการเกษตรจังหวัดกระบี่ (ศูนย์พืชสวน)
Situated at Mu 1, Phetchakasem Road, Tambon Khao Khram, the Krabi Horticultural Centre is 20 km from the provincial town of Krabi. To get there, proceed via the Krabi – Ao Luek route. The centre houses a variety of local plants, as well as demonstrative research plant plots (local and foreign plants) for distribution to local farmers. Such collection of plants include sealing wax palm, torch ginger, lady palm, heliconia, coconut, orchids, as well as, a breeding ground of more than 60 kinds of colourful anthurium. Their brilliant colours range from green (Midori), pure white (Maunakea white), and soft pink (Twingo) to purple (Royal Flush). The centre is open from Monday – Friday during 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m., except public holidays. For more information, please contact Tel. 0 7561 2913.
- Sa Kaeo (สระแก้ว)
Sa Kaeo is in the forest garden of Tambon Khao Thong, a distance of 28 km from the provincial town of Krabi, and is accessible by the Krabi – Nai Sa route. It is composed of eight small natural ponds forming part of a recreational area such as Sa Nam Lot, Sa Choeng Khao, Sa Chorakhe khao, Sa Nam Thip, Sa Nam Khram, Sa Morakot, Sa Hun Kaeng, and Sa Noi.
- Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam (ป่าพรุท่าปอม คลองสองน้ำ)
This forest is located at Ban Nong Chik, Mu 2, Tambon Khao Khram, a distance of 34 km from the provincial town of Krabi. To get there, proceed along Highway No. 4 (Krabi - Ao Luek route) onto Km. 126 and take a left turn for another 5 km. Pa Phru or peat swamp forest of the canal of Tha Pom features a number of water sources, which originate from the Chong Phra Kaeo pool. Tha Pom is called Khlong Song Nam by the locals, which in Thai literally means "two water canal", because of its special feature location where crystal clear freshwater, which the pool’s floor and the roots of Lumphi palm (Eleiodoxa conferta) are virtually visible, meets seawater from the mangrove forest. Tha Pom features a natural trail made of lath. Wooden chairs are located at certain points for nature lovers to conveniently admire the view of the place. Admission fees for adults and children are 50 and 30 Baht, respectively. For more details, contact the Khao Khram Sub-district Administration Organization, Tel. 0 7569 4165, 0 7569 4198.
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