|
Krabi Attractions and Phi Phi Sightseeing
KRABI
Susan Hoi (Shell Cemetery)
Susan Hoi is at Bam Laem Pho Cape, about 17 km southwest of
the town of Krabi. Petrified seashells, some 75 million years
old, form rock slabs along the beach. There is a large Chinese
temple near the Shell Cemetery and shell trinkets are sold in
the stalls that you'll find nearby.
Hat Noppharat Thara
About 2km from Ao Phra Nang, this scenic beach is lined with
trees. A rocky island, about 1km from the mainland, can be reached
on foot at low tide. Minibuses run regularly from Krabi market
to Hat Noppharat. The fare is approximately 20 Baht.
Khanab Nam Moutain
These two hills, roughly 100 meters tall, flank the Krabi River
running between them to form a distinctive vista and the town's
most prominent landmark. To visit them, take a long-tail boat
from Chayofa Pier. Traveling time is just 15 minutes. From there
take stairs leading up to caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
A large number of human skeletons have been found here. It is
theorized that they and the remains of people who came and established
a home at Kanab Nam, but didn't succeed and quickly perished.
Than Bok Khorani
Than Bok Khorani is a nature reserve for birds and an exceptionally
good place for bird-watchers. The peaceful atmosphere also makes
it a good spot for relaxation, picnics and swimming. The reserve
is about 45km from the town of Krabi.
Koh Poda and Koh Gai
two noteworthy islands, can be reached within half an hour
by long-tail boat from Ao Phra Nang Bay. Ko Poda, is fringed
by clear waters and has a small restaurant and some bungalow
accommodation. Ko Gai, twenty minutes to the west, has excellent
waters for snorkelling and diving but nowhere to stay or dine
on its shores…take a picnic lunch.
Ao Phra Nang Bay
Due south of Krabi town, and accessible only by boat, this
secluded beach, once voted the world’s best beach, hides between
limestone outcrops riddled with caves. This southern extremity
is marked by a cave, containing a shrine dedicated to the spirit
of the resident goddess, Phra Nang. The beach is a popular venue
for swimming and sunbathing and for rock climbers who scale
the sheer limestone mountain for exhilarating views of the immediate
environs and offshore islands.
Wat Tham Sua
(Tiger Cave Temple) This temple, located 3 km to the northeast
of town, is a famous meditation centre. Set in the Ao Luk Thanu
mountain range. The main viharn is situated in a limestone cave,
with many kutis (monastic cells) on both sides. Behind the bot
is a ridge which leads to a network of caves. The paths have
electric lights so following the path is simple enough. It takes
one through interesting scenery, eventually leading back to
the entrance.
PHI PHI ISLANDS
Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don
can be reached by a pleasant 1 hour and 15 minute to 3-hour
boat ride, depending on the size of vessel, from the jetty in
Krabi town itself (see our transport pages for more details).
Six square km in area, the rugged Phi Phi Le is characterized
by steep, jungle topped cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden
bays concealing petite, pristine beaches and calm clear waters
and a spacious, airy cave known as Viking Cave. The name was
given to the cave due to the ancient cave murals depicting Viking-like
sailing vessels, within the cave itself. The cave is home to
swallows whose gelatinous nests are prized by Chinese gourmets,
the famed ‘bird’s nest soup’, that bring in thousands of export
dollars to the country. Harvesting of the nests is usually from
February to April and tourists are not allowed in the cave during
this period.
Maya Bay in the west of Phi Phi Le is dominated by a high cliff
and has a white sandy beach. It was one of the main sets for
the recent Hollywood film, 'The Beach'.
Two km north, the larger (28 square km) Phi Phi Don has a curved
white, palm-fringed beach tucked neatly between jungle covered
mountains sheltering calm waters. This, and other minor beaches,
offer beach side bungalow and chalet accommodation as well as
up-market hotel accommodation. The area is immediately adjacent
to a Muslim fishing village containing bars offering living
music; restaurants specializing in European cuisine and Thai
food; cabarets and souvenir shops. Dive shops and charter boat
operators offering anything from game fishing excursions, day
trips, sailing charters, snorkelling and island tours, including
Koh Pai (Bamboo island), half an hour from Phi Phi Don and touted
by locals as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled, uninhabited
islands in the area.
KOH LANTA
Koh Lanta is a fairly large island close to the mainland coast.
It attracts visitors seeking a quiet holiday among local fishermen
and unspoiled beaches. Accommodation consists mostly of bungalows
and tents. To get to the island takes about 40 minutes by boat
from Krabi.
Muh Koh Lanta Marine National Park 1 hour and 30 minutes
east by boat from Phi Phi Don, comprises many islands, several
fringed with spectacular coral reefs. Koh Lanta itself, is increasingly
favoured by those seeking peace and tranquility. Resort accommodation
is available on the northwest coastline. The 26 km long island,
(4 to 6 km wide) contains many unspoiled beaches with golden sands
and rugged headlands. The park office on the southern extremity
of the island, accessible only by boat, is situated near the homes
of local Chao Lay, or sea gypsies, who make their livelihoods
fishing the waters of the Andaman Sea.
Khao Nor Chuchi Lowland Rainforest known in Thai as Taew
Raew Thong Dam is really the last patch of virgin tropical rainforest
left in Southern Thailand. The park is found in the Khlong Thom
district just opposite Ko Lanta on the mainland. It is the the
only place in the world where birds of the species 'Pittagurney',
have been found.
AO LUK
Ao Luk is a small town in Krabi Province, some 45km north of
the town of Krabi on the highway to Phrang Nga.
Caves There are various caves worth visiting along the
route from Ao Luk to the town of Krabi. These include Sua Cave,
which is a meditation place of Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Monastery).
Another cave is that of Tham Sadet which is 1km off Km marker
113 on the same road. Tham Lod and Tham Phi Hua To; these two
caves are, according to the Thai Tourist Authority, "virgin
caves". They can only be reached by a 15 minute boat ride
from Tao Than village near Ao Luk.
Hat Noppharat Thara - Koh Phi Phi National Park due west
and south of the provincial capital. The park contains extensive
mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands and two islands of outstanding
physical yet contrasting beauty which epitomize everyone's ideal
of the perfect tropical island.
Hat Noppharat Thara, some 18 km west of the provincial
capital, is this scenic beach lined with casurina trees, offering
a commanding view of offshore islands. The beach is popular with
those who enjoy swimming and sunbathing in tranquil surroundings.
|
|
