Krabi is the capital of Krabi Province, one of southern Thailand’s most attractive provinces. Covering an area of 4,709sqkm (1,817sqmi), Krabi Province is some 814km (509mi) from Bangkok.
Places of Interest
Susan Hoi
Susan Hoi (Shell Cemetery Beach) is at Bam Laem Pho Cape, some 17km (11mi) 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.
Ao Phra Nang
Approximately 5km (3mi) from Susan Hoi is the long white sandy beach of Ao Phra Nang (Phra Nang Bay). A small cave of the same name is near. Phra Nang Bay has good accommodations (see above).
Hat Noppharat Thara
Some 2km (1.25mi) from Ao Phra Nang, this scenic beach is lined with trees. A rocky island, about 1km (0.6mi) 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 Mount
The mount has a cave with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. One can get there by renting a boat at the pier in the town of Krabi.
Than Bok Khorani
Than Bok Khorani is a nature reservation supporting hundreds of birds and an exceptionally fine place for bird-watchers. The peaceful atmosphere also makes it a good spot for relaxation, picnics, swimming etc. The reservation is some 45km (28mi) from the town of Krabi.
Transportation
Bangkok - Krabi
Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal on Pinklao - Nakhon Chaisi Road (in Thonburi); 867km, non-aircon old route 161 Baht, 18:00, 21:30, new route 152 Baht, 19:00, 20:30; aircon 290 Baht, 18:00, 19:00, 19:50, 20:30, 21:30; VIP 425, 18:00, 18:30
Ao Luk
Ao Luk is a small town in Krabi Province, some 45km (28mi) north of the town of Krabi on the highway to Phrang Nga.
Places of Interest
Caves
There are various caves worth visiting along Highway 4 (the route from Ao Luk to the town of Krabi). These include Sua Cave, about 3km (2mi) from the Provincial Scout Camp, which is a meditation place of Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Monastery); Tham Sadet is another cave, 1km (0.6mi) off Km marker 113 on Highway 4.
Tham Lod and Tham Phi Hua To
These two are, according to the Thai Tourist Authority "virgin caves". They can be reached only by 15 minute boat rides from Tao Than village near Ao Luk.
PHI PHI ISLANDS
The two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le,lie some 30km (19mi) off the Krabi coast. The one which is the common tourist destination is Phi Phi Don; Phi Phi Le is basically uninhabited though it’s often visited by people stying on Phi Phi Don. The superb scenery of Phi Phi Don includes high hills with jutting cliffs surrounded by beaches of silvery sand and an emerald green sea, banks of coral reefs and colorful marine life unrivaled in the area.
Places of Interest
The Viking Cave
This is a large cave full of birds’ nests with the cave mouth right at sea level. Ancient color paintings appear on one part of the cave wall with depictions very much resembling the long boats of the Vikings, thus giving the cave its exotic name. Permission to enter the cave must first be sought from representatives of the company that owns the franchise to gather the birds’ nests. Harvest of the nests is usually from February to April.
Bays of Phi Phi Le
Phi Le Bay and Loh Sah Ma Bay arelike inland seas with narrow openings and clear water suitable for scuba diving. Mayah Bay in the west of Phi Phi Leh is dominated by a high cliff and has a white sandy beach.
Diving
People keen on diving and seeing the sub-marine sights can rent scuba gear and air tanks as well as special boats to take them to various spots. For detailed information on diving in the Andaman Sea around Phuket, see the chapter Sports on/around Phuket.
Transportation
From the Chao Fa wharf of Krabi Province, a large and well equipped tourist boat owned by the Phi Phi Travel Marine Company makes the trip to Phi Phi Island in 2 to 3 hours. Fare is 200 Baht.
Phi Phi Travel Marine Company
201/1-4 Uttarakit Road, Krabi
Tel (075) 61-1496, (075) 61-1295
Songserm Travel Center, Tel Bkk 250-0768, 252-5190 and Tel Krabi (075) 61-1188, 61-1288 offers arrangements on express boats between Krabi, Phi Phi Island and Phuket.
Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta is a fairly large island closer to the coast than the two Phi Phi islands. It attracts visitors who want a quiet holiday among local fishermen and at unspoilt beaches. Accommodations are mostly small bungalows and tents. To get to the island takes about 40 minutes by boat from Bo Muang wharf near Klong Thom, 60km (38mi) from Krabi.