|
 Krabi
province has scenic limestone karst formations near the coast, similar
to those in Phang-nga Province, near Krabi town you can see Bird,
Cat and Mouse Islands, named for their shapes. Until fairly recently
the waters surrounding Krabi were the favorite hide-out for Asian
pirates who sought refuge in the myriad of islands and sea caves.
Today, Krabi has become an alternative holiday base to Phuket. What
has normally been a 2 or 3 day excursion from Phuket is rapidly
becoming a popular alternate travel destination on it’s own.
It is not easy to reach Krabi, which may actually enhance its charms
to some, but it is the towering limestone cliffs, unsullied beaches
and the numerous nearby scenic waterfalls and rainforest walks that
are drawing an increasing number of visitors. Tourism in the Krabi
area is in its infancy, which helps lend a sense of adventure to
traveling here. The pace is noticeably slower and the local people
are more friendly and less jaded than in Phuket. Krabi is only a
2½ hour scenic drive by car through Phang-nga province from Phuket.
As you make your way south from the town of Phang-nga
among the towering limestone hills, rice paddies, palm oil, and
rubber plantations, watch for signs directing you to the Than Bokkharani
National Park as you near the town of Ao Leuk. Established as a
park in 1991, it plays host to nine caves, a botanical garden and
lush green mountains. The park is famous for the amazing Bokkarani
Waterfall where emerald green water flows out of a narrow cave in
a tall cliff into a large pool, which in turn overflows steadily
into a wide stream, itself dividing into many smaller streams in
several stages. At each stage there is a pool and little waterfall.
A very enchanting place you will not want to miss. The best time
to visit is after the monsoons stop in late November, as the water
levels go down the clarity of the water improves to a luminous glowing
green. Take a 10-minute boat ride to visit the Tam Hua Kalok (Skull)
Cave where among the beautiful stalactite formations are found impressive
prehistoric wall paintings of human and animal figures, and geometric
designs.
Krabi town is still a scenic little back-water
town of with a population of 15,000. What it lacks in size it more
than makes up for in the number of great places to eat. Of course,
seafood is the specialty. The night market in Krabi, with its great
seafood at low prices and a host of Thai dessert venders, may be
the best one in southern Thailand. Across the river from town are
extensive mangrove forests that draw birdwatchers from all over
the world. You may want to hire a longtail boat to explore some
of the mangrove canals or visit the Kanab Nam limestone twin peaks
with its huge cave hidden inside. Using Krabi as a central base
there are dozens of interesting places to visit
 back
to top
An increasing number of visitors are arranging
trekking tours into the beautiful mountains of Khao Phanom Bencha
National Park, which rise to an elevation of 1,350 m (4430 Feet).
This remote virgin rainforest offers a thriving habitat to a number
of otherwise endangered species including: clouded leopards, black
panthers, Asiatic black bears, deer, leaf monkeys, gibbons, civets,
and various tropical birds. Taking a hike up to the accessible Hoey
Dto Waterfall for a plunge is a rewarding half-day trip from town.
 The
nearby Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave) is one of southern Thailand’s
most famous forest wats. The main wihaan is built into a long, shallow
limestone cave, on either side of which dozens of monastic cells
are built into the various cliffs and caves. The best part of the
temple grounds can be found in a little valley behind the ridge
where the bot is located. Follow the path past the main wat buildings,
through a little village until you come to some stairs on the left.
It is steep climb on the 305m (1000 ft) staircase to see Buddha’s
footprint on the top of a ridge, and a stunning view of the area.
Nineteen km west of Krabi, on Laem Pho, is the
so-called Shell Fossil Cemetery, a shell ‘graveyard’ where
75 million year old shell fossils have formed giant slabs jutting
into the sea. To get there from the Krabi waterfront, ask for Su-Saan
Hawy.
The Ao Nang area is a beautiful series of bays
and idyllic beaches where limestone cliffs and caves drop right
into the sea. The water is quite clear and there are some coral
reefs in the shallows. The longest beach is along Ao Nang reached
by road from Krabi. Ao Nang is the longest beach and is where most
visitors choose to stay. It is located15 km (9 miles) by bus from
Krabi town, and has a varied choice of lodging, from inexpensive
bungalows to top line hotel resorts. Many people stay in Ao Nang
take a longtail boat to visit the more isolated nearby beaches.
Phai Phlong beach is a peaceful palm studded cove that can be reach
by a short boat ride. As of now there are no accommodations here,
but there are rumors that they will be built shortly. Railae and
Phra Nang beaches are 3 km (2miles) away. These two have been acclaimed
as being among the most attractive in the world, their fine sands
flanked by 200m (650feet) tall limestone outcrops.
back
to top
There are a number of interesting island tours you can book from
Krabi. One of the most popular is Lanta Island in the south of the
province. You can reach this beautiful but isolated island by taking
a three hour boat ride from Krabi town. The island is famous with
travelers who come for relaxation and  privacy
on one of the 19 beaches that flank the west coast of the island.
Most accommodations are simple beach bungalows. Many choose a day-trip
to Poda Island 6km (4miles) offshore from Ao Nang. Poda is a windswept
sandy island with one or two food shacks and superb clear waters
for swimming and snorkeling.
Air conditioned buses bound for Krabi leave the
Phuket public bus station throughout the day for the 3 ½ hour ride.
Renting a taxi is more comfortable and renting one from Patong or
Phuket town will cost about 1,700 baht.
You can travel to Krabi by boat sailing by way
of Phi Phi Island. It will take all day, but the scenery of the
inner Andaman Sea is magnificent, and weather permitting a very
pleasant way to spend a day. In Phuket, Songserm Travel Tel: 222-570/4
has a boat that leaves at 9am from Ao Makham Bay for Phi Phi. After
lunch on Phi Phi, catch the afternoon public boat to Krabi at 1pm.
From November to April the Ao Nang Princess cruiser leaves Phi Phi
at 3pm, arriving at Ao Nang and Railae beaches 90 minutes later.
|
