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AMPHOE AO LUEK
Mu Ko Hong
 Mu
Ko Hong consists of a group of limestone islands including Ko Lao
or Ko Sa Ka, Ko Lao Riam, Ko Pakka, Ko Lao La Ding and Ko Hong or
Ko Lao Li Pe which is the biggest island to the south. The attractions
on these islands include fine beaches, shallow and deep-water coral
reefs and various kinds of fish while popular activities include
snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sea-canoeing and nature studies
on the 400-meter hiking trail around Ko Hong. Mu Ko Hong is located
at the edge of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, and is accessible
by a 1-hour boat trip from Ao Nang. The park entrance fee is 200
baht per person with an additional fee of 20 baht per person for
camping on the island.
Tham Chao Le
A beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites as well
as prehistoric cave paintings depicting people, animals and various
geometrical shapes. These paintings are assumed to have been painted
after those of Tham Phi Hua To.
The cave is located to the west of Laem Sak in a bay surrounded
by mountains and picturesque islands. The cave can be reached by
taking a 10 to 15-minute boat trip from Laem Sak.
Tham Lot Nuea and Tham Lot Tai
To visit these two caves take the Ao Luk-Laem Sak route for approximately
two kilometers and then take a right turn to the Bo Tho Pier. From
the pier, hire a rental boat and travel along the Tha Prang Canal
for approximately 15 minutes. After passing a mangrove swamp, you
will see Tham Lot Tai a cave beneath a limestone hill with a stream
flowing through narrow passages. The main attractions are beautiful
stalactites and stalagmites. Tham Lot Nuea is a large cavern with
meandering passages longer than those of the Tham Lot Tai, which
are navigable only during low tide.
Tham Phet
The name of this cave "Phet", which means diamonds, is
derived from the sparkling stone inside the cave that produces beautiful
reflections on the cave wall just like glittering diamonds. Another
attraction is a Buddha image is enshrined in front of the cave.
This cave is 3 kilometers from the Ao Luk Nua market intersection,
however, the best way to get there is to contact the National Park
Office at Than Bok Khorani and ask for a local guide.
Tham Phi Hua To
Located just 500 meters from Tham Lot, the cave can only be visited
by boat from Bo Tho Pier. The cave is in Phi Hua To Mountain which
is surrounded by mangrove swamps. There are 2 different paths inside
the cave. On the left lies the shortcut to the back of the cave
where the sunlight can shine through, and on the right is a path
to a natural hall believed to have been a shelter for prehistoric
people. Prehistoric paintings of men, animals, human organs and
numerous seashells can be seen in the cave. The discovery of big
human skulls in the cave, resulted in the caves present name.
Than Bok Khorani National Park
The National Park covers an area of 37.5 rai of land in Tambon Ao
Leuk Tai. Its headquarters is located just one kilometer from Tambon
Ao Leuk Neua Market intersection on the Ao Luk Sak road. The Park
is covered by a canopy of diverse species of trees such as wild
gardenia, asoka, and Apocynaceae that are scattered around Sa Bok
Khorani, an attractive emerald pond after which the park is named
where visitors can swim.
At the north end of Sa Bohk Korani, which flows through a winding
passage in the mountain, is a wood carving of a footprint of the
Lord Buddha and a shrine of Chao Pho To Yuan - To Chong. Other attractions
in the park include several limestone mountain caves, verdant mangrove
forests and beautiful islands which can be reached only by boat
Admission fee is 200 baht per person. The Park does not provide
accommodations, but camping in the park is allowed although tourists
have to bring their own tents.
AMPHOE KHAO PHANOM
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
Located 20 kilometers from Krabi along Talat Kao-Ban Huai To Road,
the Park covers a total area of 50 square kilometers including some
parts of Amphoe Ao Luk, Amphoe Khao Phanom, and Amphoe Mueang.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park has pristine, lush forest on its
highest peaks. Admission is 200 baht per person. A tent can be rented
at the rate of 50 baht per person per day. For additional information
contact Phanom Bencha National Park headquarters at P.O. Box 26
Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000 or tel: 0-7662-9013.
With streams, waterfalls, and wild life enhancing its magnificent
scenery, the park's major attractions are follows:
Namtok Huai To
Located approximately 500 meters from the Park's office, this waterfall
flows over rocks into 11 huge pools, each with their own name, such
as Wang Thewada, Wang Sok, and Wang Chan. Another 3-tiered waterfall
originating from a high-altitude cliff called Namtok Huai Sa-de
is located some 1.2 kilometers from the Parks office. Apart from
visiting waterfalls, adventurous visitors can trek to the peak of
the Phanom Bencha Mountain, which is 1,397 meters high. This challenging
and memorable activity takes at least 3 days and passes streams,
waterfalls, caves and view points on high cliffs.
Namtok Khlong Haeng
This 500-meter high waterfall, which springs from Khao Thep Bencha,
Krabis tallest mountain, is 10 kilometers from Amphoe Khao Phanom.
Accommodations are provided within the park but advance reservations
are required. For more information please contact the Khao Phanom
Bencha National Park, Tambon Thap Prik, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000.
Tham Khao Phueng
This group of 5 caves, which is approximately 3 kilometers from
the park's office, has sparkling white walls and countless stalagmites
and stalactites of various shapes resembling mushrooms, pagodas
and curtains.
AMPHOE KHLONG THOM
Emerald Pool
This hot spring originates from a warm stream in the lowland forest
of Khao Nor Juji which is supposedly Thailand's last piece of virgin
and fertile forest. The intensity of the pools turquoise colored
water varies according to the light and time of the day so visitors
determined to see the real emerald color should plan to visit at
dawn or early in the morning. The pool, which can be visited all
year round, charges and entrance fee of 20 baht. To get there, take
Highway No. 4 to Khlong Thom District, then turn left to Route No.
4038 to Lam Hap Sub-district. The Emerald pool is located along
the way, with clear signs posted.
Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Ban Bang Tiao,
18 kilometers from Amphoe Khlong Thom. Major attractions in this
Sanctuary include a 2.7-kilometer nature trail through lowland forests,
the Emerald Pool and a variety of natural habitats. The forest is
home to rare birds like Gurney's Pitta, Rufus-colored Kingfisher,
Black Hornbill, and various kinds of plants. Visitors are allowed
to stay overnight but they have to bring their own tents.
Namtok Hin Phoeng
In order to see this 3-level waterfall, which drops from a height
of 800 meters, visitors have to take a 400-meter walk along the
mountainside after arriving at the lower basin. The waterfall is
situated 25 kilometers from Khlong Thom District and can be reached
by driving along Highway No. 4 (Krabi-Trang), turning left at Khlong
Phon Market and proceeding for another 8 kilometers.
Namtok Ron Khlong Thom (Hot shower waterfall)
The waterfall, located quite near to the Emerald pool, is in a shady
forest area with numerous hot springs. The hot springs and cool
streams converge on a slope to form lovely cascades of warm water
with a temperature of 40-50 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit
is from 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. To
reach the waterfall visitors should travel 45 kilometers from town
to Amphoe Khlong Thom, then take Sukhaphiban 2 Road for another
12 kilometers. The admission fee is 10 baht per person.
Wat Khlong Thom Museum
The Museum exhibits various artifacts discovered during excavations
of an area called "Khuan Luk Pat" or a bead mound behind
Wat Khlong Thom. Unearthed artifacts include stone tools, bronze
implements, metal coins, pottery shards, ceramic and stone decorative
art and colored beads that are over 5,000 years old. This Museum
is situated within the compound of Wat Khlong Thom between Kilometer
marker 69-70 on Phetchakasem Highway, one kilometer from the District
office.
AMPHOE KO LANTA
Hin Daeng
Despite being a hazard to ships this submerged open water reef on
the outer edge of the Andaman Sea is a superb diving spot featuring
diverse colorful corals.
Ko Ha (Five Island)
An archipelago of five islands, Ko Ha Yai is where shallow water
coral reefs are located.
Ko Hai
This small island has a long sandy beach in the east and unspoiled
shallow water coral reefs at the beachfront. The island is accessible
by taking a ferry and a chartered boat from Pak Meng Pier, Trang
province.
 Ko
Lanta
Ko Lanta consists of two adjacent islands: Ko Lanta Yai and Ko Lanta
Noi.
Koh Lanta Yai, This island is home to "Chao Le" or sea
gypsies who continue to maintain their traditional lifestyle and
beliefs, such as setting a boat a drift to drive out evil and bring
good luck, which is practiced during the full moon in June and November.
In addition, the island provides tourist facilities while Ko Lanta
Noi is the location of the district office. Most of the beaches
on Ko Lanta Yai such as Kho Kwang, Khlong Dao, Phra Ae, Khlong Khong,
Khlong Nin and Ba Kan Tiang lies in the west, can be reached by
road and offer a wide range of accommodations.
Ko Rok
This attraction is actually comprised of two islands: Ko Rok Nai
and Ko Rok Nok. Ko Rok Nai is composed mainly of steep cliffs with
superb beachs and unspoiled coral reefs among rocks. On the other
hand, Ko Rok Nok has soft white sandy beaches and shallow water
coral reefs towards the southeast and south with Hat Thalu and Ao
Man Sai situated at the end of the island. Visitors can contact
tour operators, resorts and bungalows on Ko Lanta Yai for an excursion
to Ko Rok by speedboat. However, it is not recommended to take the
trip by long-tail boat.
Ko Talabeng
This is a limestone island similar to Ko Phi Phi Le with numerous
small and attractive beaches and caves that are clearly visible
during low tide. Another attraction is the swallows that can be
seen on the island.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Covering an area of 152 square kilometers, the Park is comprised
of many different-sized islands, some of which are surrounded by
beautiful coral reefs such as Ko Ha, Ko Rok and Ko Hai. The Parks
main island is Ko Lanta Yai, where both the Headquarters and National
Park Office are located. The island itself is generally rugged and
mountainous with gravelly and sandy beaches to the south. The most
suitable time to visit Ko Lanta is from November to April. For more
information please contact Mu Ko Lanta National Park, No.5, Tambon
Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi 81150, Tel. 0-7562-9018-9.
Travel to Ko Lanta
Boat departs from downtown Krabi to Ko Lanta Yai daily. The journey
takes 2.5 hours.
AMPHOE MUEANG
 Ao
Nang
Ao Nang is located approximately 6 kilometers from Hat Noppharat
Thara and 20 kilometers from the town of Krabi. A large bay with
scenic beaches and 83 small islands, Ao Nang has several famous
beaches which include East Rai Le, West Rai Le and Tham Phra Nang
(cave) which stretches to the foot of a prominent limestone range.
A boat from Ao Nang Village can be hired for sightseeing excursions
around Ao Nang, Hat Tham Phra Nang and Hat Nam Mao, all of which
are only accessible by foot. Other offshore isles such as Ko Poda,
Ko Kai, Ko Mo and Ko Thap, are popular destinations that can be
reached by a rented boat from Ao Nang. An abundance of colorful
coral reefs and lovely cartoon fishes make these islands ideal for
diving and snorkeling.
Ao Nang has recently emerged as a 5-star tourist attraction due
to its numerous 4-5 star hotels and boutique resorts complete with
facilities such as diving shops and rental boats. Popular activities
include sightseeing by canoe along the beachfront and paddling tours
by inflatable canoes or kayaks of the coast and its mangrove forests,
islands and semi-submerged caves.
Canoeing & Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are two ways to enjoy the spectacular seascape,
limestone cliffs and caves in Krabi's waters as these sports allow
visitors to explore hidden offshore areas at a more leisurely pace.
Canoeing and kayaking operators are available at Ao Nang.
Diving & Snorkeling
Like Phang-nga, Krabi offers a great opportunity for diving due
to its numerous natural marine resources including over a hundred
offshore islands. Dive shops around Rai Le and Ao Nang provide dive
trips as well as rent diving and snorkeling gear such as mask/snorkel/fin
at the rate of 150 baht/ set/ day (with a deposit of 500 baht).
The advantage of diving from Ao Nang is the nearby sites in the
Poda Island group, where water visibility is better than that of
the mainland, but not as good as Phi Phi. There are 15 dive sites
off of Ao Nang, all reachable with a 20 to 60-minute boat ride.
For experienced divers there is a 50-meter long cave at 5-12 meters
depth at Yawabon Island behind Poda. The water visibility is at
its best from November to April. Some Ao Nang dive shops close during
low season, May to October, while some (Ao Nang Divers for instance)
remain open all year long. Two local dives in the Poda/Yawasam group
cost approximately 1,900 baht. Four-day PADI open water courses
have risen to 10,000 baht. For more information contact either Seafan,
Aquavision, Poseidon, Phra Nang, Stingray, Ao Nang Divers (in Krabi
Seaview), or Coral Diving (Krabi Resort). Unlike Phi Phi, scuba
dive operators in Ao Nang close from May to October.
Hat Noppharat Thara (Noppharat Thara Beach)
Located 6 kilometers from Ao Nang is a famous 3-kilometer long white
sandy beach lined with dense casuarinas and coconut groves. The
beach, paved with tiny seashells, was formerly called "Hat
Khlong Haeng", which means dried canal beach by locals, because
the canal dries up during low tide and the area turns into a long
beach. Situated 18 kilometers north-west of Krabi, Hat Noppharat
Thara is in fact part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National
Park and is the location of the Park headquarters. This Park covers
a large area both onshore and offshore and. Reservations for accommodations
on the beach should be made in advance at the Forestry Department
in Bangkok, contact tel. (02) 5797223, 5795734, or at Hat Noppharat
Thara National Park, P.O. Box 23, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000, tel.
(075) 6347436.
Ferry services to Ko Phi Phi are provided from this beach all year
round. This beach can be reached by songthaew from the city at the
rate of 20 baht and to travel further to Ao Nang, it will cost an
additional 10 baht.
Hat Rai Le (Rai Le Beach)
This beach is generally divided into two sections, east and west.
West Rai Le provides visitors with peace and quiet as it is a broad
sandy beach with fewer facilities than Ao Nang.
East Rai Le which lies across the peninsula from West Rai Le is
different from other beaches in the area as it could actually be
classified as a mud flat, especially during low tide. In addition
to remarkable views and mangrove forests to the north of the beach,
the main attraction for visitors to Hat Rai Le is the adrenaline
pumping activity of cliff climbing. The limestone cliffs on the
huge headland between Hat Rai La East and Tham Phra Nang, as well
as other nearby islands provide world-class rock climbing facilities
against a stunning backdrop of the sea with approximately 700 sport
routes of mid to high difficulty ratings.
Hat Tham Phra Nang
Accessible only by boat, this stunning, pristine beach has fine-grained
white sand and crystalline waters as well as magnificent jagged
karsts. This is a highly secluded picture perfect beach that attracts
thousands of visitors year round but is able to maintain its flawless
appearance and relaxing ambience.
This beach is the location of the 5-star Rayavadee resort, a private
property that occupies 26 acres of the beach and the only compound
located near Phra Nang Beach.
The Inner and Outer Phra Nang Caves, and Phra Nang Lagoon, which
are located nearby offer remarkable views against a stunning backdrop
and a range of accommodations to suit every budget. Although these
attractions are accessible only by boat, they still draw numerous
visitors for recreational and adventurous activities such as diving,
snorkeling, hiking and rock climbing.
Khao Khanap Nam
Regarded as the symbol of Krabi, Khao Khanap Nam are two mountains
that are roughly 100 meters tall, separated by Maenam Krabi and
located at the entrance to Krabi city. Khao Khanap Nam has beautiful
caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites worth exploring.
In addition to natural attractions, a large number of human skeletons
have been found here. It is theorized that they are the remains
of people who came and established a home at Kanab Nam, but were
cut off by an inundation and quickly perished. The mountains can
be reached by taking a 15-minute long tail boat ride from Chao Fa
Pier. For visitors interested in a more extensive excursion, it
is possible to tent a boat can be rented at 300 baht per trip to
visit Khao Khanap Nam, mangrove forests and Ko Klang fishing village.
Krabi Horticultural Centre
Location: Mu 1, Thanon Phetkasem, Tambon Khao Khram, Amphoe Mueang,
Krabi 81000. Tel. 075-612913. Fax. 075 612913
This agro-tourism attraction, supported by the Department of Agricultural
Extension, is approximately 20 kilometers from Krabi on the way
to Amphoe Ao Luek. The center covers a large area with a collection
of local fruits, flowers and economic plants. Facilities provided
include a touring route, demonstrative research plant plots, parking
areas, toilets and beverages.
Note: There are also an agricultural product promotion centre,
herb gardens, fisheries and mussel farms located along the Krabi-Phuket
route. Please contact the Agricultural Promotion Centre at tel.
075 612913 and Amphoe Tapput Agricultural Office at 075 599124 for
more information.
 Mu
Ko Phi Phi (Phi Phi Islands)
Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the
most beautiful tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi Islands have
become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.
In addition, the islands are famous as the location where the movie
"The Beach" featuring Leonardo Di Caprio was shot. The
islands, together with the nearby Noppharat Thara Beach, a total
area of 390 square kilometers, were recently established as a national
park.
Phi Phi Islands are located just 40 kilometers away from both Krabi
and Phuket. Thus, despite the fact that both Noppharat Thara Beach
and Phi Phi administratively are a part of Krabi Province, most
tourists think that Ko Phi Phi is part of Phuket Province.
The islands and the coastal hills are composed mainly of limestone
and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in Phang-Nga
Province. The main characteristics of these mountains and islands
are their steep cliffs, large caves and dwarf trees growing out
of the rock crevices, like those in Phang-Nga Bay.
The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets
Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don, the larger islet to the
north, is well known for its fine beaches and coral formations.
Above average tourist facilities and accommodations are available
along two beautiful curved bays, namely Ton Sai Bay and Lodalam
Bay. Several shops at Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkeling
trips around the island or the nearby islands - Ko Phi Phi Le, Ko
Yung and Ko Mai Phai.
About 2 kilometers to the south is Phi Phi Le. Contrary to Phi
Phi Don, this islet is uninhabited as there is no beach area as
the island descends abruptly into the sea on all sides and it is
prohibited by the administrative body. The main attraction is a
large cave about 3.2 square kilometers in size known as Viking Cave
derived from one of the numerous drawings on the wall which resembles
a Viking ship. The cave has a 10 to 15-metre high ceiling which
contains many ledges inhabited by thousands of swallows, thus a
bird's nest collection demonstration is a regular feature of guided
tours.
Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi Phi Islands scenic coves are favorite
snorkeling places while the sea around the islands, especially the
southern part, which are deep and full of coral formations are popular
diving spots. With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain
cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi Phi is a paradise
in the Andaman Sea. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is from
November to April, when the sea is calm.
Ko Yung, an island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don, has a stone
beach on the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. In addition,
the island is teeming with diverse colorful coral reefs. Ko Phai,
another island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko
Yung, has spectacular beaches in the north and east of the island.
The bank of coral reefs comprised mainly of antler corals stretches
from the north to the south of the island.
Getting to Ko Phi Phi
Phi Phi Islands which are equidistant to Phuket and Krabi Provinces
can be reached by boat.
From Krabi
Chao Fa Pier: Passenger boats leave Chao Fa Pier twice daily at
10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The trip takes about 2.30 hours.
Ao Nang: There is one express boat trip leaving daily at 9 p.m.
taking 40 min.
From Phuket
Many tour companies in Phuket organize one-day trips to Phi Phi
Islands. Tickets can be obtained from any hotel.
Rock climbing
Apart from marine sports, Krabi is also an ideal place for rock
climbing. Lines of sheer limestone cliffs along Tham Phranang and
Rai Le beaches have challenged thousands of climbers from all over
the world every year. The levels of difficulty of the various routes
vary, so even the most inexperienced climbers can experiment. Equipment,
instruction and guides are available at most lodgings.
Sa Kaeo
Within the Sa Kaew compound in Khao Thong Sub-district forest plantation
area are eight small natural ponds which is currently a major recreational
area for the local residents. Sa Kaeo is 28 kilometers from town
on the Krabi-Nai Sa route (Highway No. 4034).
Susan Hoi or Fossils Shell Beach
Susan 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. This shell graveyard at Ban Laem Pho was once
a large freshwater swamp, the habitat of diverse mollusks. 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 centimeters thick known as Shelley Limestone. With geographical
upheavals, the limestone layer is now distributed in great broken
sheets of impressive magnitude on the seashore. The site is located
17 kilometers from the town.
Thale Waek (Separated Sea)
One of Thailand's unseen highlights, Thale Waek is situated along
Ko Dam Khwan. As the tide recedes, the sea is gradually separated
by the white sand and limestone beach that will appear to amazingly
connect the two islands at low tide. The best time to visit Thale
Waek is 5 days before and after the full moon from December to beginning
of May. To visit Thale Waek, proceed on Highway No. 4034 from the
city, then turn left and follow Highway No. 4202 to Ao Nang.
Tham Sadet
This beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites is
located at Ban Nong Kok, Tambon Sai Thai, 7 kilometers from town
on Highway No. 4034. "Sadet" means visit, and the use
of the term in the name of the cave refers to the royal visit to
the site in 1909 by the King Rama VI (at that time that Crown Prince).
Wat Sai Thai
The monastery is Krabi's central temple and a local gathering point
during Buddhist events and weddings. The main attraction in the
temple is an impressive reclining Buddha image.
Wat Tham Suea
Wat Tham Suea, which literally means tiger cave temple, is located
in the Khiriwong Valley amidst lush forests and mountains with large
trees over a hundred years old approximately 9 kilometers northeast
of Krabi Town. Aside from being the site of a meditation center,
the compound is also a place of archaeological and historical interest
as excavations have uncovered stone tools, pottery remains and Buddha
footprint crafting molds. In addition, a cave in the compound has
what appears to be tiger paw prints in the stone.
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