Attractions
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
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.
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.
Provided
by Tourism Authority of Thailand
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