Krabi, a province with 160 kilometres of coastline along the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, is home to some of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the world.
Idyllic islands and coves, powder-white beaches, stunning coral reefs, dramatic limestone karst formations, lush jungle and mangroves are all within easy reach. Just 80 minutes from Bangkok by air and a few hours by road or boat from Phuket, Krabi is a dream locale for nature lovers, adventurers and romantics alike.
Many plan to come to Krabi only for a day or two, but fall in love instantly; Krabi is an itinerary-changer. Its power of attraction is born from the beauty of the natural surroundings combined with the graciousness of its residents.
Idyllic islands and coves, powder-white beaches, stunning coral reefs, dramatic limestone karst formations, lush jungle and mangroves are all within easy reach. Just 80 minutes from Bangkok by air and a few hours by road or boat from Phuket, Krabi is a dream locale for nature lovers, adventurers and romantics alike.
Many plan to come to Krabi only for a day or two, but fall in love instantly; Krabi is an itinerary-changer. Its power of attraction is born from the beauty of the natural surroundings combined with the graciousness of its residents.
Krabi is both the name of the idyllic province of outstanding beauty on the Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand and its provincial capital. The province covers an area of 4,707 square kilometers and is some 814kms south of Bangkok. Until recently the closest airports were Phuket 176kms west of Surat Thani 211kms north. From either airport, the drive was more than two hours and was not that comfortable due the connecting roads. Now Krabi International Airport has opened and both Thai Airways International and PB Air operating direct flights from Bangkok. Opening of the airport has made Krabi more accessible and it is now firmly on the International Tourist Map.
Attractions
Krabi's main attractions are the numerous and yet unspoiled beaches nearby that offer a wealth of snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. The most important is Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, better known as Phi-Phi Island, due west and south of Phuket Town. The park contains extensive mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands, and two islands of outstanding physical yet contrasting beauty which have become the symbol of the perfect tropical island. The boat ride to Phi Phi Lea and Phi Phi Don from Krabi Town's Chao Fah Bridge Pier, at the right time of year, November to April, is a pleasant journey and can take anything from an hour and a quarter to three hours depending on the size of boat taken. The rest of the year conditions in the Andaman Sea can be choppy and the weather can cause involuntary changes of travel plans while at sea.
Phi Phi Lea covers an area of just six square kilometer and is characterized by rugged, steep and lightly vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden bays concealing small pristine beaches and calm clear water whose colour is a kaleidoscope of greens and blues. Its Viking Caves gets its name from the ancient murals depicting Viking-like sailing vessels. The caves are home to sea swallows whose nests are much sort after for the Chinese delicacy Birds Nest Soup.
The popular Phi Phi Islands consists of 2 separate islands famed for their spectacular landscapes, beautiful beaches and spectacular island reefs teeming with variety of coral fishes. Ideal place to enjoy scuba diving. Its paradise-like appearance can best be seen in the movie, The Beach, where most of the filming occurred. Koh Lanta Yai is a predominantly Muslim fishing island where many resorts have recently sprouted up. The island is covered with forested hills sweeping down to numerous sandy bays on the western side. A good alternative for those seeking peace and quiet.
On a smaller scale, an island worth visiting, but with fewer tourists, is Koh Hong (Room Island), an island encircled on 3 sides by towering limestone formations. The cove inside, with its crystal clear waters and pristine beach, inspires images of a deserted island. Closer to the mainland are Koh Poda and Koh Hua Khwan (Chicken Island), ideal spots for snorkeling and playing in the waters and beaches.
Mountaineers and rock climbing fanatics will love the climbing trails at Railei Bay. With a cliff wall dotted with deep niches and stalactite hauls, the runs offer various levels of difficulty satisfying to challenge novice to experts. But the main attractions are the sun, scenery and the ambience. Nowhere else can you start climbing straight from the beach, with the promise of a cooling dip into the shimmering turquoise water after mastering a difficult route.
Slightly north of town is Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) named after a rock formation resembling a tiger paw. Regarded as one of the most renowned forest temples in the south, the main hall was built inside the cave, providing a peaceful environment for practicing meditation. A circular path in the nearby forest offers a pleasant walk and a 300-meters high staircase leads to a large Buddha image and Buddha footprint perched atop the cliff. Great view of the province.
On a smaller scale, an island worth visiting, but with fewer tourists, is Koh Hong (Room Island), an island encircled on 3 sides by towering limestone formations. The cove inside, with its crystal clear waters and pristine beach, inspires images of a deserted island. Closer to the mainland are Koh Poda and Koh Hua Khwan (Chicken Island), ideal spots for snorkeling and playing in the waters and beaches.
Mountaineers and rock climbing fanatics will love the climbing trails at Railei Bay. With a cliff wall dotted with deep niches and stalactite hauls, the runs offer various levels of difficulty satisfying to challenge novice to experts. But the main attractions are the sun, scenery and the ambience. Nowhere else can you start climbing straight from the beach, with the promise of a cooling dip into the shimmering turquoise water after mastering a difficult route.
Slightly north of town is Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) named after a rock formation resembling a tiger paw. Regarded as one of the most renowned forest temples in the south, the main hall was built inside the cave, providing a peaceful environment for practicing meditation. A circular path in the nearby forest offers a pleasant walk and a 300-meters high staircase leads to a large Buddha image and Buddha footprint perched atop the cliff. Great view of the province.
How to get there?
AIR
Thai Airways operates daily services to Krabi. For more information, call 1566, 66 2628 2000 (Bangkok Office) or 66 7563 6543 (Krabi Office) or visit www.thaiairways.com.
P.B. Air offers flights to Krabi. For more information, Call 66 2261 0220-5 (Bangkok Office), 66 7569 1942 (Krabi Office)or visit www.pbair.com.
Phuket Air offers daily flights to Krabi and the journey takes only 1.20 hours. Numerous flights time are available for your kind selection. For more information, call Bangkok office 66 2679 8999 or Krabi Office 66 7563 6393-4 or view at www.phuketairlines.com
BUS
Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi every day. The journey takes 12 hours. Departure times and fares are as follows:
First class (VIP) bus with 24 seats - 7.20 p.m.(710 baht)
First class bus with 40 seats - 7 p.m.(486 baht)
Second class bus - 7.30 a.m., 7 p.m., 7.30 p.m. and 9 p.m., (378 baht)
The schedule mentioned above may be changed. Check current information before booking at the Southern Bus Terminal, Tel: 0 -2435-1199-200. Lignite Tour (Tel: 0-2435-7428) also operates daily bus services to Krabi.
TRAIN
Rail
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Krabi. Visitors may take a train from Bangkok Railway Station to Surat Thani and then ride a bus or a taxi to Krabi. For more information, call 1690, 0-2223- 7010, 0-2223-7020 or visit www.srt.or.th.
CAR
Travel from Bangkok
Car
Route A: Drive along Highway No.4, passing Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Phang-nga, to Krabi. The distance is 946 kilometres from Bangkok;
Route B: Drive along Highway No. 4 and turn into Highway No. 41 at Chumphon via Lang Suan and Phunphin, Surat Thani. Continue driving along Highways No. 401 via Ban Ta Khun, No. 415 and No. 4 via Ao Luek to Krabi. This route is 814 kilometres from Bangkok
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