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Krabi Travel Information
Krabi is located in
southern Thailand, on the Andaman Sea where countless natural
attractions abound, including white sandy beaches, fascinating
coral reefs. There are many interesting place in Krabi such as
Phi Phi island, Railay beach, Ao Nang beach, Ao Pha Nang beach
and Koh Lanta.
It's estimated that the Krabi coastline contains over 200
limestone and jungle covered islands. Many are uninhabited
outcrops rising from the sea with tiny patches of pristine white
sandy beaches.
Much of Krabi's coastline is dotted with little coves and
mangroves which form a unique eco-system and serve as a natural
breeding ground for diverse aquatic life. Krabi's beaches are
gradually opening out to tourism, although care is being taken
to ensure management of the environment.
Development is being kept low rise with many hotels designed to
blend in with the surroundings. There are few deckchairs and
building directly on the beach has been kept to a minimum in
most resort areas.
Places of Interest
Hahd Noparatarah is 3 kms. long. It was formerly called by local
villagers 'Haad Klong Hang' (Dry river beach) because during low
tide water flowing from a mountain stream to the north dries up
early, thus becoming a beach stretching down into the sea to
meet Kao Pahk Klong Island.
45 Million-Year-Old Susan Hoy (Shell Cemetery Beach) is situated
at Ban Laem Po. Long ago this was a freshwater marsh populated
by clams and other bi-valves, chiefly little two centimeters
long 'Hoy Kohm ' or pond snails, which grouped and multiplied in
such numbers that the dead formed a floor for the living. This
process, repeated over eons, led to the creation of layer of
fossils about 40 cms. thick, called shelly limestone. Lower down
is a 10 cms. layer of lignite and below that is bedrock.
Scientific tests have established that the age of these fossils
is 45 million years, stretching back to the Tertiary Age. There
are only three places on Earth with such old deposits. The other
two are in the U.S. near Chicago, and in Japan.
Ao Nang 'Ao' means 'bay' and this bay has on one side a hill
with a cave featuring stalactites and stalagmites. The bay
itself has a group of 83 islands of various sizes and shapes
which the local people like to name after their shape or
character. Most of them have names in the Yawi anguage which is
related to Malay. Koh Yawasa, Koh Moh, Koh Poda, Sriboya, Pra
Nang beach, Pra nang pond, and Rai Lay beach are places of
interest.
Koh Phi Phi It is said these islands were first called 'Pulau
Bee Aw Bee'; 'Pulau' meaning 'island' in Malay, and 'Bee Aw Bee'
being a species of tree still commonly used for firewood: the
copsewood. This was later corrupted into 'BeeBee', and that
became 'Pee Pee', or 'Phi Phi' as it is most commonly rendered
in English. (It is not pronounced Fee Fee as at first glance it
would appear).
The Phi Phi islands were declared a National Park in 1983. There
are 6 islands in all: Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, Bida Nok, Bida
Nai, Yoong, and Pai, lying at a distance of 43 kms. from the
coast of Krabi. They are mountainous, and form themselves around
nearly enclosed bays. The most interesting places are : - Koh
Yoong : lies to the north of Phi Phi Don. There is a rocky beach
on the east side; a small beach in a fold of the hill; and
perfectly preserved coral gardens.
Koh Pai Also to the north of Phi Phi Don, and not very far from
Koh Yoong. There are lovely beaches on the north and east sides,
and coral gardens spreading to the south.
Koh Phi Phi Lay is an island of 6.6 sq.kms. It is mountainous
and rocky. Tall cliffs rise straight up from the sea's surface
almost all around the island. Water depth averages 20 metres
offshore; and 34 metres is the deepest spot, at the south end of
the island. The semi-circular bays are very lovely and include:
Pilae, Maya, Losama, and others. On the northeast is the famous
'Viking Cave' so-called from the paintings therein, which His
Majesty King Bhumibol was pleased to grant also the name
'Payanak' meaning 'Serpent Lord', in honour of the villagers who
gather swallow's nests on the island. Inside, on the east and
south walls of the cave, are paintings from historical times of
an elephant, and boats of various kinds: Arab prows, junks,
sharp- stemmed vessels probably of European origin, steam ships,
and propeller-driven sailboats.
It is theorized that these are the work of sailors, or perhaps
even of pirates, because the island provides refuge during the
monsoons and lies on the main shipping lane from west to east.
It was thus a place suitable for offloading cargo and conducting
repairs.
Koh Phi Phi Don is an island of about 28 sq.kms., 3.5 kms. wide
and 8 kms. long. On the north side is Laem Tong, where about 15
to 20 sea gypsy families reside. Most of them emigrated from Koh
Lipe in Tarutao National Park. The undersea life in the vicinity
of Laem Tong is quite lovely, and perfect for diving, as is Laem
Hua Ragaet's tip. There is a long beach and rock landing. Aside
from this there are 2 beaches of considerable beauty among the
world's most beautiful at Ao Lodalum and Ao Ton Sai, where
accommodation is to be found.
To get to the Phi Phi Islands, a boat can be boarded at Jao Fa
Pier in Krabi; or, alternatively tour boats leave daily from
Phuket.
Tahm Sadet is a beautiful cave with stalactites and stalagmites
in Tambon Sai Tai , 7 kms. from Krabi Town. Named by King
Vajiravudhi, 'Somdetch Pra Borom Orasathiraj'. It became known
after his visit as simply 'His Highness's Cave'by the local
villagers.
Sa Kaew in the forest in Tambon Kao Tong. The name means
'Crystal Pool'. To get there, follow the Krabi -Nai Sa Rd. There
are 8 pools in all, arising from natural sources. They each have
names: Nam Lod, Cherng Kao, Jorakeh Kao, Nam Tip, Nam Kram,
Moragoat, Hoon Gang, and Noy.
Tahm Sua Kao Kaew Meditation Center, Ao Look Tanu is at Ban Tahm
Sua in Tambon Krabi Noy,about 9 kms. from Krabi Town. It is
called Tahm Sua (Tiger Cave) because there was once a huge tiger
living nearby. lt is located at the front of the Ao Look Tanu
Mountain Range, or Kao Kaew (Crystal Mountain). Inside the cave
there are what appear to be tiger paw prints in the stone. The
surrounding area is covered with large trees hundreds of years
old,particularly in the Kiriwong Valley. Mountains are on all
sides and there are smaller caves in great number. Chang Kaew,
Look Tanu, Tahm Pra, Tahm Kon Tan, and Tahm Lod are the main
ones. Aside from being the site of the meditation center, it is
also a place of archaeological and historical interest. Stone
tools, pottery remains, and the mold for making Buddha
footprints have been found in excavations.
Nam Tok Huoy Toe is in Tambon Tap Prik on the way to the old
market, Sri Trang- Pracha-utit Rd. Its source is in the Panom
Benja Range of mountains. The waterfall has 11 levels, each of
which contains a natural pool of clear water at least 4 or 5
metres wide. Wahng Tehwada, Wahng Sok, and Wahng Jahn are the
main ones.
Weather
Krabi follows a similar climate to Phuket with average
temperatures around 75ºF to 89ºF (24ºC to 32ºC) year round.
The best time to visit Krabi is November to March when humidity
and temperatures average 28C and cool breezes keep things
comfortable.
The hottest time is April - May, with temperatures ranging from
80ºF to 95ºF (27ºC up to 36ºC). There are frequent short heavy
thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature
and humidity.
Locals enjoy June, July and August, since the weather is usually
fine and favourite haunts remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is
brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between
downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at this time of
year, as well. Temperatures range between 70ºF and 90ºF (20ºC to
33ºC).
During September and early October we start to remember our
umbrellas. This makes an ideal time to visit abroad. One
consolation for those who remain is that the beaches, outdoor
restaurants and streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors.
And even at this time, we still get long intervals of sunshine
between the heavy showers. Anyway, plenty of low season
activities, both water- and land-based, still offer themselves
in Krabi during this wettest part of the summer season.
How to get there
Krabi by Car or Bus
From Bangkok
Daily bus services leave from the southern bus terminal in Pen
Klao, Bangkok. Tickets are available from almost any travel
agent and at hotel tour desks in the city. The journey takes
about 13 hours.
From Phuket
About 3 - 4 hours depending on transport, car can be quicker
than 3 hours. Hire a car, or take a minibus or local bus from
Phuket's southern bus terminal. Buses leave from Phuket daily.
Information regarding bus timetables, taxi or min-van shuttle
services can be obtained at hotels, travel agents or Phuket
Airport.
From Suratthani
Buses, taxis or mini-vans can be arranged easily at agencies in
the town. Journey time to Krabi about 4 -5 hrs.
Krabi by Boat
There are no direct regular ferries from Phuket to Krabi
although it is possible to charter a speedboat or similar. Daily
ferries operate between Phuket and Krabi via Phi Phi Island.
(This often involves changing boats at Phi Phi island)
Private charter from Phuket (speedboat) is available which gets
you there in around 3 hours (not recommended in low season as
the sea is too choppy). Details from your local travel agent or
the airport at Krabi and Phuket.
From Phuket - Phi Phi Island
The regular ferry trip takes approximately 2 hrs. During high
season there are 2 scheduled trips to Phi Phi and return (early
morning and lunchtime)
From Phi Phi Island - Krabi
The regular ferry trip takes 1.5 - 2 hrs, with 2 services
running daily - year round. (Schedules are organised so you can
travel from Phuket to Phi-Phi to Krabi in one day). Details from
your local travel agent or the airport at Krabi and Phuket.
Krabi by Train
From Bangkok
There are no direct services from Bangkok to Krabi. Instead,
catch a train from Hualomphong Station (Bangkok) to one of the
following stations: Suratthani, Trang, or Tung Song (Nakorn Sri
Thammarat Province) and catch a bus from any of these places to
Krabi.
Travelling overnight to Suratthani by train is the best option
from Bangkok. Journey time approximately 12 hours.
For Info & train schedules contact:
The State Railway of Thailand. Tel: (02) 220 4334.
Krabi by Plane
From Bangkok
Direct flights from Bangkok to Krabi Airport are available but
schedules are subject to seasonal changes. It is also possible
to fly to Suratthani (211 km from Krabi) or Phuket (176 km) and
drive along well maintained roads to Krabi.
From Phuket
Destination Air operates flights between Phuket and Krabi
(flight time 30 minutes). For up to date information call Phuket
Office: +66 (0)76 328637-39.