Thailand Guides - Krabi

Krabi is the transport hub for the islands of Koh Phi Phi and Ko Lanta. It is 65 km northeast of Phuket and is beginning to accommodate more visitors each year.

Overview

Covering an area of approximately 4709 sq km, Krabi province is bounded by Phang Nga and Surathani provinces from the north, Trang province and the Andaman Sea from the south, Trang and Nakorn Si Thammarat provinces from the east and Phang Nga province and the Andaman Sea from the west.

Krabi is famous for its unspoiled beaches surrounded by clear blue waters, coral reefs with abundant marine life and an interesting botanical garden. It is also locally known as the location of the Susan Hoi or Fossils Shell Beach.

The people of Krabi represent a mix of different races that over history came to settle from different regions. It is said that each group of people represent a different page in the history of Krabi. The Chao Ley or "Sea Gypsies" reside on various islands in Krabi's waters, and traditionally made their living from wandering around fishing and diving for their livelihood.

Attractions

From Ao Nang, tourists may hire boats to visit nearby attractions such as Hat Rai Lay, Tham Phra Nang located on the land to the east of Ao Nang, as well as other offshore isles such as Koh Poda, Koh Kai, Koh Mo and Koh Thap.

Ao Nang is situated some 20 kilometres from town. Its white sandy beach stretches to the foot of a conspicuously prominent limestone range. Accommodation is available along the beachfront.

Hat Tham Phra Nang is accessible only by boat, therefore, is still extremely pristine and considered to be the most attractive beach in the area as it offers fine-grained white sand and crystalline water as well as jagged outline of limestone mountains.

Hat Rai Lay is divided into two sections, east and west. West Rai Lay offers a broad sandy beach, though with fewer facilities to offer than Ao Nang, it is quieter and more peaceful. East Rai Lay, a mud flat ground during low tide, does offer some rather remarkable views. One end of the beach is covered with mangroves.

The Koh Lanta National Park includes several coral-fringed islands, prime diving sites, and comparative solitude. The largest island, Koh Lanta Yai, is the site of park headquarters, and is also home to Chao Le, or sea gypsies who sustain themselves largely through fishing. Koh Lanta's beaches do not match those of Koh Samui or Phuket, but they are relatively peaceful: all on the west coast, the nicest are on the northern and southern ends. This coast supports plenty of coral, and dive sites at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang offer rich marine life, including the occasional whale shark.