Travel in Krabi Province

Krabi, a province on southern Thailand’s Andaman coast, is an almost otherworldly region of labyrinthine archipelagos, where islands seem to erupt vertically out of the sea and secluded beaches are only accessible by colorfully adorned long tail boats. Krabi’s myriad of bays and coves have sheltered pirates, merchants, and sea gypsies for thousands of years and archaeological evidence indicates that Krabi was originally inhabited as early as 25,000 - 35,000 years ago!
       
With attractions including hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world, and national parks that include the island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one could easily spend weeks in Krabi and leave yearning for more.
       
If that wasn’t enough, Krabi features some of the most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, often accompanied by spectacular displays of cloud to cloud lightning, that are best enjoyed from a beachside bar or restaurant.
       
Meanwhile, with all the tourists spread out among various beaches and islands, life goes on in Krabi Town, the somewhat sleepy provincial capital. Surprisingly few tourists spend time in the charming riverside town, whose hilly streets feature a number of cozy cafes and inexpensive and authentic Thai cuisine is served at an outdoor, riverside evening market.
       
“Town” to most visitors is Ao Nang, a seaside strip of guesthouses, hotels, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops that continues to grow as tourist arrivals increase, now spreading north into Noppharat Thara, whose quiet, shady beach is part of the national park that includes the Phi Phi Islands. Ao Nang is the major launching point for boat trips to nearby islands and the isolated beaches of Phra Nang Cape, where the famous former hippie enclave of Railey Beach is located.
       
Krabi Province, which lies along the coast of the Andaman sea in Southern Thailand, is a top tourist destination as a result of its plentiful natural attractions including, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, extensive coral reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls, and over 130 islands, including Koh Lanta and the jewels of the Andaman coast, the six islands of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park.
       
While not the top destination in and of itself, Krabi Town is a charming provincial capital located along the banks of a river that leads to the nearby Andaman Sea. Consequently, Krabi is an important port city for both local fisherman as well as boats ferrying visitors to the nearby attractions, including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Railey Beach, one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world. 

WHERE TO TRAVEL 

Ao Nang Ao Nang, located 6 km. from Hat Noppharat Thara, is a large bay with scenic beaches and 83 small islands. A number of hotels and bungalows as well as dive shops are available.

Mu Ko Phi Phi  Now famous as the location for the movie The Beach, there are two principal islands in the Phi Phi group, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. The former is larger and has been developed with bungalow accommodation and other tourist facilities. Phi Phi Le, smaller and uninhabited, is stunningly beautiful with sheer cliffs, idyllic bays, hidden coves and caves.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park Several different islands are encompassed by the park, some of which are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, while the main island of Ko Lanta Yai is an up-and-coming resort destination.

Hat Nopparat Thara This is a long and fairly plain beach by Krabi’s high standards, but it’s a popular location with locals for picnics and days out because of the shade afforded by the trees. There are a few guest-house and bungalow style operations that tend to be more popular with the backpacker community. As with just about anywhere in Krabi, the views here are beautiful

Maya Bay  Maya Bay is amongst the most photogenic of Thailand’s beaches. The natural beauty of the area is undeniable with towering limestone cliffs, clear waters, coral reefs and a white sandy beach. It is also located on uninhabited Phi Phi Leh so in theory ticks all the boxes for the perfect hideaway, tropical beach paradise. However, it is these same reasons that means Maya Bay is no longer a secluded paradise and on a daily basis, dozens of boats carrying day-trippers from Phuket and Krabi descend on the beach here





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References

http://www.tourismthailand.org

http://www.thaizer.com