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| Amphoe Muang |
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| 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.
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| 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. |
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| 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
bahts/ set/ day (with a deposit of 500 bahts).
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 bahts. Four-day
PADI open water courses have risen to 10,000
bahts. 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
Octtober.
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| 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 bahts and to travel further to Ao Nang,
it will cost an additional 10 bahts. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Khao Khanap Nam |
 Regarded
as the symbol of Krabi, Khao Khanap Nam are
two mountains that are roughly 100 meters tall,
separated by Maenam Krabi and located at the
entrance to Krabi’ city. Khao Khanap Nam
has beautiful caves with amazing stalactites
and stalagmites worth exploring. In addition
to natural attractions, a large number of human
skeletons have been found here. It is theorized
that they are the remains of people who came
and established a home at Kanab Nam, but were
cut off by an inundation and quickly perished.
The mountains can be reached by taking a 15-minute
long tail boat ride from Chao Fa Pier. For visitors
interested in a more extensive excursion, it
is possible to tent a boat can be rented at
300 baht per trip to visit Khao Khanap Nam,
mangrove forests and Ko Klang fishing village. |
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| Krabi Horticultural
Centre |
Location: Mu 1, Thanon Phetkasem, Tambon Khao
Khram, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000. Tel. 075-612913.
Fax. 075 – 612913
This agrotourism attraction, supported by the
Department of Agricultural Extension, is approximately
20 kilometers from Krabi on the way to Amphoe
Ao Luek. The center covers a large area with
a collection of local fruits, flowers and economic
plants. Facilities provided include a touring
route, demonstrative research plant plots, parking
areas, toilets and beverages.
Note: There are also an agricultural product
promotion centre, herb gardens, fisheries and
mussel farms located along the Krabi-Phuket
route. Please contact the Agricultural Promotion
Centre at tel. 075 612913 and Amphoe Tapput
Agricultural Office at 075 599124 for more information. |
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| Mu Ko Phi Phi (Phi
Phi Islands) |
 Regarded
by travelers from all walks of life as being
among the most beautiful tropical islands of
the world, Phi Phi Islands have become one of
the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.
In addition, the islands are famous as the location
where the movie "The Beach" featuring
Leonardo Di Caprio was shot. The islands, together
with the nearby Noppharat Thara Beach, a total
area of 390 square kilometers, were recently
established as a national park.
Phi Phi Islands are located just 40 kilometers
away from both Krabi and Phuket. Thus, despite
the fact that both Noppharat Thara Beach and
Phi Phi administratively are a part of Krabi
Province, most tourists think that Ko Phi Phi
is part of Phuket Province.
The islands and the coastal hills are composed
mainly of limestone and are an extension of
the limestone mountain range in Phang-nga Province.
The main characteristics of these mountains
and islands are their steep cliffs, large caves
and dwarf trees growing out of the rock crevices,
like those in Phang-nga Bay.
The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered
islets – Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi
Phi Don, the larger islet to the north, is well
known for its fine beaches and coral formations.
Above average tourist facilities and accommodations
are available along two beautiful curved bays,
namely Ton Sai Bay and Lodalam Bay. Several
shops at Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkeling
trips around the island or the nearby islands
-- Ko Phi Phi Le, Ko Yung and Ko Mai Phai.
About 2 kilometers to the south is Phi Phi Le.
Contrary to Phi Phi Don, this islet is uninhabited
as there is no beach area as the island descends
abruptly into the sea on all sides and it is
prohibited by the administrative body. The main
attraction is a large cave about 3.2 square
kilometers in size known as Viking Cave derived
from one of the numerous drawings on the wall
which resembles a Viking ship. The cave has
a 10 to 15-metre high ceiling which contains
many ledges inhabited by thousands of swallows,
thus a bird's nest collection demonstration
is a regular feature of guided tours.
Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi Phi Islands’
scenic coves are favorite snorkeling places
while the sea around the islands, especially
the southern part, which are deep and full of
coral formations are popular diving spots. With
its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain
cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life,
Phi Phi is a paradise in the Andaman Sea. The
best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is from November
to April, when the sea is calm.
Ko Yung, an island to the north of Ko Phi Phi
Don, has a stone beach on the east and small
sandy beaches amid valleys. In addition, the
island is teeming with diverse colorful coral
reefs.Ko Phai, another island to the north of
Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko Yung, has
spectacular beaches in the north and east of
the island. The bank of coral reefs comprised
mainly of antler corals stretches from the north
to the south of the island.
Getting to Ko Phi Phi Phi Phi Islands which
are equidistant to Phuket and Krabi Provinces
can be reached by boat.
From Krabi
• Chao Fa Pier: Passenger boats leave
Chao Fa Pier twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2.30
p.m. The trip takes about 2.30 hours.
• Ao Nang: There is one express boat
trip leaving daily at 9 p.m. taking 40 min.
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