KRABI
Location : Southern, Thailand
Area : 4,708.5 sq. km
Population : 403,363
Distance from Bangkok : 814 Kilometers
Transportation
By Car:
1. From Bangkok, proceed on Highway No.4, passing Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong and Phang-nga Provinces for a total distance of 946 kilometers.
2. From Bangkok, proceed on Highway No. 4, on reaching Chumphon Provinces take Highway No. 41 passing Amphoe Lang Suan in Surat Thani Province to Amphoe Wiang Sa, and then take Highway No. 4035 to Amphoe Ao Luek and continue on Highway No. 4 to Krabi. This route is 814 kilometers from Bangkok.
3. From Phuket, proceed on Highway No. 402 and No.4. The distance from Phuket is 185 kilometers or 4 hours.
By Bus:
From Bangkok: There are air-conditioned bus services to Krabi leaving the Southern Bus Terminal at Borommaratcha Chonnani Road daily from 6.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The buses provided include ordinary bus buses, 2nd class bus air-conditioned buses, 1st class air-conditioned buses and 24-seat VIP buses. The journey takes about 12 hours.
Internet : www.transport.co.th.
By Rail:
From Bangkok: There is no direct train service to Krabi. But it is possible to take a train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station to Trang or Nakhon Si Thammarat and take a bus or taxi to Krabi. For more information on trains, contact the State Railways of Thailand at Internet : www.railway.co.th.
By Air:
Thai Airways International operates daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi. The trip takes 1.20 hours.
Internet : www.thaiair.com
OneTwo-Go Airlines: www.fly12go.com
Nokair : www.nokair.com
Airasia : www.airasia.com
Getting around the city and nearby Districts
From Krabi Bus Terminal, located in Talat Kao, there are both local red buses and government buses depart regularly from 6.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. to other counties including major tourist spots. It costs 10 baht to get to a destination in town. To travel further, i.e. to Ao Nang and hat Noppharat Thara, take the local white bus from Maharat Road for a fare of 20 baht.
Songthaew and tuk tuk to the government bus terminal costs 8 bahts while a motorcycle taxi costs 30 bahts. Tuk tuks can be chartered for trips around the town for flat rates i.e. to the bus station (50 baht), What Tham Seua (100 baht) and the airport (200 baht).
Most of Songthaews leave in front of the 7-11 on Maharat Road. Destinations include Ao Leuk (20 baht), Ao Nam Mao (40 baht), Ao Nang (20 baht), Hat Noppharat Thara (20 baht) and Su San Hoi (40 baht).
There is also a service to Ban Hua Hin (Ferry pier to Ko Lanta). The bay is situated at the intersection of Phattana and Preuksa Uthit Roads. Costing around 40 baht/person, the service runs frequently and takes 40 minutes.
Alternatively, it is possible to rent a car to travel around town and to nearby provinces. Several agencies and guesthouses provide motorcycle rental for 150 baht/day while Jeep rental fees may range from 800 to 1,200 baht/day.
For more convenience, it is possible to hire a taxi, rent a motorcycle or a van at travel agencies and hotels. The local minibuses depart from Vogue Department Store on Maharat Road to the following destinations:
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Destinations Fare |
Baht |
Remarks : Fares are subject to change without notice.
More information : www.tourismthailand.org
About Krabi
Best time to visit Krabi
The climate of Krabi Province is tropical and therefore warm throughout the year. On the other hand, Krabi is also affected by the monsoon winds that bring about seasonal changes.
There are two very hot periods of weather on Krabi, the first is between April and May when the average temperatures ranges from 27 to 36 degrees Celsius with occasional tropical thunderstorm bringing relief from the heat.
It is also very hot between September and October, but the frequent rainfall has a wonderful cooling effect.
In May, at the peak of the southwest monsoon, it rains on an average of 25 days during the month, making it to one of the most humid months of the year. Rainy days are interspersed with sunny days during this period and the rain generally comes in tropical downpours of an hour or so throughout the day mixed with periods of sunshine.
November to March is the most popular time for tourists to visit Krabi. It is when the northeast monsoon brings beautiful blue skies and predominantly sunny weather with an average temperature of 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. Visitors are advised to make early reservations (maybe a year in advance) for accommodations during this period of time because of the popularity of the Krabi and its attractions.
Place attraction
Amphoe Ao Luek
Mu Ko Hong
The attractions on these islands include fine beaches, shallow and deep-water coral reefs and various kinds of fish while popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sea-canoeing and nature studies on the 400-meter hiking trail around Ko Hong. Mu Ko Hong is located at the edge of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, and is accessible by a 1-hour boat trip from Ao Nang. The park entrance fee is 200 baht per person with an additional fee of 20 baht per person for camping on the island.
Amphoe Khlong Thom
Emerald Pool
The intensity of the pools turquoise colored water varies according to the light and time of the day so visitors determined to see the real emerald color should plan to visit at dawn or early in the morning. The pool, which can be visited all year round, charges and entrance fee of 20 baht.
Namtok Ron Khlong Thom (Hot shower waterfall)
The waterfall, located quite near to the Emerald pool, is in a shady forest area with numerous hot springs. The hot springs and cool streams converge on a slope to form lovely cascades of warm water with a temperature of 40-50 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit is from 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. The admission fee is 10 baht per person.
Amphoe Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta consists of two adjacent islands: Ko Lanta Yai and Ko Lanta Noi.
Koh Lanta Yai, This island is home to "Chao Le" or sea gypsies who continue to maintain their traditional lifestyle and beliefs, such as setting a boat a drift to drive out evil and bring good luck, which is practiced during the full moon in June and November. In addition, the island provides tourist facilities.
Ko Lanta Noi is the location of the district office. Most of the beaches are on Ko Lanta Yai such as Kho Kwang, Khlong Dao, Phra Ae, Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Ba Kan Tiang lies in the west, can be reached by road and offer a wide range of accommodations.
Ko Rok
This attraction is actually comprised of two islands: Ko Rok Nai and Ko Rok Nok. Ko Rok Nai is composed mainly of steep cliffs with superb beachs and unspoiled coral reefs among rocks. On the other hand, Ko Rok Nok has soft white sandy beaches and shallow water coral reefs towards the southeast and south with Hat Thalu and Ao Man Sai situated at the end of the island.
Travel to Ko Lanta
Boat departs from downtown Krabi to Ko Lanta Yai daily. The journey takes 2.5 hours.
Amphoe Mueang
Susan Hoi or Fossils Shell Beach
The site is located 17 kilometers from the town. Susan Hoi features a slab formed from a huge number of embedded various types of mollusks which can be dated to approximately 40 million years ago.
Thale Waek (Separated Sea)
One of Thailand's unseen highlights, Thale Waek is situated along Ko Dam Khwan. As the tide recedes, the sea is gradually separated by the white sand and limestone beach that will appear to amazingly connect the two islands at low tide. The best time to visit Thale Waek is 5 days before and after the full moon from December to beginning of May.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang is located approximately 6 kilometers from Hat Noppharat Thara and 20 kilometers from the town of Krabi. A boat from Ao Nang Village can be hired for sightseeing excursions around All of which are only accessible by foot. Other offshore isles such as
- Ko Poda
- Ko Kai
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.
Hat Rai Le (Rai Le Beach)
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.
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.
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.
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. This beach can be reached by songthaew from the city at the rate of 20 baht and to travel further to Ao Nang, it will cost an additional 10 baht. 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. Ferry services to Ko Phi Phi are provided from this beach all year round.
Mu Ko Phi Phi (Phi Phi Islands)
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 island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets
Phi Phi Don 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.
From Phuket
Many tour companies in Phuket organize one-day trips to Phi Phi Islands. Tickets can be obtained from any hotel.
More information : www.tourismthailand.org
Map Of Krabi Thailand
