วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 13 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2553

Hat Rai Le (Rai Le Beach)

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.

Hat Tham Phra Nang

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.

Krabi Horticultural Centre

Krabi Horticultural Centre


Location: Mu 1, Thanon Phetkasem, Tambon Khao Khram, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000. Tel. 075-612913. Fax. 075 612913

This agro-tourism 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.

Rock climbing

Rock Climbing


Apart from marine sports, Krabi is also an ideal place for rock climbing. Lines of sheer limestone cliffs along Tham Phranang and Rai Le beaches have challenged thousands of climbers from all over the world every year.





The levels of difficulty of the various routes vary, so even the most inexperienced climbers can experiment.


Equipment, instruction and guides are available at most lodgings.

Sa Kaeo

Sa Kaeo


Within the Sa Kaew compound in Khao Thong Sub-district forest plantation area are eight small natural ponds which is currently a major recreational area for the local residents.




Sa Kaeo is 28 kilometers from town on the Krabi-Nai Sa route (Highway No. 4034).

Susan Hoi or Fossils Shell Beach

Susan Hoi or Fossils Shell Beach


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.


This shell graveyard at Ban Laem Pho was once a large freshwater swamp, the habitat of diverse mollusks. With changes on the surface of the earth, seawater flooded the freshwater swamp and the limestone elements in the seawater enveloped the submerged mollusks resulting in a homogenous layer of fossilized mollusk shells forty centimeters thick known as Shelley Limestone.



With geographical upheavals, the limestone layer is now distributed in great broken sheets of impressive magnitude on the seashore. The site is located 17 kilometers from the town.

Thale Waek (Separated Sea)

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. To visit Thale Waek, proceed on Highway No. 4034 from the city, then turn left and follow Highway No. 4202 to Ao Nang.


Rental boats with a maximum of 8 - 10 passengers are available at a rate of 800 – 1,000 baht.

Tham Sadet

Tham Sadet


This beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites is located at Ban Nong Kok, Tambon Sai Thai, 7 kilometers from town on Highway No. 4034.


"Sadet" means visit, and the use of the term in the name of the cave refers to the royal visit to the site in 1909 by the King Rama VI (at that time that Crown Prince).

Wat Sai Thai

Wat Sai Thai


The monastery is Krabi's central temple and a local gathering point during Buddhist events and weddings.


The main attraction in the temple is an impressive reclining Buddha image.

Wat Tham Suea

Wat Tham Suea


Wat Tham Suea, which literally means tiger cave temple, is located in the Khiriwong Valley amidst lush forests and mountains with large trees over a hundred years old approximately 9 kilometers northeast of Krabi Town.


Aside from being the site of a meditation center, the compound is also a place of archaeological and historical interest as excavations have uncovered stone tools, pottery remains and Buddha footprint crafting molds.


In addition, a cave in the compound has what appears to be tiger paw prints in the stone.

Than Bok Khorani National Park

Than Bok Khorani National Park


Than Bok Khorani National Park is one destination of ecotourism . It occupies a variety of attractions including natural trails, waterfalls, mangrove forests, Tham Lot, Tham Phi Hua To (a cave with prehistoric paintings) and Mu Ko Hong (limestone islands with crystal clear water, fine beaches and coral reefs). The islands are suitable for snorkelling and sea-canoeing and open only for one-day trippers. Visitors can get more information at the Visitor Centre of Than Bokkhorani National Park at telephone number 0-7568-1071, 0-7568-2058 or www.dnp.go.th .

Than Bok Khorani National Park covers an area of 37.5 rai of land in Tambon Ao Leuk Tai. Its headquarters is located just one kilometer from Tambon Ao Leuk Neua Market intersection on the Ao Luk Sak road. The Park is covered by a canopy of diverse species of trees such as wild gardenia, asoka, and Apocynaceae that are scattered around Sa Bok Khorani, an attractive emerald pond after which the park is named where visitors can swim.

At the north end of Sa Bohk Korani, which flows through a winding passage in the mountain, is a wood carving of a footprint of the Lord Buddha and a shrine of Chao Pho To Yuan - To Chong. Other attractions in the park include several limestone mountain caves, verdant mangrove forests and beautiful islands which can be reached only by boat

Admission fee for adults and children are 200 and 100 baht per person. The Park does not provide accommodations, but camping in the park is allowed although tourists have to bring their own tents. For more information, Tel. 0 7568 1071, 0-7568-2058 .


Other attractions include:
Than Bokkhorani - Located near the park’s office, Than Bokkhorani is a stream formerly known as Than Asok, where Asoka or Asok trees in Thai were grown. Its topography sees various flowing streams on their journey to numerous pools of different cascades among a shady forested area.

To the north of Than Bokkhorani sees a replica of the Lord Buddha’s footprint carved from wood. It is situated near the shrine of Chaopho To Yuan – To Chong.

Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua To - They are located 6 kilometres from the park. To get there, proceed from Amphoe Ao Luek via Ao Luek - Laem Sak route for 2 kilometres. Turn right for Bo Tho Pier. Take a 15-minute long-tail boat ride along Khlong Tha Prang, which passes through the mangrove forests.

Tham Lot is a tunnel under a limestone mountain where stalactite and stalagmite formations are found. Tham Phi Hua To or Tham Hua Kalok is 500 metres from Tham Lot. Oversized human skulls had been discovered in the cave, thus giving the cave its present name. The prehistoric paintings of men and animals, as well as, a pile of numerous seashells on the floor can be seen in the cave. Tourists can enjoy the serene view of the mangrove forests by canoes. Rental including lunch costs 1,200 baht per/person. A canoe rental service is available at the Bo Tho Pier.

Tham Chao Le - Located to the west of Laem Sak, Tham Chao Le is a cave that sits within the bay, where mountains and picturesque islands surround it. The prehistoric paintings of men, animals, and geometric symbols, as well as, stalactite and stalagmite formations are found. It is assumed that the paintings may have been painted after those of Tham Phi Hua To. Canoeing near the cave is possible. Tham Chao Le is accessible by a boat service or rental boat from Laem Sak. The trip takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Ko Karot/Garose - It is situated to the east of the end of Laem Sak. Canoeing is possible.

Ko Dang - With its white sandy beach stretching 25 metres, Ko Dang offers a cave measuring 70 metres wide and 20 metres high, and a diving spot for coral reefs.

Mu Ko Hong - Mu Ko Hong is a group of islands including Ko Lao or Ko Saka, Ko Lao Riam, Ko Pakka and Ko Lao Lading. Ko Hong or Ko Lao Pile is the biggest island in the south. Most of them are limestone islands with crystal clear water, fine beaches, coral reefs in both deep and shallow water, most suited for diving and fishing. There is a 400-metre hiking trail around Ko Hong. This area is also suitable for sea-canoeing. The park’s entrance fees for adults and children are 200 and 100 baht, respectively. In addition, the park charges 20 baht for camping on the island. Visitors must bring their own tents. Mu Ko Hong is accessible by long-tail boat from Ao Nang. The trip takes about an hour.

To get there: Located 46 kilometres from the provincial town of Krabi, Mu Ko Hong is situated at Than Bokkhorani, Tambon Ao Luek Tai, a distance from the Talat Ao Luek Intersection. Proceed along the Ao Luek - Laem Sak route for 1 kilometre. Alternatively, take the local taxi or Song Thaeo ride (Krabi – Ao Luek Neua – Tai) from Amphoe Mueang and get off at the park’s entrance.

Khao Khanap Nam

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.

Mu Ko Poda

Mu Ko Poda

Situated south of Ao Nang, 8 kilometres offshore, Mu Ko Poda is fringed by clear waters, and offers white sandy beaches, as well as, pristine coral reefs.

This is why it is a year-round attraction and an excellent place for fishing because it is not affected so much by the monsoon. Mu Ko Poda can be reached within 25 minutes by boat from Ao Nang.


Many noteworthy islands like Ko Thap, Ko Mo, Ko Hua Khwan, and Ko Kai are situated nearby. A beautiful sandy beach, connecting these islands, is visible at low tide.

Tham Suea Khao Kaeo Ao Luk Thanu

Tham Suea Khao Kaeo Ao Luk Thanu

This cave is located at Ban Tham Suea, Tambon Krabi Noi, 9 kilometres from the provincial town of Krabi via Phetchakasem Road (Highway No. 4) and turning left onto Ratsadon Phatthana Road (Highway No. 4037).

Tham Suea means tiger cave because the cave in front of Ao Luk Thanu Range or Khao Kaeo features natural rock impressions of tiger paws and real tigers once roamed this area. The surrounding area is covered with lush forest and enormous trees hundreds of years old, particularly in the Khiri Wong Valley.


Mountains are on all sides and there are smaller caves in great numbers such as Tham Khonthan, Tham Lot, Tham Chang Kaeo, Tham Luk Thanu, and Tham Phra. Aside from being the site of a meditation centre, it is also a place of archaeological interest, dating from the prehistoric into proto-historic times. Stone tools, potsherds, and unbaked clay votive tablets have been found.

In addition to this, there are trekking routes, and a trail of 1,272 steps leading to the lookout point for a bird's eye view of the place.

วันพุธที่ 12 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2553

Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam

Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam

It is located at Ban Nong Chik, Mu 2, Tambon Khao Khram, a distance of 34 kilometres from the provincial town of Krabi.

To get there, proceed along Highway No. 4 (Krabi - Ao Luek route) onto Km. 126 and take a left turn for another 5 kilometres.

Pa Phru or peat swamp forest of the canal of Tha Pom features a number of water sources, which originate from the Chong Phra Kaeo pool.


Tha Pom is called Khlong Song Nam by the locals, which in Thai literally means "two water canal", because of its special feature location where crystal clear freshwater, which the pool’s floor and the roots of Lumphi palm (Eleiodoxa conferta) are virtually visible, meets seawater from the mangrove forest.

Tha Pom features a natural trail made of lath. Wooden chairs are located at certain points for nature lovers to conveniently admire the view of the place.

Admission fees for adults and children are 50 and 30 Baht, respectively. For more details, contact the Khao Khram Sub-district Administration Organization, Tel. 0 7569 4165, 0 7569 4198.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 9 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2553

Phi Phi Islands


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.


Interesting Attractions of Mu Ko Phi Phi:

The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le.
Ko Phi Phi Don - covers an area of 28 square kilometres. Outstanding attractions are the twin bays with curving white sandy beaches of Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Da Lam. Ko Phi Phi Pier, accommodation, and restaurants are situated at Ao Ton Sai. Visitors can walk from this bay uphill to the scenic spot where the visibility of the twin bays is generally excellent. Beside Ao Ton Sai, there are also other attractive beaches and bays around the island. A number of accommodation is available at Hat Laem Hin, Hat Yao, and Ao Lo Bakao. At the northern end of the island is Laem Tong, renowned for its underwater natural beauty with lodging available. A huddle of fisherman’s huts (15 – 20 families) is located here. Most of them have previously migrated from Ko Li Pe of Tarutao National Park, Satun province. A day trip by boat or snorkelling spectacular coral shallows around. Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Le is recommended.

Ko Phi Phi Le- Covering an area of only 6.6 square kilometres, this islet is surrounded by limestone mountains and sheer cliffs plunging hundreds of metres to the sea. The sea is 20 metres deep and the deepest point in the south of the island is around 34 metres. Ko Phi Phi Le offers superb scenic bays such as Ao Pi Le, Ao Maya, and Ao Lo Sa Ma. In the northeast of the island is a large cave called Tham Viking. The cave was renamed Tham Phaya Nak or Naga Serpent Cave by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej because of a stone resembling the mythical creature, which His Majesty saw when he paid a visit here in 1972. The cave is considered sacred to locals who come here to collect swallow nests. Inside the eastern and southern parts of the cave are ancient rock paintings of elephants and various types of boats, including a European sailboat, an Arabian sailboat, a sampan, a Chinese junk, a waterwheel sailing boat, and a steamboat. It is believed the paintings were the works of sea merchants or pirates because the study of west-to-east ship routes indicates that this area may have been a stopover for boats seeking shelter from storms, transferring cargo or making repairs.
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.
Ko Mai Phai - Ko Mai Phai is north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko Yung. Marvellous beaches are in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs with staghorn corals, in particular, stretches from north to south of the island.
How to Get to Ko Phi Phi
It is accessible from both Krabi and Phuket. From Krabi, take the Song Thaeo service (12 baht) from the provincial town of Krabi to Pak Khlong Chilat Pier. From there, ferries depart for Ko Phi Phi twice daily at 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. On return, the ferries leave Ko Phi Phi at 9.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. The 2-hour trip costs 350 baht per person. For further details, contact Phi Phi family Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7561 2463. Chao Ko Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7563 1823. Andaman Wave Master Co., Ltd., offers a ferry service from Pak Khlong Chilat Pier twice daily at 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. (200 baht). For further details, contact A D V Co., Ltd., on Khao San Road, Tel. 0 2281 1463 - 5 or Andaman Wave Master Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 7563 0471.

Alternatively, a one-day trip on a speedboat is available at Ao Nang. Departure time is 9.00 a.m. On return, it reaches Ao Nang at 5.00 p.m. Contact Ao Nang Travel and Tour Co., Ltd. for more information, Tel. 0 7563 7152 - 3. The trip costs 1,200 baht per person with lunch included.

Remarks:
Boat fares are subject to change without notice.
Admission to Phi Phi Islands and other attractions in the Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu ko Phi Phi National Park : Adult 400 baht, Child 200 baht

Visitors travelling from Phuket can contact tour operators in Phuket’s provincial city for a one-day trip to Ko Phi Phi (boat fares are subject to change without notice, please contact tour operators directly for more details.)
On arrival to Ao Ton Sai in Ko Phi Phi Don, trips to the surrounding islands can be made in a long-tail boat.

Welcome to Phuket