Destination Krabi

Krabi province is located just south of the world-famous Phang Nga Bay in the south of Thailand. Its home to the incomparable Phi Phi Island and offer some of the most spectacular scenery seen anywhere in the world, both in terms of landscapes and seascapes. Nowhere else do stunning rock formations meet spectacular emerald sea as they do in Krabi. It’s the perfect getaway for rock climbers or those wanting to explore the sea caves or hongs.

Recently I was on a trip to Krabi as guest of Radio 107. I had the opportunity or to be more honest was persuaded to indulge in physical activities I would not normally have done. The first afternoon playing team building games on the beach in front of Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort. I still cant believe that I agreed to climb up onto a four foot tall coconut tree trunk, turn my back on the rest of my “team”, fold my arms and fall backwards. But I did, well I had to the rest had done it, equally to their surprise and I couldn’t let the side down.

The next day we went kayaking in the mangrove swamps. My back and handling a paddle just didn’t work, so one of the Sheraton’s activities team agreed to be my driver and did all the rowing for me. This proves that you don’t have to be young and physically fit to enjoy exploring by kayak.

We explore the mangrove swamps of Bhor Tor (Ao Luk). This gave us the chance to see the ancient cave paintings that are preserved in Tham Pee Toh. To beach them we had to paddle or be paddled through the mangrove swamps. A bit like going on a jungle trek by canoe. Many times we would find ourselves stuck in the branches, the challenge was to work out how to navigate your way through.

Kayaking is calm and peaceful, especially when someone else is doing all the work. A chance to get back in touch with nature. It’s not hard to understand why ancient cultures decided to settle here and a visit to Tham Pee Hua Toh (Cave of the Big Headed Ghost) shows visitors how they lived off the mangroves, their story depicted in the cave paintings they left thousands of years ago. These petrography illustrate animals, birds and culture of the time and are a must see. So get paddling or at least someone to do it for you.

Mangroves are a unique habitat, rich in strange forms of wildlife. Long tailed Macaques chatter and scream from the treetops. So of the braver ones use the flotila of canoes and a way to cross the water, jumping one to another as we keep paddling. They are amazingly friendly and didn’t try to steal a thing. As we paddled deeper into the maze of creeks Fiddler Crabs wave as you pass by, and the peculiar Mudskipper hauls out onto the muddy banks and fight their territorial battles.

A note of any birdwatchers, this is the only area in Thailand to see the Mangrove Blue Flycatcher. Even the non-birdwatcher can’t fail but to be impressed by the iridescent flashes of colour as an enormous kingfisher flies by, a stark contrast the striking limestone scenery, pillars in the water.

A half days kayaking is an environmental voyage of a lifetime. Really its very soft adventure tourism and to have a team of experienced English speaking guides to take care of you at all times.

The next day was less stressful as we set off by speedboat to explore some of the islands. Our first stop was Ko Hong, its name in Thai means island of chamber. When we visited it was deserted and we temporarily claimed the beach for a private picnic lunch. Some of our group ventured to explore Ko Hong on sea kayaks we had brought on the boat. They could paddle close to the spectacular cliff walls with an open sky ceiling and a sandy floor under crystal clear water. This is the magic of the Andaman Sea.

Starfish are permanent residents under the surface and a family of eagles nested in the trees above.

Sea kayaks allowed us to move with minimum noise so not to disturb the wildlife. They also could creep into very shallow water and reach places that are inaccessible to larger boats. The water was so clear that I could see all the “spinies” beneath my kayak such as hard coral empire and colourful small fish.

Krabi Other Islands

Muh Ko Lanta Marine National Park is a one and a half-hour boat ride east of Phi Phi Don and comprises many islands; several fringed with spectacular coral reef. Those who seek idyllic peace and tranquillity increasingly favour the major island, Koh Lanta. Resort accommodation is available on the northwestern coastline. The 26 kilometre long, from four to six kilometres wide, contains many unspoiled beaches with golden sands and rugged headlands. The park office on the southern extremity of the island, and only accessible by boat, is situated near to the village of Chao Lay or sea gypsies who sustain an existence on mainly fishing for seafood.

Hat Noppharat Thara, some 18 kilometres west of Krabi Town is an extensively scenic beach lined with casurina trees, and offering a commanding view of offshore islands. The beach is popular with those who prefer swimming and sun bathing in tranquil surroundings.

A few kilometres south, the palm fringed Ao Phra Nang Beach is fronted by resort accommodation, guest houses and bungalow complexes, dive shops and restaurants that offer Swiss, Italian, Thai and Chinese food, windsurfing clubs and souvenir shops. This beach is popular for snorkeling and wind surfing.

Due south and only accessible by boat, is the secluded Ao Phra Nang Bay. A mountain cave, containing a shrine to the spirit of a resident goddess (Phra Nang) marks the southern extremity. The beach is a popular venue for swimming and sunbathing, for rock climbers who scale the sheer limestone mountain for the exhilarating views.

Two noteworthy islands are Ko Poda and Ko Gai. They can be reached in half an hour from Ao Phra Nang Bay by long tail boat or in an hour by fishing boat from Krabi Town. Ko Poda is fringed by clear waters, and offers chalet accommodation nestling amid palm trees, with beach side bar and restaurant facilities. Ko Gai, twenty minutes to the west has excellent waters for snorkeling and diving.

Susan Hoi Shell Cemetery is some 17 kilometers from Krabi Town and, comprises of granite-like slabs of grey fossilized shells, estimated to be 75 million years old and the only one of its kind in Asia.

The name can be confusing to western visitors. There never was a woman called Susan Hoi who built a shell cemetery 75 million years ago. The two words Su San are the English translation of the Thai word meaning cemetery. Once someone happened to write them together unaware that they read as Susan a western girl name.

Distances From Amphoe Mueang (Town) To Neighboring Districts

Ao Luek 43 kms.

Plai Phraya 66 kms.

Khao Phanom 39 kms.

Khlong Thom 42 kms.

Ko Lanta 103 kms.

Lam Thap 67 kms.

Nuea Khlong 17 kms.

Origin Of The Name Krabi

There are two legends concerning the origin of the name "Krabi". The first is that villagers presented a large ancient sword (or krabi) that was discovered by chance to the governor. Later when a smaller, on discovering a smaller one, it was also presented to the governor. Regarded as sacred and auspicious, the governor decided to keep them in the province. As the process for the establishment of the province was still in progress, the swords were placed crossing each other in Khao Khanap Nam cave. Since then, the crossed swords have remained a part of the provincial seal.

The second legend is that "Krabi" was derived from the name of a local tree known as "Lumphi". The Malay and Chinese merchants mispronunciation of the name to "Ka-lu-bi" or "Kho-lo-bi" finally resulted in "Krabi" (or sword).

History Of Krabi

History of Krabi
Krabi Infomation Some archeologists claim that Krabi City is one of the older settlements in the country as there is archaeological evidence indicating that this area had been home to homosapiens during the prehistoric times or between 25,000 - 35,000 B. C. The assumption has been strongly supported by the discovery of stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains in the provinces cliffs and caves.

In 1200 A.D., the area was known as Ban Thai Samo, one of 12 royal cities that had a monkey as the town symbol. During this period of time, Krabi was under the rule of the Kingdom of Ligor, a city better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat.

During the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910), the community was known as Pakasai Sub-county and remained under the direct jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
Around 1872, King Rama V elevated Pakasai Sub-county to Krabi Province with the provincial administration office situated at Krabi-yai Sub-county (currently, the office is located near the estuary at Pak Nam Sub-district) and in 1875, ordered the separation of Krabi Province from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

During the present reign, the corps of civil servants, merchants, and the people of Krabi and nearby provinces have collectively organized the construction of a royal residence at Laem Hang Nak Cape which is thirty kilometers west of Krabi Town on the Andaman coast to be presented to His Majesty the King.

Thailand Travel Guide To Krabi

Gerneral Information

Located approximately 814 kilometers from Bangkok is Krabi Province, one of most attractive destinations in southern Thailand. Encompassing an area of 4,708 square kilometers, the western border of Krabi is the Andaman Sea, the northern borders are Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, the southern borders are Trang Province and the Andaman Sea and the eastern borders are Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang Provinces. Krabi is an ideal getaway destination teeming with natural attractions including white sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous large and small islands and verdant forests with caves and waterfalls.

Krabi's topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts. Flowing through Krabi City to the Andaman Sea at Pak Nam Sub-district is Maenam Krabi which is 5 kilometers in length. In addition, there are several canals originating from the province's highest mountain range, Khao Phanom Bencha including Khlong Pakasai, Khlong Krabi Yai and Khlong Krabi Noi. Lush mangrove forests line the canals and the banks of Maenam Krabi particularly before it empties into the Andaman Sea. The provinces sandy soil conditions are suitable for growing various agricultural products, particularly rubber trees, palms, coconuts, cashew nuts and coffee.

Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon, there are only two seasons in Krabi; the hot season from January to April and the rainy season from May to December. Temperatures range between 17 °C and 37 °C.

Krabi is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes (Districts): Amphoe Mueang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luek, Lam Thap, and Nuea Khlong. The provinces jurisdiction covers not only in-land districts and sub-districts, but also extends to more than 130 large and small islands including the world famous Phi Phi Islands.

In addition, Krabi is the location of two world class beaches Ao Nang and Hat Rai Le which offer numerous diving trips, restaurants, shops etc. Additional attractions in the province are stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations which make it a heaven for rock climbers and a National Park located approximately 40 kilometers outside of town with lakes, caves and spectacular natural scenery.

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