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.