Peaceful and Wonderful Krabi Island - Thailand

Peaceful and Wonderful Krabi Island - Thailand

by Jour ~ Thursday, July 6, 2006

Krabi's main attractions are the numerous and yet unspoiled beaches nearby that offer a wealth of snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. The most important is Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, better known as Phi-Phi Island, due west and south of Phuket Town. The park contains extensive mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands, and two islands of outstanding physical yet contrasting beauty which have become the symbol of the perfect tropical island. The boat ride to Phi Phi Lea and Phi Phi Don from Krabi Town's Chao Fah Bridge Pier, at the right time of year, November to April, is a pleasant journey and can take anything from an hour and a quarter to three hours depending on the size of boat taken. The rest of the year conditions in the Andaman Sea can be choppy and the weather can cause involuntary changes of travel plans while at sea.

Beaches

Krabi's major attractions lie beyond but, in every instance, within three hours of the somnolent provincial capital, which is little more than a dormitory town, and entertainment and dining centre.
Nearest in physical proximity, and of major importance, is the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park due west and south of the provincial capital. The park contains extensive mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands, and two islands of outstanding physical yet contrasting beauty which epitomise everyone's ideal of the perfect tropical island.

Caves and Waterfalls

Travellers 'suffering' from a surfeit of the traditional pleasures of 'sea, sand'n sun' can delight in several inland destinations comprising largely national parks and caves.
Khao Khanap Nam, reached by longtail boat from the provincial capital's pier, has a cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Tam Sua ( Tiger Cave ), some 9 kilometres from the provincial capital, houses a meditation monastery of the same name. The complex is noteworthy for an eclectic mixture of Thai Buddhist and Chinese statuary.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, covering approximately 50 square kilometres, is characterised by forested mountains, streams and waterfalls, and can be reached by a 30-minutes drive from the provincial capital.
Two Waterfalls, Namtok Huai Sad and Nomtok Huai To, number among major park attractions. A popular cave, Tam Khao Phung, is filled with stalagmites and stalactites.
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Than Bok Korani Arboretum, some 40 minutes from the provincial capital. A natural reservoir supports hundreds of birds and provides an idel setting for leisure activities such as picnics and swimming.