Peaceful and Wonderful Krabi Island - Thailand

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.
~
Thursday, July 6, 2006
0
comments



There is an amazing festival called Phi Ta Khon happening in Thailand next week, as it does every July. Sadly I won't be able to attend as I'll be in Malaysia, but I would dearly love to see this - a sort of Thai Halloween which celebrates the story of the Buddha returning from a long journey and the celebrations being so loud they wakened the dead who joined in the festivities. The festival is celebrated with spectacular spirit masks and ghostly clothing - as you can imagine, the kids love it. The festival is centred around the town of Loei in northern Thailand.







The materials for the bridge were brought from Java by the Imperial Japanese Army during their occupation of Thailand. In 1945 the bridge was bombed several times and was only rebuilt after the war - the curved portions of the bridge are original. The first version of the bridge, completed in February 1943, was all wood. In April of the same year a second bridge of steel was constructed.
Train enthusiasts may enjoy the railway museum in front of the bridge, with engines used during WWII on display. Every year during the first week of December there is a nightly sound-and-light show at the bridge, commemorating the Allied attack on the Death Railway in 1945. It's a big scene, with the sounds of bombers and explosions, fantastic bursts of light and more. The town gets a lot of Thai tourists during this week, so book early if you want to witness this spectacle.





The largest and most beautiful waterfall in the western region, Erawan Waterfall is on the bank of Kwai Yai River in Khao Salop (Erawan) National Park. It is about 2,000 metres tall divided into 7 levels. The atmosphere in this always-verdant national park is serene, peaceful and rich with innumerable plant and flower species, perfectly conducive to sight-seeing and relaxation.









It's in the early morning that the three floating markets of Damnoen Saduak are seen at their best, so whether you hire a boat with friends or join an organised trip, try to get out on the water early. Even by 8am, the markets are already buzzing with life, but you will still be able to navigate the canals and channels in your own time and marvel at the abundance of fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs and goods on offer.




