KRABI is located on the inner Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand, is an idyllic southern coastal province of outstanding beauty.

Krabi covers some 4,707 square kilometres, edges the Andaman Sea, and numbers among its major attractions picturesque tropical islands, palm fringed beaches, forest waterfalls and caves, and topographical rarities such as a 75,000,000- year -old shell cemetery.
The provincial capital lies some 814 kilometres by road south of the Thai capital, Bangkok. Krabi is most conveniently reached from Bangkok by flying Thai Airways to neighboring provincial capitals such as Surat Thani ( 211 kilometres from Krabi ), or Phuket ( 176 kilometres ) and completing the journey by road.

BEACHES & ISLANDS IN THE SUN

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 epitomize everyone's ideal of the perfect tropical island.

Hat Noppharat Thara, some 18 kilometres west of the provincial capital, is an extensively scenic beach lined with casurina trees, and offering a commanding view of offshore island. The beach is popular with those who prefer swimming and sunbathing in tranquil surroundings.

A few kilometres to the south, the palm- fringed Ao Phra Nang Beach is fronted by resort accommodation, guest houses and bungalow complexes, dive shops, restaurants offering Swiss, Italian, Thai and Chinese food, windsurfing clubs and souvenir shops. The beach is popular with snorkels and windsurfers, and is ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

Due south, and accessible only by boat, is the secluded AO Phra Nang Bay.The southern extremity is marked by a mountain cave contining a shrine dedicated to the spirit of a resident goddess ( Phra Nang ). The beach is a popular venue for swimming and sunbathing, and for rock climbers who scale the sheer limestone mountain for exhilarating views of the immediate environs and offshore islands.

Two noteworthy islands, Ko Poda and Ko Gai, can be reached within half an hour by longtail boat from AO Phra Nang Bay. 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 ( literally' Shell Cemetery ), some 17 kilometres west of the provincial capital, comprises granite-like slabs of grey fossilized shells, estimated to be 75 million years old. The cemetery is the only one of its kind in Asia. The environs are a popular shopping place for shell souvenirs, comprising largely decorative figurines, mobiles, jewellery and household items such as ashtrays and picture frames.

Phi Phi islands, Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don, can be reached by a pleasant 1 hour and 15 minute to 3 hour boat ride, depending on the size of vessel, from the provincial capital's estuarine pier.

Merely some six square kilometres in area, the rugged Phi Phi Lea is characterized by steep, lightly vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden bays concealing petite, pristine beaches and calm clear waters, and a spacious, airy cave known as Viking Cave by virtue of purportedly ancient cave murals depicting Viking-like sailing vessels. The cave houses sea swallows whose gelatinous nests are prized by Chinese gourmets.

Two kilometres north, the larger ( 28 square kilometres ) Phi Phi Don has a cuving white and palm-fringed beach extending between mountain masses sheltering calm waters. This, and other minor beaches, offers beach side bungalow and chalet accommodation. The area immediately adjacent to a Muslim fishing village contains bars offering living music ; restaurants specializing in popular European cuisine and Thai food ; cabarets ; souvenir shops ; dive shops and charter boat operations offering game fishing excursions and day trips, including several opportunities for snorkeling, around the major islands, including Ko Paid ( Bamboo island ), half an hour from Phi Phi Don and touted by locals as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled, uninhabited islands in the area.

The Phi Phi island group is favored by yachtsmen and scuba divers who can discover and savor peaceful anchorage, and tranquillity and privacy, in various locations.

MORE SERENITY

Muh KO Lanta Marine National Park, 1 hour and 30 minutes east by daily boat from Phi Phi Don, comprises many islands, several fringed with spectacular coral reefs. The major island, KO Lanta, is increasingly favored by those who seek idyllic peace and tranquillity. Resort accommodation is available on the northwestern coastline. The 26- kilometre-long island, from 4 to 6 kilometres wide, contains many unspoiled beaches with golden sands and rugged headlands. The park office on the southern extremity of the island, and accessible only by boat, is situated near the homes of local Andaman Sea itinerants known as Chao Lay, or sea gypsies, who sustain themselves largely by fishing, particularly for crustaceans.

ARGELY OF WATERFALLS & CAVES

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 characterized 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 ideal setting for leisure activities such as picnics and swimming.

BOAT TRANSPORTATION

Major mainland beaches and coastal attractions such as Hat Noppharat thara, AO Phra Nang and Susan Hoi can be conveniently reached by road. However, the preferred mode of transportation particularly from a scenic point of view, to them, and to secluded bays and nearby islands, is by sturdy long tailed boats which can be hired at the provincial capital's estuarine pier.

Larger vessels sail from the same vicinity to Phi Phi islands throughout the day. Safe and comfortable air-conditioned express ferries make the return trip twice daily to Phi Phi Don.

From Phi Phi Don charter boats and regular boats enable convenient travel to KO Lanta and to Phuket, Thailand's largest ( Singapore- sized ) island to the west.

MEMORABLE HOLIDAYS

With all the traditional pleasures associated with sand'n sun-- excellent beaches, water sports, fine seafood-- a large choice of pristine, uninhabited islands or relatively developed resorts of clear coral- fringed island waters teeming with marine life, and of numerous exploratory sailing and diving opportunities, Krabi offers the ingredients for truly memorable holidays, and make a perfect introduction to the alluring tropical coastal ambient of southern Thailand.

By Road

1. From Bangkok, drive a along the Highway 4 Via Phetchaburi- Prachuab Khiri Khan- Chumphon- Ranong Phangnga Krabi, a total distance of 946 kilometers.
2. From Bangkok, drive along the Highway 4 to Chumphon then turn to the Highway 41 via Amphoe Lang Suan, Amphoe Chaiya, Surat Thani, and Amphoe Wiang Sac before changing to the Highway 4035 to Amphoe AO Luk and once again turn to the Highway 4 to Krabi, a total distance of 814 kilometers.
   There are buses leaving Bangkok for Krabi daily. For more information please contact Tel. 434-5557-8 ( non air-conditioned bus ) and tel. 435-1199 ( air-conditioned bus )
   
3. From Phuket drive for 4 hours along the Highways 407 and 4, a total d distance of 185 kilometers. There are buses leaving Phuket for Krabi 3 times daily at 10 50 a m, 12 50, and 2. 30 p.m. m The fare is 38 baht.

By Rail
From Hualamphong Railway Station (Bangkok Station), one can go as far as Trang Station, or Thung-Song Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat, then taken a bus or a taxi to Krabi For mare information please contact Information Unit, State Railway of Thailand, Tel. 223-7010, 223-7020

By Air
From Don Muang Airport, take a flight to a to Phuket, then a bus to Krabi. For more information please contact Information Unit, Thai International Airways Co.Ltd. Tel . 280-0070, 280-0080