Attractions

The popular Phi Phi Islands consists of 2 separate islands famed for their spectacular landscapes, beautiful beaches and spectacular island reefs teeming with variety of coral fishes. Ideal place to enjoy scuba diving. Its paradise-like appearance can best be seen in the movie, The Beach, where most of the filming occurred. Koh Lanta Yai is a predominantly Muslim fishing island where many resorts have recently sprouted up. The island is covered with forested hills sweeping down to numerous sandy bays on the western side. A good alternative for those seeking peace and quiet.

On a smaller scale, an island worth visiting, but with fewer tourists, is Koh Hong (Room Island), an island encircled on 3 sides by towering limestone formations. The cove inside, with its crystal clear waters and pristine beach, inspires images of a deserted island. Closer to the mainland are Koh Poda and Koh Hua Khwan (Chicken Island), ideal spots for snorkeling and playing in the waters and beaches.

Mountaineers and rock climbing fanatics will love the climbing trails at Railei Bay. With a cliff wall dotted with deep niches and stalactite hauls, the runs offer various levels of difficulty satisfying to challenge novice to experts. But the main attractions are the sun, scenery and the ambience. Nowhere else can you start climbing straight from the beach, with the promise of a cooling dip into the shimmering turquoise water after mastering a difficult route.

Slightly north of town is Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) named after a rock formation resembling a tiger paw. Regarded as one of the most renowned forest temples in the south, the main hall was built inside the cave, providing a peaceful environment for practicing meditation. A circular path in the nearby forest offers a pleasant walk and a 300-meters high staircase leads to a large Buddha image and Buddha footprint perched atop the cliff. Great view of the province.

Regarded as the symbol of Krabi, the Khao Khanap Nam (Hill Beside the Water) rises high above the waters before the city. A long tail boat will quickly transport you to the site, where one has to climb a staircase to see caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Highly interesting archaeological remains were discovered here, along with some human remains believed to be earlier immigrants.

Aside from frolicking in the sun and playing in the waters, most sport enthusiasts enjoy the diverse marine surroundings by partaking in sea kayaking. The most beautiful bay of mangrove forests in Thailand is at Ao Thalan (Thalan Bay). Towering karst formations and lovely offshore islands surrounding the bay creates complex channels for maneuvering your kayaks.

Not far from town is the Noppharat Thara Beach, a scenic, tranquil beach lined with soft pine trees and extending for several kilometers. The beach has a relatively flat slope, being safe enough for children to play in. At low tide, you can walk to the rocky island located one kilometer away from the beach.

Long ago, a fresh water marsh was densely populated mainly by pond snails, which multiplied at such great rates that the dead formed a floor for the living. Over eons, the repeated process created a layer of fossils about 40 cm thick. Scientific tests have proven that the fossils at the Fossil Shell Beach are about 40 million years old.

A 12-km bumpy ride from Khlong Thom District leads to a hot spring in the forest. Walk further and discover the rewarding Tung Tieo Forest Trails. Posted signs guide you through the protected woodlands with ample opportunities for dips in the emerald pools along the trails.

Archaeological buffs should not miss the rewarding finds in Tham Hua Kalok (Skull Cave). From the entrance, the cave is divided into 2 routes with the left one leading to a vast open-aired chamber and the right to a closed hall. Archaeologists believed prehistoric people resided in the right hall. The cave is adorned with 70 plus red and black colored rock paintings portraying people and animals. Unusually large skulls were also originally found in this cave.