| 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 snorkelling 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 manoeuvring your kayaks. |
| Not far from town is the Noppharat Thara
Beach, a scenic, tranquil beach lined with soft pine trees
and extending for several kilometres. 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 kilometre 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 coloured
rock paintings portraying people and animals. Unusually large skulls
were also originally found in this cave. |