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Krabi at a glance

Located approximately 814 kilometers from Bangkok is Krabi Province, one of most attractive destinations in southern Thailand. Encompassing an area of 4,708 square kilometers, the western border of Krabi is the Andaman Sea, the northern borders are Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, the southern borders are Trang Province and the Andaman Sea and the eastern borders are Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang Provinces. Krabi is an ideal getaway destination teeming with natural attractions including white sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous large and small islands and verdant forests with caves and waterfalls.

Krabi's topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts. Flowing through Krabi City to the Andaman Sea at Pak Nam Sub-district is Maenam Krabi which is 5 kilometers in length. In addition, there are several canals originating from the province's highest mountain range, Khao Phanom Bencha including Khlong Pakasai, Khlong Krabi Yai and Khlong Krabi Noi. Lush mangrove forests line the canals and the banks of Maenam Krabi particularly before it empties into the Andaman Sea. The provinces sandy soil conditions are suitable for growing various agricultural products, particularly rubber trees, palms, coconuts, cashew nuts and coffee.

Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon, there are only two seasons in Krabi; the hot season from January to April and the rainy season from May to December. Temperatures range between 17 ํC and 37 ํC.

Krabi is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes (Districts): Amphoe Mueang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luek, Lam Thap, and Nuea Khlong. The provinces jurisdiction covers not only in-land districts and sub-districts, but also extends to more than 130 large and small islands including the world famous Phi Phi Islands.

In addition, Krabi is the location of two world class beaches Ao Nang and Hat Rai Le which offer numerous diving trips, restaurants, shops etc. Additional attractions in the province are stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations which make it a heaven for rock climbers and a National Park located approximately 40 kilometers outside of town with lakes, caves and spectacular natural scenery.

History of Krabi

Some archeologists claim that Krabi City is one of the older settlements in the country as there is archaeological evidence indicating that this area had been home to homosapiens during the prehistoric times or between 25,000 - 35,000 B. C. The assumption has been strongly supported by the discovery of stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains in the provinces cliffs and caves.

In 1200 A.D., the area was known as Ban Thai Samo, one of 12 royal cities that had a monkey as the town symbol. During this period of time, Krabi was under the rule of the Kingdom of Ligor, a city better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat.

During the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910), the community was known as Pakasai Sub-county and remained under the direct jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Around 1872, King Rama V elevated Pakasai Sub-county to Krabi Province with the provincial administration office situated at Krabi-yai Sub-county (currently, the office is located near the estuary at Pak Nam Sub-district) and in 1875, ordered the separation of Krabi Province from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

During the present reign, the corps of civil servants, merchants, and the people of Krabi and nearby provinces have collectively organized the construction of a royal residence at Laem Hang Nak Cape which is thirty kilometers west of Krabi Town on the Andaman coast to be presented to His Majesty the King.

 Origin of the name Krabi

There are two legends concerning the origin of the name "Krabi". The first is that villagers presented a large ancient sword (or krabi) that was discovered by chance to the governor. Later when a smaller, on discovering a smaller one, it was also presented to the governor. Regarded as sacred and auspicious, the governor decided to keep them in the province. As the process for the establishment of the province was still in progress, the swords were placed crossing each other in Khao Khanap Nam cave. Since then, the crossed swords have remained a part of the provincial seal.

The second legend is that "Krabi" was derived from the name of a local tree known as "Lumphi". The Malay and Chinese merchants mispronunciation of the name to "Ka-lu-bi" or "Kho-lo-bi" finally resulted in "Krabi" (or sword).

From Bangkok

By Car

1. From Bangkok, proceed on Highway No.4, passing Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong and Phang-nga Provinces for a total distance of 946 kilometers.

2. From Bangkok, proceed on Highway No. 4, on reaching Chumphon Provinces take Highway No. 41 passing Amphoe Lang Suan in Surat Thani Province to Amphoe Wiang Sa, and then take Highway No. 4035 to Amphoe Ao Luek and continue on Highway No. 4 to Krabi. This route is 814 kilometers from Bangkok.

3. From Phuket, proceed on Highway No. 402 and No.4. The distance from Phuket is 185 kilometers or 4 hours.

By bus:

From Bangkok: There are air-conditioned bus services to Krabi leaving the Southern Bus Terminal at Borommaratcha Chonnani Road daily from 6.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The buses provided include ordinary bus buses, 2nd class bus air-conditioned buses, 1st class air-conditioned buses and 24-seat VIP buses. The journey takes about 12 hours. For more details, contact tel. 0 2434 5557-8 (non air-conditioned buses) or tel. 0 2435 1199 or 0 2435 1200 (air-conditioned buses) or visit www.transport.co.th.

By rail:

From Bangkok: There is no direct train service to Krabi. But it is possible to take a train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station to Trang or Nakhon Si Thammarat and take a bus or taxi to Krabi. For more information on trains, contact the State Railways of Thailand at tel. 1690, 223 7010, 223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.
For Trang, an express train leaves Bangkok daily at 5.05 p.m. and reaches Trang at 9.40 a.m. and a rapid train leaves daily at 6.20 p.m. and arrives at 12.20 p.m.

For Nakhon Si Thammarat, a rapid train leaves Bangkok daily at 5.35 p.m. and arrives at 10.45 a.m. and an express train leaves daily at 7.15 p.m. and arrives at 12.00 p.m. For more details, call 1690 or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2621 8701.

By air:

Thai Airways International operates daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi. The trip takes 1.20 hours. For more information call 02 6282000. Website : www.thaiair.com

Phuket Air offers a daily flight to and from Krabi. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Call 02 6798999 to make reservation or visit www.phuketairlines.com to check the flight schedule.

Oneโ€“Two-Go Airlines: Bangkok Tel. 1126 Others Provinces Tel.1141 ext. 1126 www.fly12go.com

Silk Air flies to Singapore 4 times a week. Tickets can be brought from any travel agencies in town.

From Phuket

By bus: From Phuket Bus Terminal, there are non air-conditioned and air-conditioned bus services to Krabi many times daily. The trip takes 3-4 hours. For details, contact 0 7621 1480.

By car: Take Route 402 and 4 which passes Takua Thung and Thap Pud Districts in Phang-nga and enter Krabi at Au Luek District. Total distance is 185 kilometers.

Getting around

Getting to Nearby Provinces

By Bus

From Krabi Bus Terminal there are services, both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned to nearby provinces, i.e. Phuket, Phang-nga, Trang, Hat Yai and Surat Thani (Samui). In addition, many local travel agencies in town provide air-conditioned buses or vans to these provinces.

The bus terminal, which is located 4 kilometers north of town at Talat Kao, provides bus services between Krabi and the following destinations:

Hat Yai (96 baht/ordinary bus bus, 130 baht /2nd class bus bus, 173 baht /1st class bus), Nakhon Si Thammarat (67 baht / ordinary bus), Phuket (65 baht /ordinary bus, 91 baht /2nd class bus, 117 baht /1st class bus), Phang-nga (46 baht /ordinary bus, 64 baht /2nd class bus, 82 baht /1st class bus), Ranong (106 bahts /ordinary bus), Su-nagi Kolok (335 bahts /1st class bus), Surat Thani (61 baht /ordinary bus, 126 baht /2nd class bus), Trang (50 baht /ordinary bus, 70 baht /2nd class bus, 90 baht /1st class bus).

For schedule and more information, contact Krabi Bus Terminal, tel. 0 7561 1804

By bus/boat combination

To Ko Samui: Travel agencies in town offer bus/boat tickets to Ko Samui (300-370 baht, four times a day), and also to Ko Pha-Ngan (450 baht, four times a day).

Getting around the city and nearby Districts

From Krabi Bus Terminal, located in Talat Kao, there are both local red buses and government buses depart regularly from 6.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. to other counties including major tourist spots. It costs 10 baht to get to a destination in town. To travel further, i.e. to Ao Nang and hat Noppharat Thara, take the local white bus from Maharat Road for a fare of 20 baht

Songthaew and tuk tuk to the government bus terminal costs 8 bahts while a motorcycle taxi costs 30 bahts. Tuk tuks can be chartered for trips around the town for flat rates i.e. to the bus station (50 baht), What Tham Seua (100 baht) and the airport (200 baht).

Most of Songthaews leave in front of the 7-11 on Maharat Road. Destinations include Ao Leuk (20 baht), Ao Nam Mao (40 baht), Ao Nang (20 baht), Hat Noppharat Thara (20 baht) and Su San Hoi (40 baht).

There is also a service to Ban Hua Hin (Ferry pier to Ko Lanta). The bay is situated at the intersection of Phattana and Preuksa Uthit Roads. Costing around 40 baht/person, the service runs frequently and takes 40 minutes.

Alternatively, it is possible to rent a car to travel around town and to nearby provinces. Several agencies and guesthouses provide motorcycle rental for 150 baht/day while Jeep rental fees may range from 800 to 1,200 baht/day.

For more convenience, it is possible to hire a taxi, rent a motorcycle or a van at travel agencies and hotels. The local minibuses depart from Vogue Department Store on Maharat Road to the following destinations:

Khao Khanap Nam These mountains, walling the Krabi River in between, are somewhat a symbol of the town. It is accessible within 15 minutes by long tail-boat from Tha Chao Fa, the main pier in the town.

Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park This covers an area of 390 square kilometres in Amphoe Muang. It consists of limestone mountains along white sandy beaches, spectacular islands and unspoilt coral reefs. Major attractions include:-

Hat Noppharat Thara the uncrowded beach lined with pine trees and coconut groves, is where the park headquarters is situated. Accommodation is available.

Ao Nang 6 kms. from the Nopparat Thara Beach, is a large bay with scenic beaches and 83 small islands. A number of hotels and bungalows as well as diving shops are available.

Susan Hoi or Fossil Shell Beach is 17 kms. from town along the route to the Nopparat Thara Beach. A tremendous number of shells embedded near the seashore piled up a large amount of shells some 40 million years ago.

Mu Ko Phi Phi an archipelago of six islands located at an equal distance of 40 kms. from both Krabi and Phuket consists of Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Le as the major islands. The superb scenery of the islands includes high hills with jutting cliffs surrounded by marvelous beaches and emerald sea, hiding underneath a bank of coral reefs and colourful marine life which are unrivaled in this whole wide area. Ko Phi Phi Le offers various attractions: Tham Viking a large cave with swallow's nests as well as ancient colour paintings of Vikings' boats, thus giving the cave its exotic name, Ao Pi Le and Ao Lo Sa Ma with are suitable for scuba diving, and Ao Maya a white sandy beach. Accommodation is available on Ko Phi Phi Don where a village is situated.

Than Bok Khorani National Park It is situated in Amphoe Ao Luk, some 45 kms. from Krabi town. The park covers an area of 1211 square kilometres consisting of mangrove forests, limestone mountains, and islands. Major attractions in the area are:

Than Bokkhorani, a pond of emerald water among a shady forested area, is located near the park office. In the area, there is a replica of the Lord Buddha's footprint carved from wood and a shrine of Chao Pho To Yuan-To Chong.

Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua To, two caves in Tambon Ao Luk Tai, can be reached by boat along Tha Prang Canal in 20 minutes. A boat is available at the Bo Tho Pier which can be reached by taking the Ao Luk-Laem Sak route for 2 kms. before turning right and continuing on for another 1.5 kms. There are prehistoric paintings in Phi Hua To Cave and a lot of stalactite and stalagmite formations in Tham Lot where a boat can pass through.

Tham Phet or Diamond Cave is located in the area of Amphoe Ao Luk. The most beautiful appears when countless stalactite and stalagmite formations reflected with light show diamond sparkles all over.

Ko Thalu 45-metre hill with a 1 meter wide hole in the middle, houses large number of swallows' nests.

Mu Ko Hong is a group of limestone islands with fine beaches and coral reefs in both deep and shallow water levels. It takes about 1 hour by boat from Ao Nang to the isalnd. A canoe trip to Ko Hong organised by some agents at ao Nang is a popular activity among tourists.

Ko Garose and Tham Chao Le which contain prehistoric paintings of men and animals, can be visited by boat from Laem Sak in Amphoe Ao Luk.

Wat Khlong Thom This is an interesting archaeological site, located in Amphoe Khlong Thom, between Km. 69-70 of Highway No. 4. In the temple compound, there is a museum which features various kinds of artifacts discovered during excavations within an area called "Khuan Luk pat" or a bead mound behind the temple. The discoveries include stone and earthen ornaments in the shapes of animals and particularly beads dating from some 3,000 years.

Pa Thung Tieo, located 18 kms. from Amphoe Khlong Thom in the non-hunting zone of Khao Pra-Bang Khram, is a virgin forest with natural ponds, rare flora and birds. A 2-Km. long trail offers opportunity to study the environment.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park This consists of many different sized islands, some of which are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs such as Ko Ha, Ko Rok and Ko Hai. Ko Lanta Yai, the main island in the park, is where the national park's office is situated and is also home to sea gypsies. Boat trips should be made during October-April because there is no monsoon during this period. Passenger boats are available at the Chao Fa Pier in Krabi town, the trip takes about 2-3 hours. The other departure point is at Bo Muang Village, Amphoe Khong Thom; the trip takes about 45 Minutes.