| In the far south of Thailand, Krabi is the poster | | | | archaeological site known as the Shell Fossil |
| child for Thailand's natural coastal beauty. It's also | | | | Cemetery. This marvel has been under |
| near Phuket. The scenery is overflowing with | | | | construction for the past 35 million years and has |
| remarkable outcroppings of limestone that | | | | grown into a huge slab of fossilised snail remains |
| produce framing cliffs and peculiar formations. In | | | | more than 15 inches thick. The site of this former |
| the resort area, the pace is much slower than in | | | | swamp can be found at Ban Laem Pho Cape, |
| other Thai hotspots, with a market that caters | | | | which is located about 10 miles from Krabi Town. |
| more for relaxed travellers and families who | | | | Exploring the archipelago |
| would prefer to stay away from the party scene | | | | An organised tour of the archipelago is a |
| of some of Thailand's beaches. | | | | wonderful way to spend a day, and with your |
| Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua | | | | itinerary in the hands of a local tour guide, you |
| If the heat and humidity aren't too overwhelming, | | | | can be sure to find wonderful scenery and some |
| a trip to Wat Tham Seua, or Tiger Cave Temple, | | | | great secluded Krabi beach choices. Another way |
| is a must. In fact, in spite of the heat, you may | | | | to explore the islands close to Ao Nang Beach is |
| want to venture out to see this site in order to | | | | to hire a sea kayak and paddle out to them |
| explore the cool maze of caves in which Buddhist | | | | yourself. This is a good way to get away from |
| monks live and worship. A climb up this Ao Luk | | | | the crowds in the resort area and catch some |
| Thanu limestone mountain to the summit affords | | | | peace along with spectacular scenery. |
| a look at the pagoda, 'Buddha's footprint' and | | | | Scuba diving |
| spectacular vistas of the countryside. | | | | If you're a certified diver, you'll probably want to |
| Rock climbing | | | | jump right in as soon as you arrive in Krabi. The |
| The rock climbing scene at Krabi is fit for all skill | | | | reputation of the nearby Andaman Islands and |
| levels, with something for everyone. Climbers | | | | the wealth of coral reefs fuel much enthusiasm in |
| come from all over the world for the unique karst | | | | this area, and there's no shortage of diving |
| structures and limestone cliffs, many of which are | | | | companies to take divers on day and longer trips. |
| well marked and bolted for climbers. One of the | | | | Snorkelling is also worthwhile, and those wishing to |
| most popular sites is at Ton Sai Beach, but it's | | | | pick up a diving certificate can enrol in a four-day |
| possible to go climbing at any number of places | | | | course. Many of the Phuket dive trips end up |
| around Krabi, especially when collaborating with a | | | | here. |
| local rock climbing company. If you're not sure of | | | | Railay Beach |
| your abilities, don't be too shy to enrol in one of | | | | Longtail boats can be hired to take passengers |
| the instructional classes offered. | | | | out to Railay Beach, which is barred from the |
| Koh Lanta Marine National Park | | | | mainland by massive cliffs that make it only |
| Pristine rainforests and more lovely Krabi beach | | | | accessible by sea. There are a few resorts set up |
| options can be found on the island of Koh Lanta, | | | | along these beautiful beaches, and Phra Nang, a |
| which is also a marine national park. The most | | | | sacred cave, is one of the area's principle |
| striking aspect of this island is that it's home to | | | | attractions. |
| the nomadic tribe of Chae Leh, also called sea | | | | Biking |
| gypsies, who have practiced their own distinct | | | | Cycling is a wonderful way to open up the inland |
| religion and spoken their unique language for | | | | countryside, and a 15 or 20 mile loop out of Ao |
| centuries. There are plenty of relaxed bungalow | | | | Nang will take you into coconut groves, past quiet |
| settings for those who want to stay a while. | | | | villages and in and around the karst outcroppings |
| Visitors from as far away as Phuket come to | | | | of rock before bringing you back to the resort. |
| visit. | | | | Bicycles can be rented for the whole day at Ao |
| Than Bok Khoranie National Park | | | | Nang beach in Krabi. |
| Taking a day to check out Than Bok Khorani | | | | Krabi nightlife |
| National Park is a worthwhile endeavour, especially | | | | Visitors don't generally come to Krabi for the |
| if you're interested in the diversity of plant life | | | | nightlife; instead they're either here for the |
| here, from small gardenias to towering trees. The | | | | stunning geological landscape or the chance to |
| highlight of the park is the green-hued pond that is | | | | relax in a quieter environment that is more |
| the namesake for the park. Beyond the pond is | | | | conducive to families. Krabi Town itself has very |
| the area's standard fare of limestone formations, | | | | few tourist establishments, with most of the |
| caves and mangrove trees. While the park does | | | | action confined to a mile-long stretch of beach at |
| not offer accommodation, camping is permitted if | | | | the Ao Nang resort area. While there aren't any |
| you bring your own equipment. It's also an easy | | | | discos or wild parties, there are plenty of nice |
| drive to and from Phuket. | | | | restaurants with good seafood and a relaxed |
| Shell Fossil Cemetery | | | | atmosphere. The bars in the busiest sector of this |
| A few miles out of Krabi Town, you'll find the | | | | beach stay open past midnight. |