Located approximately 814 kilometers from Bangkok is Krabi Province, one of the most attractive destinations in southern Thailand. Krabi's topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts.
Krabi Thailand Attractions
Pa Phru Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam
Pa Phru or peat swamp forest of the canal of Tha Pom features a number of water sources, which originate from the Chong Phra Kaeo pool. Tha Pom is called Khlong Song Nam by the locals, which in Thai literally means "two water canal", because of its special feature location where crystal clear freshwater, which the pool's floor and the roots of Lumphi palm (Eleiodoxa conferta) are virtually visible, meets seawater from the mangrove forest. Tha Pom features a natural trail made of lath. Wooden chairs are located at certain points for nature lovers to conveniently admire the view of the place.
Admission fees for adults and children are 50 and 30 Baht, respectively. For more details, contact the Khao Khram Sub-district Administration Organization, Tel. 0 7569 4165, 0 7569 4198.
Tham Suea Khao Kaeo Ao Luk Thanu
Tham Suea means tiger cave because the cave in front of Ao Luk Thanu Range or Khao Kaeo features natural rock impressions of tiger paws and real tigers once roamed this area. The surrounding area is covered with lush forest and enormous trees hundreds of years old, particularly in the Khiri Wong Valley. Mountains are on all sides and there are smaller caves in great numbers such as Tham Khonthan, Tham Lot, Tham Chang Kaeo, Tham Luk Thanu, and Tham Phra.
Aside from being the site of a meditation centre, it is also a place of archaeological interest, dating from the prehistoric into proto-historic times. Stone tools, potsherds, and unbaked clay votive tablets have been found. In addition to this, there are trekking routes, and a trail of 1,272 steps leading to the lookout point for a bird's eye view of the place.
Mu Ko Poda
Situated south of Ao Nang, 8 kilometres offshore, Mu Ko Poda is fringed by clear waters and offers white sandy beaches as well as pristine coral reefs. This is why it is a year-round attraction and an excellent place for fishing because it is not affected so much by the monsoon. Mu Ko Poda can be reached within 25 minutes by boat from Ao Nang. Many noteworthy islands like Ko Thap, Ko Mo, Ko Hua Khwan, and Ko Kai are situated nearby. A beautiful sandy beach, connecting these islands, is visible at low tide.
Wat Sai Thai
The monastery is Krabi's central temple and a local gathering point during Buddhist events and weddings. The main attraction in the temple is an impressive reclining Buddha image.
Thale Waek
One of Thailand's unseen highlights, Thale Waek is situated along Ko Dam Khwan. As the tide recedes, the sea is gradually separated by the white sand and limestone beach that will appear to amazingly connect the two islands at low tide. The best time to visit Thailand's Thale Waek is 5 days before and after the full moon from December to beginning of May.
To visit Thale Waek, proceed on Highway No. 4034 from the city, then turn left and follow Highway No. 4202 to Ao Nang. Rental boats with a maximum of 8 - 10 passengers are available at a rate of 800 – 1,000 baht.
Krabi Thailand Local Product
Som Shogun
The orange is popular because of its sweet taste. It has a thin rind and little pulp and is best eaten fresh. The orange tree flowers from March to June depending on the climate in the area and takes about one month for the fruit to set. The fruit can be picked 8 to 9 months later.
The most popular propagation method is by rooting branches. Orange growers usually wait until the tree is three years old before they start picking the fruit.
Hoi Chak Teen
Hoi chak teen or wing shell is in the Strombus Canxarium family. It looks like a conch but is smaller and brown in color. Its special characteristic is its dark brown walking legs which are referred to as "feet" or "teen" (in informal Thai). It is found in the sea in Krabi and nearby provinces.
To prepare the dish, the wing shell is soaked in salty water for about half an hour. A few crushed chilies are added to the water to make it spicy. The wing shell then begins to move, pushing its feet out and expelling the mud from inside. It is rinsed several times and then put in to a pot of cold water. The pot is then put on the stove and when the water gets warm, the wing shell pushes its feet out. As soon as it is cooked, it is ready to be served.
To eat the wing shell, you pull the feet and the mollusk will come out. It is eaten with a dip made of garlic, chilies, sugar, lime juice and fish sauce.
Hoi chak teen is a popular savory snack dish. The shells are also made into decorative items for the home or sold as souvenirs.
Krabi Thailand Activities
Canoeing, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, and Abseiling
Apart from its world renowned natural attractions, Krabi is also an ideal place for canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, and abseiling.
Krabi, Thailand tourist spots is famous for canoeing and kayaking include Ko Hong, Ko Karot, Ko Phak Bia, Ko Ku Du, and Tha Len, while Tham Phra Nang and Hat Rai Le have attracted many climbers. Abseiling has currently become another popular sport in Krabi.
Located 35 kilometres off the provincial town, tourists can enjoy kayaking in Ban Tha Len, which abounds with mangrove forests and ghost crabs. Not far from the kayaking spot features Tham Khangkhao or the bat cave with amazing stalactites and stalagmites. Through the cave offers an ideal spot for abseiling, where the panoramic view of Krabi’s sea, offshore islands, and mangrove forests are visible. For more information, contact Mr. Kayak (Thailand), Tel. 0 7563 7165, 08 1978 9901 or Sea Canoe (Krabi), Tel. 0 7563 0059, 0 7563 0270, 0 7562 3295.