Situated in the southern Thailand, Krabi is a province that offers adventure and relaxation amidst stunning natural scenery. Jungle-clad mountains of limestone soar above the coast of the Andaman Sea, sheltering coves of pristine white sand beaches. Mysterious islands lay off the tropical shores of this province - islands that hold a wonderful secret. From afar these islands seem like monolithic sentinels jutting out of the ocean, but hidden caves just above the water level allow visitors to enter these island's hollow interiors, magical places of peace and calm that once were the hideaways of pirates. Today you can navigate a canoe to explore these natural marvels where time stands still. The rugged mountains that blanket Krabi province are also a climber's paradise, and cavers will find a lifetime of caverns and grottoes to explore. For those seeking sanctuary on a secluded beach, Krabi offers wide strips of gleaming sand and swaying coconut palms. Krabi has places of accommodation to fit every budget, from five-star luxury to simple huts of bamboo and palm thatch. Let your inclinations be your guide - whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, luxury or simplicity, Krabi has it all.
Krabi Town
The provincial capital of Krabi Province, this laid-back and easygoing town is the most convenient base to make plans for visiting nearby islands and beaches while sampling the local food and atmosphere. Situated on the picturesque Krabi River, the town has enough to do and see to occupy the visitor for a couple of days. There are many travel and tour agencies that can arrange interesting eco-activities from visiting rubber plantations to bird watching in nearby mangrove swamps.
Ao Nang, Rai Leh & Ton Sai Beaches
Ao Nang is the most easily accessed beach to Krabi Town, and has become a popular resort area with plenty of accommodation and restaurants to fit all budgets. Ao Nang is also a base for the headquarters of Sea Canoe, a tour agency offering kayaking trips to the nearby limestone islands that are riddled with caves and hollow in the center. There are agencies catering to rock climbers - the area surrounding Ao Nang has many cliffs and nearly 500 routes for rock climbers, from novices to experts. Diving is also excellent in this area and there are many dive shops to choose from. Ao Nang is best reached from Krabi Town by van or taxi. Rai Leh is actually two beaches, east and west, and there is also the strikingly beautiful bay at Hat Ton Sai (Banyan Tree Beach), which celebrates a low key full moon party. All three beaches are easily reached by boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.
Than Bokkharani National Park
A relatively small national park, Than Bokkharani nevertheless manages to impress with its fairyland atmosphere of strangely sculpted rock formations, lush tropical foliage and a seemingly endless number of waterfalls and caves. The national park also encompasses a former botanical garden with many exotic examples of flora, and even a troop of resident monkeys. There are places of accommodation near the park for those that want to relax in the placid atmosphere.
Khao Phanom Benja National Park
This protected area of over 50 square kilometers of mountains and jungle is populated with deer, bears, leopards and even tigers - though you're unlikely to spot these elusive creatures. More commonly seen are the numerous species of colorful tropical birds that flitter about the jungle canopy. This national park is also famous for its abundant waterfalls and caves, including the breathtaking three-tiered Huay Toh waterfall. Khao Phanom Benja National Park is also home to the highest mountain in the province. It is possible to camp the night here if you bring your own equipment.
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Africa
