Krabi is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Thailand. Few places in the world have such beautiful beaches, such fantastically rich nature, such an amazing calm atmosphere. Those who are going to relax in this beautiful resort are, of course, interested in what to see in Krabi and what to do if they get tired of spending time on the beach.
The list of interesting places is huge. First of all, these are natural attractions - unusual islands, incredible rocks and coral reefs, protected parks with lakes and hot springs, waterfalls and ancient caves. Among the architectural monuments there are pagodas with unique sculptures and paintings, temples and mosques. Krabi seems to be created for active and curious tourists, and all the main attractions can be seen as part of an excursion group or on your own.
TOP 10 attractions of Krabi
Twin rocks Khao Khanab Nam
Twin rocks Khao Khanab Nam
The rocks of Khao Khanab Nam are the main attraction of Krabi town. Two symmetrical mountains 100 meters high are located on opposite banks of the river, forming a kind of gateway to the city. You can get to them only by water (it is easy to rent a boat at one of the city's berths).
Another gem of Krabi is hidden inside the rocks: mysterious caves, steeped in legends. The fact is that the remains of people who lived a thousand years ago were found in these caves. The reasons for their life in underground grottoes and the circumstances of their death remain a mystery. You can go down to the caves by stone stairs. The dungeon looks like a fairy kingdom with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
After the caves, you can climb one of the peaks to admire the surrounding tropical landscapes. Not far from the Twin Rocks, there is a large mangrove forest and a traditional Thai fishing village.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang
Ao Phra Nang Bay ("Princess Bay") is one of the most beautiful places in Krabi province. You should definitely come to the beaches of Ao Nang at least for a day. Their peculiarity is that during noticeable low tides, the bottom of the ocean is exposed in a wide strip, the water recedes, leaving the shore with white sand and countless shells. The beauty of the beaches is emphasized by the sheer limestone cliffs that surround the bay.
The fantastic sunsets on the coast of Ao Nang are legendary. Going beyond the horizon, the sun paints the sky with unrealistic bright colors.
Ao Nang promenade is superbly equipped. In addition to luxury hotels, there are many cafes and restaurants with excellent international and Thai cuisine, many shops and travel agencies. Massage connoisseurs will be especially pleased with the whole network of massage parlors along the coastline. Tourists are offered very high quality:
- traditional Thai massage;
- herbal massage;
- massage of legs and feet;
- aroma oil massage;
- cosmetic procedures.
Koh Kai Island (or Ko Chicken)
Koh Kai Island
The small mountainous island of Ko Kai ("Chicken Island") is located 8 km from the coast of Krabi province. It is ranked among the symbols of Krabi - for its beauty, lush vegetation and the cleanest sea. The island owes its name to a noticeable rock from afar, the outlines of which resemble the silhouette of a chicken. The photograph of this rock is one of the most popular Thailand views in advertising brochures. You can land on the island only from the side of a small cozy beach, the rest of almost 3 km of the coastline are inaccessible. There are no hotels on the island, and from the tourist infrastructure there is only one cafe with a small selection of food and drinks. But there are curious and brave monkeys (they prefer nuts from treats) and huge shoals of the most picturesque and vibrant fish (snorkeling or scuba diving near Koh Kai is a favorite attraction of tourists).
Another feature of the island is the spit that connects Koh Kai with neighboring islands. This shallow of white sand and shells emerges from the water only at low tide. Be sure to bring the right shoes to walk around and take spectacular photos.
Rayleigh
Rayleigh
The Railay Peninsula, located between the city of Krabi and the resort of Ao Nang, is a must-see attraction. This place has become a cult. Many tourists come to Thailand often just for the incredible beauty of Railay.
The peninsula's vertical limestone cliffs are a magnet for climbers. The same rocks are the natural protection of the peninsula, which can only be reached by water.
Railay offers guests a balanced mix of tourism infrastructure and wildlife. Here you can rest comfortably away from civilization. Cafes, restaurants and small hotels offer excellent service. Railay beaches are on the list of the best beaches in the world.
The adornment of the peninsula is the Diamond Cave - an underground grotto stretching for 180 meters with bizarre stalactites. And if you go deep into the peninsula, climbing the stone paths, you can find the azure Princess Lake. Swimming in it will give pleasure at the end of a difficult route.
Wat Thamsua monastery
Wat Thamsua monastery
Among the cultural attractions of Krabi, one can single out the popular among pilgrims and tourists Wat Thamsua - the Temple of the Tiger Cave. The monastery consists of several buildings surrounded by mountains and tropical forests. The main hall of the monastery is located inside a large cave and is decorated with statues of Buddha and sculptures of tigers and panthers.
If you climb the mountain to the 18-meter statue of the golden Buddha, overcoming about 1200 steep stone steps, you will see a stunning panoramic view of the entire area. Many tourists come here at sunrise or sunset, when the mountain and seascapes are especially beautiful. In the dark, the territory of the temple and the stairs are well illuminated, which makes the ascent or descent safe.
Another interesting place in Wat Thamsua is the settlement of monks. To find this "lost world", you need to walk up the stairs between the rocks into a stone well, then follow a path overgrown with tropical trees. Some monks live in small houses, some in well-equipped caves and grottoes. And some prefer to live in natural conditions, not protecting the entrances to their cave cells.
Tip: when going on an excursion to the Tiger Cave Temple and planning to climb the mountain, stock up on water and be sure to wear comfortable sports shoes.
Huay To Waterfall
Huay To Waterfall
The most beautiful and beloved by tourists waterfall in Krabi is Huay To. Even in the dry season, it remains powerful and full of water. It falls from a high mountain in a cascade, forming natural bowls on all 11 tiers. Do not forget to take swimwear on the tour, and then you can swim in the most pleasant of them:
- Wang Tevada ("pool of angels");
- Wang Sok ("annual pool");
- Wang Jan ("platter pool").
The water is perfectly clean, but cold enough, as the waterfall is filled from underground sources.
Along the entire waterfall, along a beautiful path, you can climb to the very top of the mountain, from where Huay To begins its fall (in the rainy season, the road up is closed).
There are many other attractions in Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, where the waterfall is located. For example, the Khtam Khao Pheung caves, decorated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Or the 500-meter Klong Haeng waterfall hidden in deep thickets. The reserve is inhabited by tigers and panthers, Himalayan bears and tapirs, leopards and gibbons, many exotic birds, including the rare hornbill and pitta Garney, a Thai endemic.
Please note that it is strictly forbidden to make noise, litter and even collect stones on the territory of the natural park.
Susan Hoi Seashell Cemetery
Susan Hoi Seashell Cemetery
This place is unique for our planet, something like this can be found only in the USA and Japan. It is undoubtedly one of the most important landmarks in Southern Thailand. The shell cemetery is located 18 km from the city of Krabi and is a 200 meters wide beach, on which lime slabs are located, resembling concrete blocks from a distance. In fact, they are fossilized compressed remains of prehistoric marine molluscs. The age of the fossil shells is, according to various versions, from 40 to 75 million years. It is interesting that there are no unidentified ones among them, all found species still exist off the coast of Thailand. Most of the unique and scientifically valuable shell rock can be seen at low tide. Rocky formations are gradually sinking under the water, and there are no forecasts for how long we will be able to admire this natural miracle.
Near the shellfish cemetery, there are stalls and shops where you can buy a variety of jewelry made from natural pearls and shells of the most unusual shapes at very reasonable prices. There is also a small and peculiar open-air museum.
Catfish farm
Another interesting place near the city of Krabi is the catfish farm. Contrary to the name, not only catfish are bred here, but also other species of fish. In addition to fish, the farm is home to numerous animals, including wild boars, turtles, geese, crocodiles and monkeys. Many of them can not only be fed, but also stroked. By the way, the entrance ticket includes a bag of fish food.
The large territory of the farm is arranged like a picturesque natural park: narrow paths with hanging bridges, real jungle around, exotic flowers, lonely huts overgrown with cobwebs, gazebos with sun loungers, hammocks and a beautiful beach on the banks of a wild river. There is even a bungee for those who want a special extreme.
Elephant safari
Elephant safari
Elephants are sacred symbols of Buddhism revered in Thailand. If you want to ride these huge, good-natured animals, go to the elephant farm located near Krabi. An hour-long excursion on an elephant will appeal to both adults and young tourists. A measured swaying on a mighty back, an unusual look at the surrounding landscapes, the crossing of shallow rivers, when in the heat an elephant scoops up water with its trunk and gives a shower to its riders - all this will bring a lot of positive emotions. During the walk, a halt is arranged, you can have a snack, feed the elephants or take interesting photos, because elephants love and know how to pose! Each elephant is accompanied by a driver, so there is no need to worry about the safety of the trip.
Emerald, Blue and Crystal lakes
About 60 km from Krabi town there is another unusual attraction - a nature reserve with three lakes: Emerald, Blue and Crystal.
- To see the Crystal Lake, located away from the main tourist trail, you need to turn from the entrance at the sign to the Natural Trail. This is a one and a half kilometer long pedestrian walkway, laid on stilts along the river, through the mangroves. The crystal lake is filled with water of amazing purity. You cannot swim in it.
- Further along the route - the famous Emerald Lake, an artificial reservoir in the river bed, the water in which is colored by minerals in an extraordinary deep blue-green color. You can swim in this lake. They say that the water in it is healing. But after 11 o'clock in the morning there are a lot of people here and swimming becomes uncomfortable.
- If you go even further, you can reach the incredible Blue Lake. The color of the water in it is sapphire. A rare beauty sight! Photos have a hard time capturing the amazing shade of the water. Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
In addition to the lakes, the natural park has a waterfall with hot springs, bird watching towers, and a monkey trail.
