Krabi
Krabi is so visually appealing it can mesmerize. Limestone karsts both onshore and offshore are unique to a few areas of the world.
The offshore karsts form idyllic islands, towers of limestone cloaked in green and flanked by dazzling white sand beaches. An azure Andaman sea invites one to explore what lies below the surface.
Over centuries, the relentless ocean has torn away the limestone bit by bit, making many of the islands appear fragile and in danger of toppling into the deep.
Beware of these deserted islands of Phang Nga Bay. For their simple beauty can enthrall to the point of capturing your heart. You may leave these shards of paradise, but you can never forget them.
Attractions and Activities
Krabi's initial appeal is spectacular. But undersea attractions include snorkeling and scuba diving, especially around the southern islands.
Both Railay Beach and Ko Phi Phi have rock climbing with bolted routes, equipment for rent, climbing schools and guides.
The area has a number of interesting caves. Some are revered as religious sites while others are nesting places for swallows.
Phang Nga Bay
Phuket Sea stretches from the coastline of Phang Nga north of Phuket down the cost until it merges with the Andaman. The Andaman has hundreds, perhaps thousands, of the special islands. Many have never been explored.
Some of the islands have become famous and get an unappealing amount of tourist traffic. James Bond island is a good example. Practically every tourist boat dock in Phang Nga has a James Bond Island tour.
Some of the less touristed islands offer a unique opportunity. A couple or family can arrange a picnic lunch, hire a private boat and spend a day or an afternoon on their very own beach.
Railay Beach
Railay Beach has become a @ rock climber's dream. A towering limestone face soars above a tropical jungle, azure waters shimmering below and balmy trade winds urge every moment of the climb.
Railay Beach can only be reached by boat, which give it a special appeal. The area has continually developed with bungalows and resorts. There is a nightlife and a unique ambiance to Railay.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang is the beach center of the tourist area. The 2 km long stretch of sand is crowded, but the area has all tourist services available. Accommodations range from modest guest houses to the splendor of Rayavadee resort.
Phra Nang
Phra Nang is the just up the coast from Ao Nang and less touristed. Phra Nang can be reached by long-tailed boat. The water is very calm as the beach is protected by surrounding cliffs.
Koh Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi was once the stuff of dreams. The prototype paradise island has starred in movies and been the subject of millions of words. Countless thousands of travelers have departed the island with tears in their eyes. So elegantly carved from the sea, the emerald bays dusted with sugary sand, Koh Phi Phi is singularly beautiful.
But time, tourism and greed left a stain on the gem. One travel forum poster said it well.
"I remember the first time we saw Phi Phi. We stood and cried at the beauty of the place. On our last visit, we cried at what tourism development has done to it."
Then along came the tsunami and returned the island to much of its original beauty. Much of the garbage was cleaned up.
Koh Phi Phi still has beautiful areas. And the island's appeal is quite a personal matter. See it yourself. It is certainly worth the boat ride.
Koh Lanta
Ko Lanta is one of the new paradise island destinations that has been rapidly developed. Ko Lanta Yai is the alrgest of a series of islands just offshore from the southen end of Krabi. Koh lanta National Park is located on the southeastern shore of Ko Lanta Yai.
The Other Islands
Koh Ngai, Koh Rok Nok, Koh Rok Nai, Koh Poda, Koh Kai and Koh Hong are among the destination islands around Krabi.
