Beaches & Islands in the Sun

Visitors to Krabi beaches and islands are of many different backgrounds. Some are on
their honeymoon and are overseas for the first time, others are adventurists who barely
unpack their bags before leaving on their next adventure. We have visitors who have
traveled the world over who have enjoyed travels on continents around the world, hot
and cool climates. When you read about the islands and beaches of Krabi you will see
that there is truly something to enjoy and love for everyone.

Ao Nang Beach
Krabi is hardly 18 km away from the bay and the bay has some 83 islands scattered
around. Each one of these islands are a short distance away from one another. And
during low tides, you can even wade your way to the neighboring island. In this sort of a
natural set up, there is little shortage for sandy beaches and crystal clear water. But
among them all, Ao Nang beach is supposed to be the best.
Ao Nang has the cleanest of environments in the area. This is the most developed beach
in the area. And the beach is accessible by road from Krabi. Less crowded and more
quiet, it gives a more peaceful atmosphere to the tourist than the Krabi. The majestic
looking limestone cliffs rising straight from calm, clear waters of the sea and the long
beach line that runs the whole length of the resort are great attractions claimed
exclusively by Ao Nang. The shallow coast line is very safe for children to play with the
waves. The deserted beach of Pai Plong is easily accessible on foot when the tide is low.
There are 83 islands of various sizes in the bay off this beach. And the facilities for boat
trips are well organized in the beach. Tourism sector takes care of the food requirements
at the sea front itself. With widest range of accommodation facilities , transports either
by boat or road, excellent facilities for tasty foods, tourists often make this area a base
camp to make their foray further deep to discover the caves or for trekking and rock
climbing.

Hat Noppharat Thara

This beach is on the western side of the Krabi town. The park covers an extensive area
of the main land and 80 islands including Phi Phi Islands.
20 km west of Krabi and 3 miles long, this beach is lined with a majestic Casuarina
forest. The beach is a part of Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park. Just as in the case of Ao
Nang , during low tides, it is possible to reach other islands in the bay on foot.

Railay or Railey Beach & ( Hat Tham Beaches )

Two of the most popular beaches in Ao Phra Nang peninsula are Rai Leh and Hat Tham.
This is just to the south of Ao Nang. Phra Nang area is a hilly terrain with craggy
limestone cliffs. There are no proper roads in this area. The beaches are accessible by
long tail boats. This scenario gives a secluded feel to the place.
In Rai Leh, excellent accommodation is available which gives an added attraction to this

beach. There are plenty of rock formations in the area. And caves with stalactites and
stalagmites are spectcular attraction in Rai Leh. As is quite typical of this area, the
limestone geology has forged many interesting rock formations.
Besides, these beaches provide opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts. A spectacular
view of the surrounding areas from the top of the cliff is a rewarding experience to the
hardship and strain you take to climb the hill side. The facilities including supplies of
climbing gear and training for the novice are also available.
Pristine beaches with pure white sand and shallow clear water make the Rai Leh beach a
favorite to the tourists. Swimming and sunbathing in this beach is much popular.
Rai Leh beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. And
this is one of Krabi's most unique areas.

Pra Nang Beach

Connected to Rai Lei by a small path is Phra Nang (not to be confused with Ao Nang) on
the outer most point of the headland, backed by a limestone cliff which soars above the
beach providing some welcome shade in the hot afternoon. At the bottom of the cliff lies
the Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok - local legend surrounds the cave and local
fishermen leave offerings for good fortune.
It's a great beach to simply hang out. In the late morning the "sandwich boats" arrive.
Local longtail boats equipped with ice boxes, bread and sandwich ingredients. Fancy a
cheese and ham baguette? Freshly made and not expensive, the ladies on the boats will
serve with a smile and often a free piece of fruit. A path Swimming and snorkeling can
be enjoyed off this pristine, white sandy beach, and from here it is possible to hike to the
top of the headland to get spectacular views of the entire area.

Klong Muang Beach/Tubkaak

Krabi's latest beach destination, Muang Klong is aiming upmarket with 5 star and
boutique hotels like the Sheraton Krabi Resort, the Nakamanda and the Tubkaak Resort.
Unlike Ao Nang it doesn't have the impressive cliffs immediately towering over the
beach, but it does have powder white sand and safe swimming

The Lanta Island Group

About 53 islands are included in this group, which form the southern most district of
Krabi Province.
Koh Lanta Yai
The largest of the islands, it was formerly known as Pulao Satak, its name in the Malay

language, which means Long Beach Island. The island is a favourite spot for those
seeking peace and solitude, and is the home of the District and National Park offices.
Mountainous and rugged in some spots, especially near the southern tip; with a
combination of gravely and fine white sandy beaches, the island is also home to a clan of
Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies - an ethnic group who preserve many of their ancient customs
and ceremonies. In recent years accommodation has increased in Lanta with a range
from basic bungalows to upmarket resorts now available. You can get to Lanta on the
regular ferry from Jao Fah Pier in Krabi Town.
Koh Taleng Beng
Lies in the Lanta district and is similar in shape to Phi Phi Ley. Swallows also nest at this
island which at low tide has a small beach and tunnel.
Mu Koh Hah
Still in the Lanta area, this is a group of 5 islands featuring coral gardens and good
diving spots.
Koh Ngai, Koh Rock Nai and Koh Rock Nok
South of Lanta Island, these 3 islands are close to Trang Province. Koh Ngai is easily
accessed via ferry from Pak Meng Beach, others are accessed by hired boat and feature
both beaches and coral gardens.

Poda Beach
This is another location much favored by tourists. Lying off the coast of Ao Nang , Poda
Beach is famous for its pure white sandy beach and warm waters.
Diving and snorkeling , sun bathing and boating are the favorite activities in this beach.
This is considered to be an ideal place for fun and relaxation.

Phi Phi Island Beaches

These islands are some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. This is one
of the much sought after locations in Krabi province. The superb scenery of these islands
are not just limited to the silvery sand beaches but the Emerald green sea, the multi
colored coral reefs and the abundance of the underwater marine life.
Hardly 2 hrs journey by boat from Ao Nang beach, the twin islands Phi Phi Don and Phi
Phi Leh provide excellent entertainments.
Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands. Covering some 28 square km area, this is in
the northern part of the island. Phi Phi Don has several long white sand beaches.
Long ,white curved beach, fringed by palms and between mountain ranges provide
sheltered calm waters for beach sports. Plenty of accommodation is available at the site.
You can have beach side bungalows or smaller resorts as you please. Bars are available
adjacent to the Muslim areas where you have to be discrete. Sun bathing and swimming
in the shallow waters are the popular enjoyment here.
There are very many restaurants in Phi Phi Don. In fact, Thailand as a whole is
considered to be a land of restaurants. This may perhaps be the only place in the world
where you have more number of restaurants and eateries on a per capita basis. And Phi
Phi Don is no exception. Both European cuisine and tasty Thai foods are available at the

beach restaurants. Bars, cabaret, souvenir shops, fishing excursions and chartered boats
are all available at the site.
Phi Phi Leh is only some six sq.km in area. The main attraction is the rocks and caves.
Rugged cliff surfaces with sparse vegetation rising staraight from the sea bed to several
metres to the sky provide real challenge to the rock climbing enthusiasts.
There are several caves where birds roost in their multitudes. The sea swallows make
their gelatinous nests in these caves. And these nests are some delicacy in the Chinese
cuisine.
The Viking cave is famous for the murals inside. These paintings depict Viking-like sailing
vessels and sailors there by giving the name for the cave.
The underwater life is also much captivating. The colorful coral reef and underwater
creatures give a feast to the divers. Snorkeling is a favorite sport in these beaches. In
short, Phi Phi Islands are a real treat to the tourist and one of the best choices in the
Andaman Bay.

Ko Paid ( Bamboo Island )

This is another of the Phi Phi Islands but uninhabited. This has some of the most
beautiful beaches in the area. And the beaches are unspoiled as the area is uninhabited.

Or get to Penang and get a mini van direct to Krabi. You do go via Hat Yai but it only takes a
day.

You should be able to take a bus to Hat Yai, spend the night there, and another to
Krabi (perhaps with a change of bus on the way). In Hat Yai you will probably be
dropped at a tourist transport office - they can direct you from there. I do not know
why people on TT worry so much about connections in SEA - everything is geared
up to look after you. But do not expect to be transported instantly from place to place
- It is not Star Trek. Allow time for these things.
Paul
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/asia-south-east-asia-islandspeninsula/topics/kuala-lumpur-malaysia-to-krabi-thailand-by-land?
page=1#post_20546296

Not that far from bus station. U can take tuk2. I took the minivan to Krabi from Konsortium (260
bath per pax / way).
32, Prachathipat Road, Hat Yai Tel : +66 074 351280 and +66 074 351281

Minibuses

Many tour agencies (see the circles, that represent tour agencies, on the second map
on this page) can book minibuses that will conveniently pick you up from your hotel. The
tour agency I got the following information from is at the entrance on the ground floor of
Cathay Guesthouse, number 3 on my accommodation list on this page.
Prices will be similar in other tour agencies, but I did find that the Cathay Guesthouse
agency (see telephone/email below) was competitively priced. This tour agency was also
the only place I found in the city where you couldrent a motorbike, for 200 baht daily).
Prices might change slightly to what I've written below. In June 2009, prices were about
30 baht more than they were in August, 2009.....Below, I've written the August 2009
prices.
Many of the tour agencies (see below) book bus journeys to Kuala Lumpur(Malaysia)
and Singapore.
The cost (using the Cathay Tour Company) to Kuala Lumpur is 450 baht. Departing 9am,
10am, 12 midday, 19:30pm. Journey time - 8 to 9 hours.

http://www.chiang-mai.org/hatyai.html