Krabi is a small provincial capital sitting on the banks of the Krabi River, close to where the river flows into the Andaman. The surrounding area is littered with tall limestone outcrops, pocked with caverns and topped with thick jungle, which feature prominently in the northern and central parts of the province. The shoreline alternates between luscious limestone precipices and coves of fine white sand, bordering on the turquoise clear waters of the Andaman. There are also many caves that can be found in the province, some that have shown up evidence of human habitation from over 43,000 years ago.

In former times the economy of the area was based solely on fishing and agriculture. With the advent of tourism in the 80's Krabi Province has transformed itself into a major tourist centre, especially the islands off the coast. The islands mostly belong to the Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park and are easily accessible from Krabi.

        Places of Attraction

Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)
This temple, located 3 km to the NE of town, is a famous meditation centre. It is spectacularly set in the Ao Luk Thanu mountain range. The main viharn is situated in a limestone cave, with many kutis (monastic cells) on both sides. Behind the bot is a ridge which leads to a network of caves. The paths have electric lights that aide you along the way. Follow the path, through interesting scenery, it eventually leads back to the entrance.

Susaan Hoi
Known as the 'shell cemetery', this natural phenomenon is located about 20 km from Krabi - close to the village of Laem Pho. What at first seems like slabs of concrete scattered along the shoreline, are in fact fossilized shells over 75 million years old. It is one of only three such sites in the world and the only one in Asia. The cemetery is best observed at low tide, when more of the shells are exposed for viewing.

Thanboke Khranee National Park
This is a wonderful place for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The park, established in 1991, is set in the north of Krabi province, around Ao Luk. The park incorporates the Thanboke Khranee botanical garden, where trails lead the visitor around the beautiful forest scenery dotted with small streams and rock pools. In the upper pool visitors are welcome to take a relaxing swim in the crystal clear water.

Khao Phanom Bencha NP
This small national park is set in the north of the province, around the 1350m mountain peak of Phanom Bencha. The relatively small park, at 500 sq km, is situated in a region of virgin rainforest. The remains of the rainforest shelter over 150 species of birds and 32 species of mammals.
The ruggedness of the terrain, topped with lush tropical vegetation, provides a spectacular backdrop to the park's natural attractions. The impressive Huay Tho falls, with eleven levels (each containing a small pool), is one of the most striking as well as the most popular. The park has two trails for visitors to follow; both winding through the heart of the park, and can be rather gruelling to some. The rewards however are always worth the sweating and aching.

Ao Nang
The bay is about 18 km from Krabi town. It contains a group of 83 islands, most of which are only a short trip away by a long-tail boat ride. It has a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere than Krabi. The dramatic limestone cliffs drop majestically into the calm waters of the sea, while in the hinterland caves and grottos adorn the area. The long fine beach runs along the length of the resort and offers a great view over the bay and the nearby islands. The waters off the beach are shallow here, making it a safe and suitable place for children to enjoy. At low-tide it's possible to reach the deserted beach at Pai Plong, just around the headland.

Hat Napporat Thara
This beach lays about 20 km west of Krabi. It is about 3 km long and lined with Casuarina forest. The beach is part of the Napporat Thara and Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park. At the visitors information centre there is a small exhibition of local artefacts on display. During low tide it's possible to wander out to some of the islands in the bay.

Ao Phra Nang
Ao Phra Nang is the peninsular just to the south of Ao Nang. It contains the popular beaches of Rai Leh and Hat Tham. There are no roads along Phra Nang, due to the craggy limestone cliffs, giving a secluded feel to the place. Although it is easily and regularly accessible by long-tail boats. The beach at Rai Leh is rather spectacular and has a fine range of pleasant accommodation available. As is typical in this area, the limestone geology has forged many interesting rock formations. The bay is also abound with many caves, containing interesting stalagmites and stalactites formations, to wander around in.

The pristine beaches, well known for their beauty, have fine clear waters and are excellent for swimming and sunbathing. For those that don't suffer from vertigo, the limestone cliffs that surrounds Rai Leh offer great opportunities for enthusiastic rock climbers. The rewards are a spectacular view over the surrounding area.

Located at the southern end of the beach are the remarkable limestone formations around the mountain cave of Phra Nang - named after a mythical princess called Nang. Many rock climbers from around the world have been drawn here to enjoy their pursuit on the challenging cliff faces.