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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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