Krabi town is very close to the river mouth that opens to the great Andaman Sea into the Andaman Sea with perhaps the country's oldest history of continued settlement. Krabi river flows about 5 km through the town and opens into the Andaman sea at Tambon Pak Nam.
After dating stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province's many cliffs and caves, it is thought that Krabi has been home to homo sapiens since the period 25,000 - 35,000 B.C. In recorded times it was called the 'Ban Thai Samor', and was one of twelve towns that used, before people were widely literate, the monkey for their standard. At that time, c. 1200 A.D., Krabi was tributary to the Kingdom of Ligor, a city on the Kra Peninsula's east coast better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat
Population
The architectural splendor excavated from the caves around Krabi reveals that the island was inhabited from the prehistoric times. The cave paintings and other artifact also reveal that the Krabi population has been rich in culture.
Today the population of Krabi is counted as 344,610, according to the 1999 reports. It is expected to have risen to the 4000,000 mark in the recent years. The island is dream destination for the travelers with its serene beauty and exotic locales. The population density of the islands is estimated to be around 71 inh./km².
The present population of Krabi represents a mix of three different ethnic groups who moved from different destinations to settle down in the island. Each of these ethnic groups have captured a golden space in the history of Krabi.
The early inhabitants of the island were considered to be the ‘sea gypsies'. The origin of this group though is unknown. The groups of this nomadic populations preferred living in small groups and have chosen fishing, collecting shells and diving as their mode of livelihood. The best part of their living is that they have retained their own language and the spiritual beliefs strongly.
The general population of Krabi is known to be very friendly and helpful. It is the behavior of the locals that has made Krabi a must visit spot in Thailand. You would be greeted with the famous Thai greeting, ‘Wai'. The hospitality of the locals is truly unmatched. The tourists are always welcomed by the rise smile on the faces of the locals. The Krabi population is very down-to –earth and you are bound to feel ‘at home' after you have spent some time with them.Many small Muslim communities too love to call Krabi its home. Close proximity to Malaysia has allowed in strengthening the cultural heritage of the Muslim communities in Krabi.
Administration
Krabi is divided into eight districts : Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, and Lam Thap and, Nhua Khlong.
Location
About half way down the Thai penisula you'll find Krabi: southern Thailand's most picturesque province. Halfway between Phuket (2.5 hours drive) and Samui Island (around 2 hours drive to the Samui ferry terminal) with pristine beaches and an amazing interior.The province Krabi is renowned for the limestone 'karst' scenery that can be seen throughout the province which gives it a dramatic natural beauty unlike anywhere else.
The 170 km coastline is coastline is dotted with bays, coves and outcrops of limestone mountains jutting up from the sea, creating a fascinating seascape of tropical islands. Inland, the limestone mountains support a rich reserve of plant and animal life.
Rubber palm oil, coconut and coffee have traditionally been Krabi's main crops in what has always been a mainly farming province.
However, with natural attractions like tropical islands, palm fringed beaches, forest waterfalls and caves attracting more and more sunseeking tourists, and for the more adventurous traveller; rock climbing, kayaking, elephant treking and much much more, Krabi has begun to turn more towards its tourism industry.
Population
Krabi's estimated population, as of September 1999, is 344,610 but has risen to easily over 400,000 in recent years. Due to the increasing visitors we have experienced many more jobs for the local inhabitants and many expatriates who are partly or permanently living and working at this beautiful place.
History
At the start of the Rattanakosin period, about 200 years ago, when the capital was finally settled at Bangkok, an elephant kraal was established in Krabi by order of Chao Phraya Nakorn (Noi), the governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, which was by then a part of the Thai Kingdom. He sent his vizier, the Phra Palad, to oversee this task, which was to ensure a regular supply of elephants for the larger town. So many followers emigrated in the steps of the Phra Palad that soon Krabi had a large community in three different boroughs : Pakasai, Khlong Pon, and Pak Lao.
In 1872, King Chulalongkorn graciously elevated these to town status, called Krabi, a word that preserves in its meaning the monkey symbolism of the old standard. The town's first governor was Luang Thep Sena, though it continued a while as a dependency of Nakhon Si Thammarat. This was changed in 1875, when Krabi was raised to a fourth-level town in the old system of Thai government. Administrators then reported directly to the central government in Bangkok, and Krabi's history as a unique entity separated from the other provinces, had begun.
Geography
Railay BeachesKrabi's mountainous physical geography is broken by highlands and plains on the mainland. The provincial administration also covers more than 130 islands in the Andaman Sea. Natural forest cover is chiefly mangrove and Cassia trees. Krabi's sandy clay soil conditions are perfect for a variety of agricultural products, including rubber trees, palms, mangos, coconuts, and coffee. The Krabi River flows 5 kilometers through the city and falls into the Andaman at Tambon Pak Nam. There are other streams as well : the Khlong Pakasai, the Khlong Krabi Yai and the Khlong Krabi Noi in the province's highest range of mountains, the Khao Phanom Bencha.
Climate
Weather in Krabi is typically that of the tropical monsoon, providing the province with just two seasons, the hot season from January to April, and the rainy season from May to December. Monsoon winds, which change according to season, blow from the southeast, the southwest, and the northeast. Temperatures range between 16.9 and 37.3 degrees Celsius and the yearly rainfall averages 2,568.5 millimeters.
Politics
During the present reign, the corps of civil servants, the merchants, and the population generally of Krabi and nearby provinces have together organized construction of a royal residence at Laem Hang Nak Cape for presentation to His Majesty the King. This lies thirty kilometers to the west of Krabi Town on the Andaman coast.
Traffic
Since 1999 the town is served by the Krabi Airport west of the town. Passing through the town is Phetkasem Road (Thailand Route 4). Many tourists only travel through Krabi town to go to the more popular locations nearby, like Ko Phi Phi, Railay Beach, Ao Nang, Had Yau, Ko Jum, Phuket and Ko Lanta.
Transportation
By Air
Thai Airways International operates flights from Bangkok to Krabi 3 times a week (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday). Flight tickets can be reserved by calling: +66 2280-0060, +66 2628-2000.
By Bus
Buses leave Bangkok for Krabi daily in the evening. The journey takes about 12 hours. The fare for a 240-seat, air-conditioned bus is 655 Baht, 421 Baht for 40 seat air-conditioned bus and 234 Baht for non air-conditioned bus.
Contact Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Borommaratchonnani Road) on +66 2435-1199, +66 2435-5061 (air-conditioned bus) and +66 2434-5557 (non air-conditioned bus).
By Car
Drive from Bangkok on Highway 4 via Phetchaburi, Prachuab Khiri Khan- Chumphon - Ranong - Phang Nga to Krabi, a total distance of 946 kilometers. In the other hand, Drive from Bangkok on Highway 4 to Chumphon then turn to Highway 41 via Lang Suan, Chaiya, Surat Thani and Wiang Sac before changing to Highway 4035 to Ao Luk and then return to Highway 4 to Krabi. This route distance is just 814 kilometers.
By Train
From Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong) take the train to one of the following stations: Trang, Phun Pin in Surat Thani Province, or Thung Song in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. From any of these places a bus may be taken onward to Krabi.
Regarding train schedules and costs, contact Bangkok Railway Station on +66 2223-7010, +66 2223-7020.
Islands
Phi - Phi Islands
Krabi's main attractions are the numerous and yet unspoiled beaches nearby that offer a wealth of snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. The most important is Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, better known as Phi-Phi Island, due west and south of Phuket Town. The park contains extensive mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands, and two islands of outstanding physical yet contrasting beauty which have become the symbol of the perfect tropical island. The boat ride to Phi Phi Lea and Phi Phi Don from Krabi Town's Chao Fah Bridge Pier, at the right time of year, November to April, is a pleasant journey and can take anything from an hour and a quarter to three hours depending on the size of boat taken. The rest of the year conditions in the Andaman Sea can be choppy and the weather can cause involuntary changes of travel plans while at sea.
Phi Phi Lea covers an area of just six square kilometer and is characterized by rugged, steep and lightly vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden bays concealing small pristine beaches and calm clear water whose colour is a kaleidoscope of greens and blues. Its Viking Caves gets its name from the ancient murals depicting Viking-like sailing vessels. The caves are home to sea swallows whose nests are much sort after for the Chinese delicacy Birds Nest Soup.
Krabi Beach two kilometers north is the larger Phi Phi Don covering an area of 28 square kilometers. The island is famed for its palm fringed white sand beaches protected by the mountain masses. Beach side bungalows and chalets are available. The area immediately adjacent to a Muslim fishing village contains bars with live music; restaurants specializing in western and Thai cuisine; cabarets; souvenir shops; dive shops and charter boat operators offering game fishing and day trips to Ko Paid (Bamboo Island) a half an hour boat ride from Phi Phi Don and claimed by many locals to be one of the most beautiful and unspoiled, uninhabited islands in the area.
Yachtmen and scuba divers that can discover and enjoy peaceful anchorage, tranquility and privacy in various locations favouring the Phi Phi group of islands. It has become the start and finishing point for Phuket's prestigious King's Cup yacht race each December. And was recently the location for the film "The Beach" staring Leonardo di Caprio.
The Other Islands
Muh Ko Lanta Marine National Park is a one and a half-hour boat ride east of Phi Phi Don and comprises many islands; several fringed with spectacular coral reef. Those who seek idyllic peace and tranquillity increasingly favour the major island, Koh Lanta. Resort accommodation is available on the northwestern coastline. The 26 kilometre long, from four to six kilometres wide, contains many unspoiled beaches with golden sands and rugged headlands. The park office on the southern extremity of the island, and only accessible by boat, is situated near to the village of Chao Lay or sea gypsies who sustain an existence on mainly fishing for seafood.
Krabi BeachHat Noppharat Thara, some 18 kilometres west of Krabi Town is an extensively scenic beach lined with casurina trees, and offering a commanding view of offshore islands. The beach is popular with those who prefer swimming and sun bathing in tranquil surroundings.
A few kilometres south, the palm fringed Ao Phra Nang Beach is fronted by resort accommodation, guest houses and bungalow complexes, dive shops and restaurants that offer Swiss, Italian, Thai and Chinese food, windsurfing clubs and souvenir shops. This beach is popular for snorkeling and wind surfing.
Due south and only accessible by boat, is the secluded Ao Phra Nang Bay. A mountain cave, containing a shrine to the spirit of a resident goddess (Phra Nang) marks the southern extremity. The beach is a popular venue for swimming and sunbathing, for rock climbers who scale the sheer limestone mountain for the exhilarating views.
Two noteworthy islands are Ko Poda and Ko Gai. They can be reached in half an hour from Ao Phra Nang Bay by long tail boat or in an hour by fishing boat from Krabi Town. Ko Poda is fringed by clear waters, and offers chalet accommodation nestling amid palm trees, with beach side bar and restaurant facilities. Ko Gai, twenty minutes to the west has excellent waters for snorkeling and diving.
Susan Hoi Shell Cemetery is some 17 kilometers from Krabi Town and, comprises of granite-like slabs of grey fossilized shells, estimated to be 75 million years old and the only one of its kind in Asia.
The name can be confusing to western visitors. There never was a woman called Susan Hoi who built a shell cemetery 75 million years ago. The two words Su San are the English translation of the Thai word meaning cemetery. Once someone happened to write them together unaware that they read as Susan a western girl name.
Waterfalls and Caves
Khao Khanap Nam has caves filled with stalactites and stalacmites, and can be reached by longtail boat from the pier in Krabi Town.
Krabi CaveTam Sua (Tiger Cave) is nine kilometres from Krabi town and home to a meditation monastery. It has a collection of Thai Buddhist and Chinese objects.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park covers an area of 50 square kilometres of forested mountains, streams and waterfalls. It is a 30-minute drive from Krabi Town
Two waterfalls, Namtok Huai Sad and Nomtok Huai To, number among the major park attractions. A popular cave, Tam Khao Phung, is filled with stalagmites and stalactities.
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Tam Bok Korani Arboretum, a 40-minute drive from Krabi town. This natural reservoir home to hundreds of birds provides an ideal setting for picnics and swimming.
Shopping
Souvenirs of Krabi are turtle-dove cages, Toei Panan mats made from pandanus trees, shrimp paste, dried fish, and dried shrimp. They are sold in shops on Uttarakit Road.
Cuisine and Restaurant
- Krabi Pla Pao : Uthornkit Rd.
- Kaew Jai : 256 Uthornkit Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1241
- Kodung : Kongka Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1522
- Kaomok Kai Bunghem : 7/6 Sri Phang Nga Rd.
- Chon Thong : Uthornkit Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1028
- Diamond : Nawarat Hotel
- Talay Thai : Uthornkit Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1028
- Nong Joke : 47 Kongka Rd. (towards the bay's mouth)
- Bai Toey : Kongka Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1509
- Paknam : Kongka Rd., Tel: 0-7561-2722
Hotels
Ao Nang Paradise Resort
Ao Nang Princeville Resort
Ao Nang Sea Front Thai Resort
Ao Nang Sunset Hotel
Ao Nang Terrace Hotel
Ao Nang Villa Hotel
Festivals & Events
Andaman Sea Festival
This Festival takes place in November and celebrates the opening of the tourist season in Krabi. Water sport competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are the schedule.
The Setting Adrift of the Chao Le Boats
Takes place on Ko Lanta during the full moon night of the sixth and eleventh lunar months. This is a religious rite performed by Sea Gypsies or "Chao Le" who gather on the beach near Ban Saladan Village. They dance their famous "rong ngeng" round the boats to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature singing and dancing. The reason for the fest is to bring prosperity and happiness to the participants.
