Krabi is a scenic province in southern Thailand, home to lush rainforests and hundreds of breathtaking offshore islands. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and incredible rock formations. The province has more than 150 offshore islands, making island hopping a favorite activity for both foreign and local tourists alike. What’s more, each island has different charms. There are beach islands like Phi Phi, where you can enjoy the white sand and serene waters. There are also places like Koh Hong, which has a lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Beautiful from afar, Krabi is more striking up close. The heart of the mainland is home to forests, waterfalls, springs, and rock pools. This diverse ecosystem shelters various species of amphibians and mammals, which is why Krabi has a number of sanctuaries. If you are looking for activities you can include in your trip to this area, here are some places to consider:
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
This national park is one of the most famous in the province and contains the Phanom Bencha Mountain, the highest peak in Krabi with an elevation of 1,145 meters (3,757 feet). From the mountain flows a number of waterfalls like Huai Sa-de, Namtok Khlong Haeng, Ton Han, and Namtok Huai To. The last is the most famous of the lot, and with reason; it has five cascades stretching over 80 meters. Each cascade flows into its own pond, and the falls are easily accessible, being half a kilometer away from the entrance.
The park itself is 50 square kilometers of rainforest, wildlife, and waterfalls. Park authorities have confirmed the presence of various species of primates in the area, such as white-handed gibbons and stump-tailed macaques. Historically, there have been sightings of Asiatic black bears and leopards though these might be rare.
Hat Nopparat Thara National Park
This national park envelopes a significant part of the Krabi coastline, including beaches like Nopparat Thara, Ao Nang, and Railay Beach. Hat Nopparat is considered one of the best national parks in the province, in part because of the diversity of wildlife it contains. Since it encompasses waterfronts, the park has certified diving and snorkeling spots.
If you want to explore more than 387 square kilometers (149.8 square miles) of coral reefs, this is a must-visit. In Hat Nopparat’s protected area for marine life, you will see coralline algae, freshwater mussels, seabeds and more.
Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary National Park
Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary is at the southern end of mainland Krabi. It is home to the greatest number of bird species in any forest reserve in Thailand, with reports saying there are up to 337 species at present. Expect to find black-breasted pitta, gurneys, chestnut-collared kingfishers, and more in this sanctuary. There are also around 25 types of reptiles in the park. Some species are the blunt-headed tree snake, the equatorial spitting boa and the Malayan whip snake.
Aside from wildlife, people visit Bang Khram for Sa Morakot, or the Emerald Pool. It contains cool water from the hill in the park. The pool is shallow, only about two meters deep, and is 100 square meters big. The interesting thing about it is that it changes color. If the water temperature changes, the pool turns from green to turquoise.
A little ways off from Sa Morakot, you will find the Blue Lagoon. The waters in this area are perfectly clear and blue, and this is a good place to rest after a hike. Note that unlike in the Emerald Pool, visitors are not allowed to swim here. You can still take beautiful photos with it in the background, though!
Conclusion
Krabi definitely has gems beyond the usual tourist attractions. If you are an adventure seeker or a nature lover, you must include at least one of these parks in your itinerary. The amazing views and interesting animals here will surely make it worth your while.
When in Krabi, book a stay at Bluesotel. Our urban oasis-themed hotel is a five-minute stroll away from the beach and other exciting spots. Take your pick between guest rooms with views of the limestone mountains or our relaxing, luxurious pools. Contact us today to learn more!
