Experience the ultimate beach fun at Krabi

There is a place called Tambon Pak Nam in Thailand where the Krabi river opens to the great Andaman Sea. Quite a few other rivulets originating from the mountain ranges in the province , Kao Panom Benja ; the Klong Pakasai, Klong Krabi Yai and Klong Krabi Noy, also joins the sea at this area. Divided into eight districts : Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, and Lam Thap and, Nhua Khlong, this is a paradise for tourists and nature lovers.

There are so many things you can do at this destination that it would be difficult for you to fit all of them in your schedule. Some places and activities which are a must in your schedule include:

HONG ISLAND This limestone island has a beach and is surrounded by coral reef. To get to the islands takes about one hour by boat from Ao Nang beach.

AO NANG BEACH Off this Beach, there are around 83 small islands of various size and shapes and a boat trip or a sightseeing tour can be arranged either through long-tail’ boat skippers or through an organised tour one of the hotels or tour agencies offer.

BEACH FUN Frisbee throwing (either on sand or in the water) or a game of football with the locals at the low tide beach area of Railey beach would not be a bad idea. There’s a permanent volleyball net too, where you can play for hours with other enthusiastic players.

CANOEING There are various establishments particularly on Ao Phra Nang and Railey beaches where you can hire canoes, either by hour or by day. A few charter companies in the area also offer canoeing expeditions along the coast or around the islands in the area.

SNORKELING, SCUBA DIVING and FISHING TRIPS are organized from most beaches, some offering canoeing in two-person kayaks, sailing and windsurfing. If some sport is not offered at your beach, you can easily take one of the regular long-tail boats to the next beach and probably find it there.

ROCK CLIMBING is a must at Krabi for the limestone cliffs in the area seem to have been created by nature for this very purpose. Where the palce sees avid climbers annually, there is also scope for inexperienced climbers who can opt for the climb to see the Princess Lagoon and the scintillating views across the karst landscape both inland and out to sea that lies next to Railey Beach. There are fixed ropes for assistance at the steeper points, but most of it is a forest hike. Access is at the south end of either Railey East or Phra Nang beach.

PHI PHI ISLANDS The superb scenery of these islands include beaches of silvery sand, emerald green sea, coral reefs and an abundance of colourful marine life.

Krabi province has a great public transport system with buses departing from Krabi Town to Aonang Beach, Noppharatara Beach and Aonammao Beach which is one route. Along the coast and to islands, ferries and water taxis operate. On land, open air buses, converted pick up trucks, motorcycle taxis, all relatively cheap (average 20 Baht for local trips in Ao Nang Beach) run very efficiently and regularly around Krabi town and the beach areas.