Krabi

Overlooking the west coast of the Malay Peninsula, Krabi is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. With approximately 60,000 inhabitants, Krabi Town is the main city of the province and one of the Kingdom's most renowned seaside resorts. Located about 780 km south of Bangkok and 180 east of Phuket Town by road, the city lies upstream the mouth of Krabi River that empties into Phang Nga Bay. Less commercialized than neighbouring Phuket Island, Krabi receives over two million visitors a year mostly attracted by its relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, but also because the whole province is noted for its natural beauties and considered a small pristine gem on the Andaman Sea. The distinguishing feature of region is the imposing solitary limestone peaks rising dramatically out both on the mainland as in the sea. The impressive limestone cliffs overlooking the Railay Peninsula offer a unique and spectacular landscape that attracts thousands of climbers every year from around the world. The entire coastline is dotted with stunning white sand beaches surrounded by crystal turquoise waters. Among these the most famous are the pristine beaches in Ao Nang and Railay Peninsula. The province also includes 154 pristine coral islands. Some islands are simple rocky outcrops that emerge just above the sea surface, most are small to medium in size and few of them have inhabitants. A good part of the islands are under the protection of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Than Bok Khorani National Park and Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Among all the islands the most famous are undoubtedly the incredible Phi Phi Islands, even more known since its small Koh Phi Phi Leh was the location of the movie The Beach. More close to the coast of Krabi are also the amazing groups of Poda and Hong Islands. The stunning Phang Nga Bay is located just north of Krabi, and has majestic scenery, among the most beautiful on the planet, with limestone islets and cliffs which rise from the sea as huge monoliths. The interior of the province is home to two continental national parks, Khao Phanom Bencha National Park and Than Bok Khorani National Park, which offer scenic attractions, including waterfalls and caves with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as good opportunities for trekking, bird watching and eco-excursions. More