National Parks in Krabi

Everything you need to know about Krabi's National Parks

Recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty, large tracts of Krabi province are incorporated into several national parks covering coastline, beaches and offshore islands. The outlying areas also include the beautiful Phi Phi islands and the Koh Lanta group.

Several National Parks also include the mainland interior which is covered with rich forest, refreshing rock pools, waterfalls, caves hot springs and nature reserves with walking trails. Popular with locals, these inland beauty spots are often busy at weekends with large family groups and local excursions. Outside these times, they're quiet, serene and incredibly peaceful. The entry fee to national parks is 400 baht.

Eco-tourism

Low impact tours with small groups are available to various national parks. Tours often include an activity like kayaking or trekking as well as a knowledgeable guide who can provide interesting information about the plants and local wildlife. Park fees are usually included in the excursion price. (Krabi Tours)

Camping

Possible in some of the parks (bring your own tent) which also have basic bungalow style accommodation. Often busy at holiday times and it’s not always possible to book; check with the Park Offices on arrival.

Hat Nopparat Thara National Park

One of the major national parks, Hat Noppharat Thara, covers a large part of the Krabi coastline including the popular beaches of Ao Nang, Hat Noppharat Thara Beach, and Railey. The park also consists of around80 islands, including Koh Poda, Koh Gai, and the idyllic Phi Phi islands

Within Hat Noppharat, close to Ao Nang, lies Susaan Hoi. The name literally translates as the "Shell Cemetery" where fossilized shells lie perfectly preserved, embedded in layer upon layer of shell and rock. The fossils date back thousands of years when the area was a large freshwater swamp inhabited by little creatures who lived and died by the millions, now petrified.

If you're interested in fossils you will find it totally fascinating and it's worth bearing in mind, there are only two other sites like it in the world; one in the US and the other in Japan.

There's also a small museum nearby describing the site history and giving details of the fossils plus a number of shops selling shells (none of which are found at the site, or in nearby waters.)

Information can be obtained from the National Park Office at Hat Noppharat Thara Beach, next to Ao Nang.

Directions
Along the coast, 18 km by road from Krabi Town, at Ban Laem Pho, or from Ao Nang beach, simply follow the road signs. The entrance to Sussan Hoi is marked by a small Chinese temple.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park

This densely forested park offers peace, serenity, waterfalls and caves. Tham Khao Ping, a cave with large stalactites and stalagmite formations is situated 3 kms from the Park Office.

There are also several picturesque waterfalls. Nam Tok (which literally means falling water) Huay Toh - a 1.2 km walk from the Park Office, Nam Tok Klong Hang - 10 kms from Khao Phanom District Headquarters, and Nam Tok Ton Hahn - 16 kms from the Khao Phanom District Headquarters. The area is ideal for hiking.

Directions
In Khao Phanom district, about 20 kms directly north of Krabi town. Follow signs to Huay Toh waterfall. Easily reached by Songteaw, motorbike or mountain bike, the park has several trails leading to scenic spots and provides great opportunities to observe plant and animal life.

Khao Phra - Khao Nor Chuchi Wildlife Sanctuary

The inland area around Khao Nor Chuchi (Bang Kram Wildlife Sanctuary) is the last patch of lowland rain forest left in Thailand. Considered to be home to more species of birds than any other forest reserve in southern Thailand, birdlovers should look out for Gurneys, Black-breasted Pitta, Chestnut-collared Kingfishers, Black Hornbills and Crestwood Partridges.

The Khao Nor Chuchi Wildlife Sanctuary is the the only place in the world where 'Gurney's Pitta,' a rare bird species, still survives. A nature trail 2.7 kilometres long has been established and leads through the forest showcasing the bio-diversity of this region. At the end you can swim in the "Emerald Pool" or visit the nearby hot springs.

Directions
Located at the southern end of the province on the mainland, opposite Lanta Island about 25 kilometres away from Klong Thom off Highway No. 4.

Thung Teao Forest

Located in the area of Khao Pra-Bang Khram, east of Klong Thom. You can visit the crystal lagoon and the Thung Teao waterfall. There are also hot springs.

The no-hunting zone next to the Bang Teao Village, is a 2.7 km forest trail - the Thung Teao Trail - which begins and ends at the Khao Nor Chuchi Sanctuary Headquarters further south. Information can be obtained from the "no hunting" office at Ban Bang Teao.

Directions
Take Highway No4. to Klom Thom and follow the signs to the waterfall.

Than Bokkharani National Park

Located in Ao Luk district, close to the border of Krabi and Phang Nga, Bokkharani National Park also borders the Andaman Sea. It's worth visiting for the amazing limestone outcrops or "sea mountains" that emerge from the sea as vertical rock walls.

Many of these contain interior cave systems, and hollowed out "rooms" known as "hongs" (Thai for 'room'). Eroded by natural forces over millions of years, these collapsed caverns can sustain their own eco-systems and only be entered via the tunnels when the tide is just right.

Kayaking tours and eco-tours operate out of Railey and Ao Nang daily and also include visits to caves containing prehistoric paintings

Popular with locals as it offers cool forest and a number of small pools and waterfalls. An ideal location for picnics and a swim. Busy at weekends. Bring your own snacks or sample barbecued chicken, fruit and snacks from local vendors.

Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park

Located in the southernmost point in Krabi province, this Marine National Park covers the Lanta island group.

Koh Lanta Yai - the main and largest island - is the National Park's headquarters and home to several communities of Chaolay or Sea Gypsies, a separate ethnic group who still maintain their traditional ways.

Lanta has become the destination for people who simply want to chill out.