Krabi Highlights Tour

KRABI HIGHLIGHTS

It’s estimated that there are around 150 islands and islets around the Krabi coastline, many are small rocky outcrops that rise precipitously out of the sea and have no landing access. Others are larger, with characteristic tiny white sand beaches, coral reefs, and intricate cave systems.

Koh Poda is one of the most popular islands in Krabi archipelago. Located just six kilometers offshore from Ao Nang, it roughly takes 25 minutes to get there by long-tail boat. The price for a return ticket is about 300 baht per person; note that if you travel alone, you will have to wait for the long-tail boat to be full according to its capacity before you set off. Mu Koh Poda or Poda Island group consists of four islands: Koh Poda, Koh Kai, Koh Tap and Koh Mor. Koh Poda is the largest of the group despite its area being no more than a kilometer in diameter. Covered with palm and pine trees and almost entirely encircled by a soft white sand beach, it is every inch the stunning tropical getaway. A coral reef lies about 20 meters from the beach with a variety of sea life. The irresistible combination of excellent snorkeling, scenery and soft sand make the island a popular choice with snorkelers and sea kayakers, but surprisingly, it’s not that crowded.

Koh Tap (also spelled Koh Tup, Koh Tub or Koh Thap) and Koh Mor are two tiny islands that belong to the Mu Koh Poda group. Located approximately nine kilometers from Ao Nang, it takes about 30 minutes to reach them by long-tail boat from the prime resort towns in Krabi Province. These two islets are linked by a sandbar which, at low tide, also enables you to walk to Koh Kai (Chicken Island), situated some 500m away. The popularity of Koh Tap and Koh Mor is due to their specific shape, as both sides of the sand bar offer great snorkeling in crystal clear waters. This sandbar is called ‘Talay waek’ in Thai, which means ‘divided sea’. A short hike to Koh Tap’s summit offers a cool viewpoint to the other islands around. The best way to get to these islands is to join the Krabi Four-Island tour by speedboat (or any similar excursion). Alternatively, if you just want to go there to spend the day, you could pack a lunch, and simply take a long-tail boat from Ao Nang, Railay, Klong Muang or Nopparat Thara. It will cost you about 300 baht per person to get there from Ao Nang. Note that you will have to wait for the boat to have at least eight passengers before setting off.

Railay Beach is, in fact, a small peninsula that counts four beaches. Now on every savvy traveler’s list, Railay is nevertheless one of Thailand’s most sought-after beach areas. Just south of Ao Nang Beach, around a rocky headland and accessible only by boat, Railay presents a tranquil and extraordinary world. In just one small peninsula you’ll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. All within walking distance! At Railay, there are no roads; only footpaths. No buses, no cars, just longtail boats. Although it’s actually connected to the mainland, the spectacular Phra Nang Peninsular is effectively cut off from the rest of Krabi by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys; the only access is by sea. The very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers lazy days, adventure forays and chilled-out evenings.

The cave, on the east side of the Railay Bay, is famous for its wonderful stalactites and stalagmites. Since ancient times, Phra Nang (Princess) Cave has been where fishermen, before going out to sea, have made offerings to the symbolic Phallus of Shiva (known as the Siwaleung or Palad Khik in Thai). The fishermen, who say the cave is the home of a mythical sea princess, believe their offerings will bring them success in their fishing and protect them from danger, but what is more remarkable is that the cave contains a large collection of carved wooden phallic symbols, offerings and other objects believed to help with fertility. My boatman told me that some fishermen do still come here to make offerings to the princess but that the number is shrinking. I don’t know what to think of this cave. Actually, I do – but I’d rather keep my opinions to myself. So instead, let’s see what other visitors have to say.

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