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Locations of National Parks
in :
Krabi Area & Islands
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Travel to the Phi Phi Islands
Ko Phi Phi can be reached by boat either from Krabi or Phuket. In downtown
Krabi tourists can take a boat at Chaofa pier. The boat leaves for Ko
Phi Phi daily. Boat tickets are available at the pier or from travel
agents in the town. It takes about 2 hours and a half for the journey.
Regular boats from Ao Nang to Ko Phi Phi are also available during high
season.
Mu Ko Phi Phi
An archipelago of six islands consists of Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi
Phi Le as the major islands. The superb scenery of the islands includes
high hills with jutting cliffs surrounded by marvelous beaches and emerald
sea, hiding underneath a bank of coral reefs and colorful marine life.
Places to visit of Mu Ko Phi Phi include
Ko Phi Phi Don
covers a total area of 28 square kilometers : 8 kilometers in length
and 3.5 at its broadest point. At the north end is Cape Laem Tohng,
where there is a Chao Ley, or sea gipsy village. These sea gypsies
emigrated from Koh Lipeh in Tarutao National Park, near the border with
Malaysia. Diving at Laem Tohng is excellent, as it is also at
Hua Rah Ket to the extreme south. There are long beaches with
rocks scattered about. Two curving bays are especially beautiful
: Ton Sai and Loh Dalam. This is also where accommodations and
tourist services are found.
Ko Phi Phi Le
is 6.6 square kilometers in total area : 3 kilometers in length and
1 at its broadest point. The island is entirely limestone and
steep cliffs rising from the sea very nearly ring it. Surrounding
waters average about 20 meters in depth, reaching 34 meters at the deepest
point off the island's southern tip. Phi Phi Ley has several beautiful
bays : Pileh, Maya and Loh Samah ; Ao Pileh is very nearly enclosed
by the limestone walls of the island's cliffs, so that the water appears
almost to be an island sea. On Phi Phi Ley's northeast is the
famous Viking Cave; this was renamed by H.M.Rama IX when he visited
it in 1972, Tam Pya Nak, from the shape of a particular boulder, which
resembles in shape the head of the great serpent of Buddhist legend,
the Naga. It is a place much revered by the local people who come
there to collect the swift's nests used to make Bird's Nest Soup, a
Chinese delicacy. On the eastern and southern walls of the cave
are colored drawings dating from historic times. There are pictures
of elephants and also of various boats : European, Arab and Chinese
sailing ships ; baroques, motorboats, and steamships. It is theorized
that these pirates who paused in their travels from west to east, sheltering
in the cave to escape the monsoon winds, transfer cargo, or make repairs.
Travel to the Phi Phi Islands Tour operators in both Phuket and Krabi
provide transport and tour packages to this popular destination.
Regular boat service is available form Jao Fah pier in Krabi.
Ko Phai
lies also to the north of Phi Phi Don, not far from Koh Yung.
Sandy beaches are on the north and east sides of the island. Broad
coral reefs stretch away into the south.
Ko Yung
lies to the north of Phi Phi Don. There is a rocky beach on the
east side, and a smaller strand of sand in a fold of the hill.
Many beautiful
and various corals are found there.
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Phra Boromathat Chaiya
An ancient pagoda, located in Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, Amphoe Chaiya, housing
Lord Buddha relics. The structure is believed to be constructed during the
Sivichaya period over 1,200 years ago.
Chaiya National Museum
Located at Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chaiya. It is
a historical and archaeological museum. The first building puts on exhibition
stone and bronze sculptures discovered in the ancient city of Chaiya, for
example, sculptures of the God Vishnu and Bohdisattva Avalokitesvara. The
second building exhibits artifacts of prehistoric down to historic periods
from Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Lop Buri, Sukhothai to Ayutthaya. Art objects and
several other crafts are also displayed here.
Chaiya National Museum is open daily between 09.00-16.00 hrs. except for
Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is 10 Baht each.
Suan Mokkha Phalaram
This is otherwise known as Wat Than Nam Lai (Monastery of Flowing Water),
a monastic community located in a beautiful and peaceful natural park where
Buddhists go for meditation practice. There are several teaching pavilions
which many paintings and poems illustrating moral teachings known in Thai
as "Entertainment Houses for the Soul".
Khao Thaphet Wildlife and Nature Education Station
Located some 6 kms. from town along the Surat - Nasan Road, highway no. 4009
and covers 1,162 acres. The station houses many caged wild animals. The hilltop,
some 210 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views of Ban Don municipality,
the Tapi River and Ban Don Bay. On Khao Thaphet is also located the stupa
named Phra That Si Surat or locally known as Phra That Khao Thaphet which
houses Buddha relics donated by the Indian government some 30 years ago.
Oyster Farms
Are found around the estuarine areas of the Kradae and Tha Thong Rivers, in
Amphoe Kanchanadit. Oyster Bred there are substantially larger than those
found elsewhere. To visit the farms is by hiring boats from Tha Thong quayside
for some 30 minutes.
Moo Ban Phumriang
Some 6 kilometers east of Chaiya, is an arts and crafts center well known
for its gold and silver brocade silk cloth and jute headwear.
Monkey Schools
The schools where monkeys are trained to pick coconuts, there are 2 places:
one is located in Amphoe Kanchanadit, some 13 kms. from Surat Thani along
Highway No. 401 and another one is at Ban Khlong Sai, Amphoe Tha Chang, some
35 kms. along Highway No. 41. Visitors are advised to check with local travel
agents for full details.
o Sok National Park
It is located on km.109 from Surat township area on Highway No. 401. A verdant
forest-covered hill national park, with an area of some 161,000 acres. Many
kinds of rare wildlife are still to be found. With an atmosphere of peacefulness
and restfulness, one can trek along the trails made to the adventure. Accommodations
in the park can be available through the reservation section, Forestry Department,
Tel. (662) 579-0529, 579-4842. Besides, near the area of the park there are
private-run bungalows available for the tourist.
Tai Rom Yen National Park
Covers the area of 133,125 rai of Khlong Nam Thao Forest Reserve in Amphoe
Ban Na San and Amphoe Wiang Sa. A mountain within the park known as Khao Chong
Chang once used to be the base of the Communist Party of Thailand. There are
several scenic tourist spots such as Nam Tok Dat Fa, Nam Tok Muang Thuat in
Amphoe Ban Na San and Nam Tok Than Thip in Amphoe Wiang Sa. Visitors wishing
to stay overnight here are requested to bring along their camping accessories.
For more details please contact National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department,
Tel. (662) 579-4842, 579-0529.
Nam Tok Wiphawadi or Nam Tok Ban Nai
Though of the same name as the one within Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary, this
one is located in Amphoe Don Sak on the roadside of the Highway 401 between
KM. 60-61, about 38 kilometers from town. Though a small waterfall, it is
always crowded on holidays.
Ratchprapha or Chieo Lan Dam
It is located on Km. 52-53 Highway No. 401 and turn right for another 12 kms.
The scenery around the dam area is very beautiful. Accommodations are available
from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Tel. (662) 436-3179
or (6677) 311-364, 311-522.
Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in King Amphoe Wiphawadi, 45 kilometers along the Highway 41 with
a 26-kilometers left turn to King Amphoe Wiphawadi. Further on for about 10
kilometers, then turn right for another 8 kilometers, one will get to the
sanctuary. Major attraction here is the beautiful waterfall "Nam Tok Wiphawadi".
Accommodation is available. Reservation should be made to Chief of Khlong
Ya Wildlife Sanctuary at Moo 8, Tambon Takut Tai, King Amphoe Wiphawadi, Surat
Thani 84180.
Islands
Koh Samui
It is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. The island has numerous lovely
beaches and bays. It is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested
hills, and is fast be coming a resort of international stature. Samui's best
beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Chaweng
and Lamai where, generally, the most attractive accommodation is found.
Besides beaches, other island attractions include the Hin Lat and Na Muang
waterfalls the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; a
massive seated Buddha image of Fan isle and Na Thon, the island's major seafront
settlement where shops, restaurants, tour agencies and hotels are located.
Mu Koh Angthong National Park
It comprises some 40 islands northwest of Koh Samui and covers some 250 square
kilometers. Major park islands largely towering, verdant rock masses
encircled by clear seas, include Mae Koh which has a beautiful beach and an
emerald saltwater lake called Thale Nai; Wua Talap, site of park headquarters
where accommodation is available for visitors wishing to prolong their stays;
Sam Sai with an exciting coral reef and huge rock arch, and Phai-Luak. Prior
reservation is needed by calling 57900529, 579-4842.
Koh Tae Nai
It is a small island not too far to be reached from Koh Phangan, is increasingly
popular to the tourists from its natural beauties. High jungle-covered hill,
long stretch golden sand beach, thriving coral reefs surrounded by fish of
all sizes and colors etc. are some of its major attractions. Accommodations
in the form of bungalows are also provided on the island. Transportation is
available by mean of passenger boat or cargo boat which leave from Surat Thani
via Samui.
Koh Phangan
The large island 60 minutes directly north of Koh Samui, has the lovely waterfall;
Nam Tok Than Sadet, Nam Tok Phaeng Forest Park and an extensive coral reef.
Accommodation is available here as well.
Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan
These 2 small rocky islands are administratively under Amphoe Koh Phangan
and located at the direction northwest of Koh Phangan. Unspoiled and undisturbed
lately by tourists, the islands earn its reputations for underwater resources,
unique beautiful bays and coves and coral garden under the crystal sea which
give the good promising outlook for sea sport activities. Accommodations in
the form of huts and bungalows are provided on these two islands. To reach
Koh Tao economically is by boat that leaves from Surat Thani and Koh Phangan.
Boats are also available for Koh Tao from Tha Yang Pier, Chumphon. And to
reach Koh Nang Yuan, boats are available from Koh Tao.
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Sri Phang-Nga National Park
lies in the districts of Kuraburi and Takua Pa, about 100 kms. from
Phang-Nga Town. The National park is virtually all virgin forest,
filled with wild animals, and is a great place to camp, to hike, and
to botanies. Among the many waterfalls in Sri Phang-Nga:
Travel to the Sri Phang-Nga
from Takua Pa Town on the Petch Kasem Highway north toward Ranong about
26 kms. At km. 756 turn right and go on another 5 kms. to the
Park.
Nam Tok Tam Nang
is about 4.5 kms from the National Park Office down a road, then on
foot another 500 meters.
Nam Tok Tone Sai
lies down a road that splits off on the right near the entrance booth
from the road leading into the Park. It takes about 15 minutes
to reach on foot.
Nam Tok Tone Ton Teui
and a smaller called Tone Ton Teui Noy lie about 3 hours distant from
the Park Office.
Ko Pra Tong
This is a large island that forms part of a spectacular natural harbor
in Kuraburi District. Though the island is inhabited, the forests
and other aspects of nature remain largely pristine. Many difficult
to find animals are in the forests; there are fine, large freshwater
pools, and perfect beaches.
Visitors to the island
can take a regularly scheduled boat from the pier at Kuraburi; travel
time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Accommodations of various
levels are available on the island.
Thai Muang
is a fair sized town and varying levels of accommodation are available.
Khao Lamphi - Hat Thai Muang National Park
was declared a national park on April 14, 1986 and covers a total area
of 45,000 rai. Thai Muang is a phrase indicating the end of the mining
district, and indeed this area was formerly, from ancient time to modern,
one of the great repositories of in the world. Mining has ceased,
and little trace remains to the untrained eyes except in the name.
Sites of interest within the National Park.
Nam Tok Lampi
is in Moo 6 of Tambon Thai Muang off Petch Kasem Rd. (Route 4) near
km 32-33. A gravel road intersection is there. Turn left
and go about 1.5 kms. The waterfall is medium sized and divided
into three levels, each about 100 meters high. It flows year round.
Nam Tok Tone Prai
is a large waterfall with water flowing year round. At km. 28-29 of
Petch Kasem Rd. is a gravel side road intersection. Turn left and go
for 7 kms; park your vehicle. Then continue on foot another kilometer.
The hike to the falls is most enjoyable during dry season.
Hat Thai Muang
is a spectacular stretch of sand, 13 kms. long with clear water and an adjacent
golf course, Phang-nga's first. At the Suka Peeban Thai Muang
, turn right and about 1.5 kms on the asphalt road leading to the beach.
At the beach, follow the road for another 5 kilometers. The beach
is clean and swimming is excellent. From November to February,
sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach. As a result,
local inhabitants customarily go view the turtles on moonlit nights.
Ban Bor Dan Hot Springs
The waters here are heavy with sodium, calcium, iodine chloride and
other minerals good for relief of arthritis, beriberi, mental and physical
stress they even make skin fresher and hair healthier. Open for
bathing and soaking daily; the service costs just 10 baht. Located
in Tambon Na Toey on the Andaman Coast : from Phuket go north through
the Koke Kloy intersection in Phang-nga Province (do not turn right
at the intersection) and proceed to approximately kilometer stone 6.
Look for a road running beside Ban Bor Dan School, and proceed down
it for about 3 kms.
Conservation Center of the
Princess Chulabhorn Undersea
Park Project
created to spread knowledge of the undersea environment and its resources.
The two-storey building has rooms displaying the work of the Chulaborn
Research Institute's royal chairman, a meeting room, a dining room,
a performance sala, and an exhibition hall. The exhibition hall
has 4 rooms detailing the Chulabhorn Projects origins, the importance
of undersea resources and environment, new ideas in undersea eco-tourism,
and an exhibit of artworks focusing on undersea world themes.
The featured exhibit of artworks focusing on undersea world themes.
The featured exhibition in the large hall is entitled Progress in Tourism
Through Circulation of Information and Knowledge. Located at Tap
Lamu Naval Base.
Royal Navy's Third Fleet Sea Turtle Nursery
is at the naval base at Tap Lamu. Infant turtles from various
areas on the Andaman seaboard are brought here, nursed along until strong
enough to fend for themselves, then released into the sea.
It is
the country's most important such nursery on the Andaman coast.
Takua Thung
is an old tin mining district with a history stretching back perhaps
a thousand years. In former times it was a landing point for visitors
from across the Indian Ocean, and the end of the line for travelers
coming across the Kra Peninsula.
Hat Tanoon
From Route 4 take the road leading to Phuket, Route 402, till you reach
Pak Pra, the channel separating Phuket from Phang-nga. The beach on
the Phang-nga side is called Haht Tanoon. Turtles come yearly to lay
their eggs. Dangerous currents in the channel.
Nam Tok Raman
is 7 kms. down the same road as Wat Suwan Khuha. It is a medium
sized year round waterfall surrounded by tangled forest.
Rat Oupatam Temple (Wat Bang Riang)
Surrounded by thickly forested hills, this temple is noted for its cool,
shady environment. Inside the temple are various important Buddhist
artifacts including the Phra Mahathat Chedi Buddha Dhram Banleu on the
Mountain's peak. This is shaped like a bell turned upwards with
a base all around. Located in Tambon Bang Riang off Petch Kasem
Rd., on the stretch between Tapput and Panom, 11 km. from the Tapput
District office.
Takua Pa Town
has a very long history based on tin mining, and was in former times
the most important town on the west coast of Thailand. Accommodations
of varying levels are available.
Hat Bang Sak
is in Tambon Bang Muang. The beach is a long strip of fine white sand
shaded by casuarinas trees and there are accommodations available for
a stay. To get there,: take the Petch Kasem Road (Route 4) north
toward Takua Pa Town. At kilometer 76-77 a road leads down to
the beach about 1 km. onward.
Khao Lak-Lamroo National Park
covers parts of Thai Muang, Kapong, Takua Pa, and Phang-nga Town (Muang
in Thai) districts, and lies about 33 kms. south of Takua Pa Town on
Route 4. The chief spot of interest is :
Khao Lak
is a mountain beside the sea with a shrine dedicated to the wizard of
the mountain. Khao Lak Beach is rocky. To get there, turn left
(if you are proceeding north from Phuket) at km. 56-57 of Route 4. You
will spot the temple just before entering Tai Meuang district.
Accommodation available.
Laem Pakarang (Coral Cape)
The waves have deposited mountains of dead coral on this sandy beach,
thus accounting for its name. Pine trees line the beach; perfect
for camping and relaxation. Located off Petch Kasem Rd. about
5 kms. south of Takuapa on the stretch running between Takuapa and Kao
Lak.
Tone Chong Fah Waterfall
A quiet, shady area, with a waterfall and stream that runs year round.
Located not far from the turn-off to Laem Pakarang on the east side
of Petch Kasem Rd. about 5 kms. south of Takuapa.
Thap Put
Nam Tok Tao Thong
Lies in Tambon Bo Saen of Thap Put, about 9 kms. from the District
Office in Thap Put Town. To get there use the same road that leads to
Sa Nang Manora Park, the Phang-nga Krabi Rd. (Route 4), but continue
towards Krabi until you reach Mu 3 of Tambon Bo Saen. You will find
a gravel road intersection where you turn and proceed down the gravel
road about 11 kms.
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