Exploring Krabi
Over-looking the Beach
The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be,
to see them as they are
Samuel Johnson
Krabi is located 800 kilometers or 480 miles from the city of Bangkok and offers some of the most scenic coastline in all of Thailand. This spectacular setting is not actually an island at all but part of the mainland set diagonally opposite the island of Phuket in a north easterly direction. You could easily reach this rocky outcrop by road or you could simply obtain access directly from Phuket itself. The region is south of the Phang Hga bay area and north of Ko Phi Phi islands. Krabi's topography is characterized by some towering limestone outcrops called Karsts, a name used for this particular type of landscape, seemingly shaped by the dissolving action of water over layers of carbonated bedrock such as is the case of limestone found around here and other parts of mostly southern Thailand. Sheer cliffs are formed which can be seen on the mainland and the surrounding islands as well as many formations arising straight out of the waters all around these parts. Some of the outcrops offer a fascinating network of cave systems and many have crystalline formations including both stalactites and stalagmites. Now that the history lesson is over, why not visit one of the caves in the area.
Limestone Cliffs
Caverns and Mangrove Swamps
Caverns can only be entered at low tide and you would need to get started before the tide rises too high unless of course you would rather stay over night. There are probably better options in which to stay elsewhere. Besides it can be pretty scary stuff once inside these caves as some are quite dark on entering. Others have huge openings that allow sunlight to penetrate. Entry is by kayak. Mangrove swamps and are a common site in many of the caves in this region. Should you be fortunate enough to spend a fair amount of time kayaking around the labyrinth of caves here, you will notice at some point during high tide, that only the upper branches of the mangrove trees will be visible with most having thick glossy green leaves which nature had designed to excrete excessive salt. If you are on a tour with limitations, you may only get to spend time in the caves during low tide. What you will get to see however, is an unearthly eerie swamp with the mangroves roots exposed forming a tangled mass of gnarled and knotted archways above the muddy sea floor. Apparently, the roots are the fundamental breathing apparatus of the mangroves as they absorb oxygen. They also trap water-borne debris brought in by the tides thus allowing for the gradual extension of the swamp. This is achieved by reclaiming land from the sea and at the same time, nurturing fertile conditions for the new metre-long mangrove seedlings. I am also told that mangrove trees provide a source of weak alcohol but I wasn't particularly keen to try any and probably never will either. For those of you who would like to do a bit of bird watching, there are two species that inhabit the mangroves, one being the Mangrove Pitta and the other is the Brown-Winged Kingfisher. I didn't get to see either but got to see lot of monkeys instead.
Entrance to a Sea Cave
The cooler but more densely wooded hills of the interior are made up of mostly palm groves and rubber plantations which can easily be reached by jeep. Also excellent if you would like to visit one of the hot springs found around here. The alternative is to stay close to water on the beaches in the surrounding areas.
Mangrove Swamp at Low Tide
Sporting Activities
The spectacular coastline around southern Thailand is ideally suited for a variety of sporting activities including numerous water-sports such as deep-sea-fishing, wind-surfing, water-skiing, para-sailing, scuba-diving, snorkeling, canoeing and sailing. However there is one far more challenging sporting activity well known in the Krabi peninsular that really stands out from the rest of the southern region. Yes you may have guessed it and that is,
Rock Climbing
with cliff jumping and abseiling following very close behind. Although rock climbing has been around for quite some time now, cliff jumping and abseiling are catching up at an alarming rate. Instruction and equipment are readily available for both beginners as well as those in the know. There are literally hundreds of places to practice your skills.
Rainbow over the Interior
Return from Krabi to the Thailand Islands Page
Return from Krabi to the Thailand Rock Climbing Page
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