Krabi Beach
In
comparison with the hot tourist attractions like Phuket,
Krabi is now rapidly gaining a name for its many astounding
and off beaten track beaches. Ao Nang is one
of Krabi's longest and most popular beaches, which
is easily accessible from town. The beach boasts of
its crystal-clear and shallow water where sea lovers
can catch splendid glimpses of inshore coral reefs.
Wide ranges of accommodation with various prices are
also available, plus plenty of Thai, Thai-Muslim and
Western restaurants. Hat Tham Phra Nang, also
known as Ao Phra Nang, is also one of the country's
and Krabi's most beautiful beaches. Legend has it
that one mythical princess lived here and also controlled
the bounty of the sea, hence the name Phra Nang, meaning
" revered lady". To explore through Phra
Nang cave, one should set off from the eastern edge
of the bay. Set in the high limestone cliffs, the
cave is teeming with red tipped phalli placed there
by those fishermen as offerings to the lady who can
provide them with a bumper harvest. Legend has it
that an Indian princess named Sri Guladevi (Si Kunlathewi
in Thai) was drowned there, but her spirit came to
inhabit a large cave near the wreck. It is widely
believed that the princess bestows good luck to those
who come to pay her respect.
About forty minutes
walk beyond the cave, one can get fresh air at the
concealed lagoon called Sa Phra Nang. On the
way, one can admire a panoramic view across nearby
Railey Beach. The western part of the beach is plentiful
with karst outcrops in assorted shapes and sizes.
Standing majestically at the backdrop are the verdant
cliffs that separate the beach from the rest of the
world. For those daredevils who want to appreciate
the aerial vistas of the entire cape, the Poda Islands
and Hua Khwan Islands (also known as Chicken Island),
they can climb to the top of the hill. These islands
off Laem Phra Nanag are perfect for snorkeling. Apart
from those two beautiful islands, there are still
two more islands in the vicinity; namely, Ko Rang
Nok or Bird's Nest and a larger island with an
undersea cave.
A second larger cave
on Laem Phra Nang was recently discovered and named
Tham Phra Nang Nai or "Inner Cave of the
Revered Lady". It consists of three caverns,
each containing some of the most gorgeous limestone
formations including a golden-coloured " stone
waterfall" of sparkling quartz. Local legend
has it that this place serves as the grand palace
of the sea princess while Tham Phra Nang is her summer
palace. Currently, the precipitous cliffs around Ao
Phra Nang are famous worldwide for their ideal rock-climbing
spot. Climbing equipment, maps and instructions are
available at beach bungalows on both East and West
Rai Lay Beach.
Hat Railey is divided
into two parts, the eat and the west. The east zone
is rather muddy at low tide. West Railey beach is
somewhat sandier and more attractive than its counterpart.
Hat Nopparat Thara
Locatd about eighteen kilometres northwest of Krabi,
this beach is formerly known as Hat Khlong Haeng (Dry
Canal Beach) because the canal that flows into the
Andaman Sea at this point is dry all year round, except
during and right after the monsoon season. The beach
is called Hat Nopparat Thara, meaning "Beach
of the Nine Gem Streams". It is approximately
two kilometres long and forms part of the Hat Nopparat
Thara, that is, Ko Phi Phi National Park. It is a
perfect retreat for those peace lovers.
