Hat Noppharat Thara

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 Railay.

The park also covers around 80 islands, including Koh Poda, Koh Gai, and the idyllic Phi Phi islands are also incorporated in this national park.

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 million, now permanently on show.

If you're interested in fossils you will find it totally fascinating, if not, 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. See also our photo gallery

Directions
Along the coast around 18 km by road from Krabi Town, at Ban Laem Pho, or from Ao Nang beach, simply follow the road signs ,The entrance to Susan 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.

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.

Hot springs, found both in Krabi and neighbouring Phang Nga Province can be found here.

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.