WHAT TO DO IN KRABI
| Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing and kayaking are two ways to enjoy the spectacular
seascape, limestonecliffs and caves in Krabi's waters as these
sports allow visitors to explore hidden offshore areas at a more
leisurely pace. Canoeing and kayaking operators are available
at Ao
Nang.
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Diving & Snorkeling
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Like Phang-nga, Krabi offers a great opportunity for diving due to
its numerous natural marine resources including over a hundred
offshore islands. Dive shops around Rai Le and Ao Nang provide dive
trips as well as rent diving and snorkeling gear such as
mask/snorkel/fin at the rate of 150 baht/ set/ day (with a deposit
of 500 baht).
The advantage of diving from Ao Nang is the nearby sites in the Poda
Island group, where water visibility is better than that of the
mainland, but not as good as Phi Phi. There are 15 dive sites off of
Ao Nang, all reachable with a 20 to 60-minute boat ride. For
experienced divers there is a 50-meter long cave at 5-12 meters
depth at Yawabon Island behind Poda. The water visibility is at its
best from November to April. Some Ao Nang dive shops close during
low season, May to October, while some (Ao Nang Divers for instance)
remain open all year long. Two local dives in the Poda/Yawasam group
cost approximately 1,900 baht. Four-day PADI open water courses have
risen to 10,000 baht. For more information contact either Seafan,
Aquavision, Poseidon, Phra Nang, Stingray, Ao Nang Divers (in Krabi
Seaview), or Coral
Diving (Krabi Resort). Unlike Phi Phi, scuba dive
operators in Ao Nang close from May to October. |
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Rock ClimbingApart from marine sports, Krabi is also an ideal place for rock
climbing. Lines of sheer limestone cliffs along Tham Phranang and
Rai Le beaches have challenged thousands of climbers from all over
the world every year. The levels of difficulty of the various routes
vary, so even the most inexperienced climbers can experiment.
Equipment, instruction and guides are available at most lodgings
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Origin of the name Krabi |
| There are two legends concerning the origin of the name "Krabi". The
first is that villagers presented a large ancient sword (or krabi)
that was discovered by chance to the governor. Later when a smaller,
on discovering a smaller one, it was also presented to the governor.
Regarded as sacred and auspicious, the governor decided to keep them
in the province. As the process for the establishment of the
province was still in progress, the swords were placed crossing each
other in Khao Khanap Nam cave. Since then, the crossed swords have
remained a part of the provincial seal.
The second legend is that "Krabi" was derived from the name of a
local tree known as "Lumphi". The Malay and Chinese merchants
mispronunciation of the name to "Ka-lu-bi" or "Kho-lo-bi" finally
resulted in "Krabi" (or sword). |
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