The Diving

Koh Talu, Ao Nang

Talu is a tunnel in the middle of the island that runs through the dive site.  Colorful soft tree corals, sea whips, sea fans, table and mushroom corals abound. The site is also home to seahorses (the highlight of the site) and blue spotted stingrays that lie quietly in the sandy bottom around a pinnacle in the west.  Lionfish and pipefish also call the site home, as well as anemone fish, butterfly fish, triggerfish, porcupine and puffer fish.

Koh Yawasam, Ao Nang

This site consists of 2 separate rocky islands that are home to coral heads and plenty of fringing Staghorn coral.  The deepest area of the site has a variety of soft coral.  It's also full of nudibranchs such as Varicose Wart Slug nudibranchs living alongside Titan triggerfish, coral shrimps, moray eels and barracudas.  Some of the cracks of the reef also contain Bamboo sharks hiding within.

Photo by: LarrynJill

Koh Ha, Ao Nang

Suitable for all levels of divers, the east area of this site hosts an impressive patch of staghorn coral while the rocky walls are dotted with sea fans.  Bamboo sharks are also hidden under the rocks while the sandy areas are full of blue spotted stingrays and cuttlefish.  There are also groups of mushroom coral, table coral and coral heads in the shallower depths.

Shark Point, Krabi

Shark Point gets its name after the many sightings of leopard sharks in the area.  There are 3 separated pinnacles, which soar up from the sea floor and are known as Shark Point 1, 2 and 3.  These are adorned with giant gorgonian fans, patch staghorn coral, soft tree corals and sea anemones.  Leopard sharks are a highlight, although moray eels are often seen hiding in the coral while trevally fish hunt around the edges of the reef.   Macro lovers will enjoy the nudibranchs and boxer shrimps but those who prefer drifting through the water should look out for squid, cuttlefish, sea snakes and turtles.

Mantas.. if you are lucky! Credit

King Cruiser - Krabi

This is an 85m long, 25m wide ferry.  In 1997 she struck a pinnacle and went down although passengers were safely rescued and no lives were lost.  The wreck itself houses a variety of fish such as schools of big eye trevally.  The metal railings are home to scorpion fish while schools of barracudas, snapper and fusiliers patrol the sides.  Look out for lobster and octopus too.

Anemone Reef, Krabi

This is home to the pinnacles that the King Cruiser struck.  Made of limestone they soar up from the sea floor and are covered with soft anemones, tree corals and giant Gorgonian fans.  With a maximum depth of around 24m (78ft) it is most suitable for experienced and advanced divers who, if lucky, can be visited by whale sharks.  The marine life includes schools of fusiliers and snappers, and lionfish and Moray Eels.

Koh Haa Nuoang, Krabi

The islands of Koh Haa are recommended for their underwater features such as chimneys, caverns, swim-throughs and rock formations adorned with soft coral.  There are also reef walls, some sloping, to explore as well as a variety of marine life such as butterfly fish, angelfish, gobies, ghost pipefish and sea horses.  Lucky fans of giant creatures will be delighted to see manta rays, whale sharks, tuna and rainbow runners.

The Elusive Ghost Pipe Fish Credit

How to Get there

Krabi is around 800km from Bangkok and 170km from Phuket.  Direct flights are available from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Singapore.  Krabi to Bangkok is about 1 hour and 20 minutes and flights are available with Air Asia, Bangkok Airways or Thai airways. 

Buses for Krabi depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus terminal on Boromratch Chonnai Road.  They travel at night and take around 10 hours. There is also a direct ferry from Phuket to Ao Nang.

Monkeys in Krabi, Credit

Where to Eat & Drink

The night market in Krabi Town offers southern Thai dining with food stands and nearby restaurants.  The night market between Ao Nang and Nopparatthara is another place for local cuisine with western and Thai food.  Krabi Town has typical Thai restaurants while Ao Nang is more internationally geared. 

Seafood lovers will enjoy Ao Nang's Seafood Street with baked lobster, steamed fish, mussels or crab curry, while the Carnivore Steak & Grill is ideal for grilled meat, soups and salads.  Bombay Palace in Ao Nang serves decent authentic Indian dishes with spices.

Phra Nang Beach, with it's very own penis cave, Railey, Credit

Ao Nang Center Point is a big entertainment complex in Krabi with plenty of dining and entertainment options.  Also check out the Roots Rock Reggae Bar, Soi Bamboo or The Irish Rover for drinks, ciders and draught beers.

Other Activities

Krabi offers a range of other activities for non-divers, who are most welcome on the dive excursions as a snorkeler or passenger.  Island cruises are also available.  Non-divers can also go kayaking, visit Wat Kaew Temple situated on a hill in Krabi, relax in Klong Thom (Krabi Hot Springs) or simply wile away the time at the many stunning beaches and islands.

Rock climbing from Railey or Ton Sai is a draw in the area. Ton Sai is more of a laid back climber beach (do not stay in the new Sheraton resort that ripped the heart out of Ton Sai) - use the other accomodation, or go over to Railey for a very wide variety of accomodation. There are a few good dive centers in Railey too.. some might say it is better to stay here than in Krabi ;)

Rock Climbing in Limestone Cliffs of Tonsai Beach, Credit

Family Friendly

Krabi has endless opportunities to keep children engaged and entertained.  Possible options include fishing, seeing the amazing wildlife in the Nature Reserve Park and for older kids rock climbing, snorkeling, kayaking and exploring the countless caves and limestone hills.  Scuba diving is taught from 10 years and up, with all equipment available in junior sizes.

Elephant Trekking & Abuse

Please do not support Elephant torture and abuse by riding Elephants (or supporting Elephant performance) in Asia;

• In Thai culture, the Phajaan or ‘the crush', is the torture method elephants undergo to become a part of the tourism industry. Essentially this involves cruel physical and mental abuse over long periods of time to make the Elephants submissive - starting as a calf
• Asian Elephant's spines cannot support the weight of people. Carrying people on their backs all day often leads to permanent spinal injuries.
• There is responsible Elephant tourism in Thailand - a good rule to remember is that if a tourist outfit offers anything other than getting to spend time with elephants, it is not friendly to them.
• Remember; any outfit that offers riding, circuses or paintings means they have undergone horrific abuse in order to train the Elephants

You can help these magnificent animals by making your travel companions aware of what lies behind this industry. The main problem is a lack of awareness - most people have no idea! 

Dive Report is committed to raising awareness to the abuse suffered by Elephants used in the tourist industry. If you want to know more you can find out more here, here, here and here. Also see a PETA documentary video here.