Krabi for nature lovers

While the beach areas in Krabi are now very built up, it takes less than a 10 minute drive to be in the wilderness, surrounded by greenery and, of course, those amazing cliffs. Further inland, National Parks and other protected areas provide places to walk, trek, swim and see wildlife; the rich marine environment can also be explored on scuba diving or snorkelling trips.

Krabi’s coastline and backwaters are dotted with endangered mangrove forest, caves and hidden lagoons: these can be explored in an environmentally friendly, people-powered kayak. Wildlife of all kinds can be spotted out of the tourist areas – from Thailand’s rarest bird the Gurney’s Pitta, to the not-so-wild elephants in the trekking camps inland. Think primates such as crab eating macaque monkeys and white-handed gibbons, or giant lizards like the two-metre-long water monitor. Underwater residents include manta rays, leopard sharks and incredibly-hued nudibranchs.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1 – Elephant trekking + Huay Toh waterfall
Day 2 – Hong island (**monitor lizards!**)
Day 3 – Kayaking in Bor Thor

If your hotel has a garden, and you are observant, you will find small crested lizards, frogs, birds, butterflies and even the odd snake in even these cultivated areas.

The itinerary above takes a broad look at inland forest, mangrove and coastlines, and will give a great overview of what is on offer. If you object to elephant trekking, skip it and just go to the waterfall – the nearest elephant sanctuary is located in Phuket. For marine life encounters, give scuba diving a go, or for more active trekking, take a day to hike up the Ngon Nak viewpoint at Tupbkaek – the forest is home to lots of interesting flora and fauna.

[related_reading type=”activities” term=”National Parks”]

The best of Krabi’s nature

We’ve listed some organised excursions where you can experience Krabi’s flora and fauna, both inland and out at sea. Note these links are provided as a guide to itinerary and price only – booking should be done on site at your hotel or on-street travel agent.