Krabi is one of the most idyllic destinations for all sorts of nature adventures
There aren’t many travel destinations that can deliver breath-taking, exotic adventures in such close proximity with each other. Krabi, with its vast natural beauty and rugged landscape, is one such place that offers adventure-lovers memorable escapades and nature activities. If you happen to drop by Krabi in near future, and you’re itching for a bit of an adventure, the ones listed here will surely be up to scratch.
Rock Climbing
Surrounded by limestone cliffs, Krabi is hotspot for rock climbers in the region. Climbers and enthusiasts the world over regularly come here to literally scale new heights, but as the sport is reasonably cheap and easy to pick up; requiring nothing more than fitness and bravado, it has also attracted newbies as well. Railay, Ton Sai and Ko Phi Phi are the hotspots for climbers with numerous operators who have peppered the cliffs and rock faces there with over 700 bolted routes. Most operators charge around USD30 for a relatively easy introductory taster course.
White Water Rafting
Despite being more of an island destination, Krabi also has a couple of decent rivers to white water raft. Located 90 minutes away from Ao Nang, the Songprak River in Phang Nga province offers rafters a chance to run rapids between grades of two to four over courses of up to nine kilometres. There are shorter runs for novices to attempt with the longer routes requiring rafters with a bit more experience to take on. The whole excursion takes half a day to complete and will set you back around USD40.
Sea Canoeing
The Krabi coastline has several coves as well as sheltered areas which are perfect for exploring by sea kayaks or canoes. There are several operators who provide rental of these crafts along with guided tours, which take visitors through several areas around Ao Luk, Ao Thalane, Phang Nga Bay and Koh Hong to explore vast mangroves, canyons and limestone caves up close at a leisurely pace. Most operators charge around USD21 a person inclusive of equipment rental.
Elephant Trekking
We can’t think of anything better than exploring the ancient rainforests of Krabi on the back of an elephant. There are only a handful of establishments located in Ao Nang, Krabi Noi and Sra Gaew that cater such tours, all of which are licensed by Thailand’s National Livestock Department. An elephant trekking tour normally takes a little over an hour and offers visitors a unique and memorable aspect of observing these pachyderms in their natural habitat. Part of the proceeds of each trek is also channelled towards the upkeeping of these camps as well as food for these gentle giants of the jungle. Trekking tours average from around USD24 per person.
Treetop Adventures
The Tree Top Adventure Park has made full use of Krabi’s rich and abundant rainforest as it has a wide array of physical activities built around it. Located in Aoleuk, the nature park is equipped with suspended rope bridges as well as canopy walks and ziplines kitted with skateboards, bicycles and various harnesses for visitors to whizz across. Suitable for thrill seekers as well as kids, a visit to the Tree Top Adventure Park inclusive of a roundtrip transfer from pick-up points in Klong Muang, Ao Nang and Ao Nammao Pier costs around USD61 per person.
