Krabi covers some 4,707 square kilometres, edges the Andaman Sea, and numbers among its major attractions picturesque tropical islands, palm fringed beaches, forest waterfalls and caves, and topographical rarities such as a 75,000,000- year -old shell cemetery.
The provincial capital lies some 814 kilometres by road south of the Thai capital, Bangkok. Krabi is most conveniently reached from Bangkok by flying Thai Airways to neighbouring provincial capitals such as Surat Thani ( 211 kilometres from Krabi ), or Phuket ( 176 kilometres ) and completing the journey by road.

Nearest in physical proximity, and of major importance, is the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park due west and south of the provincial capital. The park contains extensive mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands, and two islands of outstanding physical yet contrasting beauty which epitomise everyone's ideal of the perfect tropical island.

Hat Noppharat Thara, some 18 kilometres west of the provincial capital, is an extensively scenic beach lined with casurina trees, and offering a commanding view of offshore island. The beach is popular with those who prefer swimming and sunbathing in tranquil surroundings.

A few kilometres to the south, the palm- fringed Ao Phra Nang Beach ( click for postcard ) is fronted by resort accommodation, guest houses and bungalow complexes, dive shops, restaurants offering Swiss, Italian, Thai and Chinese food, windsurfing clubs and souvenir shops. The beach is popular with snorkellrs and windsurfers, and is ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

Due south, and accessible only by boat, is the secluded Ao Phra Nang Bay. ( click for postcard ) The southern extremity is marked by a mountain cave contining a shrine dedicated to the spirit of a resident goddess ( Phra Nang ). The beach is a popular venue for swimming and sunbathing, and for rock climbers who scale the sheer limestone mountain for exhilarating views of the immediate environs and offshore islands.

Two noteworthy islands, Ko Poda ( click for postcard ) and Ko Gai, can be reached within half an hour by longtail boat from Ao Phra Nang Bay. Ko Poda is fringed by clear waters, and offers chalet accommodation nestling amid palm trees, with beachside bar and restaurant facilities. Ko Gai, twenty minutes to the west, has excellent waters for snorkelling and diving.

Susan Hoi ( literally' Shell Cemetery ), some 17 kilometres west of the provincial capital, comprises granite-like slabs of grey fossilised shells, estimated to be 75 million years old. The cemetery is the only one of its kind in Asia. The environs are a popular shopping place for shell souvenirs, comprising largely decorative figurines, mobiles, jewellery and household items such as ashtrays and picture frams.

Merely some six square kilometres in area, the rugged Phi Phi Lea ( click for postcard ) is characterised by steep, lightly vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden bays concealing petite, pristine beaches and calm clear waters, and a spacious, airy cave known as Viking Cave by virtue of purportedly ancient cave murals depicting Viking-like sailing vessels. The cave houses sea swallows whose gelatinous nests are prized by Chinese gourmets.