“Witness stunning sunsets at Noppharat Thara’s pine-lined beach, walk to offshore islands during low tide, and take boat trips to Maya Bay and Phi Phi.”
Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park is located in the Mueang Krabi District, spanning a vast area of approximately 387.9 square kilometers across both mainland and the fertile Andaman Sea. The geological landscape is defined by towering limestone karsts, an iconic symbol of Krabi’s coastline. The park's administrative heart lies at Hat Noppharat Thara, originally known by locals as "Klong Haeng Beach" (Dry Canal Beach). This name originates from a natural phenomenon during low tide when the canal's water recedes completely, revealing a wide expanse of sand that stretches out to connect with small offshore islands like Ko Mae Urai, allowing visitors to walk across the seabed.
Regarding the marine ecosystem, the park is a sanctuary of biodiversity, with the "Phi Phi Islands" serving as its crown jewel. The archipelago includes Phi Phi Don, the bustling tourist hub with Ton Sai Bay as its primary pier, and Phi Phi Leh, home to the world-famous "Maya Bay." Maya Bay is renowned globally for its stunning turquoise waters and powdery white sand, framed by majestic cliffs. Nearby, the "Viking Cave" hosts a swallow’s nest concession and features ancient mural paintings of sailing ships, providing historical evidence of maritime activities in centuries past. Furthermore, the "75-Million-Year-Old Shell Cemetery" at Laem Pho showcases fossilized freshwater snails that have formed massive rock slabs—one of only a few such sites existing in the world today.
The richness of coral reefs and underwater resources continues to attract divers from around the globe, particularly around Bamboo Island (Ko Mai Phai) and Ko Yung. These areas boast vibrant shallow-water corals and diverse schools of fish, maintained under strict conservation measures by park authorities to ensure ecological recovery. On the mainland, the park offers mangrove nature trails and dry evergreen forests near Noppharat Thara Beach, serving as vital nurseries for marine life and habitats for various bird species. This makes the park not only a premier recreational destination but also one of the most significant natural educational sites in Thailand.
How to Get There
- From Krabi town, take Highway 4034 and turn onto Highway 4202 toward Ao Nang and Hat Noppharat Thara, a distance of approximately 18 km. Local songthaews (shared taxis) run between the town and the beach throughout the day.
Travel Tips
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Check the tide tables in advance if you plan to walk across to the offshore islands.
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Book ferry or speedboat tickets early during the high season to guarantee your seat.
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Bring a dry bag to protect your phone and camera during longtail boat trips.
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Use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the delicate marine ecosystem and corals.
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The best time to visit is from November to April for the calmest and clearest waters.
Admission Fees:
- Thai Citizens: Adults 40 THB, Children 20 THB / Foreigners: Adults 400 THB, Children 200 THB
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 08:00 AM to 04:30 PM