Krabi - Than Bok Khorani National Park

Than Bok Khorani National Park is one destination of ecotourism . It occupies a variety of attractions including natural trails, waterfalls, mangrove forests, Tham Lot, Tham Phi Hua To (a cave with prehistoric paintings) and Mu Ko Hong (limestone islands with crystal clear water, fine beaches and coral reefs). The islands are suitable for snorkelling and sea-canoeing and open only for one-day trippers. Visitors can get more information at the Visitor Centre of Than Bokkhorani National Park at telephone number 0-7568-1071, 0-7568-2058 or www.dnp.go.th .

Than Bok Khorani National Park covers an area of 37.5 rai of land in Tambon Ao Leuk Tai. Its headquarters is located just one kilometer from Tambon Ao Leuk Neua Market intersection on the Ao Luk Sak road. The Park is covered by a canopy of diverse species of trees such as wild gardenia, asoka, and Apocynaceae that are scattered around Sa Bok Khorani, an attractive emerald pond after which the park is named where visitors can swim.

At the north end of Sa Bohk Korani, which flows through a winding passage in the mountain, is a wood carving of a footprint of the Lord Buddha and a shrine of Chao Pho To Yuan - To Chong. Other attractions in the park include several limestone mountain caves, verdant mangrove forests and beautiful islands which can be reached only by boat

Admission fee for adults and children are 200 and 100 baht per person. The Park does not provide accommodations, but camping in the park is allowed although tourists have to bring their own tents. For more information, Tel. 0 7568 1071, 0-7568-2058 .

Other attractions include:
Than Bokkhorani - Located near the park’s office, Than Bokkhorani is a stream formerly known as Than Asok, where Asoka or Asok trees in Thai were grown. Its topography sees various flowing streams on their journey to numerous pools of different cascades among a shady forested area.

To the north of Than Bokkhorani sees a replica of the Lord Buddha’s footprint carved from wood. It is situated near the shrine of Chaopho To Yuan – To Chong.

Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua To - They are located 6 kilometres from the park. To get there, proceed from Amphoe Ao Luek via Ao Luek - Laem Sak route for 2 kilometres. Turn right for Bo Tho Pier. Take a 15-minute long-tail boat ride along Khlong Tha Prang, which passes through the mangrove forests.

Tham Lot is a tunnel under a limestone mountain where stalactite and stalagmite formations are found. Tham Phi Hua To or Tham Hua Kalok is 500 metres from Tham Lot. Oversized human skulls had been discovered in the cave, thus giving the cave its present name. The prehistoric paintings of men and animals, as well as, a pile of numerous seashells on the floor can be seen in the cave. Tourists can enjoy the serene view of the mangrove forests by canoes. Rental including lunch costs 1,200 baht per/person. A canoe rental service is available at the Bo Tho Pier.

Tham Chao Le - Located to the west of Laem Sak, Tham Chao Le is a cave that sits within the bay, where mountains and picturesque islands surround it. The prehistoric paintings of men, animals, and geometric symbols, as well as, stalactite and stalagmite formations are found. It is assumed that the paintings may have been painted after those of Tham Phi Hua To. Canoeing near the cave is possible. Tham Chao Le is accessible by a boat service or rental boat from Laem Sak. The trip takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Ko Karot/Garose - It is situated to the east of the end of Laem Sak. Canoeing is possible.

Ko Dang - With its white sandy beach stretching 25 metres, Ko Dang offers a cave measuring 70 metres wide and 20 metres high, and a diving spot for coral reefs.

Mu Ko Hong - Mu Ko Hong is a group of islands including Ko Lao or Ko Saka, Ko Lao Riam, Ko Pakka and Ko Lao Lading. Ko Hong or Ko Lao Pile is the biggest island in the south. Most of them are limestone islands with crystal clear water, fine beaches, coral reefs in both deep and shallow water, most suited for diving and fishing. There is a 400-metre hiking trail around Ko Hong. This area is also suitable for sea-canoeing. The park’s entrance fees for adults and children are 200 and 100 baht, respectively. In addition, the park charges 20 baht for camping on the island. Visitors must bring their own tents. Mu Ko Hong is accessible by long-tail boat from Ao Nang. The trip takes about an hour.

To get there: Located 46 kilometres from the provincial town of Krabi, Mu Ko Hong is situated at Than Bokkhorani, Tambon Ao Luek Tai, a distance from the Talat Ao Luek Intersection. Proceed along the Ao Luek - Laem Sak route for 1 kilometre. Alternatively, take the local taxi or Song Thaeo ride (Krabi – Ao Luek Neua – Tai) from Amphoe Mueang and get off at the park’s entrance.