Krabi: Southern Thailand's alluring natural beauty

The Thai word for “bay” is “ao.” Ao Thalane is sheltered by more megalithic hills jutting up from the sea just across shallow waters and sandbars. The shoreline shows abundant mangroves -- vital habitat for wildlife and a nursery for fish and crabs and the limestone hills are green with plant life.

Kayaking excursions explore the watery passageways that weave among the limestone towers. Macaque monkeys frolic along the craggy rocks and twisted branches often begging for handouts. (Don’t encourage them!)

These areas are often free from even longtail boats and shelter quiet places to take a swim, eat a packed lunch or just listen to the sounds of the birds and the wind through the channels. Guided tours are offered but the independent traveler can also rent a kayak by the hour.