Day 4, Monday 10 October

Indecision.....As I wake this morning there is indecision based on the fact that I've been here before in 2014. Accordingly, the area around Krabi and Ao Nang has been covered so I need to check a bit further afield before I make a decision to move. Krabi is one of Thailand's top five destinations so why would I be in such a hurry to leave? Sure, the weather is cloudy but we are not Beach Babes anyway. It's time to do some research. What I discover leads me to want to stay at Hop Inn for a second night for to the west around Phang Nga Bay is what Krabi and Phang Nga are famous for, its stunning coastline. Providing it doesn't rain it should be a good day out. Koh Lanta will have to wait. At this point we have not pre-booking accommodation so we can grasp opportunities as they arise.
Haad Noparat Thara.......We head out around 10am and proceed to get our bearings arriving at Haad Noparat Thara about 15 kilometres west of Krabi. Here I'm in for a surprise. Expecting this beach to be a younger brother of Ao Nang instead I find this is part of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. Therefore, here there is no unauthorised commercial activity. However, what there is here is a pier that serves all locations in Phang Nga Bay. From Krabi here you can reach Phuket and the islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. To this pier you may be sent to if you book transport in Krabi or Ao Nang. What is great about this area is that it is kept spotlessly clean by National Park staff. In fact, there is a 1000 baht fine for depositing litter. Arriving at the car park there are boat trip sellers so anxious to secure some business. Long tail boats depart from here based on maximum occupancy of 8 people. Prices range from 1000 baht up to 6000 baht which is not bad value for a group but a little too expensive for just the two of us.
Haad Noparat Thara in Mueang District is a coastal area declared the 47th National Park of Thailand on October 6th 1983 covering an area of 388 sq/km. The park is divided into onshore and offshore sections. The onshore part consists mostly of sleep limestone mountains with the highest point being Hang Nak mountain soaring 498 metres above sea level. The seashore varies from sandy to muddy and stony beaches. Offshore in sparkling waters are numerous islands with steep limestone cliffs including the well-known Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay islands.
Dead End.......With Google Map to hand, I located another beach this one further round the headland in view of Phang Nga Bay but when we arrive what is here I'm not sure since there's just a narrow road clogged with parked vehicles. There are a number of restaurants here so I guess people come here just for lunch and enjoy the view. However, parking being a nightmare we press on only to find effectively a dead end. Outstanding viewpoints extend from here but this is part of the National Park. There is an entrance fee for foreigners of 200 baht. However, to reach the viewpoints requires 4 hours which does not comply with my time constraints. We have no option but to turn back and see what else we can find. We take lunch on Klong Muang Beach.
What happens next is quite confusing. On my list for today are a number of locations rather off the beaten track. Not in the coastal villages, they are in villages scattered around outside the national park. We seem to be on a wild goose chase, travelling back and forth getting nowhere. I abandon Google Map and rely on Katoon asking local people with varied success. Finally, we find something I can use.
Klong Root Clear Water Canal.......Klong Root Clear Water Canal is one of the opportunities to go kayaking on clear water with limestone cliffs providing the perfect setting. This venue is well organised with a number of facilities apart from kayaking including a restaurant and a place to feed the carp; just a great place to relax. It's places like this that create a dilemma for me. These locations are not temples, ancient sites or museums where you can suggest a time limit. These are places to unwind, hardly lending themselves to a whistle stop tour.
A similar attraction in the area proves equally difficult to find but, in this case, there is good reason for it since unlike the last, this one is no longer maintained. It was abandoned due to Covid. Presumably there were kayaks here too but all that remains has reverted to its natural state. Nong Thale is a lake surrounded by those gorgeous limestone cliffs that are covered in mist in the mornings.
Klong Song Nam and Out.......It's 2pm and there should be 3 hours available before we head back to Krabi but my age is catching up with me. The last three days have been intense and it's just not possible for me to carry on as I used to. I develop a headache and fatigue but have no other symptoms. I'm just drained of energy and it's probably the case that I'm dehydrated. Still there is yet another attraction not far away that is created from the nature of this land.
Klong Song Nam is 30 kilometres northwest of Krabi and the furthest point we should reach today. A description of this attraction is in its name. It is another klong or canal described as a blue lagoon similar to the one at Vang Vieng in Laos. Song nam, two waters, refers to the fact that the lagoon has both fresh and salt water creating this interesting water feature but for me I'm not going to get to see it. Reaching the entrance, I'm faced with a 1 kilometre walk, ordinarily no issue but the way I feel right now it's just beyond me. In any case there is the usual dual pricing of 100 baht for me verses just 20 baht for Katoon. At this point I can hardly keep my eyes open so a premature return to Hop Inn is inevitable. Here I remain for the rest of the day.
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