Hat Noppharat Thara is in Thailand’s Krabi Province. It covers a huge area of 388 square kilometres. This marine park is in the Ao Nang, Sai Thai, and Pak Nam sub-districts. The area is famous for its clean beaches, thick mangrove forests, tall limestone cliffs, and colourful coral reefs. The famous Phi Phi Islands are one of the best things about it. They draw tourists from all over the world. The area has both marine and land ecosystems, so it’s great for people who love nature, want to go on an adventure, or dream of a tropical vacation.
History of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
The government made the national park in 1983 to protect the area’s beautiful natural landscapes on land and sea. The park used to include the beach at Hat Noppharat Thara and the mangrove forests nearby. Later, it grew to include the famous Mu Ko Phi Phi. which are known for their steep limestone cliffs and clear blue waters.
The Thai government set up the park to deal with growing concerns about protecting coastal and marine environments. In the 20th century, tourism and fishing grew, which put ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds at risk. The goal of making the area a protected zone was to protect the plants and animals that live there, such as dolphins, reef sharks, and birds that come to visit.
The IUCN has designated Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park as a Category II protected area. This classification helps protect rare species and encourage eco-friendly tourism. The movie The Beach used Phi Phi Leh as a backdrop, which made it more famous. That moment got a lot of attention from people from other countries. The park is still able to keep its wildlife areas and offer eco-tourism opportunities, even though more tourists are coming. This makes it a peaceful pla ji ce to relax and a popular vacation spot.
Things to Do at the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
- Island Hopping: Visit beautiful islands like Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Bamboo Island, and Koh Poda. The waters are clear, the sands are white, and the limestone cliffs are beautiful.
- Snorkelling and diving: You can dive into coral reefs that are home to colourful fish like clownfish, reef sharks, and parrotfish. Some of the best diving spots in Thailand are near Phi Phi.
- Kayaking and canoeing: You can find quiet, untouched parts of the park by gliding through mangrove paths, secret lagoons, and limestone caves.
- Beach Fun: Hat Noppharat Thara beach is a great place to have a picnic, go swimming, or watch the famous Krabi sunsets.
Location and Directions
The park is about 17 kilometres from the town of Krabi. To get to the gate, travellers can take a taxi, a tuk-tuk, or rent a motorbike. Ferries and long-tail boats make it easy to get to the islands in the park from Ao Nang.
Opening and closing time
The park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Boat tours are only available during the day, and you need to ask for permission ahead of time to stay overnight.
Tips before you visit the park
- To protect yourself from the heat, wear light clothes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Bring your own snorkelling gear if you want to use it.
- Don’t hurt the coral, feed the animals, or leave trash behind.
- Bring some cash with you because some local boats and shops don’t take cards.
- Book your tours ahead of time so you don’t have to wait or miss out during busy times.
- If you want to camp or stay overnight, you need to get permission and confirm your stay.
Entry Fees
The cost is 400 THB for adults and children pay 200 THB to get in. Prices are lower for Thai citizens.
Other Parks That Are Worth Visiting in Krabi
- Than Bok Khorani National Park : is special because it has green pools, limestone cliffs, and mangrove forests.
- Khao Phanom Bencha National Park : has trails, caves, and a beautiful rainforest to explore.
- The Khao Pra–Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary : is home to the rare black-breasted pitta bird, which you might see near the beautiful Emerald Pool.
