Nopparat Thara - Khao Phanom Bencha

Today we'll resume our tour of Krabi, starting from Thap Khaek where we had ended the second leg before we strayed to Chumphon last week. I didn't tell you back then that on the 6024, a few kilometres before Thap Khaek, there's a minor road that allows you to reach Nopparat Thara Beach without having to return to Highway 4034. This shortcut is right next to Wat Khlong Son. Yes, that's where today's route begins.

The other end of the three-kilometre shortcut meets with Highway 4202. Turn right onto the 4202 and follow a sign that tells you it's the way to Nopparat Thara Beach , today's Point A. After less than two kilometres, the Andaman Sea will come into sight.

The road now runs along the Nopparat Thara Beach . If you don't want to stop here, drive on to Ao Nang, an adjacent beach separated from Nopparat Thara by a small hill. At Ao Nang, you can give your car a break and take a boat to Ao Riley.

After you've returned to Ao Nang, get back on your car and drive to the end of the beach then follow the road up the slope. After five kilometres, turn right onto Highway 4203. Continue along this road for three kilometres and you'll reach the Ao Nam Mao intersection. Here, if you turn left, you'll be heading to Krabi town. Turn right, and Susan Hoi, the gastropod fossil site at Laem Pho, is not far away.

Supposed you've finished with the fossil site and are now back at Ao Nam Mao intersection, drive north until you reach Highway 4034, five kilometres away. Once there, turn right, drive along the 4034 for another five kilometres or so and you'll get to Khlong Jilad intersection. Now turn right - Krabi town is three kilometres down the road.

To get to the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park , drive out of the town and get on Highway 4 (Phetkasem). Drive in the direction of Nua Khlong and in just a few minutes you'll see the Rural Highway 1016 on the left-hand side. The park is about 20 kilometres down that road.
Bangkok Post November 2005 www.bangkokpost.com