
Noppharat
Thara Beach (Hat Noppharat Thara)
Eighteen
km to the northwest of Krabi, this beach boasts some of the
most spectacular scenery in the world. The name Hat Noppharat
Thara is Pali-Sanskrit for Beach of the Nine Gemmed Stream,
and was given to the area by Field Marshall Sarit who was
impressed by its sheer beauty. In days gone by, this area
was a haven for pirates, who used the abundance of islands
and caves for cover. However, today it is widely reputed as
one of the most scenic coastal areas anywhere. Essentially
a continuation of the marine karst topography of the incomparable
Phangnga Bay, Hat Noppharat Thara is a two km stretch of beautiful,
white-sand beach, with calm, clear seas spotted by rocky,
limestone islands. Many of these coastal islands are within
half a km of the beach, and are accessible by foot during
low tide.
As
a result of its stunning environs, this beach is one of the
favorites among Thais, and construction has recently begun
on a new royal residence. Although some of the surrounding
beaches have given way to development, Hat Noppharat Thara
remains protected by its status as a part of the Hat Noppharat
Thara National Marine Park. As a result, facilities at Hat
Noppharat Thara are very limited, but there is a visitor center
with restrooms, and maps of the area.
Transportation from Krabi to Hat Noppharat Thara is readily
available in many forms. Songthaews are available every fifteen
minutes from Maharat Road, Soi 6. This service usually stops
around 6:00 PM in the high season, and 4:00 PM in the low
season. In addition, boats are available from the tourist
pier in Krabi for a fee of 20 baht, and during the high season
from Hat Pranang, for a fee of 10 baht.

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