Khao Phanom Bencha

While most visitors know Krabi for its limestone sea cliffs and islands, the province's interior holds its own national park around Khao Phanom Bencha, a 1,397 m peak rising out of one of the last substantial blocks of rainforest on this stretch of the Andaman coast. Most day visitors go no further than the lower tiers of Huai To waterfall, a series of cool, clear pools reached on an easy boardwalk trail, but a separate and far more demanding route climbs through the forest to the summit itself, gaining more than 1,200 m over ground that is unmarked in places.

Highlights

• Huai To waterfall, a series of clear tiered pools reached on an easy boardwalk
• A genuine forest summit push to 1,397 m for those who want more than the waterfall
• One of the last significant rainforest blocks left on this stretch of the Andaman coast, rich in birdlife
• A quieter alternative to Krabi’s crowded coastal attractions, despite being close by

Getting there

The park entrance near Ban Bang Toei is about 20 km from Krabi Town, reachable by rented car or motorbike in around 30 to 40 minutes; there is no direct public bus, so most visitors without their own transport arrange a taxi or join a tour.

What to bring

• Swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen for the waterfall pools
• Sturdy boots and full wet-weather gear if attempting the summit trail
• More water than the waterfall trail alone would suggest, if continuing higher
• Insect repellent, since the lower forest sections are humid and still