This small fishing town, the capital of beautiful Krabi province, has an important role as the ferry embarkation point for islands such as Ko Lanta to the south, Ko Phi Phi to the southwest, and the beaches around Ao Nang to the west. Set on the banks of the Krabi Estuary, the town takes its name from a sword, or krabi , allegedly discovered nearby. It is surrounded by towering limestone outcrops, similar to those in Phangnga Bay, which have become the symbol of Krabi province. Among the most notable are Kanap Nam twin limestone peaks , which stand like sentinels at each side of the river. To the east, the town is flanked by mangrove-lined shorelines. These outcrops and mangroves can be toured by renting a long-tail boat from the Chao Fa pier in the center of town.