Pools, springs and mangroves · Laem Pho, beyond Ao Nam Mao
Shell Cemetery (Su San Hoi)
Slabs of rock on the shore made of fossil freshwater snail shells, worth the trip only around low tide.
Access
By road
Entry
Entry fee at the gate
Time to allow
Under an hour
Best time
At low tide, in dry weather
Why go
For a piece of Krabi's geology you can put your hand on: slabs along the shore, packed with the shells of small snails that lived in fresh water long before this was a coast.
What you will find
The slabs are shelly limestone: layer after layer of freshwater snail shells cemented into rock, now lying in sheets along the shore at Laem Pho. The site lies within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
The signs and most tour listings call it 75 million years old. Other sources put the shell beds at around 40 million years or less, from pollen analysis of the rock, so treat the figure on the signs with caution.
Getting there
By road from Ao Nang or Krabi Town, out past Ao Nam Mao towards Laem Pho. Ao Nam Mao is close by, so the two go well together.
Before you go
Go at low tide: at high water the sea covers much of the slabs, and there is little left to see. Tide times change every day, so check them before you set off.
Entry is paid at the site's own ticket booth. One source says it is free, and the amounts quoted vary, so check on arrival and carry cash.
Wet rock is slippery, and there is little shade: bring a hat and water.
Where this place leads
Common questions
How old is the Shell Cemetery?
The signs say 75 million years. Other sources give a much younger age, around 40 million years or less, based on pollen in the rock. The figure is disputed.
When is the best time to visit Su San Hoi?
At low tide. At high water much of the slab surface is under the sea.
Is there an entry fee at the Shell Cemetery?
Most sources say yes, paid at the site's ticket booth; one says it is free. Carry cash.