Susaan Hoi – Discover Krabi’s Popular Archaelogical Site

**CLICK HERE for special room rates, discounts and reservations on Krabi Hotels**

Situated about 20 kilometers west from the provincial capital and near Laem Pho Village, Susaan Hoi is one of the most exceptional natural phenomena and archaeological finds you may ever see. During the Tertiary era or around 75 million years ago, the place was once a huge freshwater swamp, inhabited by particular diverse snail species. The swamp was entirely filled with snails and layer upon layer of snails built up the swamp floor. In the long run, due to the changes in weather and the surface of the Earth, seawater flooded the area and wiped out the swamp; the snail shells were enveloped with limestone elements from the sea and what’s left are layers of fossilized shells known as Shelley Limestone. It left about 40 centimeters thick of fossilized shell over 10 centimeters of lignite rock. Further geographic upheaval caused the spreading of these impressive broken layers around the shore of Laem Cape.

Literally meaning ‘shell cemetery’, Susaan Hoi is best observed during low tides to further appreciate the number of fossilized remains. At first sight, the place looks like it is covered by some blocks of broken concrete but when closely examined, you’ll realize this was once a graveyard of snails. For you to completely see the fossilized shells, you need to look for a broken edge in the boulders and closely observe the middle portion because those on the top surface have already been worn down due to different natural elements. The site is truly worth visiting because this phenomenon can only be seen on two other sites in the world, one in Japan and the other in USA.

Because of this remarkable site, many visitors in Krabi take a break from their happy beach experience just to visit some interesting Krabi attractions like Susaan Hoi. The site also has a well-preserved park area, picturesque scenery for strolling and walks around the beaches and creeks to take a glimpse of Chicken Island from afar. A small historical museum was also built near the site providing information on the site’s history and the details of the fossils. Numerous shops can also be seen which are run by Muslim locals selling handicrafts made of shell. In fact, the overall environ of the site comprises shopping places for fossil lovers including shell souvenirs, intricately decorated figurines, pearl and shell accessories and other household items like picture frames, ashtrays, etc.

To get to the shell graveyard, you can catch a mini-bus or songtaew from Ao Nang. To make sure someone will wait for you to take you back to Ao Nang, you can ride a motorcycle taxi straight to the shell graveyard. Susaan Hoi is 10 kilometers away from Ao Nang and 20 kilometers from Krabi. If you are going on your own using a rented car, begin from Ao Nang, then follow the main road going out from Krabi and just follow the road signs. The end of the paved road is a sign that you are entering the site and is marked by a little Chinese shrine.