On the outskirts of Krabi Town lies a place that looks deceptively simple — a stretch of rocky slabs by the sea. Yet this is Susaan Hoi, also known as the Fossil Shell Cemetery, one of Thailand’s most unusual natural attractions. To the untrained eye it may appear like cracked pavement meeting the Andaman Sea, but in reality it is a geological wonder formed over 40 million years ago, and today, it tells a fascinating story of Earth’s history.
Geology and History of Susaan Hoi
Susaan Hoi is famous for its enormous fossilized shell beds. Millions of freshwater snails once thrived in what was then a swampy freshwater lagoon. Over millions of years, their shells accumulated and hardened into thick layers of limestone, creating a natural fossil bed up to 40 centimeters thick.
Geologists estimate that the formations date back to the Tertiary period, when the region’s climate and sea levels were vastly different. Shifts in the Earth’s crust and subsequent erosion slowly revealed the layered fossil surface we see today.
This makes Susaan Hoi not just a Thai landmark but also one of only a handful of such sites worldwide. It is often compared with similar fossil shell deposits in India and the United States, but the Krabi site stands out for its coastal setting and accessibility.
Susaan Hoi and Tourism Today
Today, Susaan Hoi has become a popular stop for visitors exploring Krabi beyond its famous beaches. Walkways and viewing platforms allow travelers to step close to the fossilized shells and take in the scale of this natural archive. Educational signs explain the geological background in simple terms, making it a rewarding visit for families, school groups, and curious travelers alike.
Tourism has brought clear benefits. Entrance fees support conservation efforts, while the site also provides income opportunities for locals through small shops, food stalls, and guided tours. It adds cultural depth to Krabi’s tourism landscape, offering a meaningful alternative to purely leisure-oriented attractions.
Susaan Hoi
Yet, the rise in visitors has not been without challenges. The delicate fossil slabs are vulnerable to erosion and damage when people walk directly on them or attempt to collect fragments as souvenirs. Authorities have had to enforce stricter protection measures and raise awareness among tourists about responsible behavior. Preserving this ancient treasure requires balancing accessibility with conservation.
A Final Thought
Susaan Hoi is more than just a “fossil cemetery” — it is a geological time capsule that links the present to Earth’s distant past. Visiting this site offers travelers a chance to reflect on natural history while also supporting sustainable tourism in Krabi. If you’re planning a trip to southern Thailand, consider stepping away from the beaches for a while to witness one of the planet’s rarest geological wonders.
For more details about Krabi and its natural attractions, visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s official Krabi page.
Photos by Guglielmo Zanchi (Pluto)
