Thailand Travel Krabi

Krabi here we are!

2008-05-26T00:18:00.001-07:00

by DeuxSS

Hi y'all! It's been a while, but here we are still alive and well. We spent 2 weeks in Koh Lanta yet again and it's beginning to feel more like home everytime. Who knows it may actually be home some day soon... when opportunity knocks! We just arrived in Krabi today and plan on going to Bangkok tomorrow. After a few days there shopping, we are heading to Cambodia or laos by bus. We will decide in a few days which one first. I'm leaning towards Laos 1st, then Cambodia. It will be a few long bus rides but hopefully worth it. We have now many pets all around the world, just too bad we can't bring them all back home.

We are eating more and more western food as we go along, it's pretty easy to get anywhere we go and not too expensive. Diving seems to be finish for now as the season is slowing down and the weather isn't as nice. More rain and big surf, so visibility not so great. We have some pictures from Bali to put up finally. Enjoy living through our eyes. Talk to you guys soon. OK! It's been months since we
DSCF1985 were able to post pictures properly. Here are pictures from Ko Raya or Ko Racha Thailand, Bali and perhaps a few from Ko Lepi.... If anyone want's to know what's what feel to ask...

Krabi - Island hopping in Southern Thailand

2008-05-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

by The Wanderers2008

Hi,

How is everyone? I hope that you're all well.

We've been quite busy since our last blog so here goes....

On 22nd April we took part in an environment Save the Earth day which was great fun. I decided to try to save the Earth one coral at a time by diving to clean the corals and examining them. We had to check the colours of the corals and record them on our underwater writing boards and later pass this information onto Marine Researchers who could input the data to see how much damage the coral is receiving. I did this with my diving friends Nik (from America) and Renana (from Israel) whilst Stu did some snorkelling. It was a great day and really made everyone aware of how easy the corals do get damaged by accident. Later on we got the opportunity to go and see some baby turtles who were soon due to be released into the sea. In order to see them we had to scramble across some very sharp rocks and many people ended up getting cuts (including myself) but it was worth it. There were approximately 40 of them and it
was lovely to just watch them swimming in the man made enclosure in the sea.

After I had enjoyed the Open Water PADI diving course, I was very excited to be starting the Advanced Open Water course the next day (23rd). In order to complete and become a certified advanced diver I had to do 5 more dives each with its own specialty. Two of them were compulsory which were the Deep Dive (30metres) and the Navigation (using underwater compasses). The last three I got to chose from a long list. The first one I chose was the underwater photography course which was fascinating. I never realised there was so much to photography! I was really lucky on the day of the dives and I ended up with a DVD full of underwater pictures. Unfortunately I can't open the DVD to put any of the pictures on this blog.

Anyway, the second dive I chose was the Peak Performance Buoyancy (Andy and Abbie will understand what I'm talking about!) which helped improve my buoyancy under the water meaning I'm not sinking when I don't want to and likewise I don't keep floating to the surface. The last dive

On the beach in Koh TaoI chose was a Night Dive! I was slightly apprehensive about this dive as anyone who knows me will know that I'm not a great fan of the dark! However, I decided to do it because I thought it would be a lot more challenging. It was strange enough getting on the boat in the pitch black, let alone jumping into the water! We each had little torches and compasses to find our way around the corals at the dive site. As we descended into the dark waters it was a very bizarre feeling. As soon as we were around 12 metres down we spotted lots of sting rays with the torches and it was amazing. There was a lot more nocturnal sea life than I'd realised and I really enjoyed this particular dive. Ascending to the surface and looking up to see the sky full of stars really made this dive special.

The next day we decided to check out some of the beaches on the island now that I'd completed both diving courses as we hadn't had the chance to do so. We ended up on a lovely beach called Shark Bay and relaxed for the day...it's

a hard life!! We reluctantly left Koh Tao the next day and set off for our current destination of Krabi, Southern Thailand. It took us 3 boats, 2 buses and a broken toe (Michelle's) to get us here...it was certainly an experience. Krabi town itself doesn't have much to offer but it's surrounded by hundreds of tropical islands.

Yesterday we took a trip in a speed boat to visit a few of the these islands. It was a very fun day. Each island was like a little piece of paradise (or "little pieces of heaven" as Gareth would call them!) We went from beach to beach just relaxing and snorkelling. Many of these islands were hit by the tsunami in 2004 and as we looked around at the picturesque views it was very hard to try to imagine what it must have been like for the people caught up in that terrible disaster. There is very little evidence of the tsunami today apart from the odd "Tsunami evacuation route" signs dotted around.

During this trip we visited Maya Bay which is where the film "The Beach" was filmed...although it was a lot busier than in the movie thanks

to Leonardo! We also visited Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley Islands where the water is really clear and turquoise. Our favourite islands though had to be Bamboo Island and Tup Island.

Tomorrow (3rd May) we will be on the move again, on our way to Koh Lipe which is a tiny island very close to Malaysia. We're hoping to relax on the beaches here for a few days before crossing the border into Malaysia.

We hope that everything is okay in the U.K. Keep the comments and messages coming :-)

Also, I'd like to wish my Grandma Bury a big Happy Birthday for the 5th. I hope that you have a great day and I will be thinking of you.

Lots of love, Michelle & Stu xxxxx

Pileh Bay, Phi Phi

Maya Bay

This is where the film "The Beach" was filmed! Gorgeous!

Stu having lunch on Phi Phi Don

It was hard to imagine what it must have been like when the tsunami hit this paradise island

Phi Phi Don Island

We got around the islands on one of those speed boats, great fun!

Tup Island

Michelle relaxing on the beach...the water here was so warm it was like getting into a bath.

Stu making friends with the locals!

The Krabi Airport Story

2008-04-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

by TJG

OK - no photos with this one - just the story. This is one of those stories that happen every oncee and a while when one travels and gets themselves into a little pinch. A story about how good people really are out there.

So here it is:
On August 10, I caught the 18:30 flight from Florence to Frankfurt, then flew 11.5 hours from Frankfort to Singapore, then caught a flight from Singapore to Krabi, arriving at the Krabi airport at 18:45 on Saturday, August 11. Needless to say, I was tired. I was through immigration with no problems - the officer made some quip about me liking Thailand this time of year. (I was in Thailand from mid-August through mid-September last year too.) Luggage came out in a reasonable time and I picked up my bags and made my way to the bank machine to get some cash so I could take a taxi the hotel I was planning to stay at and crash.

Problem - the machine didn't like my bank card. Apparently the information was incomplete. OK - strange - it was working fine in Europe and I knew I had cash in there - so maybe it was just the machine. So, I walked over to a machine provided by another bank. Same problem.

Well - luckily I still had travellers cheques that I never used from the first time I went travelling on my own two years ago. I had been thinking of just cashing them in since I never use them - luckily I hadn't. I headed to the foreign exchange desk to cash some of them in. Unfortunately, they closed at 7pm. It was now 7:15pm - and the girl behind that glass was not going to help me out. There were closed - too bad.

Krabi airport is a small airport - there were no other options for getting cash. However, there was a hotel accomodation and tour desk open. Maybe I could book my hotel on my credit card and somehow arrange transport through them. So I walked over to the desk and asked about the hotel I was thinking about - Krabi City Seaview - and yes they did bookings for that. "Oh, and I can pay by credit card?", I asked. "No, only cash." was the response
Sh!t. It was now 7:30pm. I had 60 baht (from my last trip to Thailand) and that wasn't going to get me anywhere - the only way out of the airport at this time of night is by taxi and costs 350 baht. I explained my situation to the girl at the accomdation desk. I had 60 baht, $250 US in travellers cheques, 210 swiss francs, $85 CAN and $100 BDA, a credit card and a bank card, which wasn't working - and the exchange desk was closed. The girl came with me back the the exchange desk to see if she could convince them to open up - no luck. She then asked me to sit down and she wandered off for a bit.

By this point I'm kind of freaking out because I am really tired and have no baht. I tried to calm myself down by explaining to myself that the worst that could happen is that I would sleep in the airport and the exchange desk would be open in the morning and I could catch a taxi out of here then. But I was really tired and really wanted a decent bed tonight.

The girl came back and started talking on her mobile and then went over to the taxi desk and came back to me. "OK" she said, "my sister can change your money. She can give you 1500 baht for $50 US and will charge a 33 baht commission for travellers cheques. I will pay for your taxi to get to my sister's place, which will be $350 baht. So my sister will give you 1500 baht, less 33 baht for commission, less 350 baht for the taxi and less 400 baht for the deposit on the hotel."

I have never heard better news in my life. This complete stranger was going to pay for my taxi and get me to a place where I could have my money changed. She didn't know me from anybody, but she went out of her way to help me out and I will never forget it.

KRABI TOWN

2008-04-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

by leon oz

One night in Krabi Town

I arrived at Krabi Airport at 7pm - the window seat gave a great view of the labrynth of rivers around Krabi Town to the Andaman Sea. To avoid the usually expensive taxis there is an excellent bus from the airport to Krabi Town at 90 baht for the twenty minute trip. The bus passes the centre of town which alarmed a few people before we changed over to a truck to take us back into Krabi Town and dropped us at Chaofa road which is close to the old pier and the many guesthouses and hotels.

Near Krabi Town

Great view from the sky at sunset

I had not booked any accomodation and if you read my previous blog my mind was on other matters at this time. Most tourist go straight to other destinations instead of staying in Krabi Town but i thought it would be worth a look for one night before catching the 10.00 am morning ferry to the Phi Phi islands. Not wanting to waste any time I stayed at the Grand Tower Hotel for 500 baht. Nothing too fancy here but I did have a good nights sleep. If you want a high quality hotel or guesthouse book
Carnival in Krabi Town
ahead as there are many tourists going through Krabi Town.

Krabi Town is on the Krabi River and the first thing you notice here is the heat and high humidity of the south - Bangkok is just hot and very hot and sweaty, in the south you swelter in Northern Australia type conditions at this time of year. It was the last night of Sonkran with the water wars over there was a live concert near the impressive night market and food stalls. It was a carnival like atmosphere but the market was closed by 9.30 pm although the food stalls near the river stayed open. I walked the streets for a couple of hours, purchased a ticket for the ferry for the following morning. Krabi Town is very quiet compared to Bangkok but I was tired and ready to sleep by midnite.

Krabi Town can be a base for most tours of the islands or jungle but most tourist prefer to stay at Aonang Beach or Railay Bay. Tomorrow I will be going to Koh Phi Phi Don for two nights before returning to Bangkok.

Carnival in Krabi Town

Krabi (Songkran Sunday 13th April 2008)

2008-04-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

by The Special One

Guess what, up early for a change! However for once in a long time i had a half decent sleep.

Had a just about edible breakfast from my guest house. I had to put heaps of tomato ketchup on the ham and sausages so i could eat them.. The only reason i ate them was i was soooo hungry. What i'd give for some proper bacon and sausages. Mum & Dad hope you are taking note - make sure you have some in for when i return!

Did another monster session on the internet and travel blog.

Today it is thai new year (Songkran). I had heard and read that a big part of the festival is the big continuous water and power (like talc) fights that take place on the streets. It wasn't long before i was dragged out of the internet cafe by a young thai woman for a water fight. She had a small tub of water a threw it over me. I noticed a full big bucket of water on the pavement so i grabbed that and poured it over her head and drenched her lol. Pointless
Krabi and Songkran Festival
Outside the jam bar. Veevee next to me with blue sunhat on and Vee Vee's friend Oi directly next to memessing about and only doing half a job. it was a good laugh!

After i finished my internet session we had a bit of another water fight on the street outside the cafe with a few kids and then i hit the road - my goal to get back to the guest house without getting drenched and breaking yet another camera that was in my day pack! Only after walking 10 or so meter I could see a big group of locals on the other side of the street with masses of water i manage to avade them. However after a few more diversions to avoid a soaking i kind of realised it was going to be impossible to get back dry. I simply had to walk down a street as there was no alternative and they were several groups of locals waiting for me or whoever else walked down the street. I accepted the inevitable and walked forward. I was soon drenched head to toe. I just had to make sure my daypack and camera didnt get wet. As i walked further down the road i got attacked a few more times by people in cars / vans.
Krabi and Songkran Festival
Jane from France and Me with nmy new funky hair styleEventually i came to bar called "the jam club' Once again i got totally drenched by some thai girls, kids and even there were some western people in the group. I got talking to this group and decided to have a drink with them and stay here for a bit. The bar was run by 2 sisters, they had invited all their friends and their children for the Songkran festival. We had a big bucket of water outside the bar, lots of smaller bckets and a hose pipe with constant water flowing. Every person that walked, drove, cycled past (thai or whatever) got attacked & drenched. A lot of people who we attacked like myself stopped off or hung about for a drink or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5..........On the opposite side of the street there was a bar / cafe that were doing exactly the same and also soon had a big gathering. During the day the 2 sisters of the jam club ordered a load of thai food and put on a bit of a buffet which was really nice and really good of them. Throughout the day and evening there were water battle after water
Krabi and Songkran Festival
Evening time - Jude and Veeveebattle going off on the street and people driving around in motorbikes, cars with water pistols or big open back vans with about 8 or so people stood on the back with big buckets of water. We managed to get a constant supply of ice cubes which obviously was a hell off a shock to the system when you got a bucket of that water over you...i think the F word came out a few times that day....you just cant help it! The day was such good fun, the beer was pretty much flowing i think & I got to know lots of people, thai and western. Much later in the day a group of the people who were mostly english went clubbing but i decided to stay at the jam club and have a few quiet...ish beers. From the group that stayed there was a nice friendly french girl called Jane (i don't think she's french, too friendly for a french person), the thai sisters (Veevee, cant remember the name of the other) who own the bar, their friends (gwan & her boyfriend, Oi), the ladyboy (sara), a cool thai guy (Jude). We had a really cool night, nothing
Krabi and Songkran Festival
Gwan, amazingly with same hair do as me!tooo crazy, just chilling out talking and laughing over a vast amounts of alcohol. There was one big concern i had during the night......the lady boy had obviously taken a shine to me, everyone found it really amusing obviously apart from me. I just tried to laugh along and see the funny side of it. I wouldnt have mined half as much if she could actually pass as a she but she still has the meat and 2 veg and actually looks like a man lol.

It was a late night, apart from Jude i was the last person to stay, i got home at 3.15am and shit i am up early tomorrow to go on a tour!

Krabi and Songkran Festival

Krabi - El viaje interminable

2008-04-12T03:27:00.000-07:00

by arincon

Lo que parecia un viaje sencillo de unas pocas horas de ferry mas bus, se acabo convirtiendo en una viaje inacabable.

Un taxi vino a recogernos a la guesthouse, nos llevo hasta un embarcadero, donde cambiamos a un bus, el bus nos llevo a otro embarcadero donde subimos al ferry, al salir llegar a la peninsula, nos volvimos a subir en un bus que nos llevo a la agencia de viaje, nos recogio una minivan que nos llevo hasta un segundo bus, y este por fin fue hasta krabi.

Al dia siguiente fui hasta Relay, una playa a la que solo se puede llegar en bote, la provincia de krabi, tiene un landscape espectacular, hay acantilados casi verticales cubiertos de vegetacion, las islas cercadas a la costa tambien se levantan en vertical desde el agua, espectacular, es un sitio al que vienen escaladores de todo el mundo para practicar escalada. No pude resistirme a si que contrate una sesion de principio, que panico! Despues de aprecer a hacer un nudo de seguridad y unos pocos ejemplos ya me estaba subiendo por las paredes, lo mejor es no pensar demasiado y continuar hacia arriba, bajar es muy sencillo solo hay que dejarse caer y tener confianza en los companeros que aguantan el otro extremo.

La dos primeras me salieron bien, en la tercera quede completamente bloqueado, despues de varios intentos decidi abandonar, tendre que continuan probando en barcelona.

Manana de nuevo en ruta hcia Ko Pi Pi, tengo ganas de practicar alguna inmersion de nuevo.

Sunny Krabi

2008-04-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

by Chris and Alex

We headed to Krabi with two goals in mind. Diving and relaxation.

Alex learned how to dive from a Hong Kong national named Klins at the Blue Juice dive shop in Krabi town. Krabi itself isn't a beach-covered paradise, it's more of a base of operations out of which you organize trips to beach-covered paradises, jungles and the likes. Klins was a patient teacher and in no time we were out in the water diving. Visibility wasn't great, but we did get to see quite a few neat things including a moray eel, a bunch of sea horses, lion fish, clown fish, and my personal favorite, nudibranches. We also got a bonus on our second day when we saw a group of dolphins on the way out to the dive site.
Our time was split between the beaches and the jungle. Honestly, there's not too much to be said about the beaches. We sat. We walked. We played in the beautiful blue ocean. Awesome.

We spent a couple of days in the jungle. First, we decided to climb all 1237 stairs to the Tiger Mountain Cave Temple. 1237's not that many, right? I think we would have been
Flower
Here is a nice white flower with the blue water in the background.fine if we could have skipped steps 200-300. They were about 6 inches wide and a foot and a half tall. We never recovered after that. We almost resorted to shouting slogans at each other after we were passed by a Thai lady who must have been in her 70s. The view from the top was well worth the effort (so I keep telling myself). Sadly, it was overcast, so landscape pictures didn't turn out, but that didn't make the scenery any less breathtaking. Jungle greenery cascaded off of peak after peak of towering cliffs. It was reminiscent of Guilin, but without all the development. Golden Buddhas towered above us as we admired the scene below us. That older woman who sprang past us on the way up prayed at every single statue, large or small and tried to persuade Chris to do the same with gentle pushing and prodding.

The next day we woke up with sore legs, and so decided on an arm workout. We opted for the kayak/elephant trekking combo tour and were not disappointed. We kayaked through mangrove forests, lagoons, and canyons with a pair of Danes, an Englishman and his young French daughter, and
Limestone Cliffs
Cliffs and rocks like these are all over southern Thailand. Made from limestone, they shoot up out of the seas.our talkative Thai guide. In addition to some stunning scenery we also got to see a monitor lizard, a meter and a half long water snake, and many well behaved monkeys. I especially enjoyed all our variations on Bob Marley's No Woman No Cry. Among the best had to be--"No rain, plants die,"--Chris, "Monkey pee, monkey die."--our guide.

Zoe, the eight year old French girl that kayaked with us, was nearly beside herself with anticipation for our elephant trekking. This was certainly one of those times when catching the excitement of a child makes an experience worlds better. So after drying off we headed to Nosey Parker's, the elephant trekking company.

Elephants are not small.

Chris got to ride the hundred year old bull solo (well, save the guide), and Alex got the chance to ride on the elephant's head instead of on the harness and wouldn't be denied. The trek was short, but fun, especially since Zoe was around. The elephants marched around at a leisurely pace, stopping to uproot a tasty snack or to decorously scratch their backsides up against trees.

So after all this excitement we decided it was the time for some
Islands for Diving
Here is one of the first small islands that Alex learned to dive near.good, old fashioned beach bumming. So it was off to Koh Jum for us, an island that lauds the fact that upon it there is nothing to do.

Giant Buddha

This giant Buddha statue sits atop a brutal 1237 stair climb up a steep mountain. We made it, but it was torture.

Giant Buddha Cont..

Here is a close up of the giant Buddha statue.

Dolphins!

These guys came and said hello one morning as we were headed off to dive.

Klins and Alex

Alex's dive instructor Klins and Alex pose in the dive shop one evening.

Jungle Kayak

We spent a day kayaking around the Mangrove trees with some wonderful people.

Kayak Guide

Here is a shot of our guide on our kayak trip.

Jungle Alex

Alex swings from some vines on a small island in the sea.

Monkeys Everywhere

We saw hundreds of monkeys on our journey through Thailand. Some were nice, some not so much.

Elephant Trekking

We rode elephants through the jungle near Krabi. It was a great experience. These Asian elephants where massive.

Posing Elephant

This guy posed for us and blew his trumpet as we took his picture.

A Short Stop In Krabi

2008-04-09T17:25:00.001-07:00

by Leezy

15th - 17th March - Krabi

Travelling over from Ko Phangan we caught a ship then transferred to a bus which dropped us off in Krabi. The first coincidence was that at the bus depot we met the Oxford lads from Ko Tao...more evidence to show that it really is a small world! We also found out that they had rented mopeds and that Tom had fallen off and had to have 8 stitches. I don't think we'll be hiring out mopeds again in a hurry!

Waking up early after arriving last night we had to make full use of the day as we had very little time in Krabi. We decided to book ourselves onto a Kayaking tour around the surrounding islands. We were picked up by a large open backed bus and taken to the harbour where we jumped on a longtail boat and set off for the islands. After about an hours journey we floated into the secluded bay of one of the islands and were left to roam around. It was beautiful! The sand was white and it felt very isolated. After our tour guide collected about 10 sandcrabs by digging deep into the sand,

The beach
we set sail again for another of the islands. It was Paradise Beach where we stopped and again it was very secluded. I took the short walk round to another beach and relaxed before heading back over for lunch.

After lunch we set off for Hong Island, the focal point of the trip where we would be able to Kayak. We immediately switched to the Kayaks and began our trip around the island. Fortunately, I had the guide with me in my Kayak and he made light work of the paddling, allowing me to sit back and enjoy the ride! We made our way into a lagoon where we saw lots of wildlife and starfish. Paddling on we also saw the caves where Thai men use ropes to climb up and collect small birds which are then eaten as a delicacy in China. Finally, after a pretty relaxing paddle...while the others struggled to keep up, we hit the beach.

The rest of the group claimed they were tired out and lay in the sand...I don't know what they were talking about! The beach was amazing and has to be up there with the best I have seen so far.
Paradise Beach
The second island where we ate lunch

Thailand Travel Krabi - Tonsai

2008-04-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

by Juan Pablo De Wes

Now to bring things slightly more up to date it's now time for my thoughts and musings on the 2 fun-filled weeks i spent in a little stretch of paradise called Tonsai. Tonsai is currently riding the crest of the wave and winning the race for the much sought after Wes' Most Wonderful Place in the World award. Previous front-runners Vang Vieng and Ko Chang are still highly commended but Tonsai offers that little bit more. It's strange actually. You move round, fall in love with a place, leave, and realise that as great as it was, you may well never see it again. Tonsai though i think has found it's way into my affections and i definitely see myself returning one day... eventually... so what makes it soo great?

Well, as a beach Tonsai is not much to write home about. So let me tell you about it anyway. It's pretty, but unremarkable. The water is warm but shallow. The seabed muddy and rock filled. Railay next door fairs much nicer in the beach stakes if you're in search of some serious sunbathing action. This said Tonsai look goods as you come in. It's not over-developed and a lot of what is there is set back under the palm trees. As you chug in on a longboat you see a tree-lined beach surrounded by large limestone caves with little specks of human existence.

But anyway Tonsai isn't a place for lazing around and improving your already impressive tan. Though some do. It is a place to come and take on the Rock. Tonsai's location, snuggly situated between the headland containing the twin beach resorts of Railay East and West, and the more secluded Phra Nang on one side and the busier, more town like Ao Nang on t'other, sees around 80 climbing walls virtually all within walking distance. Talk of places such as the Fire Wall, Wee's Present Wall, Thaiwand Wall, Monkey Wall and so on and so forth soon becomes as familiar as the usual Thai traveler talk of Ko Pha Nagn, Ko Lanta, Chang Mai and Pai. Walls contain varying numbers of sports routes (i.e. bolts and an anchor already placed on the wall) and all have their own characteristics. Some cater for nervous beginners. Others for psuedo-superman climbing some of the most demanding routes in the world. Some are on nice gentle rock. Others are sharp and nasty and rip your hands apart. Some go straight up. Others involve the most ridiculously steep overhangs. Some start from the beach. Others start 30m above sea level giving rise to spectactular views (and frustration about my continued lack of camera).

This time round i started doing some lead climbing, whereas i had always seconded routes previously. When you get to a wall there is simply rock, with a series of bolts and an anchor at the top. You bring your own rope. And someone has to put it up. That person is the lead climber. Lead climbing isn't quite the extreme of solo climbing (i.e. no rope). Instead as you climb you clip the rope into the bolts that mark out the route. However once passed a bolt, a slip would see you fall as far below the last bolt you clipped in at as you have climbed above it. Additional slack in the rope may see you fall further still. This makes lead climbing tougher and much more of a mental battle. If you're seconding a route and are 90% of the way to the next clip and get stuck you can sit in your harness, let the rope hold you, relax and think about how to move on. If you're lead climbing you need to work it out, move on and clip in before you can relax. Or take a big fall. Route planning and technique become much more important. Keeping calm becomes much important. The tenser you become the quicker you tire. The more your muscles begin to burn. And making those last moves becomes a lot harder still.

Needless to say this lead to some hairy, scary moments for yours truly. But it also lead to some real feeling of accomplishment. Of pushing myself to my limit, and then pushing through it. My confidence increased rapidly, one day i climbed my first 6a+ route, the next i lead my first 6a, the next i flew up a route i'd struggled with before. Then i took a rest day. And my confidence disappeared. Then it slowly came back again. I climbed my first 6b and lead a 6a+ (very badly). Some days are good, others are bad. Some days i wondered why was i was doing this at all, and other days i remembered exactly why.

But anyway, enough about the climbing. Apart from a quick recollection about DWS. DWS? Deep Water Soloing! You go out on a boat, swim or kayak over to the rock, climb up without a rope and jump/fall off when you've had enough!! A great day out. The second route was a bit tough, with few people (myself included) able to climb it. Rich impressed the most out of group getting a good 30m or so before realising he actually had to jump back down! Initially i thought climbing above water would be less nerve wracking. And at low heights it is. But you get higher and you become more aware of having no rope. And more aware of how inelegant, and painful, your entry could be if you slip while swinging out from the wall.

One guy did take a bad fall. A bit of rock broke off under his foot. He wasn't particularly high but he slid down the wall opening a massive gash in his leg. To his credit he was remarkably calm about it. Luckily there were nurses on the boat to seal the world, and after a trip to the doctors, and 18 stitches he was out drinking that evening!

But now, enough about the climbing. What else was good about Tonsai? What will i remember?

A lot of good times and crazy banter with Rich and Jay. Getting addicted to learning the firestaff (so far, no fire, just staff). The boat boys constantly shouting "Ao Nang, Ao Nang, Ao Nang" at anyone who wanders past. Our amusement at shouting "Ao Nang, Ao Nang, Ao Nang" at them before they had a chance to reel off their catchphrase. Our even greater amusement when this started being returned with a good humoured "F%^k you". Yow (sp?), one of the waiters at the Andaman permenently struggling with having to work while being incredibly stoned. The lovely Tonsai t-shirt i bought, and then left in Tonsai (perhaps where it belongs). The lovely Tali Leaf Indian Restaurant where i seemed to amuse the staff by turning up with different dining partners. The wonderful Masaman Curry at the little restaurant next to the Freedom Bar (possibly the best curry in Asia soo far). Meeting a Canadian girl who had wrestled crocodiles. Being amazed at people on the slackline (i.e. a kind of low tightrope on the beach). Running to kick a sandcastle and instead hitting rock much to others amusement. The nice people at the Viking Bar. Interesting conversatons with Ele, the nurse at a gender reassignment clinic. Films at the Andaman. The nice relaxed friendly atmosphere and easy camaderie between climbers where anyone you meet at the wall is willing to chat with you. Rascal the Frenchman. The journey over to Railay, a choice of a hike over the headland, or wading round over the slippery rocks. The wildlife. Waking up to 10 monkeys outside a bungalow, all misbehaving as monkeys should. I could go on and on but you probably get the point, i loved Tonsai.

This said though after 4 weeks i was ready to leave and begin, you know, travelling again. You can get too settled in a place. And leaving has resulted in 2 of the most random, bizarre, and in one case scary stories so far of my travels. But it is not for me to talk about these here.

Tonsai is great, that's the point and and i don't need to say anymore.

thailand travel krabi - the beach

2008-04-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

by genevievez

hey everyone

so now i've gotten to the relaxing part of the trip...today i've had to make such descisions as to whether i should get a pedicure, massage or go shopping first...hahaha life is good i must say!
the other day we came down to the islands and visited james bond island where they fillmed the man with the golden gun and then we stayed in a muslim fishing village for the night...the entire village is on stilts! it was um...kind of slummy but it was still a cool experience....you had to be really careful to not drop anything cuz it would plumet down about 20 feet before hitting the water which was also the raw sewage disposal...but experience it was! then yesterday we went to koh phi phi island (where they filmed the movie the beahc!) it was beautiful..... butr very touristy....as with krabi...the beachy part i'm staying in now....very touristy....which i'm not a huge fan of....i guess i've been spoiled tho on thos secluded fijian and australian beaches...soo many europeans here...and children galore..i dont understand why people bring their kids on vacations when they're too young to remember it and they ruin everyone elses time (including the parents!)...ew! hahaha anyways so now i'm on krabi...a nice part with beauitful limestone cliffs...but god i've become such a stingy jerk....i hate buying anything down here cuz its twice as expensive as up north (even though it really translates to spending 3 dollars on a meal instead of 30 cents).. but ya...anyways internet is also double down here so i best be offf now...
im' having a great time and i'm heading to phucket from here tomorrow.....dont worry i did hear about the tourist who got murdered but she was camping on a secluded beach by herself....which i will not be doing....

anyways lots of love
gen
xoxooxoxox

Thailand Part 1 - Krabi to Kanchanaburi

2008-04-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

Thailand is a very diverse country, from manic cities to tranquil towns and beaches. It's a beautiful place with the nicest of people. We have been quite a few places since we last updated you, but will try and keep it short and sweet so you don't get too bored!!

Our first stop was Krabi, famous for rock climbing (apparently), although we didn't see much. We decided on our first day too do an island hopping tour, we wished we hadn't............... On a nice day I'm sure it would be a beautiful experience although we managed to get a freak day in the middle of summer and had torrential rain all afternoon ha ha. The place had 4 beautiful beaches, 1 being Railey beach where we spent a day climbing up to a view point and down to a lagoon, down a sheer rock face using ropes in our flip flops and half way down it started raining, Clever Hey!!!! British Health and safety would have had a heart attack. It was worth the view once down there though. Also they had a strange but amazing penis shrine, we weren't really sure what it was for
Ko Phi Phi
Lagoon Climb - Railey Beach, Krabi
Don't look down dan!!was the next island, which was made out to be paradise. Although we thought it was too touristy for that. The island was totally wiped out by the Tsunami in '04, but it has now been fully rebuilt and thriving once more. You can walk out in the sea for about a quarter of a mile and it's still only up to your thighs. It was like bath water. The surrounding cliffs were beautiful and the view from the top of them was amazing. In one of the bars at night they had a muay thai competition where you could literally fight anyone in the pub for a free drink. Pure comedy value, we think they should get one in Borrowash......

Then we took a ferry to the island of Phuket to meet our families for my brother Andrew's wedding. I was brilliant seeing everyone and catching up with the in and out's of the UK. We chilled out alot by their 5* pools, it was a real luxury after 8 weeks of slumming it. We even went to Alison's (Dans mum's) hotel most mornings and skanked a free breakfast ha ha! It was really sad leaving everyone after
Reached the Lagoon
such a good time.

Dan and Dave (Jen's stepdad) escaped from the women and went off to a fishing lake for a few days, the place was set in a stunning national forest near Krabi and had not fully opened yet so they were quite lucky to catch the monsters that they did. Dave caught an arapaima catfish weighing around 150 kilo which took him about 50 mins to land and Dan caught a minnow of a mere 80 kilo. You can imagine how happy they were. Dan did just want to point out however that he caught the most fish!!! Sorry Dave.

We spent a few days in Ranong a small town on the Thai-Burma (Myanmar) border which is where we had to go to get an extension of our Thai visa. You only get 30 days on entry so we heard about a loop hole in the law where you can leave the country and return in the same day and get an extra 30 days, instead of paying a fortune to immigration. What an experience!! We had to hire our own long boat which took us to the immigration office in the middle of the
Penis Shrine - Krabi
What she is used too?????? HA HAriver where a boy would run off our boat with our passports, get them stamped and we'd carry on to Burma. There we had to pay 10 usd each but this would depend on the quality and condition of the American dollar note, (it had to be perfect) to how much we pay, the Burmese officer seemed quite impressed with ours. Thank God! It was so easy, it was unbelievable!

Then to Bangkok, capital of Thailand. What a interesting city, we loved it. Hawker stalls and tuk-tuk's everywhere from morning till night, this city never seems to sleep. It didn't seem as sleazy as the first time we came, either it has been cleaned up alot or we have just learned to ignore it. Our first night however wasn't so restful. We checked into a 'budget' guesthouse (Dan's choice may I add) with free internet and laundry, a pool, bar restaurant and pool table etc it seemed great. Although when we went to bed in the small hours after a few beers our room was crawling with bed bugs, they were everywhere and big too, it was disgusting, we spent hours killing them, blood splats everywhere, hopefully not ours!
Lap dancing in Patong, Phuket
New lady boy in town, How much did you make????Needless to say we were straight out of there the next morning, we told reception why we were leaving and she just replied OK!!! We moved around the corner to a non tourist guest house which we soon realised was a hoar house and possibly mafia run (we know how to pick them) the hourly room rate gave it away.
We met up with one of our friends Alan from the village and spent a night on crazy Khao San road with him and his friends, we had a wicked time. We went to the worlds biggest outdoor market, Chatachuk, Dan was disappointed though as he had heard they sell tigers, snakes and other endangered species but all they had was pups kittens and squirrels!!!!!!

And finally onto Kanchanaburi, which is famous for the Bridge over the river Kwai (Death Railway). Having never seen the film we headed for the visitor centre to learn more about the history. It was very moving to see the pictures and videos of the POW's, and learning that over 100,000 people died during the building of the railway and seeing all the graves in the cemeterys, which were kept immaculate by the Thai
Dave's Arapaima Catfish, Krabi
That's a whole lot of fish!!!government. The town itself was lovely and the accommodation was great it even had a pool, one of Dan's better picks at only 5 quid a night. We went on an elephant trek it was brill then Dan steered us down a stream on a bamboo raft, he needed L plates though we had a fair few collisions. Last but not least was a visit to the Tiger Temple! The monks there took tigers in from cubs and they are now pretty much domesticated (?) Here you could go and stroke them and get your pictures taken with them, it was scary but something we will probably never get to do again. We were a little concerned about the disclaimer they made you sign and we are not sure whether our insurance would cover us in a fatality!!
We are currently on our way to Ayutthaya, Thailands old ancient capital, then north to Chaing Mai and Laos. So til the next time, hope every body is well and hope the weather is picking up. We won't leave it as long next time. TTFN.....................

Krabi, Thailand - a short stop-over on the way to paradise

2008-04-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

by ElizabethR

Day 22-March 27th: I wrote in my last entry about our arrival into Krabi. I was up at 9 AM the next day, as per usual, and wanted to check out the place.

I went for a walk at 10 AM-ish and got info on the ferry to Ko Phi Phi and where the beaches are in Krabi, since the town was not very interesting.

I went to the bungalow to get Jessie and we took the local taxi/bus/songthaew service to Ao Nang, a beautiful stretch of beach on the coast. It was very scenic/picturesque along the way and once we got there.

We had about 15 minutes and then had to head back to Krabi to catch the ferry to Ko Phi Phi. If we had more time, I would've stayed in Ao Nang for the day/night. But Ko Phi Phi was calling us! We were on the 3 PM ferry to Ko Phi Phi and ready for more beautiful beaches. It was a scenic ride to the island.

Jessie and I are still traveling together, so we shared a room at Ban Thai Guesthouse for 600 baht/night, a good price for this tropical paradise. More news on Ko Phi Phi in my next entry....

Leaving Thailand: Or are we!?

2008-04-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

by hingus2000

Sun Setting on our time in Thailand. As we cross into Malaysia at the border.

Thailand is an absolutely stunning country. The cities, the landscapes, and the people - all amazing. It is with great sadness that we have to leave. However, it appears it doesn't want us to go!

We were up at the crack of dawn this morning as our minibus to the Thai border town of Sungai Kolok was due to pick us up at 6.45am. Even accounting for the relaxed nature of Thai timekeeping it was apparant by 8am that it wasn't going to show up. A couple of hurried phone calls later results in us being transferred onto a bus to Penang - save hanging around for another 24 hours. Alternatively we could have taken the later bus to Sungai Kolok, however that would mean us not arriving until after the border closes. As the deep south of Thailand has been subject to some violent troubles over recent years (1500 people killed in the last 12 months, although not directly targetting tourists) we though it was probably not the best place to be hanging around in. Speaking to most people (tourists & locals) suggests that it isn't really unsafe for travellers, but still, better safe than sorry.

As they say, as one door closes, another one opens, so going to Penang gives us the chance to see a part of Malaysia we may not have visited otherwise. We will still go to the Perhentian islands (the reason for choosing the Sungai Kolok border crossing originally), so we are really only gaining a destination, and losing nothing.

I'd love to have some epic final thoughts about Thailand. But to be honest, reading the brilliant adventures we have had over our 7 weeks in the country should leave no final justification necessary. I'll be back and I'm sure Paul feels the same, and that should say it all really. Although having just thought of a killer line, I will give it a public airing: Thailand may not have loads of money, but it is rich beyond means.

Ok anyway, what better way to finish talking about this amazing country than highlight some of its more quirky factors? In no particular order, and no doubt I have forgotten several, here are a few things that I have noticed over the weeks:

Thai Rastafarians: Seen particularly in the south, eg on Koh Pha Ngan, Krabi etc. Not just Thai guys with dreadlocks, these guys look completely authentic and if you saw them elsewhere you would assume instantly they were Jamaican.

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Bangkok Taxi Drivers: Never have I known taxi drivers so openly refuse fairs. Even laugh at you for having the cheek to suggest locations! You usualyl have to flag down 3/4/5 taxis before one will consider putting a fair on a meter!

Bangkok Taxis: Whats with the colours? Is there an explination why the brightest pinks, greens, yellows and purples are needed? Probably not, but it looks class, as does the way they all seem to compete to see who has the biggest spoiler and exhaust.

VIP Buses: Painted like fairground rides and covered in a stupid amount of neon LEDs. Who needs red break lights when a mini strobe and disco lights will do!?

Minibus travel: Never assume the minibus you are on currently is the last until you reach your destination. After a few weeks you learn that you will inevitably do a relay from travel agent to travel agent, swapping buses constantly!

Coach/Lorry/All Drivers wearing flip flops: Surely would never be allowed elsewhere, virtually everyone on the road drives with flip flops on.

Traffic Light Countdowns: To be fair elsewhere in the world too, but still a curious sight coming from the Uk. Digital signs that countdown how long is left until the light turns green or red. So with 3 seconds left of red everyone starts creeping forward, and 3 seconds left of green everyone starts gunning it through the lights. Safer or not, its a really interesting thought.

Nerd section in shopping malls: Yes, the top floor is always reserved completely for comic/figurine shops and arcades and populated by hundreds of spotty kids trading pokemon cards or playing warhammer.

Fake DVDs: Everywhere has them, Thailand doesn't care about showing them! Didnt see a legit DVD the whole time I was there, but every, even respectable outlet seems to sell and show the latest pirate films.

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There are so many more I just can't think of right now, but perhaps most noticeable from all our time in Thailand is the friendliness of the people. Therefore, as we crossed the border a few minutes ago, it is the people as much as the places I remembered, and will continue remember.

Thailand Travel Krabi - Full Moon Madness

2008-04-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

by sophie1

Hello,

It's been a busy week so to catch you up.... After spending last sunday trying to use up our 24hour internet card (and only managing bout 7hours between us) and lying by the pool for literally as long as possible we decided to take advantage one more time by using the pool showers etc before heading sadly to cheaper accomodation.

Since it was our last night as 4people, with lot and molly headed to vietnam at 6 the next morning and us to thailand at a nicer hour of 7 we went to 'Le Bistro de Paris' for dinner- not an experince to be repeated!!

it was mainly chosen for its easy location etc as me and libby still had to book bus tickets etc but still......the other 3 decided to brave it with the steak, i choose goats cheese salad which was edible unlike the meat that appeared before them!!

i'm holding out till australia before i tuck into steak! they did however have lovely freshly baked bread with oil..... We went back to our rooms to watch a film before bedtime- we decided to swap partners for the night as lib and mol seem to like to sleep in the million degree heat while i'd prefer air con anyday!

However as i have an extreme tiredness problem i had to chuck lot out to their room to watch tv at midnight!!

Monday morning brought an early start and an emotional goodbye! As we headed to the border with no inital plan as to if we were going to head straight for Bangkok or stay a night on the border....Our bus was more basic than usual but also a lot cheaper so we happily set out with the courtesy stops to restaurants nobody wants to eat in!

Crossing the cahotic but at least real( as opposed to laos) border was a sweaty and confusing experience but once safely back in thailand we decided just to jump on the next air con non stop bus to Bangkok as there didnt seem to be much appeal in staying there, luckily this also worked in our favour re:costs as the whole thing was cheaper than booking straight from Siem Reap to Bangkok!

We've also developed a competitive streak about seats on buses so now take turns in runnning on with handbags to grab seats or carrying BOTH bags to the luggage compartment- it's a must do or else u'll be sitting in a crazy place!

After an uneventful (thank god!) trip to Bangkok we went straight to the guesthouse we stayed in last time at dinner and headed to bed to rest for the next day of strenous activity.... Tuesday was crazy shopping day!!

After a quick change of rooms since the cheap ones don't come with plugs we headed out to scout of presents for others and also a lot for ourselves having decided once we leave south east asia its going to be too expensive and since we were already planning to send a box of stuff home.....We managed to buy an immense amount in particular i'm a sucker for dresses although sadly my attemt to get a bikini failed, the one item i might use here!! ]

As the day wore on our bargining improved and we must of marched the Khao san road a million times!!

We went back to evaluate our shopping before heading back for a last few pieces (this has cheered me up to no end love the retail therapy!) We went out to trail the sex show area as libby wanted a few trashy pics of bangkok's main attraction!

However we accidentally ended up inside and paying.......under the false illusion we could go in take one photo of these women in bikini's on a stage and then go out the next thing we no we are being offered a drink, i choose the soft drinks, and then being charged for a show we didnt even no was going on!! needless to say we stayed for 10mins, too scared to drink our drinks in case they'd been spiked and libby never got her photo as all the signs said NO PHOTO despite her trying as we ran out!

It was definatley an experience but cant say im jumping to do it again! Wednesday morning began with cramming our purchases into our boxes, all but one of my tops made the cut after much pushing and squeezing!

After breakfast we dragged them along to the post office to discover they weighed a whole 4kilos each!! Fingers crossed they dont get lost on the way home, it cost about 30pounds but thats priceless when it comes to carrying our rucksacks!!

We spent most of the day kind of waiting to leave as the options of stuff to do once you've been in bangkok for a total of 5/6 days (including last time) so we treated ourselves (again) at starbucks to scones and jam!!

Later when eating dinner early before catching the bus i suddenly saw people i recognised and to my shock and delight saw 3 people from school who i thought were in Oz walking around! We then headed to the bus which was our best ever yet and luckily i was tired enough to get a bit of sleep on the almost fully reclining seats!!

We arrived at the pier at 5am and had to wait till 7 to get the ferry which took everyone to one of the three island, the amount of people headed to the full moon party was unreal, like a real pilgrimage!

Despite a little bit of sleep i was pretty shattered throughout the ferry journey and happy to finally arrive at Ko Samui, which like most of the nicest island i fear, was quite expensive!

However in this case it was totally worth the money to be by the beach and secure and its stil only 8pounds....We then went out to grab lunch at this nice place where i finally had the tuna salad i've been waiting for with grilled tuna steak not out of the can!!

I've taken an amazing photo which i'll put up next time so you can experience my salad joy!! We spent most the day on the beach before i had to have an incredibly early (8:30) night in preparation for the full moon party on the next day (friday). Awoke excited at about the party but not too late as the heat just makes it unbearable to sleep past 9. We ate a large breakfast, already in preparation of lining our stomachs for the night ahead. The day passed on the beach where i finally managed to finish my book!

A quick burst on the internet and to seven eleven to buy 6litres of water each we started preparing for the full moon party. The night before while i'd been lying asleep libby had spoken to this girl called Kelly from Kent- classic- so she ended up tagging along with us to dinner and had booked herself on the same party boat as us etc.

We quickly hid our bags with passports, cameras, phones etc in as they were probably safer there than at the party itself and headed to the pier. We had to fight our way onto the first boat that appeared, me vigilantly counting how many people got on as i'd heard stories of these boats being so full they capsize and people die! Luckily we made it across and followed the literal millions of people to the beach, with the road their lined with neon paint and buckets after buckets of alcohol.

Sadly i'd been burnt badly by the strong sun so had a headache and sore legs so water was my main tipple although did indulge in a bucket, which is pretty much a medium size bottle of pure spirit with a mixer and redbull!

I choose Vodka, Libby choose the cheaper rum while Kelly also choose Vodka which was her biggest mistake as she proclaimed not to be a vodka drinker.......After a little drink we went to get some paint and decorate ourselves- photos will follow with the next blog entry!

Taking the bucket slow was a necessity but made dancing hard, everyone was really friendly and great chatting to people. We had a little break on the beach drinking water for my headache before kelly was sick......needless to say we werent impressed as we'd stayed clear of that second bucket when she hadnt as it was enough to make you tipsy!

We agreed to leave at 3ish so me and libby left her in a safe bar a little up from the street so we coulde enjoy another crazy sweaty dance which made me miss dancing but when we came back she was gone.......we looked but to no avail so started to head towards the pier to get a boat back which was cahos as everyone was doing the same and getting pretty nasty about it, im guessing those who had been waiting a while just wanted to go home.

there was then an offical shouting to get back and they then brought a man lyin on a stretcher unconcious with stab wounds to his leg, stomach and neck through, which was horrible and a stark sober reminder of how dangerous it can be which was a shame because until then i had felt safer than i'd thought.

This then prompted a fight as people were a bit disresectful about getting out the way and another man had had someone else die in his arms up the road so was understandable tense....we then managed to get home within 45mins which was brilliant but slightly disturbed at what we'd seen.....still the party itself was amazing, really enjoyed it and it's definatley a must do!!

saturday we didnt manage to sleep beyond 10 due to the heat so rested a bit then ate a breakfast which included some of the weirdest hash browns ever, unexplainable but more like hard noodles......Libby spent the day on the beach reading while i stayed in the hut/balcony with my sunburnt legs covered in a wet towel! Saturday has become our treat day, as its always an anniversary around leaving home so we treated ourselves to a brownie! I'm really enjoyingh being by the beach so we can eat fish etc although Libbys sticking to green curry.

We aimed for an earlyish night but ended up chatting for ages! Today we've been on the move again, minibus, coach, ferry, coach but finally arrived in Krabi where we just spending the night to break the journey, so tomorrow we're off to Koh Phi Phi to relax a bit more for about 5days then onwards to malaysia which conincides with engligh clocks changing to suddenly will be 9hours ahead!! Till next time.......

Thailand Travel Krabi - Full Moon Party!

2008-04-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

By Libby1

Hey all!

Unfortunately we had to leave the Tara Ankor hotel, which Sophie's parents kindly put us up in and hit the real world with a smack, staying in grimy "guesthouses" again! Last sunday was our last night with Lot and Mol, so we celebrated by going out for dinner and watching films late into the night - in our overly hot rooms! Sayign goodbye was particularly hard on them as they had only been away for 2 weeks and so it felt a bit like leaving home all over again - however we too were sad to see them go as it had been a really good week! We travelled on a very small bus with very little leg room back to the boarder and crossed into Thailand returning to Bangkok.

We both really like Bangkok (unlike most travellers) so enjoyed returning to familiar ground! We stayed back at Baan Sabai, where we had stayed before, and trying to cut costs only got a fan room!

This room was a literal cell with two beds squashed together and NO electricity - which was a big problem as both our phones, cameras and ipods had all run out!

That night was a particularly HOT night! The next day was shopped till we dropped... no joke!

Our aim was to buy presents, but we saw so many goodies for ourselves we just couldnt resist! Although we spent alot of money we feel it was worth it and we had both previously decided to buy a box in Bangkok and send stuff home, so it seemed an ideal time to go a bit crazy!

That night we returned to Pat Pong (the red light district). We wandered around and had a drink, laughing at the amount of Thaibrides we saw. As we were walking down the mainstreet, we were ambushed by people trying to get us into their "bar" or so we thought!

The big signs stating "NO PHOTO'S" should have been a clue - but what can i say - we're naive!

Soon we were witnessing a live show - with no escape! We were swamped by women in very little clothing forcing us to buy a drink - which were so overpriced we realised this included the price of the show! After about 10minutes we legged it pushing our way through the half naked women, racing for the door!

It's funny now but it wasnt at the time! That night we changed rooms to aircon and electricity... and ironically i was then too cold!

The next day we continued to shop for our last bits and bobs before heading to the postoffice to collect a box each. Packing these was tense as there was no where near enough room as we needed, but finally queezing the sides between our knees and pushing the lid shut we magaged it!

it cost us over 30pounds to send the box home but getting rid of the laundry bag meant it was soooo worth it!

The rest of the day was then a bit of a non day with a novelty trip to Starbucks! Sophie randomly bumped into three people she used to go to school with on the Khao San Road - random!

That night we got an overnight bus to Koh Samui. It was probably the best overnight bus we've done, as they provided blankets, a film and the lights went out completely (and obviously we didnt have to sleep in the aisle or get wet from the airconditioning!) However, saying that we arrived at 5am at the port, where we had to wait for 2hours for the boat! Aparently this is normal, but it was a big shock to be worken from sleep by blinding lights and look out of the window to see your bags tossed at the side of the road!

I slept for most of the boat trip to Koh Samui, waking now and then to take pictures of the amazing view! We stayed in a guesthouse called "Lucky Mother" which were basically bungalows on the beach. The beach was lush, but as you walked further up it became littered with cigarette butts and rubbish!

We succumbed to lunch at a nice restaurant which was too expensive for us but we hadnt eaten all day and were shattered so felt we deserved it!

The food was pretty good too! Each day was spent on the beach, dipping in and out of the sea!

Sophie got really burnt on our second day (the day of the Full Moon Party) so had to spend alot of time tending to her legs in the room! On our first night I met a girl called "Kelly" who was a bit of a chav and most of her friends (we discovered) were either pregnant or had kids already!

She had done Drama at uni and seemed to think we had alot in common - which we did not! She had failed her A Levels and got in to do drama through clearing as a last resort! However saying this she was sweet and we ended up all having dinner together and then heading to the Full Moon partaaaay!

The Full Moon Party was a great experience! We got a party boat across - slightly nervous as we had heard many MANY horror stories about them sinking and the passengers drowning! We were glad we had stayed on Koh Samui and not Koh Pha Ngan as the island wasnt as nice and the beach in the morning must have been so disgusting, where as ours was inviting!

We got our first buckets (large buckets mixed with different alcoholic beverages!) of the evening and headed down to the beach. We decided to buy some neon paint and after completely covering ourselves in it we danced along the beach heading for the podiums. (This was not my brighest idea) I was haulled up onto a podium, full to the max with people, and as I was dancing I wasnt paying attention to how close I got to the edge!

I fell head first into the sand, scraping my leg on wood as i fell. A really nice guy picked me up and brushed all the sand off my and away from my eyes, and I had soon forgotten about the crick in my neck and joined the others to continue dancing!

By this time Kelly was on her second bucket so it was no surprise that as the night went on she was really sick! Neither of us particularly wanted to look after her and didnt want to go home so we took her to a bar where we left her saying we'd be back for her later! After much more dancing and drinks, we retreated to find her. We searched the bar and there was no sign of Kelly, she had disappeared... Hyped up on the atmosphere we decided not to worry and head back to the port for a party boat back, stopping off for food on the way!

At the port we found huge crowds of people waiting. Whilst we were waiting a two ambulance men carrying a stretcher pushed their way through the crowd. A man with severe stab wounds to his head,leg and stomach lay unconscious on it. We hadnt encountered any violence so this was extremely shocking, however it only got worse as then the man next to Sophie confessed that a man on the beach had just died in his arms!

Thankfully we got home safely. As we tiredly stumbled into our room we found a note from kelly had been pushed under our door, exlaining she had been to drunk to stay and had continued to throw up in the bar and the manager had thrown her out!

After a quick shower to try and get rid of all the sand we crashed out! The next day I lay on the beach (joined by Kelly and her hangover!) whilst Sophie tended to her burnt legs in the cabin.

At around 3pm we went for a brownie at the nie restaurant which we were planning to return to for dinner but they were having a stupid "Thai Night" so returned to the norm of noodles! We have decided that Saturday is now our treat day where we are allowed junk food!

Today (sunday) we got up early for breakfast at our guesthouse only to find it was closed!

We went to 7/11 for yoghurt and then boarded our minibus to the port on our way to Krabi. It was a pretty boring day getting on and off coaches and cramped minibuses!

However the most interesting part of the day has to be the monsoon type rainstorm we encountered whilst travelling - thankfully we were on the bus! Also many of the views were breathtaking!

Upon arrival in Krabi we found cheap accomodation and headed out to book tickets to Phi Phi, then eat, as we were both starving!

I confess we both broke our 'Saturday treat' rule and gave in to cake! Heading to Phi Phi tomorrow which should be beautiful! However we have heard it can be quite expensive! Happy Easter!

Chiang Mai- Bangkok - Krabi

2008-02-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

by Laura mochilera

Dinner y the river with trekking buddiesI left Chiang Mai after 4 fantastic and intense days and I am now in Krabi (aka among the travellers that I met so far as "crappy") town, a pretty uninteresting place in the south which is however in one of the most beautiful provinces in Thailand.

I will stay here tonite and get the morning ferry to Koh Phi Phi tomorrow. For those who dont know what the hell is Koh Phi Phi (this goes in response to a comment), it is one of the islands on the southwest of thailand which was heavily hit by the tsunami, and also next to another island where the famous movie of "the Beach" was filmed. In short, supposed to be pretty close to paradise (if you dont look arround at the millions of tourists invading the place).

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Parti de Chiang Mai esta manyana tras 4 fantasticos e intensos dias y ahora estoy en Krabi (tambien conocido como "crappy=mierdoso" entre los viajeros que he encontrado hasta ahora), una ciudad bastante poco interesante que sin embrago se encuentra en una de las provincias mas bonitas del pais.

Pasare aqui esta noche y manyana tomare el ferry de la mantyana a Koh

My room for tonight phi Phi. Para aquellos que no saben que demonios es koh phi phi (esto va en respuesta a un comentario), es una de las islas en el suroeste de tailandia que fue destruida por el tsunami, y que se encuentra situada al lado de otra isla donde la famosa peli de "La Playa" fue rodada.

En fin, se suponde que es bastante cercana a la idea del paraiso (si no miras alrededor a los millones de turistas que invaden el lugar)

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I left quite early this morning the hostel in Chiang Mai and faced the challenge of getting a taxi or a tuc tuc at 6 am quickly and without being ripped off, still dark, only some market stalls starting to open... quite an experience, but I succeeded. I flew from Chiang Mai to BKK and from BKK to Krabi. I was actually a bit sad to leave chiang mai, I really liked the place and yesterday evening I had a great time.

I bumped again into this girl from Chile, Josefina, who I had met before in the street asking for directions. We went for a dinner&beer by the river with the rest of the trekking buddies and it was excellent. It was great to share a talk with someone female, spanish speaker, solo traveller and with so much in common. So sad that we met just the last day before leaving!

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Sali bastante pronto esta manyana del hostal en Chiang Mai y me encontre con el reto de pillar un taxi o un tuc tuc a las 6 am sin que me timen, aun de noche, y cuando solamente algunos puestos de los mercados comenzaban a abrir... bastante experiencia, pero lo logre.

Vole desde Chiang mai a BKK y de BKK and Krabi. La verdad que fue pelin triste dejar chiang mai, em encanto el sitio y ademas ayer por la noche me lo pase genial.

Me encontre de nuevo por casualidad con una chica de Chile, JOsefina, que me habia encontrado por la calle preguntando por direcciones.

Fuimos por una cena&cerveza al aldo del rio con el resto de mis colegas del trekking y fue fantastico.

Estuvo muy bien compartir una charla con una chica, hispanohablante, que viajaba sola, y con la que tenia un monton de cosas en comun. Una pena conocerla el dia antes de irnos!

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So I left Chiang Mai with great memories and now i am ready for new experiences in the south. I must say that although krabi is indeed a bit "crappy" (and still must find a decent place to have dinner... interesting task ahead), this guesthouse, and particularly my room, is amazing!! It is in the top, with a balcony, all blue, big and spotless clean and I have an outdoor shower sourrunded by palm trees.

It seems like the setting for a coconut/mango shampoo commercial! And this for 9 EUR a night!

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Asi que dejo Chiang Mai con grandes recuerdos y estoy lista para nuevas experiencias en el sur.

he de decir que aunque Krabi es realmente un poco mierda (y aun tengo que encontrar un sitio decenta para cenar... interesante labor tengo por delante), este hostal, y mi habitacion, se salen!! Esta arriba, con balcon, todo azul, grande y super limpio, y tengo un banyo y ducha en el exterior rodeada de palmeras. Parece salido de un anuncio de champu de mango y coco!! Y por el modico precio de 9 EUR la noche!!

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I may not write much from phi phi, donno how is internet situation there. So dont panic or be disappointed if you dont see updates in the next 2 days...I am overwhelmed by all your nice messages and it is very nice so see that you care so much about me when i am alone some thousands of km away! Lots of kisses to all!!

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Igual no escribire mucho desde phi phi, no se como estara el tema de internet por alli. Asi que no os asusteis o no os decepciones si no escribo en los proximos 2 dias.. Estoy emocionada por todos vuestros mensajes de adiccion al blog y me encanta saber que hay tanta gente que se preocupa por mi cuando estoy a miles de km!! Muchos besos para todos!!

Krabi - Phi Phi Island

2008-02-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

by DaleandBella

We booked a tour to one of the 'must see' islands off Krabi Mainland - Phi Phi Islands. These are well known for two strikingly different reasons - one is they are probably one of the most picturesque set of islands in Asia, and so became the setting for the Leonardo di Caprio film "The Beach" (which we haven't watched yet), and secondly because they were badly devasted in the 2004 Tsunami - they took the worst impact of all the islands.

You wouldn't be able to tell this though, if you visit the islands now - as they look so beautiful, and the islands have been rebuilt with beach huts etc. The morning started early with an 8am pick up from our hostel, a mini bus took us to Aonang beach (about 20 minutes away) where we joined more people and boarded a 16 seater speed boat. I don't know why - but we chose to sit at the front of the boat (along with a few other brave souls) - I didn't realise that you have to be a bit of a thrill seeker to sit there until after we set off.

The boat speeds along at about

Phi Phi lagoon100 mph breaking through the waves and everytime you hit one, you would come down with a thud. Of course the front of the boat (which had it's nose right up in the air) took most of the impact of this - and so did we! It was an exhilarating ride - and a good team bonding exercise - you got to know the people around you very quickly as you were practically sitting on their laps every choppy wave! Great bunch of people though - we had such a laugh.

The speed boat took around 45 minutes to get to our first stop. Today we were being taken around a series of islands - monkey island (for snorkelling), Maya Bay (the famous "the Beach" location that all guides boast about), Phi Phi Don for a spot of lunch, a blue lagoon, Viking Cave, and lastly Bamboo island which was my favourite of them all. The water on the beach at Bamboo Island was so crystal clear it was like sitting in mineral water - and so warm too!.

The sand was pure white like caster sugar and there were so many beautiful shells, corals and fish around

Phi Phi backdropsthat it felt like there couldn't be a more perfect beach than this. In fact, we (by this time we had made a little network of 'front-of-speedboat' friends) were so enjoying just laying on the shore line and letting the white waves lap over us that we didn't even realise that the rest of our speedboat had boarded and they were all tucking into fresh pinapple and watermelon! Even that didn't make us rush from our places very quickly.

This was an amazing day, again we felt a little guilty for having such an exotic time when we were backpackers - this should be for honeymooners! But this is what travelling is all about - experiencing things which are once in a lifetime.

I am sure when we are in Bangkok in a few days we will slip back into traditional traveller mode!

Lovely Scenery. Lovely Company. Lovely Day.

Travel In Krabi

2008-01-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

By Brezzercogs

Erin: After our adventure involving many modes of transport to get here to Krabi, we decided to stay and we've been hanging out here for the past week or so. We also decided to forget about our train tickets home and booked a flight (40 bucks to fly all the way back to Bangkok... it's like Westjet but Asian!)

Since we've been here we've mostly been sitting, lying and sometimes strolling for very short distances on the various beaches in the area. We did a snorkelling tour of some islands one day and then we had the idea that it would be fun to do a kayaking tour through the jungle/lagoons a couple of days ago...

Mike: Right...what Erin calls a "Lagoon tour" I call the funniest thing that has ever happened...I have been had...the "adventure seeking" girl I fell in love with does not exist ...or at least she didn't show up for the kayak trip...upon being dropped off after an hour bus drive to lord knows where on the back of an open pick up truck being driven by our guide (King) who was smoking a gigantic joint (and periodically stopping for what I assumed were the
Fat Asian kid of the week (#1)equivalent of Asian munchies...some kind of rice cake snack) we arrived on what was supposed to be a sandy beach ...although we should be used to this "what was supposed to be" business it was low tide so we were told to "remove our shoes" and walk through three feet of mud (the ocean floor), jellyfish and crabs for about ten minutes...if you think you have ever seen Erin unhappy I assure you haven't...at least to this degree...I can only sum up the unhappiness with the fact that she used back to back f-bombs ("fucking fucker...directed at me...) in a perfectly legitimate sentence...pretty awesome actually. Finally arriving at the kayaks...me and my hardcore buddy, despite my trying to ally myself with a guy from Chicago as I had a feeling about Erin's kayaking skills, hopped in the boat and headed out...to make a very long day short...island of crabs..fighting monkeys...many mosquitoes...Erin yelling at me to steer left...more yelling to go faster...caves with bats...harcore erin running from the cave (not simply out of it but about a mile down the road) and my favorite part of the day...Erin trying not to get wet in kayak all day as she is petrified
Ken??of "still water"...pretty awesome!!

Other funny stuff...

(1) Despite Erin being clearly scared...I had an hour long conversation last night with a tatooed West German dude who spent time in a Thai prison about how to fight Thais should I get in a bar fight...really, really funny...and kinda scary...

(2) I saw what has to be the fattest Thai kid in Krabi and to make it better he was in his school uniform...couldn't snap a pic but with this, I would like to intoduce a new section to our blog called "FAT ASIAN KID OF THE WEEK"...please see nclosed picture from the Grand Palace...

(3) Elephant poop - bigger than erin...nuff said.

(4) On our snorkeling trip we came across Krabi's "fertility cave"...being the incredibly fast team that we are it took us ten minutes to figure out what the beautiful wood carvings being thrown into the cave were...see picture attached...I was suddenly overcome by a feeling of inadequacy... Erin: Touche... all true... the pictures in the brochure showed leisurely paddling in sunny waters, not scary lagoons with monkeys fighting each other (although the monkeys WERE super cool - pics attached). Except I really Ken, walking???don't recall swearing, but anyway...

Stay tuned for more - we're off to Cambodia tomorrow to see stuff (you know, one of the seven wonders of the world, genocide museum, that kind of stuff). We should probably get organized as we don't even know what currency they use there...

Ken, walking???

Asian person sifting for expensive stuff

Wat Po Buddha (Bangkok)

Longtail Boats at Ao Nang Beach (Krabi)

"Fertility Cave"... swear to God...

And this pic is only a small part of the cave - the "shrines" were everywhere...

A scenic stop on the way to our "kayaking extravaganza"

One of one million crabs on "crab island" (also part of the kayaking extravaganza"Note: You actually had to skip around to avoid stepping on the crabs since there were so many, all scurrying around to get to some place unknown to us. Good basis for a horror movie...

Monkey chillin' on the cliffside

Can you really blame me for running out of the cave??PS - cave is not actually lit - the flash is what captured the bats... it's actually eerily dark and scary...

Mike is foregoeing a career in business to become the elephant whisperer...

Erin is not...

Travel Krabi

2008-01-16T00:24:00.000-08:00

by Mark_Bate

Landed in Ao Nang on the 9th from Phi Phi, where we made our way over to Krabi town and checked into the Grand Tower Hotel. That it certainly is! It's about six storeys high with views over the uglier parts of the town. We went straight for tea on the infamous night market. The food was rather splendid and incredibly cheap; and also rather satisfying that the locals ate there as well.

The next day saw us hit Railay Beach, via a 45minute longtail boat ride. This place is best described in pictures. The red hot sun beat down on the lush tropical green waters and perfect sand. We spent all day there and got an incredible tan for our efforts.

The 11th saw us hit Ao Nang beach - for about 20 minutes. It was busy, full of shops and surprisingly low on quality beach! Row after row of boats meant that we couldn't really swim, so we headed for the 30minute moped journey back home, before we head to Phuket Town in preparation for our venture in Malaysia.

RailayBeach- Censored!

Kimbles on Railay

Ao Nang

Krabi

2007-12-17T18:13:00.000-08:00

By CyP

Estamos en Krabi...el final de nuestro recorrido por el Sur de Thailandia. El hotel es muy bonito y esta apartado de multitudes cosa que agradecemos...pero que nos ha obligado a alquilar un coche para investigar los parques naturales de la zona. Ay ay ay...despues de convencer a Carlos para que condujera un cacharro mas viejo que yo y POR LA IZQUIERDA ... la verdad es que el dia ha sido super chulo. Hemos hecho mas de 300km...dando botes pero ha sido muy divertido...y eso que nos hemos perdido varias veces una de ellas hemos llegado a una valla donde terminaba la carretera y unos simpaticos militares armados con metralletas nos han hecho dar la vuelta, eso si, sin perder la sonrisa...luego nos hemos dado cuenta que el camino llevaba a algo que se llamaba "la residencia de la princesa" asi que creemos que nos hemos intentado meter en el Marivent tailandes...jeje. Os colgamos una fotos de los parques naturales...en uno de ellos habia unas cascadas super bonitas de aguas termales que me han dejado como nueva...eso si que ha sido un masaje! en el otro lo que llaman el "lago de cristal" increible...parecia dibujado...ya vereis las fotos. Despues hemos ido a comer a las playas mas concurridas y hemos bordeado la costa de vuelta al hotel.

Manana toca excursion en elefante..ay ay ay...y si hace buen tiempo (no esta muy claro, me encanta el concepto de temporada seca, como sera la humeda...) despues iremos a alguna de las islas deshabitadas que hay enfrente de la playa.

El lago de cristal

Nadando en el lago...

Cascadas a 40 grados

Que peligro!!!

En el hotel Krabi Sands

Un poco de relax en nuestra terracita...el hotel es genial, aunque la playa no me convence (muchos cangrejos!!!!)

Krabi eta Puket

2007-10-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

BY Kaixo danoi

Hemen nau berriz be gure abenturak kontetan! Azkenekoz idatzi nauenetik Koh Tao irla zoragarrixa itxi eta Surath Thani zikin eta aspergarrira juengitzen. Baina bidian toketan zalako, Krabi eta Phuket eko bidian. Krabira 12xetan heldu ta 1etan eskaletako bidien gauzen. Railey Beach en. Pareta eder batzuk die, gradu samurretik latzenea, ur ganien marea igoten danien. Bertara heltzeko txalupa txiki baten juenbiher izan ginen, ezdau ta errepiderik bertaraino. Biak zapaltzen zauen tipua jota zoratuta zauen, pasada bat. Izerdi apur bat ein eta bueltau inginen Krabira, bueno, ondoko herri txiki batera. Gabien be ezin geldi egon ta motorra hartuta Krabi hirira juetia pentzau gauen, iguel esan dot lehenau baina hemen beti scooterrakin ibiltzen gare alde batetik bestera, ostixarenbat be grabauta dau ikustia gurebozue bidixuetan. Afaldu aguen bai Italiano on baten, Guns and roses en bersinuak itxen zauen talde batek guretako esklusiboki joz. Kontue da gero bueltan, 20 bat kilometro zauzela etxeraino ta gasolina barek gelditu gitzela ohianan erdixen! eztakitzue zelako beldurra ta zelako zaratak entzuten zien karretera ondotik! azkenian bertako biejo batek bere rantxeran igo zuzkun eta etxeraino eruen, ni motor ganien ta motorra ranchera gainien. Hurrengo egunian Phi Phi irletara juenginen bertan gaba bat pasetako asmuaz.

Irla honeik Tsunamiak gustiz Eskaletan gainetik pasau eta deskojonau inzitxun, ta oin rekonstruiruten dabiz, inolako plan urbanistiko barik. Hau da, dana eskonbrua eta zaborra irla osuen barrena, dana langiliak eta txiringituak nahastuta, janarixakin eta turistekin batera. Hori bai, irla osuen ez zauen ibilgailurik, bizikletak kenduta. Eztakitzue zelako penia emuten zauen plaiak, ordurarte ikusitxa naukon tokirik ederrena bazan bai, baina baita zikinena be.

Hurrengo egunian Phi Phi txikira juen ginen, hau bai ondo zaindua ta edifikau barekua. Leonardo diCAprioren 'La playa" ikusitxa badaukoztue, ba pelikula hori irla hontan grabau zen. Izuragarri politxa da, dana 100m ko tontorrez inguratuta, ur transparentiak eta mila koloredun arrainak. Morena bat ikusi gauen, barko txiki baten emun zotzagun buelta irlai eta noizien behin betaurreko eta tubuekin uretara botatzen gitzen. Pues eso, morena bat! horrek arrapau ezkero... Gero uretatik sartuta, arroka arteko pasadizo txiki batetik Maya Beach ondartza ederrera sartu ginen. Pelikula dala eta, gende mordua zauen!

Ba hori, Phi phi irlak eta Krabiko probintzia itxi eta barkuen, nola ez, Phuketera heldu ginen. Laburtuz, Phuket munduko puta eta trabeluen tokirik faborituenetako bat omen da. Thailandiako Rio de Janeiro deritze. Eta hola da bai, imaginau ezin dan putiferiua, dana gizon helduak beratko emakumiekin pasietan parejak moruen, baina... en fin. Tokixa behintzat nahiko
Tximinoakgarvi zauen eta hotel merkia topatuta bertan hiru egun emun gau. Plaian amakan botata egunero eta bakoitza bere liburua irakurten, lasai lasai.

Oin Bangok era bueltau gare abioian eta chiang Mai ra jueteko beste abioi baten zai gaz. Bertan ohianian zehar 3 eguneko ibilaldi bat inbiou, mendixan gora eta gabetan akojonauta lo itxen. Haber ze pasetan jakun...

Ondo segi danok!!!

Kobak

Sin mas

Phi phi txikia

Morena mia...

Buscando ando...

Phuket

A ze parea

Ondartzako atzekoa tea

Gorilak

Travel Krabi

2007-10-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

BY Justin & Jo Adams

Krabi!

We werent going to bother staying in Krabi - were planning to head straight to Phi Phi but got roped into a tour of James Bond Island - Absolutely STUNNING limestone rock formations - Definately up there with the most beautiful things i have ever seen!

James Bond!

Krabi

Monkey!

Krabi

Diving in Koh Phi Phi

We went on our first fun dive yesterday after completing our advanced. did a ship wreck dive which we LOVED! Also saw octopus, turtles and a leopard shark - very cool! xx

diving koh phi phi

diving koh phi phi

diving koh phi phi

diving koh phi phi

Krabi Map

2007-10-03T04:35:00.000-07:00

Krabi Map

Krabi City Map

Map

To Stay Krabi

2007-10-03T03:57:00.000-07:00

To Stay

Amphoe Mueang

A. Mansion
12/6 Chaofa Road, Tambon Paknam, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 075-630511-2
Website :: -
Email :: -

A.P. Resort Hat Ao Nang
164 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7342-3
Website :: www.aonang.com/aptravel
Email :: -

Alis Ao Nang Krabi
125 AonangTel :: 0 7563 8000
Website :: http://www.alisthailand.com/
Email :: alis@alisthailand.com

Andaman Holiday Resort
Hat Khlong Muang 98 Mu 3 Tambon Nong Tha-le, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7564 4321-3Fax :: 0 7564 4320
Website :: http://www.andamanholiday.com/
Email :: -

Andaman Sunset Resort
Hat Ao Nang, 31 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7359
Website :: -
Email :: -

Ao Nang Beach Resort
Hat Ao Nang, 142 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7766-8
Website :: -
Email ::

Ao Nang Pakasai Resort
Hat Ao Nang, 88 Mu 3 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7777-8 , 0 2719 0034
Fax :: 0 7563 7637
Website :: http://www.pakasai.com/
Email :: pakasai@pakasai.com

Ao Nang Palm Hill
Hat Ao Nang, 83 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7207
Website :: -
Email :: -

Ao Nang Paradise Resort and Longstay
Hat Ao Nang, 25/18 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7650-1
Fax: 0 7563 7652
Website :: http://www.aonang-paradise-resort.com/
Email :: hotel@aonang-paradise-resort.com

Ao Nang Royal Resort
Hat Ao Nang, Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7118
Fax :: 0 7563 7119
Website :: -
Email :: -

Ao Nang Sea Front Resort
Hat Ao Nang, 245/6 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7591-2
Website :: -
Email ::

Ao Nang Villa Resort
Hat Ao Nang, 113 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7270-4
fax 0 7569 5072
Website :: http://www.aonangvilla.com/
Email :: info@aonangvilla.com

B.B. Hotel
Hat Ao Nang, 23/3 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7148
Fax :: 0 7563 7147
Website :: -
Email ::

Ban Ao Nang
Hat Ao Nang, 31/3 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7071-4
Website :: -
Email :: -

Beach Terrace
Hat Ao Nang, 154 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7180-3
Website :: -
Email :: -

Best Western Ao Nang Bay Resort and Spa
31/3 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 7569 5051-4
Fax: 0 7569 5050
Website :: http://www.anyavee.com/
Email :: reserve@anyavee.com

Boonsiam Hotel
27 Chao Khun Road, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 20 7563 2511-4
Fax: 0 7563 2510
Website :: -
Email :: http://www.boonsiamhotel.com/

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi
5396-396/1 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7789
Fax :: 0 7563 7800
Website :: http://www.centralhotelsresorts.com/
Email :: ckbr@chr.co.th

Chanchalay
55 Uttarakit
Tel :: 0 7562 0952
Website :: http://www.chanchalay-krabi.com/
Email :: -

Chanchale B & B
Opposite District Office, 55 Uttarakit Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 0952
Website :: -
Email :: -

City Hotel
15/2-4 Sukhon Road, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 1280-1
Fax: 0 7562 1282
Website :: http://www.cityriverside-hotel-group.com/
Email :: -

Dawn of Happiness
23 Krabi-Susan Hoi Road, Tambon Sai Thai, Ban Laem Pho, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: -
Website :: -
Email :: -

Dream Garden House
Hat Ao Nang, 86/2 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7338
Website :: -
Email :: -

Emerald Resort
Hat Noppharat Thara, Mu 4 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 3328
Fax :: 0 7563 1119
Website :: -
Email :: -

Golden Beach Reost
Hat Ao Nang, 232 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7870
Fax :: 0 7563 7875
Website :: www.krabidir.com/goldenbeach
Email :: -

Hat Noppharat Thara National Park
Hat Noppharat Thara, Mu 5 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7200
Website :: -
Email ::

K.L. Guest House
28 Ruenruedi Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 07561 2511
Fax :: 0 7561 2512
Website :: -
Email :: -

Kiang Tha-le
77/1 Khongkha Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 2885-8
Fax :: 07562 2884
Website :: -
Email :: -

Kinaree House
152/84 Ko Phi Phi, Mu 7, Tambon Ao Nang Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 08 1854 5187,08 1899 1691,0 7560 1139
Fax :: 0 7560 1138
Website :: www.geocities.com/kinnaree_house
Email :: kinnaree1@hahoo.com

Krabi City Seaview (Khiang Thale)
77/1 Khongkha Road, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 2885-8Fax: 0 7562 2884Website :: http://www.krabidir.com/krabicityseaviewEmail :: -

@ Krabi Pura (At Krabi Pura)
256 Uttharakit Road, Paknum, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 0365, 0 7563 0367
Fax: 0 7563 0367
Website :: http://atkrabipura.multiply.com/
Email :: atkrabipura@yahoo.co.th

Krabi La Playa Resort
143 Mu 3 Tambon Aonang, Amphoe Muang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7015-20, 0 2676 3828
fax. 0 7569 5497
Website :: http://www.krabilaplaya.com/
Email :: sales@krabilaplaya.com

Krabi Noppharat Resort
Hat Noppharat Thara, 83 Mu 3 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7632-3
Fax :: 0 7563 7634
Website :: -
Email :: -

Krabi Resort
Hat Ao Nang, 232 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7030-5
Fax :: 0 7563 7051
Bangkok Office Tel :: 0 2208 9165, 0 2208 9710
Website :: http://www.krabiresort.net/
Email :: reserv@krabiresort.net

Krabi Royal
403 Uttarakit Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7561 1582-4
Fax :: 0 7561 1581
Website :: -
Email :: -

Krabi Sea View
Hat Ao Nang, 143 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7242-5
Fax :: 0 7563 7246
Website :: -
Email :: -

Lai Thai Resort
Hat Ao Nang, 25/1 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7281
Fax :: 0 7563 7282
Website :: -
Email :: -

Maritime Park and Spa Resort
1 Thung Fa Road, Tambon Paknam, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 0028-46
Fax: 0 7561 2992
Website :: http://www.maritimeparkandspa.com/
Email :: maritime@maritimeparkandspa.com

Nakamanda Resort & Spa
Hat Klong Muaeng, Tambon Nong Thale, Amphoe Mueang Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 8200Website :: http://www.nakamanda.com/
Email :: info@nakamanda.com

Noppharat Resort
97 Moo 3 , Ao Nang , Amphoe Mueang , Krabi
Tel :: 0 7569 5601, 0 7566 1301, 0 2908 1072
Fax :: 0 7569 5602, 0 7566 1302
Website :: http://www.noppharatresort.com/
E-mail :: sales@noppharatresort.com

Ocean Garden View Resort
Hat Ao Nang, 121/1 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7527-31
Fax :: 0 7563 7211
Website :: -
Email :: -

P.K. Mansion
Hat Ao Nang, 247/12-15 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7431-2
Fax :: 0 7563 7471
Website :: -
Email :: -

Peace Laguna
Hat Ao Nang, 193 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7345-6
Fax :: 0 7563 7347
Website :: -
Email :: -

Phi Phi Island Village
Ao Lo Ba Kao, Ko Phi Phi Don, 84 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7561 2915
Fax :: 0 7561 2916Phuket
Office Tel :: 0 7621 5014, 0 7622 2784
Bangkok Office Tel :: 0 2276 6056, 0 2277 0038
Website :: -
Email :: -

Phi Phi Natural Resort
Laem Tong, Ko Phi Phi Don, Amphoe Mueang,KrabiPhuket
Office Tel :: 0 7561 3010-11
Website :: -
Email :: -

Phranang Inn
Hat Ao Nang, 119 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7130-3
Fax :: 0 7563 7134-5
Website :: -
Email :: -

Private Beach Resort
Hat Nopparat Thara, Mu 4 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 1425 9686 Total :: 9 Bangalows Rate :: 1,000-3,500 baht
Website :: http://www.privatebeachresort.net/
Email :: reservation@privatebeachresort.net

Rai Le Bay Resort & Spa145 Moo 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 2570-2
Fax :: 0 7562 2573
Website :: http://www.krabi-railaybay.com/
Email :: info@krabi-railaybay.com

Rai Le Beach Club
Hat Rai Le,200 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 2582, 0 1464 4338
Fax :: 0 7562 2596
Website :: -
Email :: -

Rai Le Village Resort
Hat Rai Le, 236 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 2578-9
Website :: -
Email :: -

Rayavadee Premier Resort
Hat Rai Le, 67 Mu 5 Saithai-Susan Hoi Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 0740-3
Fax :: 0 7562 0630
Website :: -
Email :: -

Sand Sea Resort
Hat Rai Le, 39 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 2167-8
Website :: -
Email :: -

Sunrise Bay Bungalow
Hat Rai Le, 69 Mu 5 Tambon Saithai, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: -
Website :: -
Email :: -

Thai Village Resort
Hat Ao Nang, 260 Mu 3 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7710-9, 0 7563 7720
Website :: -
Email :: -

Theparat Lodge
151-155 Maharaj Road Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 3718, 0 7562 2048, 0 7561 2363
Fax :: 0 7561 1413
Website :: http://www.thepparatlodge.com/
Email :: info@thepparatlodge.com theparat20002@yahoo.com

Tipa Resort
121/1 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 7563 7527-9
Fax: 0 7563 7211
Website :: http://www.krabi-tiparesort.com/
Email :: -

Tropical Herbal Spa & Resort
20/1 Mu 2 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi
Tel :: 0 2254 7141, 0 7563 7940-2
Fax: 0 7563 7867
Website :: http://www.spakrabi.net/
Email :: spa@spakrabi.com

Tup Kaek Sunset Beach Resort
109 Mu 3 Tambon Nong Tha Len, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi*Rental canoes are available
Tel :: 0 7561 2253, 0 7561 8067-8
Website :: http://www.tup-kaek.com/
Email ::-

Vieng Thong
155 Uttarakit Road, Amphoe Mueang,Krabi
Tel :: 0 7562 0020-3
Fax :: 0 7561 2525
Website :: -
Email :: -

Local Products Krabi

2007-10-03T03:51:00.000-07:00

Local Products

Hoi Chak Teen (Feet-pulling Shells)

Hoi chak teen or wing shell is in the Strombus Canxarium family. It looks like a conch but is smaller and brown in color. Its special characteristic is its dark brown walking legs which are referred to as "feet" or "teen" (in informal Thai). It is found in the sea in Krabi and nearby provinces.

To prepare the dish, the wing shell is soaked in salty water for about half an hour. A few crushed chilies are added to the water to make it spicy. The wing shell then begins to move, pushing its feet out and expelling the mud from inside. It is rinsed several times and then put in to a pot of cold water.

The pot is then put on the stove and when the water gets warm, the wing shell pushes its feet out. As soon as it is cooked, it is ready to be served.To eat the wing shell, you pull the feet and the mollusk will come out.

It is eaten with a dip made of garlic, chilies, sugar, lime juice and fish sauce.Hoi chak teen is a popular savory snack dish. The shells are also made into decorative items for the home or sold as souvenirs.

Som Shogun (Shogun Orange)

The orange is popular because of its sweet taste. It has a thin rind and little pulp and is best eaten fresh.

The orange tree flowers from March to June depending on the climate in the area and takes about one month for the fruit to set. The fruit can be picked 8 to 9 months later.

The most popular propagation method is by rooting branches. Orange growers usually wait until the tree is three years old before they start picking the fruit.

How to get there

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From Bangkok

By Car

1. From Bangkok, proceed on Highway No.4, passing Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong and Phang-nga Provinces for a total distance of 946 kilometers.

2. From Bangkok, proceed on Highway No. 4, on reaching Chumphon Provinces take Highway No. 41 passing Amphoe Lang Suan in Surat Thani Province to Amphoe Wiang Sa, and then take Highway No. 4035 to Amphoe Ao Luek and continue on Highway No. 4 to Krabi. This route is 814 kilometers from Bangkok.

3. From Phuket, proceed on Highway No. 402 and No.

4. The distance from Phuket is 185 kilometers or 4 hours.

By bus

From Bangkok: There are air-conditioned bus services to Krabi leaving the Southern Bus Terminal at Borommaratcha Chonnani Road daily from 6.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The buses provided include ordinary bus buses, 2nd class bus air-conditioned buses, 1st class air-conditioned buses and 24-seat VIP buses. The journey takes about 12 hours. For more details, contact tel. 0 2434 5557-8 (non air-conditioned buses) or tel. 0 2435 1199 or 0 2435 1200 (air-conditioned buses) or visit http://www.transport.co.th/.

By rail

From Bangkok: There is no direct train service to Krabi. But it is possible to take a train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station to Trang or Nakhon Si Thammarat and take a bus or taxi to Krabi. For more information on trains, contact the State Railways of Thailand at tel. 1690, 223 7010, 223 7020 or visit http://www.railway.co.th/.For Trang, an express train leaves Bangkok daily at 5.05 p.m. and reaches Trang at 9.40 a.m. and a rapid train leaves daily at 6.20 p.m. and arrives at 12.20 p.m.

For Nakhon Si Thammarat, a rapid train leaves Bangkok daily at 5.35 p.m. and arrives at 10.45 a.m. and an express train leaves daily at 7.15 p.m. and arrives at 12.00 p.m. For more details, call 1690 or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2621 8701.

By air

Thai Airways International operates daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi. The trip takes 1.20 hours. For more information call 02 6282000. Website : http://www.thaiair.com/
Phuket Air offers a daily flight to and from Krabi. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Call 02 6798999 to make reservation or visit http://www.phuketairlines.com/ to check the flight schedule.

One–Two-Go Airlines: Bangkok Tel. 1126 Others Provinces Tel.1141 ext. 1126 http://www.fly12go.com/
Silk Air flies to Singapore 4 times a week. Tickets can be brought from any travel agencies in town.

From Phuket

By bus

From Phuket Bus Terminal, there are non air-conditioned and air-conditioned bus services to Krabi many times daily. The trip takes 3-4 hours. For details, contact 0 7621 1480.

By car

Take Route 402 and 4 which passes Takua Thung and Thap Pud Districts in Phang-nga and enter Krabi at Au Luek District. Total distance is 185 kilometers.

Getting around

Getting to Nearby Provinces

By Bus

From Krabi Bus Terminal there are services, both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned to nearby provinces, i.e. Phuket, Phang-nga, Trang, Hat Yai and Surat Thani (Samui). In addition, many local travel agencies in town provide air-conditioned buses or vans to these provinces.

The bus terminal, which is located 4 kilometers north of town at Talat Kao, provides bus services between Krabi and the following destinations:

Hat Yai (96 baht/ordinary bus bus, 130 baht /2nd class bus bus, 173 baht /1st class bus), Nakhon Si Thammarat (67 baht / ordinary bus), Phuket (65 baht /ordinary bus, 91 baht /2nd class bus, 117 baht /1st class bus), Phang-nga (46 baht /ordinary bus, 64 baht /2nd class bus, 82 baht /1st class bus), Ranong (106 bahts /ordinary bus), Su-nagi Kolok (335 bahts /1st class bus), Surat Thani (61 baht /ordinary bus, 126 baht /2nd class bus), Trang (50 baht /ordinary bus, 70 baht /2nd class bus, 90 baht /1st class bus).

For schedule and more information, contact Krabi Bus Terminal, tel. 0 7561 1804

By bus/boat combination

To Ko Samui: Travel agencies in town offer bus/boat tickets to Ko Samui (300-370 baht, four times a day), and also to Ko Pha-Ngan (450 baht, four times a day).

Getting around the city and nearby Districts

From Krabi Bus Terminal, located in Talat Kao, there are both local red buses and government buses depart regularly from 6.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. to other counties including major tourist spots. It costs 10 baht to get to a destination in town.

To travel further, i.e. to Ao Nang and hat Noppharat Thara, take the local white bus from Maharat Road for a fare of 20 baht

Songthaew and tuk tuk to the government bus terminal costs 8 bahts while a motorcycle taxi costs 30 bahts. Tuk tuks can be chartered for trips around the town for flat rates i.e. to the bus station (50 baht), What Tham Seua (100 baht) and the airport (200 baht).

Most of Songthaews leave in front of the 7-11 on Maharat Road. Destinations include Ao Leuk (20 baht), Ao Nam Mao (40 baht), Ao Nang (20 baht), Hat Noppharat Thara (20 baht) and Su San Hoi (40 baht).

There is also a service to Ban Hua Hin (Ferry pier to Ko Lanta). The bay is situated at the intersection of Phattana and Preuksa Uthit Roads.

Costing around 40 baht/person, the service runs frequently and takes 40 minutes.

Alternatively, it is possible to rent a car to travel around town and to nearby provinces.

Several agencies and guesthouses provide motorcycle rental for 150 baht/day while Jeep rental fees may range from 800 to 1,200 baht/day.

For more convenience, it is possible to hire a taxi, rent a motorcycle or a van at travel agencies and hotels. The local minibuses depart from Vogue Department Store on Maharat Road to the following destinations:

Destinations Fare: Baht

Ban Hua To : 11 Bath

Ban Nong Thalay : 20 Baht

Ban Khao Thong Noppharat : 50 Baht

Tear Beach : 20 Baht

Au Nang : 20 Baht

Shell Cemetery : 40 Baht

Ban Khlong Mueang : 50 Baht

Ban Nai Sa : 10 Baht

hao Phanom County : 14 Baht

Nua Khlong County : 20 Baht

Khlong Thom County : 25 Baht

Ban Bo Mueang : 31 Baht

Ban Hua Hin : 40 Baht

Ban Khlong Phon : 13 Baht

Lam Thap County : 26 Baht

Au Luek County : 30 Baht

Plai Phraya County : 31 Baht

Remarks: Fares are subject to change without notice.

Boat

Long-tailed boats depart from Saphan Jao Fah Pier to East Rai Le for 70 baht/person while the ferry to Ko Lanta (and also Ko Jam), which operates only from October to April costs 200 baht/person with two trips daily at 10.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. The ferry to Phi Phi Island operates all year round at 200 baht/person with two trips daily, at 10.00a.m. and 2.30p.m.

Best time to visit Krabi

The climate of Krabi Province is tropical and therefore warm throughout the year. On the other hand, Krabi is also affected by the monsoon winds that bring about seasonal changes.
There are two very hot periods of weather on Krabi, the first is between April and May when the average temperatures ranges from 27 to 36 degrees Celsius with occasional tropical thunderstorm bringing relief from the heat.

It is also very hot between September and October, but the frequent rainfall has a wonderful cooling effect.

In May, at the peak of the southwest monsoon, it rains on an average of 25 days during the month, making it to one of the most humid months of the year.

Rainy days are interspersed with sunny days during this period and the rain generally comes in tropical downpours of an hour or so throughout the day mixed with periods of sunshine.

November to March is the most popular time for tourists to visit Krabi. It is when the northeast monsoon brings beautiful blue skies and predominantly sunny weather with an average temperature of 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Visitors are advised to make early reservations (maybe a year in advance) for accommodations during this period of time because of the popularity of the Krabi and its attractions.

Dining Krabi

2007-10-03T03:25:00.000-07:00

Amphoe Ko Lanta

Khao Yai Restaurant (Seafood)

182 Mu 3 Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Amphoe Ko Lanta, KrabiTel:: 0 7569 7244, 08 7895 6512Website:: http://khao-yai.com/

Amphoe Mueang

Chao Sua (Thai food)

325/1 Maharat Road, Amphoe Mueang,KrabiTel :: 0 7563 1774

Chuan Chim Seafood (Seafood)

55/5 Hat Noppharat Thara, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang,KrabiTel :: 0 7563 7355

Hok Ki Lao (Chinese food)

91/1 Hemthanon Road, Amphoe Mueang,KrabiTel :: 0 1978 7899 (Open 6 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Nong Chok(Thai Food)

47 Khongkha Road, Amphoe Mueang,KrabiTel :: 0 7561 1369

Ruean Mai(Thai Food)

Uttarakit Road, Amphoe Mueang,KrabiTel :: 0 7563 1797

Ruean Phae

(Thai Food)256/1 Uttarakit Road, Amphoe Mueang,KrabiTel :: 0 7561 1956

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival

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Festival

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival is annually held to inaugurate the provinces tourist season.

The festival features parades, local products contests, sea Kayak competitions and boat races.

Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival

Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival is a rare festival on Ko Lanta of sea gypsies. The festival is held annually, on the full moon day in the sixth and the eleventh months of the lunar calendar.

The sea gypsies on Ko Lanta and from neighbouring areas will gather at the beach near Ban Sala Dan to float boats in the sea in order to bring good luck.

The Rong Ngeng, a typical southern dance as well as traditional music, will be performed around the boats

Krabi Picture

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2007-09-04T04:38:00.000-07:00

Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park

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Krabi at aglance

Located approximately 814 kilometers from Bangkok is Krabi Province, one of most attractive destinations in southern Thailand. Encompassing an area of 4,708 square kilometers, the western border of Krabi is the Andaman Sea, the northern borders are Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, the southern borders are Trang Province and the Andaman Sea and the eastern borders are Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang Provinces. Krabi is an ideal getaway destination teeming with natural attractions including white sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous large and small islands and verdant forests with caves and waterfalls.

Krabi's topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts. Flowing through Krabi City to the Andaman Sea at Pak Nam Sub-district is Maenam Krabi which is 5 kilometers in length. In addition, there are several canals originating from the province's highest mountain range, Khao Phanom Bencha including Khlong Pakasai, Khlong Krabi Yai and Khlong Krabi Noi. Lush mangrove forests line the canals and the banks of Maenam Krabi particularly before it empties into the Andaman Sea. The provinces sandy soil conditions are suitable for growing various agricultural products, particularly rubber trees, palms, coconuts, cashew nuts and coffee.

Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon, there are only two seasons in Krabi; the hot season from January to April and the rainy season from May to December. Temperatures range between 17 °C and 37 °C.

Krabi is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes (Districts): Amphoe Mueang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luek, Lam Thap, and Nuea Khlong. The provinces jurisdiction covers not only in-land districts and sub-districts, but also extends to more than 130 large and small islands including the world famous Phi Phi Islands.

In addition, Krabi is the location of two world class beaches Ao Nang and Hat Rai Le which offer numerous diving trips, restaurants, shops etc. Additional attractions in the province are stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations which make it a heaven for rock climbers and a National Park located approximately 40 kilometers outside of town with lakes, caves and spectacular natural

History of Krabi

Some archeologists claim that Krabi City is one of the older settlements in the country as there is archaeological evidence indicating that this area had been home to homosapiens during the prehistoric times or between 25,000 - 35,000 B. C. The assumption has been strongly supported by the discovery of stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains in the provinces cliffs and caves.

In 1200 A.D., the area was known as Ban Thai Samo, one of 12 royal cities that had a monkey as the town symbol. During this period of time, Krabi was under the rule of the Kingdom of Ligor, a city better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat.

During the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910), the community was known as Pakasai Sub-county and remained under the direct jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Around 1872, King Rama V elevated Pakasai Sub-county to Krabi Province with the provincial administration office situated at Krabi-yai Sub-county (currently, the office is located near the estuary at Pak Nam Sub-district) and in 1875, ordered the separation of Krabi Province from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

During the present reign, the corps of civil servants, merchants, and the people of Krabi and nearby provinces have collectively organized the construction of a royal residence at Laem Hang Nak Cape which is thirty kilometers west of Krabi Town on the Andaman coast to be presented to His Majesty the King.

Origin of the name Krabi

There are two legends concerning the origin of the name "Krabi". The first is that villagers presented a large ancient sword (or krabi) that was discovered by chance to the governor. Later when a smaller, on discovering a smaller one, it was also presented to the governor. Regarded as sacred and auspicious, the governor decided to keep them in the province. As the process for the establishment of the province was still in progress, the swords were placed crossing each other in Khao Khanap Nam cave. Since then, the crossed swords have remained a part of the provincial seal.

The second legend is that "Krabi" was derived from the name of a local tree known as "Lumphi". The Malay and Chinese merchants mispronunciation of the name to "Ka-lu-bi" or "Kho-lo-bi" finally resulted in "Krabi" (or sword).