Join the Mountain Festival Krabi, Thailand on January 18, 2025 with a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for Asian Itinerary readers! Use the code M003 at ticketmelon valid until 18 January at 11.00AM A vibrant celebration of techno music set against the stunning backdrop of Krabi‘s Mountain View Resort. Nestled amidst lush greenery and majestic limestone cliffs, this all-day event offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking both adventure and rhythm in southern Thailand.  Event Date: January 18, 2025  Venue: Mountain View Restaurant, 610, Moo 1, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand.  Doors Open & Music Starts: 12:00 PM Event Ends: 6:00 AM Party All Night Long From Dusk Til Dawn! Mountain Festival Krabi This all-day event offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure and rhythm in southern Thailand. Featuring 7 International Techno Dj • NAKADIA (TH/GE) Thai’s Techno Queen • FL!M (TH/FR) Man from the souther of Thailand who bring Thai Techno To France & Canada • ANNA AMATO (IT) DJ and Model from Italy • LÖ PAGANI (FR) France Techno Veterans • WIEBE ROOSE (BE) High Energy Techno From Belgium • ETIL (TH) Music curator who addicted to Techno • ITSFORCHA (FR) Beautiful French Techno Date: January 18, 2025 Venue: Mountain View Restaurant, 610, Moo 1, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand Location https://bit.ly/mountainfestmap Tickets: Early Bird Tickets (limited to 100 tickets, available until Christmas) 700THB Regular Tickets (limited to 400 tickets): 850THB Late Tickets: 1,000THB At the Door: 1,500THB VIP 5000THB Limited Offer 30 tickets, Inclusive Food & Beverage, Fast Track, VIP Seat, Premium Buffet Access. https://youtu.be/c-WJ-VST0qA?si=maMaq79ZE4JflIsV FLIM Dittapat Get to know FLIM Dittapat, a Man from Southern Thailand Starting from his hometown at the age of 17, he has been learning and introducing the Thai Techno scene to the world, especially in Canada, France, Spain, and Germany. He has collaborated with renowned Techno artists such as SCAN X, Drumcomplex and many others. He has performed at national-level festivals like Les Plages Electroniques Festival and Fete De La Musique. This time, he returns as a headliner alongside Nakadia, the Thai Techno Queen, and Anna Amato, an Italian DJ and model. Join Flim and over 7 leading Techno DJs on Saturday, January 18th at the Mountain Festival, the first international Techno music festival in a valley in Krabi, held at Mountain View Restaurant Ao Nang.

The post Mountain Festival international Techno music festival in Krabi appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

With limited language schools in Krabi, Thailand, you are do not have lots of choices if you decide to study Thai language. However, the quality of the school I am going to introduce has no equals locally. I am talking about local teacher Khru Mint, popular for having taught Thai language to foreigners in local schools during years, recently opening her own school: Easy Thai Language School. The school is based on a cute Thai-style bungalow in Ao Nang. They offer a variety of Thai language courses, and if you chose to attend one of their private courses, you can choose the time for your lessons together with your tutor, something I really recommend especially if your Thai language is advanced.  During the course you will learn what you need to become a fluent Thai language speaker. You will also learn how to read and write in Thai. The Curriculum will be set adequately to the level of your knowledge, with your level being evaluated by your teacher. Every next course will be the continuation of, and the addition to the one before. After each one of them you will know more about the language and the culture of Thailand. At the end of the course you will be a fluent Thai language speaking person, able to write and read easy Thai texts. Khru Mint has prepared their own study programs, books and materials, which have been officially recognised by the Thai Ministry of Education. Easy Thai Language School also offers courses that attract a 1-year Education Visa (at a good price) so you can comfortably stay in Thailand for a whole year learning Thai language.  I studied Thai language with Khru Mint for 1 year and, complemented with my previous experience in other Thai language schools and with the feedback I got from friends and student mates who studied with me, I can safely recommend Khru Mint as your best choice in Krabi.  You can contact Easy Thai Language School via FB: https://www.facebook.com/easythaikrabi – via email at easythaiaonang@gmail.com – or call +66814710412  YOU WILL LEARN… * courses will give you an excellent opportunity to learn to speak the Thai language in an impressively fast way. * during your course, quickly and comprehensibly, you will learn about the structure of Thai language. * you will know how to construct and use the positive, negative and question forms. * the teachers will be introducing and discussing the most important grammar areas of the Thai language. * your vocabulary will be gradually and constantly growing and you will be studying many useful and specific expressions. * you will be taught how to greet others, how to introduce yourself, how to express your thoughts, how to ask and answer questions in Thai cultural polite ways. * relevant and every day topics will be our reference points for conversations during the course. * vocabulary related to the time, calendar, food, house, family and vocabulary from other fields of interest, will be the aim in the first courses. * you will learn how to use Thai grammar forms. * there will be lessons introducing you to the words which will help you to describe others and to describe the world surrounding you – adjectives, verbs, adverbs, nouns and pronouns. * you will learn the structure order of Thai language.

The post Easy Thai Language School – Krabi appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Curiosity for all things culinary new took me to meet Khun Chum, a dreadlocked man from Songkhla, one of Thailand‘s southern provinces. The meeting place was idyllic Ao Nam Mao beach, one of the many corners of Krabi where to enjoy peace and tranquility, great sunsets and a 180 degrees view over the limestone islands that dot the Andaman Sea. It is on this stretch of clear sandy beach that I meet Khun Chum on a sunny January morning to find out about his unique Coconut Smoked Squids… Khun Chum, with his thick beard, colourful sarong, tattoos and dark skin, looks like a pirate. He lives in a bungalow on the beach and makes his smoked squids right here, in paradise, with his 2 kids running around in complete safety, and friends coming to visit him regularly.  But let me tell you about the squids. Khun Chum first pierces them through their skin with a hook, then hangs them one by one inside the smokehouse (which he build by himself with bamboo, contributing to the squid final flavour) with a precision and skill you may think he has been doing this for ages. Well, this is not the case: Khun Chum is a professional videographer and works in busy Bangkok. Due to the disruption in cinematographic activities during the Covid times, he has been forced to reinvent himself. But this is the  big advantage of the Thai people: they are like chameleons and they can adapt to any situation that may arise. He then prepares the BBQ stove using coconut husks. Once the fire is out, it is time for the magic ingredient, one that gives these squids a unique flavour once you cook them. And what would that be? Coconut flakes. Yes! He sprinkles them on top of the red hot coal inside the smoking house, and we can immediately smell the distinctive aroma. He then places the stove inside the smokehouse, where the huge squids have been hanging in neat rows. And after only a few minutes, the squid start dropping their juices and releasing an amazing aroma. Apparently Khun Chum is the only one in the south of Thailand to prepare this speciality, and this is reflected on the sales: kilos and kilos of smoked squid, properly stored in air-tight, sealed plastic bags, posted to Bangkok and to all over the country! He buys squids from any local fisherman willing or able to sell. Depending on the season, the squids are either available daily, or hard to find, in which case Khun Chum calls some of his contacts (mainly friends) from neighbouring beaches or islands like Koh Lanta or Koh Jum, to find out who could be selling their catch.  The smoking process for these 45 big squids hanging from hooks and dripping their water, becoming dry in consistence and golden in appearance, lasts about 4 hours, after which he waits until they cool off and places them in plastic packs weighting 1 kg, air-tight, and sends them off at the local post office to clients in Bangkok and beyond. Khun Chum main ways of marketing are word of mouth and Facebook, where most of the orders come from. And can you guess what name he has given to this new venture? Pirates of the Andaman. An hour has passed and Khun Chum regularly opens the smokehouse door to check the squids, make sure that the stove is still hot and add coconut flakes if needed. The squids are dripping off their water and getting a unique colour thanks to the coconut. Squids from Khun Chum range in size from 300g to about 2kg, but reduce in weight by 25% after smoking.  Khun Chum takes me to the beach to admire the view, the tranquil bay on the Andaman Sea, the various islands, the fishermen boats, the palms and local trees. Nature is here to provide, and Khun Chum can spend time with his family and in the nature, a change that has had a very positive effect on him and on his kids.  Watch a video of the squids smoking HERE. If you want to order, check on https://www.facebook.com/piratesofandaman Khun Chum delivers to any country.  We leave Khun Chum and Ao Nam Mao bay with great memories to take back home, and of course, 1 kg of smoked squids!

The post SMOKED SQUIDS IN AO NANG appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Usually when talking about Krabi, Thailand, people refer to Ao Nang as the recommended must-visit destination, together with Krabi Town itself. However, Krabi is a beautiful province with plenty of undiscovered places to visit. Today, let me introduce you to Klong Muang. This is another hidden Krabi gem that is only beautiful, but also tranquil and peaceful, the perfect location for honeymoons, family trips and for those who seek for a luxury break in tranquillity. Facing the Andaman Sea, with stunning views over Koh Hong Island archipelago, this area has two sides: the southern side comprises of wide sand and an area where fishermen anchored their boats, while the northern side is home to an industrial pier. If compared to Ao Nang, the unrivalled and famous tourist area which has already been established for over 20-years, Klong Muang is still a baby that has only developed in recent years. Nevertheless, this doesn’t make it any less attractive. But let me share my experience of Klong Muang attractions which I managed to experience at first hand in recent times. As I mentioned in my previous articles, Thailand, Malaysia’s neighbouring country, is like a second home to me as I have been there for more than 5-times in the past 4 years. Like Ao Nang, Klong Muang is also renowned for its restaurant that not only offer and serve local food but also Western food. The difference is that in Klong Muang, unlike Ao Nang, some of the restaurants are right on the beach itself, presenting scenic views of the Andaman Sea and enjoying the warm breezes that come from the ocean. Trust me, sitting in one of this sea-fronting restaurants during sunset will sweep away all your problems. Not only that: for those who want to experience an Hawaiian atmosphere, this place is highly recommended.  “Eat Bar” is one of the restaurants that I liked most as Jaja, the owner, was so friendly. I nearly forgot: no worries for Muslim travellers as this area also serves halal food. Apart from its restaurants, Klong Muang beach also offers plenty of bars to sit and enjoy an evening with live music. One of those is called “Freedom Bar”. The owner was so friendly and I did really enjoy myself singing there, even though I have to admit I was a bit out of tune. This bar has a snooker table and playing cards to fill up your evenings. For those who bring kids, no worries at all: most beach front locales at Klong Muang beach provide toys, which means you and your kids will not be bored. For those adventurous like me, do not worry, one of the restaurants there, if I’m not my mistaken it’s Saing, have a kayak that you can rent for just 200 Thai Baht for an hour. My advice is, do this activity when the tide is in your favour. I say this because my best friend, Zaphne and I kayaked in the late afternoon, with the high tide, and believe me, it was bad. The waves were rough and our kayak was really wobbling. Klong Muang is as you can guess home to hotels located just steps away from the beach. There are plenty of 4 and 5 star choices like Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton, Klong Muang Sunset Hotel, Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort and more. There are also more affordable hotels and residences. We picked Klong Muang Dream House, owned and managed by one of our Asianitinerary writer Pluto together with friendly Alice and Claudio.  https://klongmuangdreamhouse.com  Another reason for loving Klong Muang is its vicinity to Tup Kaek National Park with its hilled called Hang Nak, the Dragon’s Crest. I will tell you about my trek in another article.  Klong Muang is right by the sea, a 20 minutes drive north of Ao Nang, 30 minutes from Krabi Town and 40 minutes from Krabi International Airport. To get to Klong Muang from the airport, you can either take a taxi, which costs you about 700 Thai Baht per person, or a shared minivan at 200 Thai Baht per person. The ticket counter is just opposite of the arrival entrance, so no worries there. Overall, Klong Muang for me has been just like a miniatures Hawaii. Take a trip there and I can assure you, you won’t regret it. After all, sometimes you just need a few days on the beach…

The post Klong Muang: a miniatured Hawaii appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Have you been to Krabi? Did you love this spectacular province in the south of Thailand but you were not able to get that great shot with you camera to hang on the wall back home as a sweet memory of your holiday? Don’t despair, Chanaya Digital Art is here to the rescue! Chanaya is a 18 year old girl, mix race with a Dutch dad and a Thai mum. His dad is a painter and Chanaya grew up in an environment full of colours, palettes, oils and brushes. But Chanaya is projected towards the future, and as such, her life has always been characterized by a relationship with… computers! Yes. Chanaya enjoys her skill and beautifully creates romantic collages with your picture, or her picture, or any picture you like to use, mixing it with digital clipart and other crops and cuts – texts are also possible if you wish -, tailor-making a picture that can then be printed into a poster that you can proudly show on your living-room wall! The posters are then printed on quality canvas by a printing company in Bangkok the size you like – starting size is 30×50 cm and can go as big as you need – and posted to you, wherever you are! Chanaya Digital Art can also send the poster framed if you like, but this would increase the post and packaging price. Posters price start at 1350 thb (about 35 Euro or 42 USD), and this includes post and packaging. Special discounts will be applied to multiple orders, so if you have a guest house or a hotel in Krabi and surrounding, you can use the posters to decorate your rooms. This is indeed a great way to sponsor the start-up venture of a kid who has decided to make Art part of her life. I have already ordered mine… what are you waiting for? You can contact Chanaya Digital Art by email on aonang_7@hotmail.com or PM her on her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=chanaya%27s%20digital%20paintings

The post Chanaya Digital Art appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

I recently bought eyeglasses at S.K. Optik in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand, and I was thrilled at both cost and service. The last time I had walked into an ophthalmologist practice I was a young boy trying to fight a lazy eye. This never happened, and though my condition has been overcome by the perfection of my right eye, after 30 years of constant daily sessions in front of a computer or of a book, I felt it was time to give my eyes a break. I needed glasses, and I had heard that S.K. Optik in Ao Nang was the best in town. I had read several good reviews and I decided to give it a go. When I got there, I immediately realized I was at the right place. Two nice ladies smiled as I entered the shop, and S.K. Optik owner immediately greeted me. Mr. Kitti, also known as Billy, is a professional ophthalmologist with perfect English, and a Varilux Specialist, one of only 6 in Thailand, having completed Varilux University education program in 2002. Billy took care of me personally, and my eyes were immediately checked with an ophthalmoscope. I was then shown into the eye examination room at the back of the shop, where my complete eye exam began. I read test charts with near vision and far vision, small letters and numbers, until Billy diagnosed a strong astigmatism, a refraction error of the eye in which there is a difference in degree of reflection in different meridians. Astigmatism causes difficulties in seeing fine detail, and this is exactly what my left eye does. There is no chance for me to recover at my age or to correct the condition with glasses, but I could give a break to my right eye by having reading glasses. Billy checked several times with different lenses to make sure the solution he finally chose was accurate. Once my eye exam was over, I started my shopping session for the frame. The choice of Scandinavian and European-style glasses, both reading and sunglasses, was excellent. Only quality brands, only originals, no copies: Ray Ban, Oakley, Porsche, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis’, Cartier, Gucci, D&G, Prada, you name it. For someone like me who has never worn eyeglasses in his life, I wanted the best and went for a titanium frame from John Langford, without even looking at the price tag and hoping my credit card would absorb the hit, but I was to be proved wrong. The price was not as near as what I had expected it to be. I really started wondering how come the price was at least 50% cheaper than in Europe and started a chat with Billy about the matter. It was easy to understand: “Thanks to our high number of shops our family owns, we buy bulk and can get lower prices from manufacturers”, and he also noted that “while most businesses in Ao Nang pay high rents, this shop belongs to me and my home is above the shop. My running costs are much lower than other shops, and this is reflected in the price of my glasses”. Billy has been opened in Ao Nang for 14 years; his father has been in the optic business for over 50 years, his brothers and family members run 6 optician shops in Southern Thailand destinations that include Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta and Koh Samui. He was the first optician to open in Ao Nang, and he still spends most of his days in his shop, a guarantee of quality and professionalism. On his desk, there were several references and business cards of people, mostly foreigners, he has served over the years. “I have many more but not enough space to display them,” he proudly stated. S.K. Optik was indeed the best choice, and I am very happy with my designer’s eyeglasses. Billy provided with the level of professional optical services I expected, and at the right price. FACTS Eye visit is included in the price at S.K. Optik. They offer a range of professional eye examinations, professional eye test and a fitting Varilux Panoramic Demo. They have all lenses for all conditions, like progressive addition lenses that provide active and demanding presbyopes more complete visual freedom, helping clients with this condition feel closer to their pre-presbyopic vision. Also, a Varilux Panoramic technology that helps patients regain their sense of visual freedom. S.K. Optik services are ideal for visitors to the area with only a few days to go. Glasses are prepared and delivered in 1 to 5 days maximum. Several Scandinavian eyewear choices. Range of contact lenses and Renu solutions. Varilux/Essilor and Oakley authorised dealer. S.K. Optik is centrally located in Ao Nang, opposite the Ao Nang Police near the beach. They are also in Koh Lanta, Krabi province. Email skoptik@hotmail.com

The post S.K. Optik in Ao Nang appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Boossabakorn Krabi Spa 132/35 Moo 2 Ao Nang, Krabi 81000, Thailand  Phone: (66) 075-695 615 Mobile Phone: (66) 081-719 6750  Opening hours: daily 10am to 10pm Contact: Khun Boossabakorn (Nui) – boossabakornspa@yahoo.com Website: www.boosssabakornspa.com Boossabakorn Krabi Spa is a world of exclusively yours. This sensual and physical pleasure that uplifts the very spirit of one’s body and soul. They invite every guest to experience the passage to the heaven from the every moment they first step into this unique Spa. With their special Thai touch and blend of pure cool, calming and intoxicating ambience they have created an area of different mood and traditional carvings that complement their elegant furnishing and décor. The scents and soft celestial sounds of nature complete the job. Select you pure pampering from their extensive range of exclusively Boossabakorn Krabi Spa treatments and therapists. Enhanced and perfected by Boossabakorn Krabi Spa but inspired and influenced by ancient rituals of using the purest of rural Thai herbs, aromatic oils and time-tested techniques to induce circulation and relaxation; the therapeutic benefit for all, young and old, men and women alike and undeniable. Whether it is a full body treatment of facial, the skins and knowledge handed down in these traditional treatment rejuvenate and revive the senses as well as the body. Boossabakorn Krabi Spa highly skilled and qualified therapist blend traditional oil and techniques to suit your mood and requirement whether you fell stressed, tried and overwrought or just want to be pampered for ultimate pleasure and relaxation. Their full array of treatments will have something appropriate for your personal satisfaction and need.  

The post BOOSSABAKORN KRABI SPA appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

One warm Friday evening I took my visiting friend and his son to Ao Nang Boxing Stadium, where each Tuesday and Friday night Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, takes place. My friends knew very little about Thai Boxing. We agreed that fighting sports are not our preferred choice of entertainment, but I was confident that my friends would enjoy Muay Thai, as it is not a conventional fight but a way of life and a traditional symbol of Thailand. Would Spain be the same without corridas? How about England or Italy without football? Could the world or Thai people imagine Thailand without Thai boxing? My friends were about to discover this. We arrived at the stadium, conveniently located near the beach at Noppharat Thara, at about 8pm and after a drink in the outside stall and a visit to the nearby shop that sells Muay Thai shirts, shorts, gloves and trophies, we made our way inside. There is an area high above the arena and the ring, where standard seats are located, and a lower area near the ringside with lines of comfy black leather sofas. As we were special guests, we were allowed by the event’s promoter to visit the offstage where the Muay Thai fighters were being prepared for the fighting matches by their respective teams. A few young Thai boxing athletes were lying on berths, wearing nothing more than their underwear, while their managers applied tiger balm to their muscular and athletic bodies, and bandaged wrists and fists. The spacious room was overwhelmed by the smell of the menthol and eucalyptus gel, and by the noise of vibrant hands massaging and rubbing. More athletes of even younger ages were slowly arriving. The atmosphere was getting thicker and thicker with powerful vibrations. Back to the arena, the seats were quickly being filled with a mix of Thais and foreign tourists. Foreigners were drinking canned beers while most of the locals drank Krating Deng, the original Thai version of the world famous drink Red Bull. It was around 8:45pm when the English-speaking commentator gave a brief introduction to the evening matches, which were 9 that evening. There were 4 judges, one per side of the ring, and one referee awaiting the first fight. At 9pm, the official starting time, the first two kids made their entrance with the Thai national anthem playing and all audience standing, after which the official ceremony started. The fighters wore a traditional Mong Kon headband, considered to be magic, and an armband of colored material; they performed an enchanting ritual charged with a captivating spirit. They started by walking slowly around the ring in an anti-clockwise direction, paying respect to each of the four corners. Their hands joined together and assumed the classic wai position; with their eyes closed and their heads slightly lowered, they seemed completely absorbed in deep meditation. These pre-match rituals are called Ram Muay and have a spiritual meaning: it is how the boxers pay respect to their trainers. All programmed matches for the evening started in the same style, though each of the pre-match rituals slightly differed from one another. As in boxing fashion, the two assisting teams occupied the outside diagonal corners of the ring, and at the end of the pre-match rituals, the fighting started. During the 5 rounds every fight lasts, the fighters displayed sophisticated fighting techniques making use of different parts of their bodies. While most foreigners watched the matches in silence and awe, on the right of the ring an excited group of Thai supporters cheered up fighters, shouting and inciting their favourite fighter in the peak moments of the combats. Fights ranged from young boys of 30 to 40kg, to older and expert fighters of up to 66 kg. As the weight of the fighters increased, so did the technique of the fight and the quantity and quality of the fight. Many Thais say that if foreigners want to experience the real pulse of Thailand, they have to attend a Muay Thai fight. My friend and I may disagree with this statement, yet if you have never attended a Muay Thai event I assure you a Thai Boxing evening will entertain you and add up to your book of memories from the Land of Smiles. MUAY THAI Muay Thai is a sophisticated fighting art and part of Thailand national heritage, a tradition enriched with ceremony, meanings and history. A Thai boxer’s first fight takes place at around age eight, though the actual intensive training begins at age six or seven. I have learned that the main glory for a Muay Thai fighter is to fight in the legendary Bangkok stadiums, Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen, glory obtained only by few fighters. Millions of Thai fans watch these thrilling fights on television every week. AO NANG KRABI BOXING STADIUM Muay Thai events are on every Tuesday and Friday night at Ao Nang Krabi Stadium in Noppharat Thara and regularly at the Koh Lanta Stadium. Both Ao Nang and Koh Lanta have a training camps open to foreigners. If you would like to see this astonishing sport live, these are the places to go to in the Krabi Province. Note that, however spectacular these matches are, they are not staged. They are real fights, regularly attended by local Thai fans, and the same is true of the complex dance ceremony performed before each fight. The only concession to tourism is the price tag: tickets for foreigners are 800 for a standard arena seat, and 1,200thb for sofas positioned on the lower area near the ringside. For this you will see up to 10 fights. Tickets to be purchased at box office near the stadium. Free pick up from Ao Nang areas. Phone 075 621042, 081 6062888, 083 2802968 Learn more by browsing www.aonang-thaiboxing.com Watch a fight on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBGvUTelw5o

The post Thai Boxing: watch them fighting in Ao Nang appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The plastic containers were loaded with water, food, and all the necessities for the 4 Islands full day trip. The boat was a longtail, traditional yet nicely equipped with a proper canvas cover, floored all over with good polished wood, and complete of cushioned seats. At its command, an experienced boatman and fisherman for 15 years from Klong Prasong who claims to know these seas like his pockets. The smiling and articulate tour guide told us about the program of the day while our bare-breasted Captain started a shining brand new engine and got us going. In spite of the heavy rain that had fallen the day before, it was turning into a nice day; the morning towering clouds were quickly and conveniently swept away by a gentle and consistent breeze. The morning sun rays hit the mountains on the coastline creating a blurry haze that would dissipate once the sun rose further up in the sky… The shapes of Krabi’s most popular islands got closer and closer as we sailed. We passed Koh Poda, cruising nearby rocks modeled by the sea and by mildly acidic rain over the centuries, and observing the hundreds of stalactites the boat was passing under. The boat docked in Koh Tub, a popular and highly visited spot where 3 islands are connected by a sandy path that crosses the immensity of the sea. Due to the high tide, the sandy path to Koh Khai, or Chicken Island, was under 50 cm of water, and could only be crossed by carefully wading and taking care of the strong undersea currents. As for why they call it Chicken Island, it is enough to look at it: from most points it does indeed have the shape of a hen, with rocks resembling neck, head and beak. The sun stroke our bodies and a gentle breeze kept us cool. Wherever we turned, massive limestone outcrops emerged from the waters, bare and vertical, their tops covered by thick vegetation. Some of the biggest islands like Poda or Khai are nearly entirely covered in lush vegetation. Boats came and went, parked and unloaded tourists, and the place quickly crowded up. The area is part of the Noppharat Thara National Park, and there is a counter where the Rangers who live on the island collect the entrance fees from the tourists. We passed boatmen resting in the shade of trees and climbed an easy path that took us to a 100 meters high viewpoint from which we enjoyed the surrounding views. This classic tour, branded “4 islands”, is misnomer some would say, as the last place we will visit, Railay, the fourth destination, is in fact a peninsula only reachable by boat but still part of the land. We were given a different explanation of the tour name by the guide: the 4 islands are in fact our next destination, four rocky outcrops one near the other called Koh Sii (in Thai, koh means island and sii means four). This is one of the best sites for diving in Krabi, the guide told us. On the top of one of the rocks, some black herons boringly stared at tourists. We stopped to do some snorkeling, while the crew of our longtail boat fed bread to the thousands of yellow and black striped tiger fish that populate these seas and that rushed and fought for a breadcrumb. Our longtail boat left for Koh Poda; there, we docked in a beautiful deserted spot. On the beach, the staff was busy preparing the settings for our lunch. Giant bamboos umbrellas were placed on the hot sand, and they provided an excellent shaded area where some wicker mats were positioned and lunch was served. We were given a generous free time to wander around the island; we walked the length of a circular beach lined with casuarina trees and reached the restaurant area, crowded with tourists. Some were coming and going as part of a day tour, while others had chartered their own longtail boat and spent the full day here. There is a group of small and finely decorated temples standing on a wide marble slab, some of them guarded by elephant statues. There, incense is continuously burning on the altars. The whole scenery is idyllic; a massive stony outcrop emerges from the sea in front of us, only a few meters away from Poda. People used the shaded area for relaxing and picnicking, and it was easy enough to find a quiet corner from which to enjoy the magnificent views and breathing the healthy sea breeze. At 2 pm we were off to the last destination of the day. Phra Nang Bay, part of the Railay peninsula, is indeed a popular spot easily reachable by longtail boat from Ao Nang. It is there that we enjoyed the last swim of the day; we paid a quick visit to the Nang’s cave, dwelling place of a legendary lady contended by two men at the beginning of the times. It is here that fishermen bring offerings: carved images of phalluses to placate her fury and seek her protection. We contemplated the sea from the stunning Phra Nang beach, the perfect spot to end a marvelous trip out at sea, to the magic beauties of Krabi.

The post 4 Islands – A classic tour of Krabi islands appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Krabi, a province on southern Thailand’s Andaman coast, is an almost otherworldly region of labyrinthine archipelagos, where islands seem to erupt vertically out of the sea and secluded beaches are only accessible by colorfully adorned long tail boats. Krabi’s myriad of bays and coves have sheltered pirates, merchants, and sea gypsies for thousands of years and archaeological evidence indicates that Krabi was originally inhabited as early as 25,000 – 35,000 years ago. With attractions including hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world, and national parks that include the island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one could easily spend weeks in Krabi and leave yearning for more. If that wasn’t enough, Krabi features some of the most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, often accompanied by spectacular displays of cloud to cloud lightning, that are best enjoyed from a beachside bar or restaurant. Meanwhile, with all the tourists spread out among various beaches and islands, life goes on in Krabi Town, the somewhat sleepy provincial capital. Surprisingly few tourists spend time in the charming riverside town, whose hilly streets feature a number of cozy cafes and inexpensive and authentic Thai cuisine is served at an outdoor, riverside evening market.   “Town” to most visitors is Ao Nang, a seaside strip of guesthouses, hotels, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops that continues to grow as tourist arrivals increase, now spreading north into Noppharat Thara, whose quiet, shady beach is part of the national park that includes the Koh Phi Phi. Ao Nang is the major launching point for boat trips to nearby islands and the isolated beaches of Phra Nang Cape, where the famous former hippie enclave of Railey Beach is located. Krabi Province, which lies along the coast of the Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand, is a top tourist destination as a result of its plentiful natural attractions including, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, extensive coral reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls, and over 130 islands, including Koh Lanta and the jewels of the Andaman coast, the six islands of Koh Phi Phi National Park. While not the top destination in and of itself, Krabi Town is a charming provincial capital located along the banks of a river that leads to the nearby Andaman Sea. Consequently, Krabi is an important port city for both local fisherman as well as boats ferrying visitors to the nearby attractions, including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Railey Beach, one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world.

The post A Krabi holiday appeared first on Asian Itinerary.