I went to Krabi, Thailand with Julie on 10 - 14 May 2003. We spent 3 wonderful days at this beautiful place. We enjoy ourselves very much and made us really forget about work. I love the warm hospitality of Krabi people. Thai food was really awesome!! especially tomyam and Green curry. My favorite was fried petai (stinky bean) with prawn. Oh... very delicious! This trip is special, we met and talked to the locals about the people, "farang", business and how SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) effect the tourism industry.

Day 1

Left Penang at 8.30am. The journey from Penang to Krabi is long and tiring. Stop by Hadyai for transit. Reached Krabi about 6pm in the evening. Had dinner by the river side before head to Ao Nang Beach.

We stay at Sea World Guesthouse. 500 Baht per night (without breakfast) in low season. Air condition room with TV, refrigerator and private bathroom. After checking in we when straight away to check out Ao Nang night since. And the next thing I know, we were doing shopping already!

Day 2

We plan to take it slow and easy for that day, so we head to Princess Cave and Railay Beach. Long tail boats cost 50 Baht one way and you can get it at Ao Nang beach. Some how the boat man didn't drop us at Princess Cave, but instead at Railay beach and he asked both of us to walk to the cave by pointing to his right. Well both of us was clueless at that time, but what to do. So we walked and some how we cannot find the way to the cave. We decided to take a swim first then figure out what to do later. Met up with 3 Thai massager, they were brother and sisters. They gave us Thai massage on the beach and under the tree. It was so relaxing. Cost us 500 Baht plus foot scrub, pedicure and manicure. It was a fun experience.

Day 3

We took the Ao Nang Princess to Koh Phi Phi for snorkeling. First stop is Bamboo island, and everybody was so excited and jump into the crystal clear water. The coral has many colors, some even in blue! Parrot fish can be found swimming around the coral. A colorful and beautiful creature. Reached Koh Phi Phi island at lunch time. I am a bit disappointed with the island. Rubbish and plastic bottles can be found everywhere on the beach. Looks like we travelers have forgotten our responsibility to keep the island clean. Too many speed boats parked a long the beach as well. So crowded! We spent 3 hours on the island and next stop we head to Maya Bay for snorkeling. I like Maya Bay. The water is warm and crystal clear. I can see the bottom clearly. Sea urchins, parrot fish, sergeant fish can be seen. The trip cost 900 Baht per person.

In the evening we had dinner at one local seafood restaurant at Nopparat Thara Beach. Best Thai food in Krabi and cheap too compare to the restaurant in Krabi town. The green curry was superb!

Day 4

Sea kayaking through the mangrove forest at Ao Thalen is a whole new experience for both of us. We went through narrow path between 2 rocks, the current was strong and we have to paddle hard. The scenery is breathtaking and the sounds of nature is really relaxing. I am glad I took this trip and it's worth it. A monkey jumped into our canoe, scared the hell out of Julie for once! The monkey are used to be fed by the tour guide, and they thought we are giving them fruits. They are harmless creature and like pineapple a lot :) The trip cost 600 Baht per person.

At night we spent our time shopping again. Bargaining for everything you wanted to buy is not exactly my style. It all depends on your skill to negotiate the best deal both of you agreed. A bit tiring and frustrated sometimes.

Day 5

0600 Thailand we left Krabi for Hadyai. Our mini van tire was punctured while we were on our way back to Penang from Hadnyai. Luckily we have some male passengers who is kind enough to help the poor Thai driver to change the tire. I am surprise to see 2 other male passengers still sitting inside the van while the others were trying to change the tire! What a JERK!! Well... I am not much help to them but at least I got out of the van. Reached home at 0800 Malaysia time. End of journey.

I really enjoy my stay at Krabi, I want to come back again to this fantasy island. This time I would like to stay at Railay beach. That will be Krabi in episode 2..... :)

For more pictures, go to Yahoo Photo and choose [Krabi] to view.

Picture 1 top right: White sandy beach at Koh Phi Phi.
Picture 2 top right: Princess Cave or Phranang Cave.