by Regin Reyno
The 38-degree summer heat in Bangkok, coupled with a 3-day Songkran holiday prompted us to leave Bangkok’s cemented pavements and busy lifestyle to experience white-powdery beaches, refreshing waters, solitary islands and a laid-back atmosphere of Krabi.
Located approximately
800 km south of Bangkok, Thailand, Krabi is one of the top tourist destinations
in the country. It is a province along the Andaman Sea blessed with lush forests,
world-class beaches, glorious mountains and hills, stunning islands, scenic
rivers, and magnificent karsts. Enough reasons to attract tons of tourists each
year.
We were on a “4 island tour” that day, taken care of by one
of the countless tour agencies located in Aonang, one of the towns in Krabi
where the beaches are located. It is the jump-off of tours and boat rides to the
islands. Laden with restaurants, bars, hotels, hostels, bungalows, tour
agencies, souvenir shops and dive shops-it is a typical touristy town.
About 25 tourists coming from countries such as Russia, UK,
Australia, India, Finland, China, Malaysia, and of course we, Filipinos, plus 4
Thai crews including our guide were
aboard that big long-tail boat during that time-all excited for the day’s
activities, and to experience a slice of paradise on earth.
Passing by limestone cliffs |
The 4 islands tour is an organized tour to 4 of the many
islands in Krabi. And is just one of the many choices for day tours in Krabi.
For only 600 baht per person, you will be able to experience the beauty of
Krabi. Included in that fee is your Thai buffet lunch, water, and snorkel
rental.
Swimming, Relaxing, and Basking under the sun in Tub
Island
First stop for that
day; relaxing, swimming, or just bask under the sun in an island called Tub
Island. As our boat decreased the speed and about to drop its anchor, I was so
excited to the point where I want to jump right away into that clear, pristine
waters. The waters were so clear that you can see the corals at the bottom. And
finally the anchor was dropped into shallow waters near the white-sand beach of
Tub island. Lots of tourists from other day trippers as well were basking under
the sun, swimming, snorkeling and enjoying the moment. After sipping some
complimentary water on the boat, I too, jumped and enjoyed the shallow, warm
waters and powdery white-sand beach of the island. Our guide, allotted 45
minutes to enjoy the moment. With my life vest on, I spent most of my time
lying on warm water and just savoring the nature that surrounds me, a very
relaxing moment indeed.
basking under the sun |
Snorkeling at Chicken Island
Our next destination was Chicken Island. It is there where
we did our snorkeling activity. They call it Chicken Island or Koh Kai in Thai
because the island is amazingly shaped like a chicken. The waters near that
island is so clear-you can actually see the corals at the bottom. And by
looking at it, it seems that it is shallow, but according to our guide, it is
30 feet deep. “Please don’t step on the corals for the next generation to
enjoy”, said our guide. Putting on my snorkel and life vest, I immediately
dived into the waters ala Badjao of southern Philippines. The view was astounding- it’s like I am in a different world. Fish of different colors swam with me.
Corals, sea urchins, and other marine animals were seen. The visibility was
amazing. It was one of the best dives of my life. I admire the Thais on how
they preserved their coral reefs and marine life.
Chicken Island or Koh Kai |
Snorkeling at Chicken Island |
Thai Buffet Lunch at Poda bay in Poda island
A European tourist enjoying the beautiful Poda bay |
“Food is ready now”, shouted our guide. I was surprised on
how good the presentation was. With all the tables and candle-heated food
containers, it matched the delicious flavors of the food. Thai buffet wonderfully
set on the beach. What more could you ask for. I immediately took a plate full
of rice and Thai chicken curry cooked in onions and egg with sweet Thai sauce.
It is the right timing as our souls were so tired and hungry from all the swimming
and snorkeling that we did. As I sipped my vegetables soup while gazing at the
sea, I just savored that moment, as it was one of my best meals in Thailand;
delicious food plus fantastic view. After I and imbibe down on soft drinks and
gobble on fresh sweet pineapples for our dessert, I immediately soaked myself
in the warm, calm and, clear waters of the island. What a wonderful feeling it
is. As the fine white sand touched my soles and school of fish joined me in
swimming, I wished I have this kind of paradise in my backyard. Poda bay is
indeed, a smaller version of the famous Maya bay.
Sight-seeing and Swimming in Phranang beach, Railey
As we approach the sandy shores of Phranang beach, I saw a
towering rock formation, this time red in color, as opposed to the usual white
rocks in Krabi. And I saw people climbing and then jumping in the water. O what
a fun activity! That activity is called deep water soloing, and is one of the
most popular activities in Railay. I
also saw lots of kayaking and canoeing activities in that area. Caves are also
everywhere. That place is truly grandiose; mother nature at its best.
Phranang beach, Railey |
As I boarded the glorious long-tail boat with its
picturesque prow together with fellow passengers going back to the port of
Nopparathara in Aonang, I came to the reality that good times come to an end.
Looking at the eyes of fellow passengers, I knew we had the same feeling. That
feeling of sadness as we are leaving paradise but at the same time contented
because of the wonderful experiences that we had. We had a slice of paradise on
earth.
How to Get to Aonang, Krabi
From Singapore
Tiger Airways have direct flights from Singapore to Krabi
town
From Bangkok
AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways fly directly from
Bangkok to Krabi town
Overnight buses run from Bangkok to Krabi. Go to the
Southern bus terminal in Bangkok and reserve your tickets there. It is located
in Sai Tai Talin Chan. Buses range from 2nd class to VIP. The travel
duration is 10-13 hours.
From Phuket
Ferries from Phuket go to Aonang two times a day
From Krabi Town
Take a white “Songthaew” (a pick-up converted into a
passenger vehicle) from the bus terminal or from the town proper going to
Aonang. The fare is 50-60 baht per person.
Songthaew going to Aonang from Krabi bus terminal |
Tours
Lots of tour agencies line up Aonang. There are lots of
activities and destinations to choose from.
Author’s recommendation: Connecting Krabi Tour and Travel
Author’s recommendation: Connecting Krabi Tour and Travel
Accommodation
Aonang is a touristy town and there are lots of
accommodations in the area ranging from budget bungalows to 5 star resorts.
Author’s recommendations for budget travelers are Cashew Nut
Bungalows and Mild Bungalows.
Meanwhile, up-market tourists may check-in at Centara Anda Dhevi Resort and Spa Krabi.
Meanwhile, up-market tourists may check-in at Centara Anda Dhevi Resort and Spa Krabi.
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