Krabi Trip: Khob Khun Kha

Phi Phi Island

After a night of partying at the beach ushering the arrival of new year (didn't really stay whole night), it's the activity that I'm looking forward to ever since I'm certified back in June 2015 - diving. My diving instructor mentioned to me that Andaman Sea is one of the best diving sites she has been to and ultimately this is the major drive for me to tag along in this trip last minute.

We signed up for 2500 baht 2-dive package with Hippo Divers, which inclusive of a wreck dive (I was very excited, at first.) Do be minded that most dive centres don't open for business on new year as one shall not get intoxicated the day before diving and our instructors happened to be not the drinking-party type (most of them are western foreigners). After ample rest in the morning and hearty lunch, we set off to the picturesque blue sea surrounded by green islets.

Blue and green - reminded me of coastal drive in Eastern Taiwan but this time we cruised across it

Excitement dwindles as the weather was not permissible for us to do wreck dive as we weren't able to locate the buoy that led to the dive site - rough sea is diver's enemy too, not only for offshore personnel. We switched to alternative diving sites. There are not much coral reef compared to the ones I went in Miri but big-eyes fish are abundant and here is my first encounter with king crown starfish. Though frankly, it wasn't good dive trip for me and being diver myself, we shall anticipate the change in weather that may change the entire plan and the outcome may not always be satisfying. 

King Crown Starfish 

Blue Candy Nudibranch - commonly spotted species during my dive in our region 

Disclaimer: Action camera performs poorly for macro objects. 

Enjoying the breeze of Andaman Sea and sunset after diving 

Settled my last dinner on the island at the famous Pirate House Restaurant.

Scrumptious Pad Thai 

Christmas decoration on the island lit at night

Krabi Town

Last glimpse of the long tail boat on Phi Phi before heading back to Krabi

The ferry ticket that we bought from our hostel in Ao Nang was inclusive of return trip back to the ferry terminal and also shuttle service to Krabi town (though it claimed that they could fetch to our hostel, apparently, it didn't). We walked for about 15 minutes from the drop off point before checking in at Pitta House.

Settling our lunch at nearby eatery and we started explore bits of the town. We walked along the Krabi River and passing by Crab Statue with Khao Khanab Nam in vicinity. Coincidentally, there was a Muay Thai show ongoing by the river bank with video crew doing their filming. I suppose either the competition was broadcasted live or they were doing tapping. Regardless, we have a taste of watching Muay Thai show for free!

Two Muay Thai fighters in action

Khao Khanab Nam in vicinity - you can go for a cruise that passed by the iconic structure in which we skipped

Cavemen Traffic light in Krabi 

Zebra crossing, literally

Explored the decent Vogue Department Store before continuing our journey to the Tiger Cave Temple via "tuk tuk". We were alarmed with the steps (more than just 1260 steps the signage claimed) that we have to take to get to the top but it was worth the climb which is free of charge.

Tiger statue inside the temple

Sitting Buddha oversees Krabi Province

Sunset from the top

Returned to the town and settling our dinner at Walking Street Night Market. We have our meals at one of the noodle shops and I thought my spicy tolerance was high enough as the lady has warned me upfront. There are a number of gravies available and I have picked the "hot" one. It was spicier that it looks, so beware. I dared myself to finish it all (and challenged my friends to have a taste of it themselves).

The noodle comes with "ulam" which helps to neutralise the spiciness of the gravy and oh, the coconut on the side

For our last day of the trip, we hired a driver to bring us 1 hour drive away from the town (a quick stop at Krabi Outlet Village on the way) to visit the emerald and blue pool with the entrance fee of 200 baht. There were two paths that lead you to the emerald pool from the main entrance, either 800m or 1000m. The pool was swarmed with people and we didn't take our dips. I couldn't see the emerald enough, really. We walked further in to look at the blue pool in which I find is more mystical and appealing.

Emerald Pool

Blue pool - one claims if you clap your hands, bubbles will emerge from the bottom of the lake

As the sun started to set and we concluded our visit with the day returned to town and have a brieftstop at the white temple, Kaewkorawaram Temple. We had our scrumptious dinner nearby the crab statue before having our final stroll at the street market of the trip.

Kaewkorawaram Temple

Last dinner in Krabi

My friends send their greeting from "Crab-i" 

We thought of going on stage at first to sing but for some reason, we didn't. It's free to sing and the song choices are limited to 90's. 

This graffiti marks my last shot in Krabi Town (I lost my lens cap while trying to capture this)

This has to be one of the relaxing trips that I ever had so far whereby one no need to rush through the itinerary. Since we are relying on public transports like taxi or "tuk tuk" to get around, we have to play by the ear. Krabi is worth visiting for those who wish to escape the bustling city life for a relaxing getaway to enjoy the blue and green of nature and to have a taste of outdoor activities - rock climbing for instance. This trip also exposes me to the varieties of Thai Cuisine, not just Tom Yam alone. I guess being touched by "Lady Boy" considered to be an experience too, eh? Not to forget the bone twisting and tickling Thai massage.

For my next visit to Thailand, I'm anticipating for "Thai Girl" show.

Krabi Trip: Sawadeekap

Other than my visit to Singapore in year 2012, I have never been to any other parts of South East Asia. This trip wasn't even in my annual plan at first but when I heard about the possibility of diving, I bought my flight ticket almost instantly. So the planning to have my very step on Thailand begins.

My trip to Krabi was on the verge of new year, so return flight ticket cost me MYR300 from KLIA2. To me it is pretty reasonable (you can get cheaper during promotion and to travel during non-peak season). National language in Thailand is Thai which but majority can understand minor English in the town of Krabi. Currency in used is Baht (100 baht for MYR14 during my travel). No visa is required for Malaysian for a visit that last less than 30 days. I have to say weather at this part of Thailand is quite hot during this time of year. So don't forget your shades and perhaps, sunblock (or just stay out of sun in that matter).

1 hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, my trip spanned for 5 days and 5 nights. staying at 3 different places. The trip kicked off in Ao Nang before moving to Phi Phi Island for new year countdown and finally concluded the journey in the heart of Krabi Town. Since this place is a bit distance from major town, do expect the public transportation to be limited to bus, taxi and oh, their "tuk tuk", human carrier run by motorcycle and sometimes, mini truck.

Travel agents are plenty in Ao Nang and Phi Phi Island, so fret not if you didn't get to book anything prior to your arrival to Krabi. You may get yourself at a discounted price when bargain is not an option when you book thing online. ATM is almost at every corner of the street, so don't worry about running out of cash (still, have to watch your budget). Most places don't accept credit card (including massage centre) so remember to bring enough cash with you, unless you are going to the high end places. Family Mart is abundant so don't worry if you forget to buy your mineral water while you on the run as there is high chance you will bump into one.

Ao Nang

Done with my meeting at KLCC on the 29th of December, I rush to airport to catch my evening flight to Krabi, in my office attire. Upon my landing at the airport, I bought my bus ticket heads to Ao Nang with 150 baht. There will be one lady (or may be guy but most of them are ladies) in charge to tell when the bus is coming and you shall let them know where your hostel is as they will drop you if it's on the way. Unfortunate for me though, there were 2 hostels with almost similar names so the bus driver was adamant that he stopped at the right one in which I was pretty sure it wasn't my hostel because from the map it's 1 minute walk to the beach but there was no beach in vicinity. Though I wasn't 100% sure that I was right so I get off the bus to ask anyway as the bus went off. Expected, it was not the right hostel and I had to have a 80 baht "tuk tuk" to get me to Ao Nang beach. It was already close to 7pm when I reached the place and the sky falls dark. My frustration continued as the driver didn't stop me at the exact location as I realised that the driver drove pass my hostel when I eventually knew the exact location. Bumped into my friends while searching for the hostel and I was off for my first dinner in Krabi/Thailand.


My first trial on pineapple fried rice. Basically it is fried rice served in pineapple shell. Not my favourite Siamese dish but it's worth a try.

My friends thought of going for a massage and I was like "Sure!" After a long day, my feet deserves some indulgence and pampering. I wouldn't call it a splurge to have a massage in Thailand since they are rather cheap. Say, 250 bath for a foot massage? So it is not surprising you are tempted to go massage on daily basis. The feet went ticklish (I am easily tickled) at first but eventually you just kind of getting into it. Sunset Massage is recommendable.


A yummy-licious pad thai to wrap my first night in Krabi.

Railay

Longtail boats 

One of the days that I was looking forward for was this very day as it is the rock climbing day! Had our breakfast at the hostel and we were off to Railay via long tail boat from Ao Nang Beach, which is just one minute walk away. We were greeted by King, our climbing instructor at the beach before heading to his shop to set up our gears. Bringing the ropes and stuff and we faced our rock. Unlike the indoor wall climbing with prominent coloured rocks (which indicates the difficulty), you climb to the top and watched out for any rock that you can hold on to or perhaps, chalk mark to bring you up.

Can you spot me?

I was given a chance to bilayer my friend during their climb. It's quite an experience and I wish only if I have brought glove. Nevertheless, you shall be certified bilayer and hence, hush hush.

After strenuous climbing in the morning, we replenished ourselves by having rejuvenating lunch at Mangroove Restaurant.

Red curry - I like spicy

Mango and sticky rice, my kind of combo

It was rather a late lunch that we had and in order to catch up the last boat back to Ao Nang which is 6pm, we made a quick stroll at Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is famous with the wooden statue and the cliff. Had a dip at the beach to conclude our day at Railay.

Amazing sunset view of Ao Nang Beach. A must see/take.

Our final dinner at Ao Nang before our next destination.

Green curry for dinner - I'm biased towards green than red now.

Phi Phi Island

Our hostel offers ticket to Phi Phi Island, including shuttle to the jetty. Booked ours the night before. Packed light refreshment at the Family Mart nearby our hostel before setting off to our next point of interest.

After two and a half hours being on the sea, we were welcomed by swarming tourists at Phi Phi Island. Additional 20 baht conservation fee is imposed per entry to the island. Under the scorching hot sun, we drag our bag to our hostel away from the crowd of the centre. Since it was peak season, most of the budget hostels were fully booked (Hence, ensure you do your booking in advance and considering the time during our visit is new year's eve). We stayed at a decent resort which costs around 100 baht per person per night. The hostel is located equidistantly from both sides of the beach.



Had a Chinese lunch and strolling around the island. Diving was part of our itinerary on the island, instead of the conventional island hopping. We secured our slots for the next day before starting our hike to the Phi Phi View Point to catch the sunset. The path to the point isn't that obvious at first where we passed by some sort of village before being diverted into muddy trails. Glimpse of hope emerged when we spotted a signage that leads to the view point.

Sunset at Phi Phi View Point. Worth it.

Prior to our new year countdown celebration, we had our dinner by the beach. Series of illuminated night clubs can be spotted along the beach with loud music playing. Fire show were exhibited at some of the clubs. We bought few bottles of Singha to spend the night before club hopping for the new year celebration.

A wild night before 2016.

May be not.

Next post: 2016 in Thailand