Krabi – Same, Same, But Different!
Southern Thailand is famous for the spicy foods and great beaches. On my trips to Thailand I had never had the pleasure of going to Krabi. Family and friends had regaled how great it was and how truly relaxed they felt there. Having been to Phuket and Koh Samui a number of times I had similar visions in my head. Beautiful beaches, white sand, blue water and the developing night market economy. Well I was certainly in for a surprise. Here I was thinking I was coming to a province similar to Koh Samui but I was wrong. Same, Same But Different!
The first shock was arriving into a large developed international airport. Only about 5 years old, this airport was large and could easily handle a group coming through. Next en route to the hotel the roads and infrastructure were in place that I would expect in a developed country. I was very impressed to see this as it was not at all expected, something that would make someone on their first trip to Thailand very comfortable.
Before heading to the hotel we were taken to the local elephant safari camp. Now the elephant to me is one of the most amazing animals on this planet. For such a magnanimous creature they are so graceful in their actions and walk. The Mahood’s who ride the elephants live with the elephants and stay with them for life. I am very particular about animal welfare and always prefer to support parks that allow the animals to live as naturally as they can.
Given that the elephant is the national animal of Thailand, an elephant ride is a must do when visiting. What was so amazing about this camp was that the Mahood would climb down from the elephant and allow us to sit across the neck where they would usually sit. My colleague Michal was so amazed by this experience that he actually rode the elephant across the small stream as if it was a scene from Cleopatra and he was returning after conquering some far off land.
Since they are no longer used for logging within Thailand, all the elephants are being moved to Elephant Camps so that they have a home and this is a developing tourist business and quite an essential activity for any incentive program. An experience that is truly unique.
Now each province has their version of the Tuk Tuk and for Krabi, it is a motorbike/ sidecar hybrid. The balancing is a little weird but the effect is the same, so after our elephant trek we did a tuk tuk ride through to the local market. This is the market where the locals come to shop, so not a tourist location, so bargains and value for money was a lot higher. I would highly recommend a visit and make sure that you try the Mangosteen and the Rambutan they are both similar to a lychee.
Now the most amazing and unforgettable sight in Krabi is the amazing mini mountains, along the side of the road where rock formations just shoot straight up. Likewise out on the islands, large rock formations with sheer cliffs shoot straight up from the Andaman Sea. I have been told that these mini mountains and rock features both on land and among the islands were the inspirations for James Cameron’s Hallelujah (Floating) Mountains of Pandora from the movie, Avatar.
What is even better is that there are many islands surrounding Krabi mainland and within 15 minutes of boarding a speed boat you can be snorkelling on the coral reef or just sitting back and bobbing in the water. From a group perspective this is a major benefit to time and maximising the relaxation factor.
From my short time in Karbi my must do or see experiences for an incentive group would be
- Island tour to Koh Kai (Chicken Island) and Koh Poda where it appears that two islands are linked by a sand bar, but are actually one island.
- Abseiling at Rayayadee Resort. This resort is only accessible by boat but is attached to the mainland. The villas are also private and well worth a visit for an exclusive use
- Elephant safari at Huay Tho Safari
- Canoeing or Kayaking at Thalane Bay through the beautiful mangrove forest along the mountain edges
- For smaller high-end groups the Ritz Carlton Reserve at Phulay Bay, all the 54 pavilions and villas have 4metre beds that put ‘King Size’ to shame.
- Phi Phi Island is actually situated between Phuket and Krabi and a great island for a day trip
- Ao Nang is the major beach and also shopping district but the shops are quite developed and that famous Thai bargaining is not as warmly received here and should be noted
Ao Nang is approximately 50 minutes from Krabi Airport and Krabi is a 2 hour drive to Phuket Island. Krabi is a great extension for a group and does have a lot to offer a group looking to go there as it has the infrastructure of Phuket but the peacefulness of Koh Samui. I am very pleased that this TICA family allowed me the opportunity to visit this amazing place.
Ian Andrew Walsh