Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Travel Diary: Things to do in Krabi

The Travel Diary: Things to do in Krabi Popular beach destination facing the Andaman Sea



 The tropical paradise of Krabi has been a springboard for the beautiful beaches and dramatic coastline cliffs of Laem Phra Nang, Koh Lanta and the famous Phi Phi Island. Tourists who use Krabi as a travel gateway would have missed out on what this coastal province has to offer.

Though far less commercialised than the neighbouring Phuket, Krabi is filled with countless natural attractions, welcoming an average of two million visitors annually. Besides the gorgeous beaches and white, sandy beaches that face the Andaman Sea, did you know that the massive limestone karsts, which emanate from the sea as islands, are popular among rock climbers?


Where to stay

Like most beach destinations, a string of hotels would stretch along the length of the coast so that guests are never far from the turquoise waters. Rayavadee, situated on the edge of Krabi’s National Marine Park, sets itself apart from the rest of the lot by blending into the lush foliage of the Phranang Peninsula.

The Rayavadee Villa, furnished in elegant, contemporary Thai style, has its own free-form swimming pool, built-in jacuzzi and poolside dining room. Guests can enjoy the stupendous views of the Phranang Beach and utmost privacy in this luxurious resort.

For other opulent resort options, check-in at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. It features a breathtaking view of the Andaman Sea, and alluring amenities on top of its extravagant villas, such as an infinity pool, destination Spa, Fitness Center, and a yoga and pilates studio. If there’s anything you wish to do, feel free to highlight your needs and desires to your personal 24-hour butler who will tailor your visit for that bespoke Krabi experience.


Where to eat

Ao Nang, Krabi’s busiest beach destination, is home to several decent eateries such as The Lareira, a Brazillian steakhouse with a wide variety of rotisserie grilled meats, a gourmet salad bar and Brazillian appetisers and cocktails. For a fixed price, guests enjoy unlimited gourmet dishes in a cosy, cave-like environment.

Blue Mango Restaurant and Bar, which was previously known as Absolut Restaurant and Bar, serves up a variety of Swedish, international and Thai dishes. Their signature dish is the mouthwatering Plank Australian sirloin steak served with duchess potatoes, asparagus and sauce béarnaise on an oak plank flown in from Sweden itself.


What to do

Diving and Krabi may not be synonymous, but the dive sites off Ao Nang Bay have their fair share of diverse and prolific marine life. Koh Daeng, or Red Island, and Koh Ma Tang Ming are recommended for experienced divers, while the waters at Koh Mae Urai accommodate most divers. Keep a look out for sea snakes, Blue-spotted Ribbontail stingrays, Yellow Boxfish, Blue-ringed Angelfish and Rock Basslets.

With distinctive limestone karst formations in the vicinity, Krabi is a world-class rock climbing destination, and has even earned its reputation for being an international climbing mecca. Endless adventurers frequent the monumental rocks at Railay and Ton Sai for the steep cliffs and mountain sides. Feel free to approach the climbing schools if you're interested to sign up for introductory courses.


Where to visit

Idyllically located beneath the tropical rainforest canopies, cascading waters of the hot springs at Khlong Thom are tucked away in the heart of a small jungle preserve just 70 kilometres from Krabi Town. Many have proclaimed that soaking in these mineral-rich hot springs water yields numerous health and healing benefits. Whether the hydrotherapy bath can really rid you of rheumatism, we can’t guarantee. But you’ll definitely walk out feeling relaxed and recharged.

While entrance fee to the hot springs is THB 90, you can choose to pay THB 200 and access other eco-spots in the vicinity, like the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve and the Emerald Pool. The Emerald Pool, otherwise known as Sra Morakot, changes colour, depending on the amount of bacteria and algae content and temperature of the water. While the waters can be mesmerizing, be sure to watch your steps.

Don’t be daunted by the flight of 1237 steps -- upon reaching the top of the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua), you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Krabi’s beaches and a sense of accomplishment. Besides the Tiger Cave, many people come to see the Buddha’s footprint and a gigantic golden Buddha statue. If you only have time for one location, we recommend this over the hot springs and Emerald Pool.


Head over to LifestyleAsia.com for the full details on things to do in Krabi.
Ref:  http://sg.news.yahoo.com/travel-diary-things-krabi-033225992.html

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