Landing in the southern province of Krabi will seem like fairy dust sprinkled in the ocean. Your eyes can no believe this particularly shaped (icecream cone looking) infinite stretch of islands. Small but numerous, they will take your breath away. As the airplane approaches, the shapes become more and more intricate and an adrenaline rush flows through your veins. So much adventure awaits in this unique destination. "The Beach" , here I come!!
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| PARADSE! |
The airport in Krabi is rustic and hot. You can't help but notice the culture shock you are entering into. Thai people are friendly, they greet you with smiles and a humble Sawatdi Kha (palms together gesture). The noise of the Tuk Tuks (or motor bikes) as soon as you step out of the door will definitely make you feel you are in an exotic location. Get there hungry because you can grab a delicious fried dish on your way to your hotel. Can I tell you about the food trucks? They are AMZING but NOT recommended if you are a picky eater. On the other hand, if you like to try crazy dishes with an insane amount of grease (and you have a strong stomach) this is where you can go WILD for under $1. These street food stands are the real #foodporn !! An orgasm in your mouth with strong aromatic components and a spicy edge. Thai food is known for its complex interplay of at least three and up to four or five fundamental taste senses in each dish or the overall meal: sour, sweet, salty, bitter and spicy. Thai food has it all and a great starting point are these incredible food trucks. My favorites were the Khao lam and the Kanom khrok.
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| NOT a food truck dinner LOL |
Ok enough about food and let's get into a bikini, moving on to the most incredible beaches my eyes have ever seen. It's crazy to think that a few years back nobody would come explore this way. But things changed after the HUGE Leonardo Di Caprio movie "The Beach" (remember the one were expats run around half naked getting tan all day long and playing beach volleyball?). Exactly! After you come to this place, you will want to stay FOR EVER. Honestly, once you are here it is better than the movies. It totally exceeded my expectations... Did I died and went to heaven? If heaven is filled with pristine blue lagoon looking beaches, secluded islands, moon parties and spicy food then I'm down!!! Please bring me back to heaven.
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| SUNSETSSS YES!!! |
Here is my guide to the Krabi Island Circuit Tour:
PHUKET - This is best if you are traveling in a group of friends or traveling alone looking to make new ones. It's definitely a party Island where moon parties and group activities take place EVERY day. They bring a new meaning to "sunset drinks" and "beach fires". Sexy yet humble and enchanting, this island will leave you speechless with its incredible views and natural beauty. It's a MUST. Rich in culture, tis is the largest island in Thailand so make sure you take extra time here to explore the history. Phuket offers a variety of luxury resorts as well as rustic (charming accomodations) I hear the best way to stay here is with a local/expat which make a vast majority of their population compared to other regions. There is a very strong presence of international travelers that have settled here full or partime so you won't feel lost in translation wondering around. Get lost to find yourself and take some pictures in between.
KRABI - This on the other hand is the best place if you are traveling in couples or with your significant other. It is inland so it's not an actual island; the infrastructure and accommodations are better here and there is a large selection of luxury resorts. In Krabi's vicinity, you will find numerous little islands that you can explore during the day. Your hotel should offer a shuttle service in the morning to return later that same afternoon or if you prefer a more private, intimate island hopping experience than you could rent a boat with Capitan and tour guide included for about $1000 a day. This is such a treat!!! since you will be able to get to known local spots, totally private exclusive beaches and get some history in between. For an extra tip they will set up beach side picnic with a decadent selection of local fresh fruits. Top destinations are Hat Noppharat Thara, Ao Nang, Railay, and Ko Phi Phi National Park. This province includes over 80 smaller islands such as (Ko Lanta) and Phi Phi, well-known to adventurers, yachtsmen, scuba-divers, snorkelers, and day-trippers from Phuket. Keep an eye on the low and high tide as they will determine the duration of your stay in each island (during high tide you won't be able to take your boat ride back home! So watch out).
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| BAMBOO PRIVATE SIDE |
Ko Phi Phi Don, Ko Phi Phi Lee: where you will find the spectacular blue lagoon. These are the best looking turquoise waters with incredible cliffs you can jump from. Ko Lanta Yai: this one is not as congested so you can enjoy a relaxing walk with your honey along the beach and maybe you can find here a good spot for your private picnic. Hong Island was BEAUTIFUL and very close to Krabi. Best to go here in the morning as it's impossible to enjoy after 1pm when the rest of the tourist arrive. Keep in mind that you can get the best weather prior to 10am in these Islands. Absolutely heaven at sunrise. Last but not least was Bamboo Island where the whole back part is secluded and the front part is a yacht party. You get the best of both worlds. My favorite if you are looking to get freaky in private LOL (but only on the back part of the Island) Your local Capitan will know where to take you haha.
As a tip, avoid going to "Maya Beach" or The Beach Island" It is not necessary to dock there as many other options are available without the swamp of people! This beach was crowded and a bit dirty. You don't get the feeling of paradise here. Maya Beach will be a cluster of tourist with cameras and go pro sticks. I don't recommend it. The south of Thailand has too many wonderful options to get stuck in this tourist trap.
Writing about this makes want to book my ticket to Thailand ASAP! This is the perfect place we\here the sand is like sugar, the sun is generous and the beaches are good for the soul. Can't wait to go back to Thailand. You are beautiful, exciting, relaxing. One day you could be learning about Buddhism and the next you could be doing rock climbing. The south of Thailand gave me the perfect balance of adventure, culture, soul searching and of course I got to stuff my face with amazing food in the process. Hands down one of the best vacations I ever had. See you soon Thai!!! Or should I say Laa gon na?
