Krabi Walking Street
Posted by admin on February 8th, 2010 filed in Uncategorized, attractions, travel tipsComment now »
Last year, during the month of January, a new market set up shop every weekend in the centre of Krabi town. Initially, the market was a temporary fixture; however, it was such a success during its first month that residents voted to give it a regular slot each weekend.
The market, now known as ‘Krabi Walking Street’, is held in the streets behind the town’s main department store, Vogue, each weekend. The market differs from the town’s other night markets, placing more emphasis on the sale of handicrafts, high quality food and nightly entertainment.
A large stage is the focal point, with various acts providing entertainment each weekend. Performances take place amongst the vendors too, such as break dancing, acoustic sessions and traditional dance.
A central seating area allows shoppers to enjoy their goodies while soaking up the lively atmosphere of the market. Visitors on the lookout for souvenirs will find a wide selection available at very reasonable prices, including wooden handicrafts, jewellery and clothing.
Krabi Walking Street is open from 17:00 until 22:00 from Friday to Sunday.
Krabi’s nocturnal offerings
Posted by admin on February 1st, 2010 filed in Uncategorized, activities, living hereComment now »
One of the best aspects of Krabi town is being able to have an authentic Thai experience without straying too far from familiarity. You can enjoy all things Thai, such as the food and festivals, but still have a slice of wholegrain toast with your morning coffee.
After dark, you have a choice of two routes on the party circuit: East or West. There is no hostility, it’s just a matter of culture and preference. Most western revelers head for the tourist-orientated bars along Chao Fa Road, which often have pool tables, live sports action on TV and a wide range of alcoholic drinks.
In contrast, Thais opt for noisy, air conditioned nightclubs featuring live music and a much more limited drinks menu. There are some places which attract a mixed following, but generally the social scene is segregated.
It’s great to find your favourite tipple and someone who speaks your language while on the road, but it’s also interesting to see how the locals let their hair down. Visitors who decide to check out the local hotspots are often mesmerized by the difference from night clubs back home. Everything from the layout to the line-up is so far removed from the western club formula.
Krabi clubs worth checking include Crazy, Room 101 and O2.
Krabi’s favourite restaurant
Posted by admin on January 25th, 2010 filed in Uncategorized, hospitalityComment now »
While businesses in Koh Phi Phi enjoy great swells no matter what the weather, mainland Krabi suffers damaging seasonal fluctuations in profit. During the monsoon period, Krabi and the beach resort of Ao Nang become ghost towns in terms of tourism. The deserted beaches and reduced hotel prices may suit some visitors, but many local businesses find it hard to stay afloat during this rainy period.
Restaurants and clubs in Krabi are constantly opening up and closing down, then reopening under a new moniker, but often sinking ship after another short spell. There are, however, some long-standing and ever flourishing businesses in the area. One particular restaurant, and perhaps culinary institution, which has demonstrated longevity despite changing trends and economical lows, is Ruen Mai.
Set in a leafy tropical garden, complete with subdued lighting and incredible ambience, Ruen Mai makes an impression even before the menus arrive. The restaurant is thoughtfully designed; tables offer privacy and beautiful views of the surrounding nature. Winding cobbled pathways meander around small lily ponds and rockeries, leading to intimate seating areas. Staff are extremely courteous and always close at hand to top up your drink or take orders.
The menu has a distinct classic southern Thai flavour, featuring many local specialties such as the pungent gaeng som (yellow curry) and gai baan (free range chicken). The array of tasty appetizers, delicious fish dishes and aromatic currys, are also highly recommended. During the restaurant’s history, which spans more than ten years, the menu has never changed. Could this be the secret to establishing a long-standing business in krabi? Or is just the winning formula of attractive setting, good service and consistently good food?
Krabi cuisine
Posted by admin on January 17th, 2010 filed in activities, attractions, beach life, holidays, hospitality, living here, sightseeingComment now »
Krabi is renowned for its cuisine, especially the tempting array of delicious dishes available from streetside vendors and noodle shops. Walking around town, aromas from khao moo daeng (rice with marinated pork) and kanom cheen (rice noodles with coconut and fish curry) drift through the air. Krabi, generally, isn’t one of Thailand’s cheapest destinations; however, it is possible to grab a quick and very tasty bite for under 50 baht.
Like most Thai towns and regions, there are certain dishes and culinary combinations native to Krabi. The pungent hot and sour curry, gaeng som, takes pride of place at the top of any local favourites menu. It’s a staple in southern Thai diet but the strong sour smell usually makes a bad first impression on Western diners. However, when eaten with rice and a selection of accompanying vegetables, the curry actually isn’t as offensive as it first smells!
Other local specialties include the aforementioned, rice topped with red pork and rice noodles in a thick coconut curry. This noodle dish is one of the cheapest meals around at just ten baht per plate, although you should always allow 20 baht as you are sure to go back for seconds. A shellfish known as hoi chak jeen, is also a popular delicacy, and is only found in the waters surrounding the Krabi coastline.
New year fireworks over Ao Nang
Posted by beach climber on January 8th, 2010 filed in activities, attractions, beach life, holidays, hospitality, living here, travel tipsComment now »
Ao Nang fireworks New Year's Eve 2009/10
Everyone know the Thais love a good party, and new year eve is no exception. And so it was with great anticipation that we decided to see in 2010 at Ao Nang beach with the spectacular fireworks and a litany of cheap whiskey buckets. And the experience did not disappoint as families camped out along the miles of white sand bring picnics, wide smiles and a convivial atmosphere.
We had originally intended to brave the full moon festivities on Koh Phagnan, but with bus tickets running out fast and accommodation at a premium, it was just a bridge too far. And the sight of Had Rin bejewelled with Chang bottles and fag ends on the first morning in January is not certain to fill the soul with to much optimism for the next 12 months.
Our other option was to head across the Andaman straits to Phi Phi and enjoy the mother of all parties there, but hordes of uppity Israelis and six-hour round-trip ferry journey put an end to such highly charged endevours. And certainly Ao Nang did the trick with a great vibe, plenty of good holiday cheers and great food. Who knows that the ‘teenies’ will hold for Thailand, but at least they started off on the right foot.
Caution warned for Koh Yao – Krabi ferry
Posted by admin on December 27th, 2009 filed in activities, attractions, beach life, holidays, hospitality, living hereComment now »
Travellers coming from Ko Yao Noi to Krabi by ferry should be warned that irate passengers have been dropped off at an alternative port 50km northeast of town.
The small jetty at Talan is badly served by public transport with only a few songthaews arriving each day to take people to the tourist areas. This can mean waits of several hours or alternatively forking out up to 700baht for a taxi or even more to the outlying beaches.
Visitors who wish to get to Krabi from Ko Yao Noi should check with their boat captain prior to boarding whether he is heading for either the ‘passenger port’ around two kilometres southwest of Krabi of the longtail piers in the town centre.
Alternatively, it is possible to get a ferry to Phuket and then take a bus from there to Krabi town, although this is, of course, not the quickest option available.
Honeymoons in Krabi
Posted by admin on December 20th, 2009 filed in activities, attractions, beach life, holidays, hospitality, sightseeing, travel tipsComment now »
That very special day demands an equally special holiday to celebrate the happy union. Krabi has long been a firm favourite destination for honeymooning couples from all over the world. The hotels and resorts of the region offer that little something extra in pampering and romantic seclusion than your average five star residence.
A lot of hotels offer special packages geared towards honeymooners. There is nothing quite like waking up with your new bride (or husband) and stepping onto your own private veranda with the sound of the ocean and a magnificent sea view bejewelled by limestone escapements.
The vast majority of Krabi’s luxury resorts offer spa facilities and treatments as well as the usual swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and sports equipment.
Alis Hotel is a contemporary-looking hotel with modern rooms in Ao Nang’s upmarket area which is highly recommended. The Baan Oriental features a private luxury villa with its own swimming pool that sleeps up to 10. So there is plenty of space around for inviting neighbours back for a cocktail or two. Somkiet Buri Resort can be found right slap bang in the centre of Ao Nang with decent value rooms in their pleasant oasis of green.
Spas in Krabi
Posted by admin on December 13th, 2009 filed in Uncategorized, activities, attractions, beach life, holidays, hospitality, living hereComment now »
Krabi, like most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, has its fair share of luxury spas. These tend to be more indulgent that the exercise or yoga centres elsewhere in the Kingdom, with scrubs wraps and body treatments popular with visitors.
The majority are attached to big hotels and set in opulent tropical gardens. They offer an escape from the stresses of modern life and the aches and pains developed through hours of sightseeing.
Although the treatments at Krabi Spas are pretty standard fare, the ambiance experience in a lot of them is pretty unique and attracts a host of star names. Visitors must, of course, exercise a little caution when dealing with a traditional Thai massage, as the harsh twisting and muscle pummelling can be quite painful. However, after a week of this sort of treatment you are sure to feel like a new person and return home limber and relaxed.
Haircuts, beauty treatments, waxing and manicures are available at beauty saloons for a much less expensive rate than the five star resorts, and traveller traditions such as henna tattoos and hair braiding can be found all over Railey and Ao Nang beaches.
For more information and a list of recommended spas in Krabi.
Krabi Hot Springs
Posted by admin on December 5th, 2009 filed in activities, attractions, beach life, holidays, hospitality, living here, sightseeing, travel tipsComment now »
Just 70km south of Krabi town, by Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, are a selection of natural bubbling hot springs that are truly nature’s own answer to the jacuzzi.
The water comes here through thermal springs which seep up from volcanic chambers deep underground to the surface. And the hollowed-out smooth stone ‘bathtubs’ stay filled with crisp spring water at a nice steady 35ºC to 40ºC.
The water contains many mineral salts which are said to help various ailments from rheumatism and skin complaints to sciatica. And even if you are feeling fit as a fiddle there’s undoubted benefits from relaxing in hot water and watching the world go by in this pristine natural jungle setting.
The nature reserve also contains a great ‘Crystal’ or ‘Emerald’ Pool in the forest’s which is perfect for swimming.
Tours to Crystal Pool and hot springs are available from lots of travel agencies or you can find it yourself by rented bike or car. An entrance fee of 200 baht applies for the Crystal Pool and Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve and of 90 baht for the hot springs only.
Popstar all in love with Krabi
Posted by admin on November 27th, 2009 filed in activities, attractions, beach life, holidays, hospitality, living here, sightseeing, travel tipsComment now »
Popstar Anastasia may soon be jetting into town after naming Krabi as her next must-see destination.
The ‘I’m Outta Love’ singer told an interview with UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph that she is desperate to make the Andaman Coast her next vacation spot.
She said: “Top of the list is Thailand as I’m a huge beach fan and I’ve heard that the beaches there are even more beautiful than the Caribbean, particularly Krabi, so that’s on my wish list.”
The 40-year-old went on to describe her favourite place to stay as Lucerne’s Park Hotel Vitznau in Switzerland, which features inside and out heated swimming pool, spa, gym and lake views.
So any hoteliers around Krabi now know what to install to make the pop queen happy in her stay here in Thailand’s southern reaches.
Anastacia set up the Anastacia Fund to promote breast cancer awareness amongst younger women after falling victim to the disease herself in 2003. She has made a full recovery had has recently been performing alongside Celine Dion in Las Vegas.