From a trip where I was stood up, I escaped to Krabi to go diving, explore caves, rock climbing, and gaze at the clear sky and white sand.

Contact and follow me at my Facebook Fan Page or Govivigo Blog.

From a trip where I was left behind, Le came to invite me and we went down to the sea together.

As planned, I invited someone to join me, but in the end, something happened and I was left alone, even though I had already booked the day off. So I thought, well, I guess I'll have to go alone. It's not that I've never traveled alone before, but if I have to go to the sea alone in this state, I'll definitely be in the mood for a heartbroken music video. Hahahaha.

*Full video available at the end of the review.

---

Travel

It is well known that Pan is a budget traveler, so flying to Krabi was out of the question, especially with a price tag of over 2,000 baht. Instead, she opted for the budget-friendly option of taking a southern bus. For her trip, Pan purchased a ticket from Lignite Tour for 574 baht. The bus was a 40-seat model.

After sitting and lying down since almost 8 pm, I arrived at Krabi Bus Terminal at 8 am sharp. The car from Srisawara Casa Hotel was already waiting to pick me up. They had been waiting for me for an hour, which made me feel a little bad, but there was nothing I could do about it. After all, I'm not the driver.

Transportation to Krabi:

Travel to Krabi:

• Bus: Take the Lignite Tour bus from Sai Tai Mai (Southern Bus Terminal) to Krabi Bus Terminal. The ticket costs 574 baht.
• Hotel Transfer: Arrange for a hotel shuttle to pick you up from the bus terminal.

Return trip: Bus from Krabi Bus Terminal to Sai Tai Mai, 545 baht.

Day 1: Morning Dim Sum at "Ratcha Rasti"

Upon arrival, we were famished and in dire need of breakfast. Our guide, Ms. Sompoi, and her aunt, Ms. Kai (who kindly assisted us with sightseeing recommendations in Krabi), brought us to a renowned dim sum restaurant in the city.

A Morning in Krabi

After a delicious breakfast and a cup of hot tea, we decided to explore the area around our hotel. Since it was still too early to check in, we took a leisurely stroll. Conveniently, the hotel offered tours with "Kohphiphi tour," making it easy to book both our accommodation and excursions in one place.

Originally, I had hoped to arrive in Krabi earlier, around 6 am, to participate in a full-day rock climbing adventure at Railay Beach. However, due to our later arrival, we opted for a half-day afternoon climb instead.

With the tour booked, we set off to explore the charming town of Krabi.

After dropping off our luggage, washing up, and enjoying a delicious dim sum breakfast, it was already past 10 am. Our ride to catch the ferry to Railay Bay wasn't scheduled until around 1 pm, so we had a little time to explore the charming town.

As I exited the hotel and followed the road, I stumbled upon the ancient human intersection. Wow, how cool! The traffic lights were designed as Cro-Magnon statues. Upon inquiring about the origin of this intersection, I was informed that these statues represent the ancestors of the Krabi people. The city of Krabi is believed to be the origin of the Cro-Magnons.

On a scorching day like this, I must admit it's incredibly hot. However, I also have a strong desire to go for a walk. The bright sunshine does have one advantage: it makes for stunning photographs.

Turn right out of the hotel and you will reach the ancient human crossroads. If you turn left and walk to the end, you will reach the mountain surrounded by water. There are boats for hire here, but I will save that for a boat tour another day, as today we have an appointment to climb the cliff.

The canal-side walkway offers stunning views of the flanking mountains and is also home to iconic statues of Krabi. The next photo shows the 0 km marker, which is a statue of a hornbill. This is because the canal is home to a real hornbill couple, although they are rarely seen. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the hornbills in person.

The image above depicts the Black Crab Gang statue, a renowned landmark in Krabi. Due to the large crowds, I was unable to capture a front-facing photograph. However, I managed to secure a stunning nighttime shot devoid of people. Stay tuned for more updates in DAY 2.

Let's take a look at the "Srisawara Casa Hotel".

I stayed at the "Srisawara Casa Hotel", a charming and intimate hotel. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and I felt like I was chatting with friends rather than hotel employees. Notably, the hotel is owned by the same company as "Kohphiphi Tour," which offers attractive travel packages that include accommodation. The staff at both the hotel and tour company were exceptional, making my experience truly enjoyable.

Another highlight of this hotel is its proximity to Krabi's main tourist attractions, such as the walking street, the black crab market, the night market, bars, beer gardens, Khao Khanap Nam, and other landmarks. "Close" in this context means within walking distance, just a few minutes away. It's fantastic!

Upon entering the hotel, you will be greeted by the reception. Turning to your left, you will find a dining area where you can enjoy breakfast or simply relax and take photos while waiting.

For breakfast, we can choose to sit either inside or outside by the roadside. Like Pan, who enjoys sitting outside and having breakfast while watching the people passing by, it's quite enjoyable.

Let's take a look at the bedroom.

Pan believes she has found a fantastic room because when she opens the balcony, she can see a distant view of the canal. Wouldn't it be nice to stand there and watch the morning unfold?

Pan opted for a double room for herself and her friend. On the bed, neatly folded towels and handkerchiefs awaited them.

The room is equipped with a large mirror, a TV, a refrigerator, and complimentary bottled water, tea, and coffee. Wi-Fi is also available, allowing you to connect your laptop and work comfortably.

Let's go rock climbing at Railay Bay

At the appointed time, a van arrived to pick Pan up and take her to the pier. We had to take a boat from Ao Nang to Railay Bay to start our rock climbing adventure.

After a short 10-minute boat ride, we arrived at Railay Bay. The first sight was breathtaking, like a dream city. Bars lined both sides of the street, and barefoot people strolled along the sand, sipping beers and basking in the sunshine. This was just a quick exploration, but next time, I'll definitely be spending more time at Railay Bay.

Following the instructions of the receptionist, we arrived at the climbing gym. We had to put on the climbing equipment before following the Belayers to the climbing spot. This spot was designated for beginners like Pan and her friends, as we had no prior experience with actual rock climbing. Reaching the highlight spot where people take cool pictures was quite challenging. We had to practice first.

Standing there, I watched as the locals ascended the cliff face, one or two at a time. This climbing spot wasn't just for amateurs; it was far from easy. I saw foreigners who seemed experienced with climbing and mountaineering, some even ascending without safety ropes to secure themselves so they could attach ropes to the top and create a climbing path for others. Wow, they were incredibly skilled.

The first route was easy enough, but after trying other routes, my hands and feet were exhausted. However, I managed to reach the ring.

And behind Pan's success, but...but...but...here's the next picture!

Belayer, with a bored expression, guided and supervised the climb, suggesting handholds and body positions. Without his assistance, I would have been in trouble. However, his demeanor seemed rather indifferent.

Exhausted from climbing the mountain, Pan had some time to kill before the boat arrived to pick her up. She decided to take a stroll along the beach, only to realize that there were hardly any Thai tourists around. Aside from the boat driver and the shopkeepers, 99% of the people at Railay Bay were foreigners. This is exactly what she loves about the place.

Krabi Walking Street

By the time I arrived at the hotel, it was already dusk. I took a shower, changed my clothes, and went to find something to eat at the Krabi Walking Street. It's only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. It's located near the 4-way intersection of Ancient Man, behind the Vogue Shopping Center.

May I borrow a high-angle image from http://www.andamanseatravel.com/trip/th/%E0%B8%97%...

This market sells food and souvenirs, similar to walking streets in other provinces. However, the following items are particularly noteworthy:

The roti is truly amazing, with both crispy and soft options available. I ordered both, and I must say, the dough is delicious, with a slightly salty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet condensed milk. It's not overly sweet, making it perfect with a hot cup of tea. A must-try! The shop is located on the main road at the Manut Booran intersection.

Day 2: Witnessing the Sunrise

Pan's room boasts a stunning view of the sunrise over the mountains and the adjacent river. This breathtaking vista fills her with energy for the day ahead.

Today, I went on a diving trip around Phi Phi Island with "Kohphiphi tour". The car picked me up at 8 am, so I quickly showered, got dressed, and had breakfast while waiting.

A van arrived on time and took us to the pier, where food and seating were provided. However, we didn't have time to take photos because the boat arrived quickly, and we had to board immediately. The medium-sized speedboat could accommodate around 10 people. Our guide, Mariam, provided information about the islands. She spoke in English because most of the passengers were foreigners. If we had any questions, we could ask her directly.

First Stop: Maya Bay - Loh Samah Bay

After a short boat ride, we arrived at our first destination: Maya Bay. This small island nestled within a secluded cove boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and towering cliffs. Upon reaching Maya Bay, we ventured inland to explore the "Loh Samah" area.

A short walk from the beach, I recommend walking barefoot on the soft sand all the way. We will also pass through a tunnel of green trees, which is a must-see for nature lovers like me.

The wooden bridge at the end of the path would have been a sight to behold had the water level been higher, creating a picturesque scene of the bridge floating on the water. However, the early arrival had its perks, as the area was relatively uncrowded. According to our guide, Ms. Mariam, arriving later would have meant encountering large tour groups, making the space feel cramped.

I quickly took a few photos and then hurried back to capture the atmosphere on the beach. Boats were parked everywhere, so much so that I thought it was a boat parking lot. I could barely see any water, and even the small patches of water were crowded with people. This was despite the fact that we arrived earlier than most others. I can't imagine how crowded it would be during the high season.

Lagoon

Leaving Maya Bay, we followed Mariam to a lagoon with crystal-clear turquoise water. The scenery was breathtaking, with towering cliffs on either side creating a large natural pool. The cliffs, eroded by the sea, presented a unique and captivating sight.

"Viking Cave" - Edible Bird's Nest

The boat slowed down so we could take pictures at Pi Leh Bay for a while before heading out to see the cave, "Viking Cave," which is home to swiftlets. However, Pan didn't go inside; she just took pictures from the boat. Ma'am Mariyam told us that villagers would come to collect bird's nests from here to sell for hundreds of thousands of baht per kilogram. Wow, that's expensive!

Let's Dive into "Ao Ling, Lo La Na"

After sailing through Pi Leh Bay and observing the swiftlet nests in the caves, we went snorkeling with Mariam. This was the moment I had been waiting for! Today, I snorkeled at two locations: **Monkey Bay** and **Loh Lana Bay**. The specific snorkeling locations are not fixed to these two spots; they depend on the weather conditions, the beauty of the coral reefs at different points, and other factors. The guides will arrange the locations for us. I will post a collection of photos.

While the water was slightly cloudier than usual, it was still clear enough to enjoy the scenery. The small fish swimming around us were a delight, making the trip worthwhile.

Lunch and Play in the Crystal-Clear Waters of "Phi Phi Don Island"

After a satisfying snorkeling session, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at "Phi Phi Don". The meal was served banquet-style, with servers bringing dishes to our table. The cost of the lunch was included in the tour package, so we didn't have to pay anything extra. We feasted until our bellies were full.

After a satisfying meal, we strolled along the beach, waiting for our next diving session. The expansive and lengthy Phi Phi Beach was bustling with sunbathers and swimmers. Despite the activity, the moderate crowd allowed us to find picturesque spots for capturing stunning photographs.

Bamboo Island

After finishing our diving, we continued to the last island, "Bamboo Island." It was the perfect ending to a stunning trip. The beach was truly vast, with fine white sand. Even though the sun was blazing, it didn't stop us from exploring the beach and diving into the crystal-clear water. The sunlight also made for some incredible photos.

The vastness of the beach, coupled with the sun-averse crowd, resulted in a relatively uncrowded beach. This provided ample space for swimming, playing, and taking photos and videos with friends.

The Last Night in Krabi at "Talad Nat Lan Poo Dam"

This is the final night. Today is Monday. Every Monday to Thursday, there is a market at Lan Poo Dam. There is food and souvenirs for sale, similar to the walking street I went to last night. However, there is also a live music stage, which I think makes it much more relaxing than the walking street.

Ending the day with a relaxing craft beer from Railay or Phi Phi is the perfect way to unwind. It's been a truly chill and memorable day.

----DAY 3----

Let's go on a boat trip.

Waking up a little late today, Pan went down to have breakfast at the same place. This was the opening scene of the last day to get her body ready for the trip. Since Pan had to take a bus back to Bangkok at 5 pm, she had to choose a short trip or she would miss the bus.

As mentioned, the Sri Suwara Hotel, where Pan is staying, is conveniently located near various landmarks, including Khao Khanap Nam. To reach the boat launch, simply turn left out of the hotel and continue until you reach the third intersection.

Ready to board the boat. Pan came with only two friends, so they had to rent the boat by themselves, which was a bit expensive. If there were more people, the cost would be divided among more people, making it cheaper.

On this boat trip, Pan met "Bang Mud," who served as a local guide and boat driver. Initially, Bang Mud took Pan to see the Khao Khanap Nam mountains and navigate through the mangrove forests. Pan was disappointed not to see any birds or otters, which are known to sunbathe on the sand dunes. Oh well...

No worries, we can come back and see it next time. After cruising through the mangrove forest, Uncle Mud steered the boat back to Khao Khanap Nam. We could climb up to see the cave for a 30 baht entrance fee.

The entrance to the cave is a staircase as shown in the picture above. However, I learned from Bang Mu that this staircase was only built when the movie was filmed here several years ago. As for the original entrance, it is shown in the next picture.

The passage describes a small hole that can only be accessed one person at a time. To ascend, one uses a regular staircase, while descending requires the assistance of a guide named "Bang Mu Du" who leads individuals through the hole. The experience is described as exciting and humorous, with the guide sharing anecdotes of a large foreign tourist who once got stuck in the hole and required assistance.

The cave interior features replicas of ancient human statues, skeletons, and pottery, as actual artifacts discovered here are housed in a museum. While Pan did not capture still images, you can view them in the video.

Exiting the cave, we embarked on a boat ride to witness the vast expanse of the bay. The breathtaking scenery was accompanied by strong winds.

Next, we have to pass through the mangrove tunnel. If the water level is too low, we won't be able to pass this way. Today, Pan is lucky to have the opportunity to pass through this green path.

Following a winding tunnel, Bang Mud leads us to a fishing village on an island. Cars are absent here, replaced by motorbikes and custom-made tricycles for navigating the narrow island roads. The villagers rely on fishing for their livelihood. The children on the raft take us to see fish and crab ponds, as well as archerfish that can spit water. If you're curious, check out the video.

Local Guide Contact and Rates

Contact local guides near Khao Khanap Nam for private boat tours.

Rates:

• Hourly rate: 500 baht per hour (usually takes 2 hours, discounted to 800 baht for Pan)
• Full-day rate: Negotiable, includes visits to various islands and the Talay Waek (Separated Sea)

Kohphiphi Tour Packages

Pan used two tour packages from Kohphiphi Tour:

• Railay Bay Rock Climbing (half-day, afternoon): 1200 baht per person
• Phi Phi Island Snorkeling Tour (full-day): 1500 baht per person (foreigners may need to pay an additional park entrance fee of 400/200 baht)

Accommodation

• Srisawara Casa Hotel: 1500 baht per night, 3000 baht for 2 nights

Package Deals

• Package deals combining accommodation and tours are available.

More information at

The website for Phi Phi Island Tours is http://www.phiphitours.com/ or the Facebook page is kohphiphitour. *During the low season, prices will be even lower. Choose the one you like.

Thanks. Some photos from my fellow travelers, Khun Farada and P'Som Poi, who invited me to visit Krabi with Phi Phi Tour. ^0^