THAILAND
The kingdom of Thailand is bordered in west and north by Myanmar, in the north and north east by Laos, in the south east by Cambodia, and by Malaysia in the south. Her strategic position in the heart of heart of Southeast Asia, making her a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China.
Her shape and geography divides her into four distinct natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.
Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity). Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.
Currency
The Thai unit of currency is the baht., with 100 satang to the baht. Notes come in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 baht. Coins are minted in 25 and 50 satang, and 1, 5 and 10 baht. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers. Travellers cheques and foreign currency are easily cashed at hotels, tourist shops and in shopping centres, although rates of exchange at banks or authorized money changers are better than those at hotels and department stores. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Opening hours
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm except on public holidays.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use so it is just as well to take an adapter.
Health
Visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or passing through a designated contaminated area. Tap water is clean but bottled water is recommended.
Language
The official language is Thai, however English is widely spoken and understood, particluarlly in Bangkok, and in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations. Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.
Population
+/- 62 million
Tipping
Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated and 10-20 baht is acceptable for porters.
Time
Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 5 hours ahead of South African standard time.
Visas and passports
Visitors to Thailand require a valid passport (which must be valid for at least six months after one has RETURNED to South Africa). Most nationalities do not require visas for tourist or business visits, however it is advisable to check with your travel consultant.
What to Wear
Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.
BANGKOK
Bangkok, founded in 1782, is the country’s spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub, and is home to approximately more than 10% of the country’s population. Thailand’s capital has evolved into a modern, exciting and cosmopolitan city. In addition to her sophisticated facilities, she also offers a treasure trove of cultural attractions and Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the “Venice of the East” timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the “River of Kings” winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.
Bangkok is surprisingly easy to get around with excellent public transport systems. There is no shortage of taxis in the city that never sleeps, and they’re surprisingly affordable – but politely ask them to switch on the meter to save negotiating later. The new Bangkok Transit System (BTS) or “Skytrain”- an elevated rail system which crosses the city and connects many of the main downtown areas, and it’s a great way to find your way around and see a large part of what the city has to offer. Trains, the underground, tuk-tuks, boats running up and down the Chao Phraya River all offer affordable travel options.
PATTAYA
Pattaya, accessible by transfer from Bangkok (approximately 2 hours), is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.
From a fishing village in the 1960′s, Pattaya has emerged as a fascinating escape for tourists from around the world. Pattaya integrates the delights of seafood restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and thousands of shops, with an assortment of hotel options. The beach offers a variety of watersports while at night the streets become alive with entertainment and bargain-shopping options.
HUA HIN
Hua Hin, Pattaya’s someone quieter neighbour, is located 281 kms south of Bangkok, and is accessible by a 2 – 2½ road transfer from the capital. Despite being one of the oldest beaches in Thailand, today Hua Hin is a well established beach destination with world-class facilities coupled with crystal clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere.
CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai is situated 700 kms from Bangkok and is accessible by scheduled flight, 8 hour drive by private vehicle, the very special Eastern & Oriental Express train or alternatively public bus or train.
The second largest Thai province, and 710 year old, Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town
Surrounded by high mountain ranges, which create a multitude of mountain streams and tributaries. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm and gracious and provide authentic Thai hospitality.
KOH CHANG
Koh Chang, located in the eastern part of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border, is accessible by ferry from Trat on the mainland.
Around 85 percent of Koh Chang, along with 50 smaller islands, is part of the Koh Chang Marine National Park, offering clear waters of various blue shades as well as a terrain of high peaks and steep cliffs. The most popular beach, White Sand Beach, is where most people get together and offers a variety of restaurants, resorts, bars and pubs, whilst Klong Prao Beach is distinct because of its more serene environment. For those who wish to take a break from the beach, a wide range of activities await both on shore and inland.
KOH SAMUI
Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island and boasts white sandy beaches fringed with coconut trees, contrasted by a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Well known beaches include : – Chaweng offers a 7 km beach and is the most well – known and developed; Lamai, also located in the south east yet quieter than her Chaweng counterpart; Maenam, Big Buddha and Bo Phut are all located in the North and are not as crowded as Chaweng and Lamai. Koh Samui is located 700 kms south of Bangkok and is easily accessible by flight.
KHAO LAK
Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s newest tourist developments, and whilst the area is limited with regards to nightlife, restaurants and shopping, the natural beauty compensates for this. Khao Lak is located on the mainland, and is accessible by 1 – 1 ½ road transfer from Phuket.
PHUKET
Known as the ‘pearl of the south’, Thailand’s largest island, Phuket offers a wealth of natural resources – rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests – making it the South’s wealthiest, busiest, and most popular island. Phuket has two main seasons – the rainy season (May to October), with September and October being the wettest, and the hot season (November to April). The best time for a visit, is from November to February. Phuket is located 862 kms south of Bangkok and is accessible by flight.
Patong, with its wide variety of activities and nightlife, is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. Karon, featuring an incredibly long stretch of squeaky white sand, is less hectic than Patong but it still offers a full range of facilities, dining and activities.
PATONG BEACH
Patong is the most famous – some would say infamous – beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play.
Visitors hoping for a glimpse into the exotic East will likely not find it here among the McDonald’s, KFC, Boots and Starbucks outlets, though the steaming hot streets, neon lights and chaotic atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The key to full enjoyment of the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of water and learn the meaning of ‘mai pen rai’ – which translates roughly to ‘It doesn’t matter’ or ‘Don’t worry, be happy’.
By day, Patong’s curved sandy bay is a hive of activity with parasail and jet-ski operators, boat drivers, beach vendors and masseuses all vying for the attention of the many visitors relaxing on the beach chairs.
Those looking for more to do than sunbathe can try their hand at diving, sailing, elephant-trekking, ATV-riding, Harley Davidson tours, sea canoeing, bungy jumping, water-skiing and more, all of which can be arranged at the many tour desks set up around town and in the hotels. And those needing some pampering can indulge themselves with a relaxing massage, spa or beauty treatment.
KARON BEACH
Karon, featuring an incredibly long stretch of squeaky white sand, is less hectic than Patong but it still offers a full range of facilities, dining and activities. While it’s a fast-growing area, Karon is nicely spread out and rarely feels crowded. Karon is concentrated around three main areas. In the Karon Plaza area on the south end there a number of budget guesthouses, restaurants and bars. The side sois are worth exploring, particularly the one that leads to a small art community, where some budding Thai painters have built a complex of huts, pubs and art galleries in which they live and work. Nearby, on the beach road leading to Kata, is the newly opened football stadium, which hosts both local and international sporting events.
KATA BEACH
The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon, entices many with its white sands and clear waters. The monsoon season of May-October can make for rough swimming conditions, but it’s this time of year that the surfers come out. The south end of the beach is the best place to watch, or join in on, the surfing action. Rentals are available for those who leave their boards at home. Late in the year as the waters turn calm, Kata bay becomes populated with beautiful yachts, which arrive from all over the region to compete in December’s King’s Cup Regatta, Asia’s premier sailing event. While Club Med takes up most of the beachfront, a shaded footpath along the road fronting the resort makes for a pleasant stroll. Continuing on through the village, walkers will find an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir and ready-to-wear outlets, to 7/11 and local mini-marts, to name brand fashion stores. There are also plenty of dive shops and tour operators to assist those looking to explore beyond the beach.
BANG TAO
Bang Tao is a study in contrasts, with the luxurious resorts and villas along its 8-kilometre stretch of beach just a few minutes’ away from the town of Cherng Talay, where many villagers still make their living as their ancestors did – by fishing, farming and rubber tapping. The northern tip of the beach, so far untouched by development, is still an area where visitors might find that they have the beach to themselves. A wide range of activities – including a ropes course and rock climbing, windsurfing, elephant riding and kids’ sports – is available for guests of Laguna’s Sheraton Grande, Dusit Laguna, Laguna Beach, Allamanda and Banyan Tree Phuket resorts, and some are open to outside visitors as well. Play a round of golf at the Laguna Phuket course, practise your swing on the driving range nearby or go horseback riding along the beach. Afterwards, indulge in a massage and spa treatment at the world renowned Banyan Tree spa or at other retreats nearby.Some of the island’s best finds for antiques and other treasures can be found at Laguna’s Canal Village and in the rows of shops just outside the Laguna entrance. The open-air village markets are also worth visiting, if only to take in the sights and sounds of a typical Thai bazaar. While there are many fine dining options within Laguna’s resorts, a decent range of bars and restaurants have also sprung up down the road in recent years to cater to the increasing number of visitors to the area.
KATA NOI
This cosy bay is found at the end of a dead-end road, just a few minutes’ drive over the hill from Kata beach. There’s not much to do in Kata Noi, which is precisely the point of coming here. Relax, take a walk along the soft sands, snorkel or swim. It’s long been a popular spot for surfers in the monsoon season of May-October, though swimming can be dangerous during this period. The popular Kata Viewpoint, offering a stunning views across the three bays of Karon, Kata and Kata Noi, is only a 5-minute drive along a winding road towards Nai Harn.
Those looking for a full range of dining and nightlife options will have to venture out to Kata and beyond, but there are some restaurants and pubs along the road.
KAMALA
This well-enclosed bay and fishing village surrounded by forested hills is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. Tranquil and calm, the pretty white sands of Kamala beckon most people by day, but if you’re seeking more than sunbathing on a perfect beach, there are other options. Hire a long-tail boat and go snorkeling at the north end of the beach, explore the neighbouring beaches of Laem Sing or Surin, or take an island tour.
LAEM SINGH
Little handpainted signs planted at the roadside between Surin and Patong are the only markers for Laem Singh beach, and if you blink you’ll miss it. This beautiful small bay is hidden from view, only revealing itself upon a 5-minute walk down a steep path. Because it’s not easy to get to there’s been little development in Laem Singh aside from a few locally run restaurants and bars. With glittering white sand in the centre and rocky outcroppings at either end, Laem Singh is favoured haunt for snorkellers and sunbathers alike. The beach has become more popular in recent years, however, and it’s often packed on weekends and holidays. There’s also now a small fee charged for parking at its two entrances. Laem Singh has no accommodation but there are plenty of places to stay in nearby Patong and Kamala, each just 10-15 minutes’ away.
SURIN
Surin’s casuarina-lined beachfront is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike to snack on barbecued seafood, enjoy a cool drink and escape the heat of the day. Unlike the other busy beaches of Phuket, there’s a refreshing absence of jet-skis and speed boats here since Surin lacks a launch area. Surin is a magnificent long uncluttered beach but in low season, care must be taken when swimming as surf can be rough and tides strong. During the calm months, Surin’s clear waters are good for snorkelling or kayaking. Boogie boarding and surfing are also popular activities. Surin is the site of Thailand’s second-oldest golf course, now being developed into a public park. While there are few facilities in Surin, the narrow road back from the beach is filling up with some classy cafes, bars, shops and small hotels, as well as a new luxury resort: the Twin Palms Phuket. More accommodation is available at Kamala, just a 5-minute drive south, or up north to Bang Tao.
NAI THON
Nai Thon is a beautiful stretch of sand that for reasons unknown has still been overlooked by large resort developers. Thus it’s an ideal spot to get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet swim. And the journey to the beach is almost more enjoyable than the beach itself. On the southern approach to Nai Thon, the narrow road leads through some of the island’s last remaining virgin jungle, and winds along a coastline that rivals Cote d’Azur in its brilliant beauty. If driving to Nai Thon from the north, the road takes you through a village then into a lush green valley before reaching the beach. Once you get there, there’s not much to do except soak up the sun and cool off in the sea. Be careful during the monsoon season (May-October) as the undertow can get very strong. A few cosy restaurants, dive centres and shops line the single road along the beach.
NAI YANG
Part of the Sirinath National Park area, Nai Yang beach is fringed with casuarina trees providing picnic areas for locals, and a shady spot for souvenir and food vendors. Accommodation is fairly limited with a couple of hotels right on the beach and government bungalows in the adjacent national park. For beachside eating, Nai Yang has a great choice of local beach restaurants, serving freshly bbq seafood. Nai Yang Beach, combined with Mai Khao Beach to the north, is the longest stretch of sandy beach on the island, covering nearly 10 km. It is here that giant sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every year. At the Songkran festival in April, one of the activities is to release baby turtles to the sea. During the low season (June-October) care must be taken when swimming as there can be an undertow. Visitors should check with the hotel. Nai Yang is a good place to relax and do very little!
MAI KHAO
This long long beach, almost 10 kilometres long combined with Nai Yang, is largely deserted with only a couple of bungalow complexes, a campsite and the luxurious JW Marriott resort located here. Mai Khao offers peace and serenity for the independent traveller, close access to the airport and to the mainland province of Phang Nga. If you want some time away from the crowds – this is the place. Swimming in the low season (June-October) however, is not advisable. In the evening, there’s little to do but lie under the stars and wonder why one should ever return to the real world.
TAP & MORISLANDS
These two islands offer easy snorkeling. If the tide is low, you can walk along the white, sandy causeway from one island to the other.
HONG ISLANDS
Explore a little further with a visit to the Hong Islands, located 25 kilometres NW of Ao Nang. Not to be confused with the other Koh Hong in Phang Nga Bay, these tiny islands are simply beautiful. Spectacular beaches and hidden lagoons with shoals of colourful fish that literally eat out of your hand. Go sea kayaking – quietly glide through shallow water and explore around caves inaccessible to larger boats. Permanent residents include sea eagles soaring above and starfish just below the surface. Limited camping facilities are available although, not easy to book. The 200 Baht National Park fee is applicable when visiting this island. If you take a tour, check if the fee is included in the price.
NAI HARN
Located right at the southern end of Phuket, Nai Harn is one of the island’s most beautiful locations. This quiet and tranquil place has only a few hotels including the Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club and is a favourite anchorage for boats during the high season. It’s not a place to hire a jet ski or expect a lot of action. Just yachts bobbing in the bay, vendors selling ice cream and drinks and a fine sandy beach. Great for swimming from November to April, however care should be take in the low season (May-October) when there are strong undertows. The local restaurants just above the beach make a great place to relax with a sundowner.
Away from the beach, Nai Harn village has lots of small restaurants and local bars. Notably Mimmi’s, located on the road from Nai Harn to Kata with a lovely ambiance, chaise longues and good western food, Banana Corner – excellent value for money and Don’s Restaurant, famous for Texas style spare ribs.
Just north of Nai Harn, along the coast, is Nui Beach, small, secluded and difficult to access. Further along is Ya Nui, a sandy cove that attracts snorkellers and divers. Another out-of-the way spot nearby is the tiny beach of Ao Sane, a great spot for snorkelling, reached by taking the dirt road that starts at Le Royal Meridien’s car park. Kata Beach, where you’ll find a more lively nightlife, is about 20 minutes away, while Patong Beach is about a 30-minute drive.
RAWAI
On the other side of the cape from Nai Harn beach is Rawai Beach, a very casual place with only a few bungalow operations, restaurants and smaller resorts along the main beach. Rather than a place to sunbathe and swim, Rawai is a launching point for island excursions. Many longtail boats available for hire line its shores, where you can arrange a trip to Coral Island, Koh Lone or Racha Island,or a fishing or snorkel trip. Rawai was once a popular spot for beachfront dining, but all the open-air restaurants have now been cleared away.
Some are still open, but they are set back opposite the road that lines the beach – so it’s more difficult to enjoy the view. Nikita’s restaurant and bar still remains on the beach, tucked into one corner. Good place for a cool drink in the afternoon or evening. Just west of Rawai is Promthep Cape (Laem Promthep) a small peninsula that provides a great sunset viewpoint over the ocean beyond. Great views over the whole area can be seen from The Mangosteen Resort, located in an elevated area above Rawai. Heading towards Chalong is the Evason Phuket Resort, a luxurious spot with some fine dining options, and further along is the popular Friendship Beach resort, a nice place to wile away an afternoon enjoying a snack and swimming in the resort’s pool.
CHALONG BAY
Its muddy shoreline makes Chalong unsuitable for swimming, but it’s an ideal spot for yacht mooring. Outside of the marinas of Boat Lagoon and Yacht Haven, Chalong is a centre for boating activity in Phuket. Early mornings and late afternoons are the busiest times, where diving and day trip groups are seen being bundled on and off the boats. The Ao Chalong Yacht Club, which organises regular sailing races, makes its base here, and its bar is a favourite spot for sailors to swap stories. The prominent feature of Chalong is its 720-metre-long, seven-metre-wide jetty, which replaced the old rickety wooden pier in 2001. A parking area and a number of restaurants, shops, tourist information kiosks and open-air waiting areas have been built to serve the many visitors passing through. There’s also a one-stop customs, immigration and harbour master service to assist visiting vessels, as well as a new marine rescue centre. Chalong’s many informal restaurants, bars and cafes are worth exploring, particularly Kan Eang, notable for its fresh seafood and attentive service. Yachties, divers and water sports enthusiasts are well served with Chalong’s many shops, ranging from motor repair services, to equipment sales and rental, to fishing and charter tour companies, all found along the road leading to the pier.
CAPE PANWA
Just a short 10-minute drive from Phuket Town, Cape Panwa is a lesser-known area where rubber and palm plantations still outnumber the resorts, and where Phuket’s deep sea port and naval base are found. The roads are quiet, offering the chance to take in the sea views and other sights as you wind around the cape. A major attraction is the Phuket Aquarium at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre.
PHI PHI
Famous as the location where the move “The Beach” was shot, Phi Phi ranks among the most beautiful tropical islands in the world. Phi Phi Islands’ coves and coral formations are a favourite amongst divers and snorkellers. Once you arrive on Phi Phi island, you will find no cars, buses or taxi transport (as there are no roads on this tropical paradise).
Easily accessible from both Krabi and Phuket by boat, the best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is from November to April, when the sea is calm.
KRABI
Krabi, located 800 kms south of Bangkok, is known for her classic beaches fringed with towering limestone formations, a coastline dotted with gorgeous tropical islands and coral reefs. Combine this with an interior with jungle, waterfalls and hidden lagoons, and you have the perfect escape from reality.
Regular air services connect Bangkok and Phuket to Krabi. Alternative access is from Phuket by road – the journey takes 4 hours. Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon, there are only two seasons in Krabi; the hot season from January to April and the rainy season from May to December. Temperatures range between 17 °C and 37 °C.
AO NANG
Dominated by impressive cliffs overlooking a huge stretch of white sand. Krabi’s mofst popular beach is also a jumping off spot for local boats to Railay, the nearby islands and neighbouring beaches. A large selection of hotels and bungalows can be found all along the main street and beyond. The town itself is small; an hour-long stroll takes you from one end to the other. Given that floating buildings are impractical and sheer cliffs don’t readily lend themselves to development, this paradise won’t be paved over anytime soon. By road, Ao Nang is just minutes from Krabi Town and Klong Muang Beach and mere seconds to Noppharat Thara Beach. Via sea, Railay’s beaches – including Ton Sai – and a grab bag of small, intimate islands are nearby. Pick a direction and give your waterborne taxi thirty minutes. A world of adventure waits.
RAILEY
Now on every savvy traveller’s list, Railey is one of Thailand’s most sought after beach areas. Just south of Ao Nang Beach, around a rocky headland and accessible only by boat, Railay presents a private and extraordinary world.
In just one small peninsula you’ll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. All within walking distance! At Railay there are no roads, only footpaths. No buses, no cars, just local “longtail” boats. Although it’s actually connected to the mainland, the spectacular Phra Nang peninsular is effectively isolated by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys from Krabi’s main holiday areas. The very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers lazy days, adventure forays and chilled-out evenings.
Accessible only from the sea, Railay’s four beaches Tonsai, Railay West, Railay Eastand Phra Nang (often referred to as the “Phra Nang Cave” beach) nestle between towering limestone cliffs. Three of the beaches,Railay West, Phra Nang Cave Beach and Railay Eastare connected by narrow footpaths winding around the base of the cliffs. In the small areas in-between, you’ll find accommodation ranging from basic fan cooled bungalows, to the exclusive Sheraton Rayavadee.
NOPPHARAT
Located within 18 km west of Krabi town and just next to Ao Nang, this quiet beach lies within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park and features a 3 kilometre long sandy stretch lined by casuarina trees. Popular with local Thai picnickers and those who like to swim, eat and laze in the sun. An excellent beach, also if you prefer to have natural shade provided by the trees. Loke most of Krabi’s beaches, you won’t find miles of deckchairs and beach umbrellas, so buy a beach mat and find a perfect spot. It’s is also possible at low tide to walk from the beach across to Koh Kao Pak Klong island in the bay.
A small nightlife spot with few bars including Live bands is now available at the very beginning of the beach. Quiet but friendly.
MUANG KLONG
Krabi’s latest beach destination, Muang Klong is aiming upmarket with 5 star and boutique hotels like the Sheraton Krabi Resort, the Nakamanda and the Tubkaak Resort located here. Unlike Ao Nang it doesn’t have the impressive cliffs immediately towering over the beach, but it does have powder white sand that stretches into the distance around 3 kilometres. Klong Muang is undisturbed – almost available solely for its exclusive guests and a few fishermen. The beach seems to go on forever along the coast, with a small island at one end – home to local seabirds and rockpools full of life. It’s the kind of beach, to just sit and contemplate, especially at sunset. Dozens of tiny islands lie dotted on the horizon and to the south, at Laem Ham Nak, is a Royal residence of the Princess.
The local village at the back of the beach is still in its infancy with a few shops, including the obligatory tailor’s shop and a handful of restaurants. Nightlife is minimal, if you want loud music, head into Ao Nang. In Klong Muang, its excellent food, good company, and a moonlight stroll along the beach, rather than a vibrant nightlife that’s on the menu, but then Klong Muang is maintaining a low profile, which is why the five star hotels are located there.
ISLANDS CLOSE TO KRABI
It’s estimated that there are around 200 islands around the Krabi coastline, many are small rocky outcrops that literally rise out of the sea and have no landing access. Others are larger and uninhabited, with characteristic tiny white sand beaches, coral reefs, and intricate cave systems.
Go island hopping. Rent a local boat from Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Railey. Alternatively explore these lovely islands with a guide and take a trip that includes snorkeling or kayaking. Below you’ll find a selection of just a few…
Note: Not all islands can be visited in the monsoon season (May-October) when the weather conditions can be unpredictable.
PODA ISLAND
Located just 8 kilometres offshore, (around 25 minutes by boat) from Ao Nang, Koh Poda is a small island no more than a kilometre in diameter, covered in palm trees and almost entirely encircled by a soft white sand beach. A coral reef lies about 20 metres from the beach with a variety of sea life. The irresistible combination of excellent snorkeling, scenery and soft sand make the island a popular choice with snorkelers and day trippers, but surprisingly, it’s not crowded. Poda can be visited all year round. (Not affected by the monsoon – May – October)
CHICKEN ISLAND
Named after the strange rock formation which looks like the head and neck of an ostrich, chicken or similar member of the fowl family. One end of the island consists of steep cliffs, while the other end has beautiful beaches along a peninsula. At high tide, this peninsula gets flooded, creating a small island. There is no accommodation on Hua Khwan island. Excellent snorkeling opportunities in warm and clear water, rich in coral life. Koh Gai can be visited all year round. (Not affected by the monsoon – May – October)
TALU ISLAND
A small island about 45 metres high with strange rock formations. Literally the name Talu means to pass through and in the centre is a 30-metre hole – the result of natural erosion. Talu Island is home to a large number of swifts which provide the nests essential for the Chinese delicacy, Bird’s Nest Soup.