madhuonthego

After spending 4 memorable and funfilled days in Phuket it was time to head to our next destination, Krabi. While planning this trip we included Krabi in the itinerary just to cover one more destination and to utilize 8 days that we had. I am so glad for making that decision as it proved absolutely worth.

Reaching Krabi

There are many ways to reach Krabi from Phuket. Krabi has a International Airport also. You can either opt for the ferry, speedboat or by road through local buses, mini vans, Taxi. We decided to hire a taxi since it was quite hot and we were travelling with our toddler.

It was a pleasant 3.5-hour journey and we came across many pristine beaches on the way. As you enter the Phang nga bay typical limestone cliffs and dense mangrove forest surround the area, which was quite intriguing.

At Krabi

Krabi is completely different from Phuket. It’s much greener, picturesque,calm and laid-back island. When we reached Krabi, we didn’t had any specific plans in mind. Idea was to spend the remaining 3 days just relaxing and lazing around.

 

Ao Nang

 

We stayed in Ao nang Area, which is one of the tourist centers surrounded by multiple shops, resorts, hotels and what not. Offcourse Ao Nang beach! Here you can find many Indian restaurants also. We spent all 3 evenings walking and relaxing at this lively street.

After exploring the Ao Nang main street, we figured out that Krabi is not as loud and commercial as Phuket. Its less costlier than Phuket in terms of food, shopping even the sigh-seeing packages. People are much more friendly here.

It was amazing to know the variety of options this small island had to offer right from Island hopping (that too many different islands and different packages), snorkeling, scuba diving, rock climbing, sea kayaking, jungle trekking, Elephant Safari etc. After searching through different options, we finally zeroed down on to 1 day of Jungle excursion and 1 day of island hopping.

Day 2 – Hot spring waterfall & Emerald Pool

tour timing: 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. cost: 600 TBH per person

Hot water spring and emerald pool really fascinated me. I had only read about hot springs but never experienced one. And emerald pool looked really stunning in Pictures. So we opted for half a day tour, which costed us around 600 TBH per person, which includes entry fees also. Full day options are also available.

We were picked by Minivan at around 8.30 a.m. from our hotel and after a drive of around 1 hour or a little more we finally arrived at the Hot spring waterfall. There is a buggy service facility for 20 TBH, which can drop you to the springs and pick you up again. (Its just 400 mtrs walk, if you are with baby its good to opt for this option)

 Hot Spring Waterfall

Hot spring waterfall is located in a jungle (not very dense thought), the moment we reached there without wasting any time we changed and dipped ourselves into the water. This fresh water spring gets water from the thermal springs originating underground in volcanic chambers. The root of the trees forms some kind of bathtub like compartments; you can choose one and soak yourself in. The water was hot and it was like sitting in an open air Jacuzzi. It was really relaxing and refreshing. After spending a lot of time here we had to come out as we started to feel dehydrated. Over all it was really an amazing & new experience. One item off by Bucket List!

Emerald Pool

We headed to Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve where the famous Emerald pool and crystal pool is located. We started walking through networks of trail through the jungle, which was never ending, however you can enjoy the surroundings. Well finally after walking a lot n lot, our destination arrived – The Emerald Pool.

Without any exaggerations, the water of this natural fresh water pool was amazingly emerald in colour and so clear that you can see the white sand at the bottom. We also spotted small fishes in the pool. Water is around 5 ft deep and you can swim here. I did took a dip in the emerald pool, it was fun and altogether new experience. Although the sides of the pool are too slippery and getting into and coming out of the pool is real challenge.

We wanted to visit crystal pool also but it was closed and we were not allowed to go there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3 – 4 Island tour  

 

Tour timing: 8.30 a.m to 3.30 p.m. cost: 800 TBH per person+400 TBH person for entry to national park.

Next day was the tour to 4 Islands (one of the most popular in Krabi) and I must say it was quiet a day for us. I will write in detail about it in my next blog. The 4 Islands actually covers 5 including Phra Nang Cave Beach on Railey Peninsula, Koh Poda, Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Koh Tub and Koh Mor. You can choose the tour with the traditional tail boat or speedboat (speed boat is little costly). We chose tail boat option as we wanted to try something local and also because of our baby. Although getting down and getting up on tail boat is kind of challenging. The first stop was Cave beach and this beach cannot be accessed through road and is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen with turquoise water and limestone krust at the backdrop dotting the horizon. Next was Chicken Island, here we were provided with snorkels and boat stopped in a shallow sea for Snorkeling, water was so clear that we could see many fishes and corals from the boat itself (we spotted a snake too J). After snorkeling we stopped at Koh tub island for lunch .2 small islands Koh Tub & Koh Mur are connected by a white sand strip and you can walk across them. Actually on a low tide you can walk through all the 4 Islands. These small islands are astonishing with white soft sand .Our trip concluded after a stop over at the last Island- Koh poda,

To conclude I would say, Krabi is like a treasure house with so many jewels that 3 days were just not enough to admire the beauty of this amazing Island. At every nook and corner you will find a spot where you can click pictures. We were absolutely in love with Krabi !

Some Tips –

1. The most popular spots – James bond Island and Phi phi Island can be accessed from both Phuket and Krabi. However if you are planning to visit only Krabi and that too for short time, I would highly recommend 4 Island tour and trip to emerald pool as I found it really interesting.
2. If you are travelling with baby and planning to go to emerald pool, please carry a baby carrier.
3. Always wear your swim costume weather you go for land (Hot spring) or island excursion. Carry extra pair of clothing and towel.
4. Carry good sunscreen with you. Also one for baby as its really sunny and there is hardly any shade.
5. Sunglasses are must!

Happy Travelling!