Thailand travel adventures with my cousin - part (2 of 2); a visit to Krabi in the south
The pictures below capture the second major piece of our trip -- an adventure down off the southeastern coast of Thailand, to the islands of Krabi. Actually, Krabi is not an island, though it is often referred to as one. Krabi is the mainland city, and there are a series of beautiful islands just off the coast, which are often referred to as the islands of Krabi. We spent a total of 3 nights in the area, and both agreed that it is a definitely an area we would like to return given more time. It is one of the most breathtaking tropical areas that I have ever seen, and I doubt the photos can do it justice, but I will try.
Before leaving Bangkok, we had to capture this photo with our favorite corner fruit salesman. I have no idea what his name is, as I don't think I've ever heard him say a word, though he is always ready with a smile, and clearly loves his job! Every morning for the last 3 months, I have stopped at his corner shop to pick up a bag of fruit -- i.e. pineapple, mango, canolope, etc. - for my morning snack. Johnnie quickly adopted the routine, and we both agreed that he reminded us of our grandpa, who recently passed away this past summer. The similarity was clear -- he was always cheerful with the simplicities of his life....
Upon arriving at Krabi airport, we took a ~20 minute taxi to the coast. Even upon arrival, you can see the impressive cliffs and geography of the area. I couldn't help taking this shot on the drive.
Here is a photo of the beach nearest Krabi -- i.e. Ao Nang Beach. This would be our paradise for the next 3 days. We immediately set out on a hike over the hill on the left, which took us to a private secluded resort, called CENTRAL Krabi Bay Resort. The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying beach activities on the beach below.
Continuing with the random farm animal routine, we captured this photo of a random dog along our initial hike.
A view from the beach of Central resort.
The entire resort is surrounded by cliffs, and the only way in is via boat. (unfortunately, I have left out a picture of the true resort, but it IS paradise -- see below for a view from the sea)
Before flying down to Krabi, Johnnie and I had a great laugh in the airport while analyzing the random quality of his photos from Chiang Mai. Continuing the theme, he tried to capture the ugliest shot (i.e. the back of a tractor) on one of the most photoesque beaches in the world. Good fun! ..or at least it was for us anyways.
To Johnnie's credit, he did capture this quality shot of the distant cliffs through the shrubbery along the trail connecting the two beaches. His new camera, which he had purchased at a great price through my local dealer in Bangkok, was already paying off!
John loves taking pictures of signs, but this one did seem especially relevant given the recent history of the area. I especially like the guy running up the hill.
After the hike we settled into a few (~5) hours on the beach. This friendly canine took a special interest in us during our stay.
...and John couldn't help but capture his ass as he ran away :)
This lady supplied us with beer throughout the afternoon. She was fascinated with our digital technology!
At some point, I met a few younger kids (i.e. 8 and 12) who were knocking around the soccer ball. Naturally, I engaged them in a game of 2 on 1.
Defense, which has never been my specialty, was in full display here. The younger one was just learning, so I was having a little fun with him.
This is my favorite shot, as it contains 3 great attributes -- 1) action shot, 2) beach vendor, and 3) the beginning of a beautiful sunset.
..and another action shot -- nice shootin' John!
afterwards, the kids were exhausted! Yeah right, they hadn't even broke a sweat while their 30-year old counterpart was near death next to them. :) The heat was intense!
We met one American from California who had been there for about a week. He was kind enough to draw us a map of the hot spots in the area. Who needs travel books anyways!
John and I, being the responsible grown-ups that we are, failed to use any sunblock for the entire day (I can hear mother's gasp already). Luckily, with the right application of Aloe, I never peeled, and it has since turned into a nice tan thanks to my Italian blood. I doubt John was as lucky, as his legs were more of a beet color.
The next day we took a sea kayak around the side of the island to capture the sunset. Along the way, we caught a good view of Central resort which we had visited the day before.
A picture of our kayak guide
John and I were in a two-man kayak. I had never done this before, but luckily, John had been a guide up in Alaska years before, so we picked up our rhythm pretty quick. John shared one great story about how he got the kayaking job in Alaska -- i.e. he lied his ass off about his experience in a kayak! Upon his arrival in Alaska, the owner was shocked to say the least when it became clear that John had never been in a kayak before. However, with a little determination, he made it work. This provided good entertainment for our journey.
Our destination -- Riley beach, where we watched the sunset.
We caught many sunset photos here, so I'll let you enjoy without my commentary....
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We took an adventurous walk through some rocks to see the backside of the cove.
John almost didn't make it out, but we 'squeezed' him through :)
We then kayaked to the eastern side of Riley, where we had dinner.
This part of the island was a little more festive in the setting sun.
We kayaked and had dinner with two other Australians from Perth. They were good fun, as most Australians are when not consuming obnoxious amount of alcohol (sorry, my experience in Koh Samui still lives!)
On our 3rd day we took the boat / snorkeling tour off the coast of Krabi. We stopped at ~4 different islands. This is an absolute must for any visitor of the area, as this was a true highlight of the trip!
our first stop
the truly impressive part of the area is the mix of green cliffs and beaches that surround every island. My closest comparison is Kauai, though I think this area rivals it in every way, with the exception of elite golf courses of course.
in one cove, they gave us some bread to throw in the water, and there were plenty of colorful fishes in the area to enjoy the feast. We stopped to snorkel twice along the way, and these fish were the highlight of the creatures below.
Here is a picture of us entering Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Le island. This is one of the main highlights of the trip, and was made famous by the movie, The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. I have never seen it, but it's now on the list of things to do, though I hear it's not a great movie...
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I like this shot, as it shows the enormity of the cliffs that engulf the entire bay.
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Unfortunately, this is now a very popular tourist destination, so there are many boats in the area.
We had about 40 minutes to explore around the beach area a little
Johnnie and I went on a little hike through the island, but true to his form, he wanted to get a picture of this sign -- very revealing!
A view from the beach looking out towards the opening to the bay.
At the end of our hike, we enjoyed this view.
On the way back, there were a number of tourists following this lizard, which was crawling around a private residence. Imagine finding this on your porch!
..another view
We then headed back to Ao Nang beach, and I caught this picture with many of the long-tail boats in the port.
Johnnie and I had one final night out in Ao Nang, and we decided to make the most of it. Before leaving, the security guard wished us good luck. John and this guy shared a special bond, as he considered John his hero! -- this is a story (details withheld) for the ages....
In usual Thai form, we started out the night playing a little connect 4 with a few of local Thai girls.
This lady supplied us with beer throughout the afternoon. She was fascinated with our digital technology!
At some point, I met a few younger kids (i.e. 8 and 12) who were knocking around the soccer ball. Naturally, I engaged them in a game of 2 on 1.
Defense, which has never been my specialty, was in full display here. The younger one was just learning, so I was having a little fun with him.
This is my favorite shot, as it contains 3 great attributes -- 1) action shot, 2) beach vendor, and 3) the beginning of a beautiful sunset.
..and another action shot -- nice shootin' John!
afterwards, the kids were exhausted! Yeah right, they hadn't even broke a sweat while their 30-year old counterpart was near death next to them. :) The heat was intense!
We met one American from California who had been there for about a week. He was kind enough to draw us a map of the hot spots in the area. Who needs travel books anyways!
John and I, being the responsible grown-ups that we are, failed to use any sunblock for the entire day (I can hear mother's gasp already). Luckily, with the right application of Aloe, I never peeled, and it has since turned into a nice tan thanks to my Italian blood. I doubt John was as lucky, as his legs were more of a beet color.
The next day we took a sea kayak around the side of the island to capture the sunset. Along the way, we caught a good view of Central resort which we had visited the day before.
A picture of our kayak guide
John and I were in a two-man kayak. I had never done this before, but luckily, John had been a guide up in Alaska years before, so we picked up our rhythm pretty quick. John shared one great story about how he got the kayaking job in Alaska -- i.e. he lied his ass off about his experience in a kayak! Upon his arrival in Alaska, the owner was shocked to say the least when it became clear that John had never been in a kayak before. However, with a little determination, he made it work. This provided good entertainment for our journey.
Our destination -- Riley beach, where we watched the sunset.
We caught many sunset photos here, so I'll let you enjoy without my commentary....
....
....
....
....
....
We took an adventurous walk through some rocks to see the backside of the cove.
John almost didn't make it out, but we 'squeezed' him through :)
We then kayaked to the eastern side of Riley, where we had dinner.
This part of the island was a little more festive in the setting sun.
We kayaked and had dinner with two other Australians from Perth. They were good fun, as most Australians are when not consuming obnoxious amount of alcohol (sorry, my experience in Koh Samui still lives!)
On our 3rd day we took the boat / snorkeling tour off the coast of Krabi. We stopped at ~4 different islands. This is an absolute must for any visitor of the area, as this was a true highlight of the trip!
our first stop
the truly impressive part of the area is the mix of green cliffs and beaches that surround every island. My closest comparison is Kauai, though I think this area rivals it in every way, with the exception of elite golf courses of course.
in one cove, they gave us some bread to throw in the water, and there were plenty of colorful fishes in the area to enjoy the feast. We stopped to snorkel twice along the way, and these fish were the highlight of the creatures below.
Here is a picture of us entering Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Le island. This is one of the main highlights of the trip, and was made famous by the movie, The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. I have never seen it, but it's now on the list of things to do, though I hear it's not a great movie...
...
I like this shot, as it shows the enormity of the cliffs that engulf the entire bay.
...
Unfortunately, this is now a very popular tourist destination, so there are many boats in the area.
We had about 40 minutes to explore around the beach area a little
Johnnie and I went on a little hike through the island, but true to his form, he wanted to get a picture of this sign -- very revealing!
A view from the beach looking out towards the opening to the bay.
At the end of our hike, we enjoyed this view.
On the way back, there were a number of tourists following this lizard, which was crawling around a private residence. Imagine finding this on your porch!
..another view
We then headed back to Ao Nang beach, and I caught this picture with many of the long-tail boats in the port.
Johnnie and I had one final night out in Ao Nang, and we decided to make the most of it. Before leaving, the security guard wished us good luck. John and this guy shared a special bond, as he considered John his hero! -- this is a story (details withheld) for the ages....
In usual Thai form, we started out the night playing a little connect 4 with a few of local Thai girls.
We then headed by a unique Krabi Tuk-Tuk (i.e. cab is on the side instead of the back) to a local club, which was recommended by our island tour guide.
posted by Robert Damico @ 7:44 PM
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