Shopping here is not as extensive as Phuket’s or Bangkok’s but the stalls still managed to offer a range of interesting Thai handicrafts and collectibles.
The colourful flower soap carvings caught my eye as much skill is needed to carve such an intricate work of art. Clothes and accessories are also a good steal but one must remember to bargain for the best deals as first-offer prices are always inflated.
We were taken around Krabi by See Tho Holidays and our first stop was a delightful food and fruit market in Krabi town that offers an amazing variety of cheap food. There were dishes and dishes of food. Mangosteens, I discovered, went for 20 baht only (that’s RM2) for three kilos! We tried a seasonal local fruit called katon, which tasted like a bigger version of the soursop.
For a peaceful outing, visit Wat Tham Suea or “tiger cave temple”. It is so named because its founder, Jumnean Seelasettho, meditated there 30 years ago surrounded by tigers that protected him. Aside from being the site of a meditation centre, the temple is also a place of archaeological and historical interest as excavations in its compound have uncovered stone tools, pottery remains, and Buddha footprint crafting moulds.
Beware of the monkeys roaming the temple. They have been known to snatch visitor’s belongings! Someone joked that the only crimes that happen in Krabi are those committed by the monkeys.
Families with children will be delighted to know that they can take their kids to the Marine Fish Rehabilitation Centre, a project by the Thai royalty to replenish the marine ecosystem. There, you get to see all sorts of seawater species that are bred in captivity to be released back into the sea.
Among the favourites are the “Nemo” or clown fish, lionfish, moray eels, sharks, grouper, and some very interesting fishes that appear to glow in the dark.
The mineral pools of Klong Thom Hot Springs Waterfalls is an ideal destination for a hydrotherapy bath. What makes this hot springs different from others is that the water cascades down to form a hot waterfall.
A short drive away is Sra Morakot or Emerald Pool, a beautiful natural pool that gets its name from the vibrant colours of its calm mineral waters. The intensity of the pool’s turquoise water varies according to the light and time of the day, so visitors wanting to see its famous emerald colour should plan to visit early in the morning.
A trip to Krabi is not complete until you’ve visited their many beautiful islands. We took a speed boat to Tub, Chicken, and Mo Island, which are connected by a sand bank visible only during the low tides. Snorkelling and diving are popular around these islands as with canoeing and kayaking, which allows visitors to explore hidden offshore areas at a more leisurely pace.
You can also try hopping on the back of an elephant to explore Krabi’s countryside.
Krabi is accessible through three weekly direct flights with Air Asia, the only Malaysian airline company flying direct to Krabi.
“We are thrilled to have added yet another route to our extensive network in the Asean region,” said Kathleen Tan, the company’s commercial regional head.
“Travelling trends have changed over the years as more and more people are taking shorter breaks as opposed to taking one or two long vacations in a year.
“We hope to continue opening new markets to travel with our low fares and to raise the profile of Krabi as one of the top international tourist destinations,” she added. – by Joleen Lunjew. Source: thestar.com.my
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