astonishedXpression
Junior Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2016
- Posts
- 21
Like author Axel Aylwen's 'Falcon of Siam' we took wing on Air Asia flight D7 207 from the Gold Coast to soak up the early rays of Thailand's summer in March this year. A quick transit at Klia2 soon had us flying into Krabi International Airport on flight AK860. I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort on both flights and on-time frequency was spot on. We opted for Nasi Dagang and Biryani during online booking - which proved quite edible - and I always prefer reading on a plane so the lack of audiovisual stimulation did not affect me.
Due to the late afternoon arrival time, we opted for an overnight stay in Krabi. Atchara from Krabi Pura, our accommodation for the evening, proved exceptionally proficient with a seamless transportation service from the airport.
Krabi delivered exactly what I hoped it would. A more traditional introduction to the outstanding cuisine of this historically proud nation. We made a beeline for the night market in Walking Street where we followed our noses to mouth-watering and cheap street food. We had such an elegant sufficiency that even the Chao Fah Pier Night Market failed to entice us for a late-night snack. Having visited the Wat Kaewkorawaram Temple and strolled along the Krabi Riverside Walk, we retired in anticipation of our ferry trip to Koh Phi Phi the following morning.
Krabi Pura is a modest hotel with a sterling reputation. We stayed in a small room with comfortable double bed and a window that looked out towards the river. Atchara, as mentioned in countless TripAdvisor ratings, were very helpful. No lifts in the building and curiously the pebble-inlaid steps seemed to massage your feet as you walked towards your room. I was up early in the morning to view Kao Kanap Nam, the twin mountains heralded as a town symbol.
Kao Kanap Nam, Krabi
True to her reputation, Atchara had arranged transportation from the hotel to Klong Jilad Pier for our onward ferry journey to Phi Phi. We were pretty much blown away by the colour of the water as we gently crested the swells into Tonsai Bay. It served to further whet our appetite for what was coming... An overnight stay on a Sleepaboard at The Beach. We lazed away a few hours by taking a dip in Loh Dalum Bay before meeting the crew of Maya Bay Tours back at the main pier. Our first stop to Phi Phi Leh was at the Viking Caves with another pause for snorkeling and swimming at Phi Leh Bay. Our arrival in Maya Bay was somewhat of an epiphany, particularly having watched Leonardo di Caprio's 'The Beach' as a primer prior to our departure. What was even better, was that the crowds were slowly but surely leaving for their return journey to wherever they came from, leaving Maya Bay pristine and nearly deserted!
While almost inevitably there is a propensity towards alcoholic 'enhancement' of experiences, most of our fellow passengers controlled their impulses during the evening. No doubt the highlight of the trip was an 11pm swim in the starry presence of bio-luminescent plankton. Incredible experience!
Sunset at Maya Bay
Surprisingly rested from our night on the boat's deck, we transferred from Tonsai Bay the following morning to the Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island. The hotel had arranged for our transport and after a delightful trip through the dazzling blue of the coastal waters we arrived at what can only be described as a fabulous resort! Our King Coral Beach Studio was situated directly adjacent to the Infinity Pool and overlooked a tropical island postcard. The room was super comfortable, the deck outside inviting, the scenery gorgeous and the water directly in front our studio filled with a variety of fish. We snorkeled at least twice a day to visually lap up nature's bounty.
While we were very impressed with the staff and facilities at the Resort, we found the restaurants overpriced for what was on offer. We ate much better, at a fraction of the cost, at the local restaurants on either side of the Resort. Both Jasmine Restaurant, in the Gypsy Village, and Chilli and Pepper, south of the Holiday Inn, proved excellent. However, we did frequent the Resort's Sunset Bar with gorgeous views towards Bamboo and Mosquito Islands. During our stay we also had the opportunity to meet the Resort's General Manager Stephane Duvacher, and Executive Assistant Manager Suriya Jittaratsenee. They took incredible care of us - above and beyond - kudos to them both!
The Gypsy Village on Laem Tong Beach, Koh Phi Phi
Our final stop on this trip was Railay Bay. The ferry dropped us off at Railay West Beach from where we walked the golden sand to the spectacular Rayavadee Resort. We booked a 2 story Deluxe Pavilion with king bed and garden view - and it was sublime! Hexagonally shaped, the bottom floor provided a lounge, guest ablution facility and large TV, while upstairs we had our bed and en-suite. The included breakfast was superb with an extensive menu and buffet selections.
The resort provided access to both Railay West Beach (and beautiful sunsets) as well as the even more impressive Phranang Beach. Modestly priced and delicious food was within walking distance in the village north of Rayavadee. The restaurant Wan-a-Rouy in particular deserves accolades.
Phranang Beach, Railay Bay
On our last evening, we opted for a Sunset coughtail cruise on the old trading vessel Pla Luang. The beautiful junk whisked us out to Koh Poda, Koh Gai, Koh Si, Ko Yawasam and Ta Ming for snorkeling and bioluminescent swimming. I was quite impressed by the quality and variety of food provided. The snorkeling, however, could not touch what we experienced on Koh Phi Phi.
Snorkeling off Railay Bay
I wish I could say the return journey was uneventful... But it wasn't. Shortly after take-off from Klia2, the plane suddenly canted quite severely to the left, and then (over)corrected to the right. This prompted an involuntary expletive from my wife. I freely admit, I cannot really recall what my Mee Goreng tasted like! But we did land safely - my thanks to the pilot!
Due to the late afternoon arrival time, we opted for an overnight stay in Krabi. Atchara from Krabi Pura, our accommodation for the evening, proved exceptionally proficient with a seamless transportation service from the airport.
Krabi delivered exactly what I hoped it would. A more traditional introduction to the outstanding cuisine of this historically proud nation. We made a beeline for the night market in Walking Street where we followed our noses to mouth-watering and cheap street food. We had such an elegant sufficiency that even the Chao Fah Pier Night Market failed to entice us for a late-night snack. Having visited the Wat Kaewkorawaram Temple and strolled along the Krabi Riverside Walk, we retired in anticipation of our ferry trip to Koh Phi Phi the following morning.
Krabi Pura is a modest hotel with a sterling reputation. We stayed in a small room with comfortable double bed and a window that looked out towards the river. Atchara, as mentioned in countless TripAdvisor ratings, were very helpful. No lifts in the building and curiously the pebble-inlaid steps seemed to massage your feet as you walked towards your room. I was up early in the morning to view Kao Kanap Nam, the twin mountains heralded as a town symbol.
Kao Kanap Nam, Krabi
True to her reputation, Atchara had arranged transportation from the hotel to Klong Jilad Pier for our onward ferry journey to Phi Phi. We were pretty much blown away by the colour of the water as we gently crested the swells into Tonsai Bay. It served to further whet our appetite for what was coming... An overnight stay on a Sleepaboard at The Beach. We lazed away a few hours by taking a dip in Loh Dalum Bay before meeting the crew of Maya Bay Tours back at the main pier. Our first stop to Phi Phi Leh was at the Viking Caves with another pause for snorkeling and swimming at Phi Leh Bay. Our arrival in Maya Bay was somewhat of an epiphany, particularly having watched Leonardo di Caprio's 'The Beach' as a primer prior to our departure. What was even better, was that the crowds were slowly but surely leaving for their return journey to wherever they came from, leaving Maya Bay pristine and nearly deserted!
While almost inevitably there is a propensity towards alcoholic 'enhancement' of experiences, most of our fellow passengers controlled their impulses during the evening. No doubt the highlight of the trip was an 11pm swim in the starry presence of bio-luminescent plankton. Incredible experience!
Sunset at Maya Bay
Surprisingly rested from our night on the boat's deck, we transferred from Tonsai Bay the following morning to the Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island. The hotel had arranged for our transport and after a delightful trip through the dazzling blue of the coastal waters we arrived at what can only be described as a fabulous resort! Our King Coral Beach Studio was situated directly adjacent to the Infinity Pool and overlooked a tropical island postcard. The room was super comfortable, the deck outside inviting, the scenery gorgeous and the water directly in front our studio filled with a variety of fish. We snorkeled at least twice a day to visually lap up nature's bounty.
While we were very impressed with the staff and facilities at the Resort, we found the restaurants overpriced for what was on offer. We ate much better, at a fraction of the cost, at the local restaurants on either side of the Resort. Both Jasmine Restaurant, in the Gypsy Village, and Chilli and Pepper, south of the Holiday Inn, proved excellent. However, we did frequent the Resort's Sunset Bar with gorgeous views towards Bamboo and Mosquito Islands. During our stay we also had the opportunity to meet the Resort's General Manager Stephane Duvacher, and Executive Assistant Manager Suriya Jittaratsenee. They took incredible care of us - above and beyond - kudos to them both!
The Gypsy Village on Laem Tong Beach, Koh Phi Phi
Our final stop on this trip was Railay Bay. The ferry dropped us off at Railay West Beach from where we walked the golden sand to the spectacular Rayavadee Resort. We booked a 2 story Deluxe Pavilion with king bed and garden view - and it was sublime! Hexagonally shaped, the bottom floor provided a lounge, guest ablution facility and large TV, while upstairs we had our bed and en-suite. The included breakfast was superb with an extensive menu and buffet selections.
The resort provided access to both Railay West Beach (and beautiful sunsets) as well as the even more impressive Phranang Beach. Modestly priced and delicious food was within walking distance in the village north of Rayavadee. The restaurant Wan-a-Rouy in particular deserves accolades.
Phranang Beach, Railay Bay
On our last evening, we opted for a Sunset coughtail cruise on the old trading vessel Pla Luang. The beautiful junk whisked us out to Koh Poda, Koh Gai, Koh Si, Ko Yawasam and Ta Ming for snorkeling and bioluminescent swimming. I was quite impressed by the quality and variety of food provided. The snorkeling, however, could not touch what we experienced on Koh Phi Phi.
Snorkeling off Railay Bay
I wish I could say the return journey was uneventful... But it wasn't. Shortly after take-off from Klia2, the plane suddenly canted quite severely to the left, and then (over)corrected to the right. This prompted an involuntary expletive from my wife. I freely admit, I cannot really recall what my Mee Goreng tasted like! But we did land safely - my thanks to the pilot!
