Krabi Magazine May 2013

may 2013 Issue 87

I of the SUN

Pills, thrills, booze and philosophy on Phi Phi...

Chasing the Dragon Getting high and healthy on the Dragon’s Peak

Hot Diggidy Dogs Stuffing our fat faces in Krabi Town

News, Eating, Travel, Activities, Reviews, Sport, Nature

May 2013 – ISSUE 87

Welcome to Krabi

EDITOR: Paul Stretton krabimagazineeditor@gmail.com - 087 266 4876 DIRECTOR: Pamela Huxley krabimagazinemarketing@gmail.com - 088 451 2178 MARKETING: Zina krabimagazinemedia@gmail.com - 080 770 5734 POST-PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR: Thomas Gennaro krabimagazine@gmail.com - 089 9085990 ART GROUP: Graphic Director: Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat [Pat®] tonidesign@gmail.com - 089 7727858 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS: Paul Stretton, Pamela Huxley, Ekkehard Schwadtke, Zina Docto, Doc Docto, Emily Huang-Ramirez, Wadee Kheourai, Thomas Gennaro, Suzi Hall, Jeffrey Dietrich, Ulrike Reinhold DISTRIBUTION AO NANG – KOH LANTA KOH PHI PHI – KRABI TOWN - KOH JUM KitDee Media & Design – 075 637459 DISTRIBUTION KOH SAMUI - PHUKET BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - PATTAYA Bookazine - AsiaBooks Bangkok KitDee Media & Design Company Limited 247/13 Moo 5, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000 Tel: 075 661144 - 075 637459 - Fax: 075 637460 E-mail: krabimagazinemarketing@gmail.com www.facebook.com/krabimagazinekrabi Krabi Magazine is published and produced by KitDee Media & Design Company Limited and is protected by Copyright. No parts of this publication can be used or reproduced in any form – printed, electronic, photocopy or otherwise – without the written permission of the publishers. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish adverts, texts or advertising features. Advertising terms and conditions are to be obtained at: krabimagazine@gmail.com Please send submissions to:

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Cover photo by

You may notice a greenish theme to this month’s pages as we come skidding to the official end of the mental high season and fall clumsily into the face of the “green season”.

Yes, we made it. Relatively unscathed and yet with moderate psychological issues that can easily be rectified with some pink pills from the nearest pharmacy.

It was a hazy, crazy summer with an incredible amount of visitors arriving into Krabi to lap up our world-famous sun, sand and sea as they frolicked, drank, ate, swam and did other things that we can’t cover in here.

We like to think that we had a small hand in that, as we investigated and exposed some of the best places to do all of the above at absolutely zero cost to you, our dear readers.

And the show will go on all through the year, because that’s what we do here.

We get under the skin of Krabi and dig up any and all pieces of interesting info, dirt and scandal in an attempt to amuse ourselves as well as inform you lot.

This month we report on the new shipwrecks that have finally arrived at the local islands of Ao Nang, and how they will improve the diving industry around these parts.

We also send our intrepid reporter Emily to great heights this month as she ends up at the top of Krabi, known as The Dragon’s Peak. Then she heads on over to Railay to try her hand, foot and nerves at rock climbing for the first time. Woman has an issue, I think.

She refuells herself by investigating an all-you-can-eat hotdog eating competition in Krabi town and returns to lie down in a darkened room for a day.

Poor wee dote.

For the bookworms amongst you, we meet up with the author of the new SE Asia travel novel, “I of the Sun”, a Mr. Richard Arthur as he comes to town to promote it. Set in Krabi, Ao Nang and Phi Phi, it tells the tale of a young man who gets drawn into the murky but addictive world of parties, buckets and pills and lives to tell the tale. It’s a cracking read and we picked what brains he might have left inside.

We’ve got a news section, an eating guide, restaurant reviews, funny bits, puzzles, photos, articles and other stuff all waiting for you to take a gander at and all for nowt.

This is what we do and you are why we do it. So take a load off, have a read and prepare to be amazed at what Krabi has to offer.

Enjoy! follow us on Twitter

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Contents issue 87 Beers of the world

7

We check out a new beer tasting evening in Ao Nang. Burp.

A WINDOW ON KRABI

8

Highlights of this amazing province: town to temples, beaches to Islands, natural hotspots to cultural places.

7

TOP 10 ACTIVITIES

10

Krabi Province is a haven for sun worshippers and pleasure seekers and is also one of the world’s best destinations for activities such as rock-climbing, scuba diving and kayaking.

HOTEL PR NEWS

12

Brands, products and services from our sponsoring hotels.

THE PULSE

14

Some local and International things of interest happening now.

VIEWPOINT 16

14

Enough of the good vibes from last month. Back on the rant again.

TRAVEL ADVICE

19

Timetables, prices and general good advice on getting here and getting away again

THAI CUSTOMS

20

There are some pretty big “Dos” and “Most Definitely Do Nots” here, and it pays to tell them apart...

Into the blue

24

22

The wrecks have arrived! Whoo hoo! And other stuff.

Chasing the dragon

24

We send Emily out to climb to the highest peak we can find.

And she did it. Sucker.

I of the sun review

26

The new travel novel by Richard Arthur is based in Krabi and is a roller coaster ride of pills, booze and partying that boggles the mind. We meet the man himself and pick what brains he might have left...

Blooming marvellous

28

Orchids. Those pretty flowers you hear about. Read on.

26

EATING GUIDE

30

A selection of great places to go to eat and drink in the region. We’ve tested them ourselves, so we know. Yes, we do.

Restaurant review

35

We make it to Utopia. Literally. Yes, this place on Railay has been causing quite a stir amonst you TripAdvisor peeps. We head over to see what all the fuss is about.

New pants please

36

More great heights for our intrepid reporters. Rock climbing on Railay

28

with the mearest whiff of fear. Well, they are girls.......

May 2013 A champion is born

40

If you read about the wee French lad last month who loves snakes, meet his brother who is a Muay Thai fighter.

Hot Dog eating competition

42

I know. No, we didn’t.

SECRET CORNER

44

Another little nook of wonderment hidden - sort of - that we explore for your delectation.

TRY YOUR THAI

40

45

Stop speaking slowly and loudly to the Thais - try out these handy phrases to impress your friends instead.

HOLIDAY READS

51

There can be fewer finer things in life than to kick back with a good book. So we take a quick look at some reads to keep you riveted on those long days on the beach.

KOH LANTA

54

42

Get the most out of Koh Lanta. Highlights, maps, reviews and articles: Koh Lanta Highlights: Lanta Features Activities: What to do on the paradisical isle. Yes, that is a word Run Baby, Run: Suzi Hall kicks us into gear with running tips Eating Guide: A guide to the best eats on the island

KOH JUM

64

Where? Exactly. That’s why we’re here.

Getting There: Well, do you know?

Northern Exposure

66

We take a peek up north in Chiang Mai with some info on the cooler

44

climes there.

Fortune tellers

68

An interesting facet of Thai culture. Look into my eyes....

REAL ESTATE

71

Purchasing and making real estate investments made simple with Krabi Magazine.

Land Areas: If you don’t know your Rai from your Ngan, don’t sign anything until you read this.

Finances: Opening a bank account as a foreigner. Possible?

51

Interior Design: Handy hints on creating the bedroom of your dreams.

Bali Spirit festival

78

We branch out a bit and take a look at this fascinating event.

RUSSIAN SECTION

80

4 pages of information in the Russian Language

JUST FOR FUN Puzzles and stuff to keep you amused for a while.

84

78

Beers of the

World

While it’s true to say that Thailand is just pure brilliant at a lot of things, including papaya salad, massages, beaches and not having to wear socks - it can be let down somewhat when it comes to one of the finest creations known to mankind.

I’m talking about beer.

Yes, there’s plenty of it about. You have your Changs, Singhas, Leos and Archas. All of which are strong and cheap and fitting for the climate as you sip one icy-cold at the end of a sweaty day.

But that’s about it.

Back in Europe, we have a mindboggling array of beers to choose from that hail from hundreds of ancient breweries all over the continent. I, for one, miss that choice and I’ll admit that I let out a manly squeal of delight when I heard that the new Beer Garden situated on the plaza outside the Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort was to be hosting a Sunday beer tasting event.

The evening was hosted by local beer aficionado, Joe. A young American chap who knows pretty much everything there is to know about beer.

He is positively vibrating with passion on the stuff and talks about beer as one would a fine wine.

Joe wanted to bring something else to the palates of Thailand apart from the ubiquitous Changs, and decided that a pairing menu would be as good a start as any.

To begin with, we had some deliciously crunchy spring rolls that were coupled with a cold Singha. Well, when in

Rome….The icy-cold lager was perfect accompaniment to the sweet and spicy snacks.

Next we were treated to some herbcrusted chicken with potatoes and fresh greens that was complimented perfectly with a white beer that was creamy, cool and crisp. It was obvious that Joe knew his onions and had a great palate himself as the combinations really did work well together.

To finish, we were presented with apple pie - yes, apple pie! My single favourite food in the whole wide world. This was paired with a beer. I know. Yes, apple pie and beer. Together. In public. I loved this guy.

And not just any old beer either - no, a dark stout with coffee overtones that was a new one on me. It was a perfect partner to the sweetness of the apples and left a lingering coffee flavour as well - a more apt ending to the meal I could not have asked for.

All this was in the al fresco setting of The Beer Garden, situated outside the Ao Nang Cliff Beach Hotel on the main road into Ao Nang, and we spent a good couple of hours chatting amongst each other and simply watching the world go by as we drank delicious beers from around the world.

If you fancy something a little different for your evening meal on Sunday, then give this a go. For a very reasonable price, you get a 3 course meal with beer tasting included. You also get educated a little on what you are experiencing, so food, beer and a little bit if learning all rolled into one.

What could be better than that?

Beer gardens developed in the Kingdon of Bavaria in the 19th Century and soon became popular venues world-wide.

Ao Nang Cliff Beach Plaza is proudly announcing the opening of a new Beer Garden with Singha and Asahi on draught, as well as live entertainment by our Melodious Duo. Join the open-air beer fraternity and enjoy Thai and German food at amazingly affordable prices daily from 5 - 10pm Call to find out more on our Sunday beer tastings...

Window the beaches

NATURAL HOTSPOTS

Ao Nang, at 20km from Krabi Town, is the most developed of Krabi’s beaches, a long stretch of white sandy beach with limestone mountains as a backdrop. It has a wide range of accommodation and services and the main shopping street features restaurants, bars, pubs, souvenir shops, dive centers and tour agencies, massage centers and spas. This is the hub from which to plan your trip at sea and to the nearby islands on a typical longtail boat.

Limestone mountains or karsts characterize most of the inland Krabi area, the most spectacular being the massifs of Sai Tai. Susaan Hoi is a 40 million year-old seashell cemetery; once a large swamp where freshwater crustaceans proliferated, today home to 40 centimeter thick, shell encrusted limestone slabs, a geological uniqueness not far from Ao Nang. One must find a broken edge to see the shells clearly, since all of those on the upper surface have been walked on and worn down by the elements and are hard to identify.

Noppharat Thara beach, just around the corner from Ao Nang, is 3km long yet still undeveloped, with only a few resorts and bars. Attractive because of its natural setting, this is where local youngsters and families gather at sunset and at weekends. Savour some local Muslim snacks at the beach stalls, or fill yourself with seafood in the local restaurants at the very end of the beach, near the Noppharat Thara National Park headquarters. At low tide, walk out together with millions of small crabs on the sandy pathways to the small islands near the beach.

Railay beaches are split and separated from Krabi and Ao Nang by monumental limestone mountains. Railay has two sides, east and west, and its settings are simply marvelous: crystal clear waters, pure sandy beaches, lush mountains, rocky islands emerging from the sea. Railay can only be reached by boat, a 15 minutes ride from Ao Nang or 30 minutes from Krabi Town. Enjoy a cocktail in one of the beach bars, visit the Phranang Cave, challenge yourself on a rock climbing course, hike the limestone massif to a lagoon and a viewpoint, or simply chill out. Neighbouring Tonsai lies at the base of a cliff that divides it form Railay West. Tonsai has a shallow beach with slow gradients out to sea which is profoundly affected by the tide.

Klong Muang beach is a further 20km away from Ao Nang; it is the up-market side of Krabi, the place to be if you are after a peaceful holiday. Catering to families and couples, it is here that you really get the so deserved repose, surrounded by pristine nature.

Tubkaek beach is another real place to hide away; long, clean and peaceful, the area has breathtaking views over Koh Hong islands archipelago, and charming sunsets. From there you can venture inside the National Park and try a walking trail to a viewpoint and a waterfall.

Koh Lanta beaches have a wide selection of resorts for all tastes and pockets. Lanta Yai island has long stretches of gleaming white sandy beaches and shallow emerald waters.

Lined with tropical vegetation, a private spot is never more than a short walk away on a southern beach at Lanta Yai.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, at 20km from Krabi Town, comprises waterfalls, streams, lush forests and caves. It is home to all kind of flora and wildlife and to the highest mountain in the region from which it takes the name.

One of the features of the park is Huay Toh Waterfall where water runs down onto several huge pools.

Tarnbok Khoranee National Park, in the north of the region, consists of limestone mountains, verdant tropical forest, caves and beautiful islands. It is well known for its different species of trees growing around a large natural crystal clear pool, and for the hundreds of birds’ species.

Phi Hua Toh Cave, in the nearby Bor Thor area, surrounded by mangrove swamps and reachable by boat or kayak, is where to see pre-historic rock paintings depicting animals and humans.

Sa Morakot, the Emerald Pool, is a natural wonder: a pond of turquoise water with an average temperature of 30-40C, fed by a hot spring in the middle of the jungle.

Hot Springs of Klong Thom, natural Jacuzzis in which to lift away tensions and relieve body and mind with the mineral enriched waters falling into rocky ponds.

THE ISLANDS Hop on or hire a longtail, the local wooden boats with their picturesque prows. Sail away to Koh Poda, surrounded by turquoise waters, or to Koh Kai, shaped as a chicken and therefore called the Chicken Island, from where a walk on a sandy pathway connects it to Koh Tub. Make a longtail boat or speedboat trip to the Koh Hong archipelago, a group of limestone islands with hidden caves and lagoons perfect for kayaking or snorkeling.

Join an organized tour to amazing Koh Phi Phi islands, full of marvelous bays, limestone cliffs, waters rich in marine life, caves where swallow nests are harvested, and much more.

on krabi Visit Koh Jum and Koh Siboya, small, unspoiled tropical hide-away that have a unique atmosphere.

These islands give visitors the time to relax and recharge their batteries. Or venture out on Koh Lanta, the developing island at the southern end of the province home to sea gypsies communities, where you will meet nature and tradition. A National Park area that comprises many different islands surrounded by coral reefs, such as Koh Ngai and remote Koh Rok.

THE CULTURE Ban Natin, on the way from Ao Nang to Klong Muang, is the place to experience the peaceful lifestyle of the local Muslim community. Home accommodation is available, or you can simply make a stopover and see the production of handmade products such as batik paintings, pineapple-fiber paper and coconut shell carving.

THE TOWN

Small, charming, silent at times, nice for a day’s walking tour.

Krabi Town is full of old buildings, bars and restaurants, local exotic marketplaces and food stalls at the old Chao Fa pier where to sample the local food. The Krabi motto is: “lively town, lovely people”; Krabi’s simple people are definitely proud of their town and of their warm and generous character.

Hop on a longtail boat at Chao Fa pier and visit Khao Kanab Nam, the unique pair of hills facing each other on the opposite banks of the Krabi River, symbols of the town; or embark on a journey to Koh Klang, an island next to town on the mouth of the river, where you will experience lives lived by the local fishing communities; or charter a boatman for a visit to the mangrove backwaters.

Fire dancing, part of the beach culture, is a popular evening activity on the beaches of Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi, performed by acrobatic boys who swing burning torches around their bodies, creating sparkling artistic pictures.

Ban Sang-Ka-U is a sea gypsy’s settlement in south-east Lanta Yai. It is there that an old clan of traditional Chao Ley try to preserve a disappearing way of life in this fast-developing island.

Photo coutesy of kallerna @ WikiMedia Commons

Wat Klong Thom Museum features various kinds of beads, stone tools, and stone and earthen ornaments in animal shapes of approximately 5,000 years old, uncovered during archeological excavations.

top 10 Krabi Activities Kayaking This is a hugely popular activity in Krabi.

The mangroves, caves and of course the beaches, provide plenty of great opportunities for kayaking. The Ao Nang/ Railay area is popular as it’s close and convenient but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, book yourself on a tour to Ao Thalane or Bor Thor in Tarn Boke Koranee National Park. The caves, grottoes and lagoons make for a great day of fun and adventure.

Wat Tham Suea A hike to Wat Tham Seua, otherwise known as Tiger Cave Temple is exhausting, exhilarating and ultimately hugely rewarding. Once you’ve climbed the 1,257 steps that lead to the hilltop temple, you’ll be met by stunning views over the surrounding Thai countryside having been transformed into swathes of lush greenery by the monsoon rain. Combine the temple with trips to other destinations like Sa Morakot or visit as a separate Krabi Town day trip and combine with trips to the market.

SUNSET STROLL ALONG AO NANG ESPLANADE/NOPPHARAT THARA BEACH Sunsets over Ao Nang and Nopharrat Thara are probably some of the best you are ever likely to see. The monsoon rain brings storm clouds that hang ominously in the sky, creating spectacular sunsets that bathe the bay in a sumptuous light.

Walk along the esplanade to get some great views of the longtail boats bobbing on the water, or just sit on a bench and watch as the sky transforms.

Evening in the Last Fisherman Bar After a sunset stroll there’s no better way to finish off your evening than chatting over a cocktail or two or indulging in some great seafood. If you finish your walk in Ao Nang continue along the road by the police box until you come to the Last Fisherman Bar, one of Ao Nang’s best night-spots. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink by

Krabi Province is a haven for sun worshippers and pleasure seekers and is also one of the world’s best destinations for activities such as rock-climbing, scuba diving and kayaking. Krabi Magazine gives you our top 10 list of activities to try here in Krabi:

the ocean. The seafood restaurants at the other side of Ao Nang Beach or by the very end of Noppharat Thara beach are a must for local fish fare.

Rock climbing and Railay Beach Combine a trip to Railay Beach with some rock climbing and serious beach time and then sample some of the local nightlife. Krabi is among the World’s best destinations for climbing. The Railay peninsula is home to the local climbing scene and is considered a mecca for the sport. There are hundreds of bolted routes in the Railay area as well as rock-climbing schools that can provide guides and equipment. Railay, once the sole preserve of backpackers, has become a favourite holiday destination, combining 2 world class beaches, excellent dining and some funky after hours haunts to down a few bottles of local brew.

Markets Experiencing the hustle and bustle of a local market is great fun.

Krabi and Ao Nang are blessed with some great markets, with Krabi town boasting the largest covered market in southern Thailand. There’s a market operating on any given day of the week selling everything from fruit and vegetables, household items, clothes and shoes, snacks, BBQ meat, Muslim curries and more.

Try the Thursday market or Saturday markets in Klong Haeng.

Sa Morakot A trip to Sa Morakot or the ‘Crystal Pool’ can be combined with trips to other beauty spots such as the hot springs. The so called ‘Emerald Pool’ is fed by a natural spring and gets its name from the glorious colour of its water. Perfect for swimming, it makes a great day out and a nice break from the beach. The rainy season is a great time to go as there is more water and less people. The best way to visit is on a tour, making it easy to combine it with a trip to nature’s own hot tub – the namtok ron (hot springs) a series of splash pools fed by a natural thermal spring.

Koh Hong Archipelago No trip to Krabi or Ao Nang is complete without a trip to Koh Hong, the stunning group of islands lying off the Krabi coast. The beaches of Kong Hong never cease to amaze visitors with their crystal clear water and stunning white sand. The beaches in Ao Nang can become rough and windy in the wet season, but the beaches on the islands lying in the Andaman Sea remain calm and good for swimming. Koh Hong has two glorious beaches, a lagoon and national park land – a real island paradise.

Local Nightlife If drinking prodigious amounts of local brew is on your agenda then seek out one of Krabi Town or Ao Nang’s more lively night spots. In Ao Nang, Luna Bar is a popular joint for movers who want to bust some shapes on the dancefloor. Vodka or whiskey buckets are usually the order of the day. If you want to party ‘Thai style’, then head to Centerpoint in Ao Nang or Kansas Saloon in Krabi Town. With lots of whiskey on ice flowing, these places are an experience. Live music, dj sets and semi-clad dancing girls are what you can expect. For a less salubrious night out, try Soi Salai opposite McDonald’s in Ao Nang. This clusters of neon-lit ‘beer-bars’ are often friendly and good fun and many have cable TV and free pool on offer. The next place for entertainment are the bamboo huts opposite Siam Commercial Bank for a relaxed chillout evening.

Longtail boat trip to Krabi mangroves The mangroves that fringe the coastline of the various islands divided by the maze of canals are thick and impenetrable. A nature longtail boat tour of the Krabi mangroves-populated canals, with great views of local wildlife and scenery, will enhance your Krabi experience. Charter a boat driver at Chaofa old pier for the longtail trip, usually lasting 3 hours.

Annual Clownfish Release @ Koh Haa This year’s Clownfish Release Project organized by Pimalai Resort and Spa & supported by Scubafish@ Pimalai was held on March 30th, 2013 at Koh Haa; the 9th year that the project has taken place.

The project is generously funded by Khun Anurat Tiyaphorn, the owner & executive director of Pimalai Resort and Spa. The research is headed by Dr. Thorn Thamrongnawasawat, Head of the Department of Marine Sciences at Kasetsart University and his team of marine scientists, and is supported by the Thai Department of Fisheries.

Two days before the clownfish release date, Dr. Thorn, his team of scientists and our own Scubafish staff, spent time preparing and placing temporary refuges and protection cages adjacent to suitable anemone beds at our local Koh Haa dive site.

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As last year, the project was a great success, with more than 70 divers and snorkelers volunteering to assist in the release of 200 Clownfish as well as a special last-minute addition of 50 juvenile sea-horses.

Adults and children were involved, with everyone wanting to participate and be part of the action. The atmosphere was one of excitement with the eager volunteers trying to find suitable new homes for each of the tiny fish. It was a rewarding and fun event for all and it was truly a joy to see so many happy faces amongst children and adults alike.

The Clownfish Release Project, which started back in 2002, has two main aims; to research and improve techniques for reintroducing marine life bred in nurseries, back into ocean environments.

Also, to raise awareness of marine conservation, education and preservation, specifically related to the poaching of clownfish for commercial sale.

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Feet in the Sand, Drink in Hand A day at the beach is something special at Layana Resort & Spa with the opening of our newest food and beverage outlet, Sands Bar, located on the edge of the stunning Long Beach.

While relaxing in the comfort of a beach lounge, relishing the breathtaking oceanfront experience, savour one of the many casual fares and creative dishes that reflect the diverse flavours of East and West with impeccable service under the tropical beach-inspired sala.

Take respite from the sun’s rays and slowly sip from the selection of fresh juices or healthy smoothies, re-energize with a fresh coffee or cool down with one of the exotic and traditional cocktails created by our talented mixiologist. An expansive selection of imported and local beers are on offer as well as an array of wines from both the old and new world.

Sands Bar is an ideal location to share a romantic moment together, basking under the sun, feet in the sand, toasting your love with a glass of sparkling wine.

Finalist 2013 Thailand’s Best Luxury Destination Spa April 9, 2013 - The World Luxury Spa Awards 2013 announced Layana Resort and Spa’s Linger Longer Spa as a finalist in the 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards which commends and recognizes outstanding achievements in service excellence, giving thanks to spas that have excelled. The World Luxury Spa Awards programme reward those spas that have raised the bar of service excellence within a highly competitive industry over the past year. The World Luxury Spa Awards congratulate unsurpassed service excellence and put the spotlight on those spas representing only the finest standards.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as a 2013 Finalist in the category of Thailand’s Best Luxury Destination Spa, especially after the renovation and re-opening of the Linger Longer Spa in late 2012. This is a great encouragement for the entire team, who have worked so hard for the success and continuously are committed to the highest standards”, Stefan Heintze says General Manager of Layana Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta Yai. Layana Resort & Spa was announced as a finalists after the official voting period for the World Luxury Spa Awards closed on the March 18, 2013.

Voted the 3rd most romantic resort in Asia in 2013 by Trip Advisor’s travellers choice awards, The Layana Resort and Spa can be found nestled on Koh Lanta Yai Island, where you can discover the true meaning of escapism encountered in exploring a secluded island, or the bliss of simply doing nothing.

As an exclusive haven of luxury, Layana Resort & Spa aims to offer the ultimate in individualized service. Throughout, guests appreciate the hospitality that is unobtrusive to preserve privacy, and yet attentive to give a sense of privilege and to fulfil every wish.

The pulse Biting monkeys warning to tourists

Dead dugong found off krabi coast

After several tourists complained of being bitten by the macaques that reside at the end of Ao Nang beach, the local authorities have decided to erect warning signs to educate people on the dangers of irresponsible feeding.

A dead dugong has been found floating just off the coast of Koh Pu in Krabi by a local crab fisherman, prompting villagers to take action.

The crab eating macaques have long been an attraction to visitors and are well used to being in close contact with people. But like any wild animal, they are prone to biting when food is around.

The young marine mammal was discovered with a long gash across its snout in front of the Baan Koh Pu village port and was dragged to shore by villagers before it was reported to the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC).

This is the first report issued to the PMBC by the local residents, who were unaware that it was important and necessary to report such matters, explained the village Kamnan, Samran Raden.

“This is at least the third one we have found dead since October last year,” Mr Samran said.

Before being notified of the possible death of at least two more dugong last year, Dr Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, who heads the PMBC Endangered Species Unit, had already voiced concern over the dramatic rise in the number of dugong deaths in the Andaman region.

In 2011, only four of the vegetarian mammals were found washed ashore, while 12 were reported in 2012.

“The increase in deaths is a serious issue,” Dr Kongkiat said earlier this year. “It’s the highest number we’ve seen in the past 20 years.”

Krabi Coal plant plan on the rocks The government may reconsider its plan to build a coal-fired electricity plant in Krabi province if there was strong opposition, Energy Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal said.

He said the government would consider the needs of the local people first and would not repeat the mistake of the previous government in pushing ahead with the construction of the electricity plant in Thap Sakae district in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which had led to a long struggle, including casualties.

The minister vowed that the people of Tab Sakae in Krabi province would not suffer the same fate. Local communities in Krabi had earlier staged protests, saying it would affect famous tourist destinations along the coast.

“The reason a plant project is not pursued is because it relies on the wrong process. We need to create a learning process and if local people oppose it, then we must principally look into their demands,” the minister said.

Pongsak said the ministry would heed the voices of local people in various areas and see if they wish to have a plant built or not.

He said the local administrator at Hua Sai district of Songkhla province had expressed the desire to have a coal-generated electricity plant built there.

The ministry would also provide local communities all health and environment-related information. He added that the project to build a coal-fired power plant in Dawei, Myanmar, capable of generating 4,400 megawatts was still on track and offered an alternative to help meet Thailand’s electricity demand.

As for nuclear energy, the minister said the issue should be considered in future energy plans as electricity consumption in the Kingdom is growing by 4 per cent per annum and would double in the next 10 years.

From The Nation

14

Dr Kongkiat believes the deaths were caused by fishing equipment and boats, as a number of the animals were found wrapped in nets or had wounds consistent with those inflicted by the propeller blades of fishing boats.

“The deep gash on the body of the 1.12-meter dugong we found today, as well as other injuries to its body, are consistent with injuries sustained from being hit by a boat propeller,” Dr Kongkiat said.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species, lists the dugong as a “species vulnerable to extinction”.

Local & National news that matters to you

songkran death toll up from last year

Thailand’s highway carnage over the seven deadly days of Songkran, 11 to 17 April, reached 321 fatalities surpassing the 2012 toll by 0.31%, or just one death.

The Road Safety Centre reported 321 road fatalities over the seven days, up from 320 recorded during the festival last year.

However, Road safety experts were disappointed with the result as they had earlier hoped that an extensive pre-Songkran safety campaign and a ban on the sale of alcohol would help to curb accidents.

It didn’t work mainly because people disregarded the don’t drink and drive campaign and even in the no-alcohol zones, TV crews openly filmed vendors selling alcoholic fruit drinks. Vendors handed out unlabeled plastic bottles containing alcoholic fruit cocktails that had a higher alcohol content than beer.

The country faces an enormous medical bill to treat more than 3,000 accident victims many of them requiring treatment under the national insurance scheme. Even the official death toll fails to reflect the true picture. Some accident victims died in hospitals. The death toll was based only on fatalities at accident scenes.

Officials claimed road accident related injuries reduced by 8.43% to 3,040 compared to 3,320 in 2012. Road accidents (incidents rather than injuries) decreased 9.62% to 2,828 compared to 3,129 during the same period last year.

Prachuap Khiri Khan had the worst record with 12 fatalities, while Chiang Mai was the top hot spot for road injuries.

The centre also identified there were five provinces that were free of fatal accidents during the holiday. There were: Chaiyaphum; Trat; Pattani; Phuket and Ranong.

Alcohol consumption was blamed for 39.11% of accidents followed by dangerous driving 23.59%. A total of 232,600 motorcyclists were also charged for failing to wear safety helmets and 222,601 motorists were charged for driving without a licence.

Deputy Interior Minister Pol Lt-Gen Chat Kuldilok said: “Setting zones and restricted water play areas worked however we have to start a helmet campaign in every provincial town to reduce motor cycle casualties.”

He added the road safety centre would study the statistics and draft guidelines to reduce road accidents during national holidays, but he stressed it was a year-round challenge to reduce the daily death toll and accidents on Thai roads.

“We have to improve law enforcement and introduce social measures that focus on enhancing knowledge and road safety as well as traffic discipline.”

The government has placed road safety on the national agenda as a top priority.

While the media focuses on festival-related accidents, road safety is a year-round challenge. Official statistics show that in the 2012 government fiscal year (October 2011 to September 2012), road accidents killed 9,719 people, down 4.45% from 10,172 during the 2011 fiscal year. On average, the 2012 daily death toll was 27, lower than the daily toll during the seven days of Songkran.

From TTR Weekly

Viewpoint

Local & National news that matters to you

Resident grumpy old git harps on about something .

Dengue kills people across theunoriginal country ThisFever month I’m 16 touching on a very

islandtosuffering water shortages I’mphi starting think that from it’s a sign of prosperity or good luck to topic. One Phi which will have some of you rolling your eyes and maybe fire as many flimsy plastic bags at you as they can. You go to the Dengue fever killed 16 people, with 13,200 patients having been severe drought threatening quickly spread market to buy some is vegetables, ok? to Carrots, long beans,over tomatoes, others lifting a fist in “right on” solidarity. But I don’t care. The recorded in the first two months of this year across the country, many parts of the country, with water on the world-renowned corn and something else. Each gets put into their own plastic bag It bugs me and so here I go... according to the Public Health Ministry. tourist getaway of Phi Phi Island set to run out as early as this before the little sea of plastic gets put into a large plastic bag for Narong Sahamethapat, permanent secretary of public health, said that month. you to take home. There is a fruit woman at one market that I have Rubbish.

Garbage.

Trash.

Waste.

Whatever you call it wherever a war room meeting to monitor the dengue fever outbreak in 2013 to almost takenot a stick to, for shemore is so than zealous heralready,” bag usage. A found that the mosquito not satisfactory. rain has fallen oneabout month you’re from - there control seemswas to be way too much of it floating around “Here, The the Bureau Epidemiology reported that from Jan 1 – March 11, Weerapat Jantaro, of the Phiwith Phi aIsland Tourism single banana getschairman it’s own one, along slice of watermelon, Krabiofprovince. dengue fever Ipatients found in every province.banging on about the Operator Thursday. an appleClub, and 2said mangoes - all finally into a bigger one and away we I know, know, were there’s always someone to buy wateratfrom mainland go.operators I take my are owngetting canvasready bag and she looks me like I have horns environment, hugging trees, waxing their dreads and smoking The A total number of 13,200 patients was recorded, or about 1,000-1,500 Phuket for Bt250Bt300 per cubic metre to prevent disruption growing out of my head. something dubious.

Those days are behind me now, thanks to an infection per week on average. to their business. over-zealous girlfriend year’s under subscription Men’s About half of the total deaths and wereachildren the age to of 14 yearsHealth, 7-Eleven are the absolute worst though.

Their double-bagging of but I stillare hold the values of not your crap out the car Phankham and fatalities fourtotimes higher than lastchucking year’s record.

Kittitornkun, chairman of the Ao Nang Tambon anything overOrganisation, 2 bottles of beer shameless. also have 478 The window. survey conducted by the Department of Disease Control on Administration saidisthat although They the privately mosquito larva population in 190 districts found that over 70 percent owned reservoir oncarry the island stillfrom contained some it down different sizes to anything a 25 litre ricewater, cooker of mosquito originated from water containers in households. likely dry up by the end thecome month. to a single yogurt (which will of also with a plastic spoon in a Thailandlarvae is unashamedly atrocious when it comes to rubbish. It’s would everywhere. It doesn’t surprise me as there are approximately 3 plastic wrapper). Again, the looks I get when I ask for no bag is Deaths were reported in nine provinces – the highest death toll of five “So when April arrives, tourism operators on the island will comical - but I do it anyway. Most of the time, at least. bins in the wholeby oftwo the in Krabi area.Si And those are in Songkhla, followed Nakhon Thammarat andemptied one caseonce a have to order water from Phuket. Besides paying for the year, if they need it or not. in each province of Bangkok, Samut Prakan, water, they will have to pay for Of course, the issue with the Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, transportation too,isn’t which is bags themselves but what to them Rayong, andwe Yala. even more costly,” hehappens said.

The Pattani bins that did have in Ao Nang The were permanent secretary ordered public Bottled on Phi Phi would after wewater get home.

Sure, the larger infamous and they lived smack health offices to of control the the mosquito be a few more expensive ones cantimes be reused a few times but in the middle town on beach population and people are advised to use that on the mainland. those little crappy ones are a oneroad. How many infamous bins can mosquito repellents. time-only affair and end up straight you name?

No, didn’t children think so. who, We People, and especially The Irrigation Department has in the bin.farmers From there they are had bins that people talked about for experience fever for three consecutive days warned around the in the hands Phraya of the local authorities and God weeks.

They wrote aboutfor them, sang should see a doctor immediately diagnosis Chao River basin not only knows where rice theycrop end this up. and,songs if infected with dengue fever, to receive to plant a second of them and passed their tale proper season. on treatment. to groups of small, wide-eyed (MCOT onlinesat news) Take a look on the beaches and children around in a circle. Why Story from Nation you will seeThe where a lot of them do were they so notable? Because they actually end up - along with every stank. plastic bottle in the known Universe, it seems. The beaches of Ao Nang Now, let me pause here and and especially Noppharathara in emphasise this point if I may. I don’t the mornings are nothing short of mean they smelled like bins, as all disgusting - and it pains me to say this bins generally do. No, these were on as one who lives here. a different level altogether. They had While it can be debated as to who is an exclusion zone around them as traffic would park as far away from them as possible. Anyone walking past them would have to really to blame for this problem, one thing is for sure - there are cover their nose and mouth or face the consequences, which were way too many disposable items being used here for this grumpy dire. I can still smell them if I close my eyes and sniff, despite them guts’ liking. Every beach cleanup that has been organised here has a great turnout and results in hundreds of kilos of trash in being not being there any more.

So what did the powers that be do about it? They removed them. collected. But the following week it’s right back to square one again.

There was an interesting period where there were no bins at all on It’s a vicious circle that has seemingly no end in sight. the beach road, before they were finally replaced with the current So what can we do about it? Well as visitors here you can do your ones - so where did all the trash go? best to keep your trash with you until you find a bin or you return to Just take a look around you now and you’ll probably have your your resort. I know, it’s not ideal, but it’s way better than chucking it answer. Unless you’re sitting in a swanky resort, you can most on the street in the beaches. likely see something made of plastic scuttering across the ground. The simplest and most effecticve thin you can do though is to refuse plastic bags where you can. Here’s a phrase to add to your And that, I think, is the biggest culprit in all this.

Basic Thai vocab and will have you sounding like someone who Before plastic came along in the mid 1960s, only natural materials knows their stuff: “Mai ao toong” followed by krap/kaa if you are were used. Hessian, wood, rope and leaves were all utilised for the male or female respectively. This means “I don’t want a bag” and jobs now taken by the ubiquitous plastic. Plastic bags are at the top if more of us start saying it, the more chance we have of reducing of my whinge list, and yet I am the first to say that I still use them the over-use of plastic bags and them ending up on the beaches when I forget to take the re-useable canvas jobs we keep stuffed and in the ocean. behind the fridge at home when heading out to the market or, worse (steps off soap box to thunderous applause.) yet, 7-Eleven

16

Wines of Excellence @ Sheraton Krabi

Wine: another efficient way nature has allowed us to put more fruit into our diets. And because life is too short to drink bad wine, Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort partnered with Castello Banfi Winery to host a magnificent night of wine and food at Gecko’s Italian Restaurant.

Families and friends gathered to propose a toast and enjoy a gourmet five-course meal paired with carefully selected tastings from Castello Banfi’s award-winning estate.

Castello Banfi is a family owned and operated vineyard estate and winery located in the Brunello region of Tuscany. Known for their pioneering spirit in the art of winemaking as well as their dedication to the environment, Castello Banfi has earned a long list of accolades.

Sparkling white wines, reds and whites complemented a decadent fusion menu set against the backdrop of Sheraton’s resplendent grounds and live entertainment.

It was an enchanting evening filled with great food, great wine, and best of all great company.

Where creativity and culture floW hand in hand

TATTOO de cafe’

Professional tattoo artist - 15 years of experience - bachelors degree in fine arts. Operating under the name ‘Nut Tattoo Studio’ since 1998. New sterilized needles are used for each tattoo.

Our Cafe has been open for 8 years and offers fresh coffee from our espresso machine.

Serving American/English breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and house specials including: • ‘Khao Pad Plaa Salit’ (fried rice with salted fish and dry chillies) • Spaghetti with bacon and black olives • Fresh mango Smoothies

Fresh homemade ice cream and cake to order

Open every day 8:00am-9:00pm 081-929-4766 juraluksri@hotmail.com mirorynut@hotmail.com 274 moo2, Ao Nang, Krabi www.facebook.com/NutTattooAonang www.facebook.com/TattooDeCafe

Phuket - Aonang Phuket - Aonang Phuket - Railay (pass Ao nang) Phuket - Railay (pass Ao nang) Phuket - Lanta (pass Ao nang , Railay) Phuket - Phi Phi

O/W O/W O/W O/W O/W O/W

Ao Nang - Phi Phi Ao Nang - Lanta Ao Nang - Phuket Ao Nang - Phuket

O/W O/W O/W O/W

Railay - Phi Phi Railay - Lanta Railay - Phuket Railay - Phuket

O/W O/W O/W O/W

Phi Phi - Phuket Phi Phi - Railay Phi Phi - Ao Nang

O/W O/W O/W

Lanta - Railay Lanta - Ao Nang Lanta - Phuket (pass Railay,AoNang)

O/W O/W O/W

Depart. Arrive.

08.30 - 10.15 am.

13.30 - 15.30 pm.

08.30 - 10.45 am.

13.30 - 15.45 pm.

08.30 - 12.45 pm.

08.30 - 10.00 am.

Depart. Arrive.

09.30 - 11.30 am.

10.30 - 12.45 pm.

10.30 - 12.30 pm.

15.30 - 17.30 pm.

Depart. Arrive.

09.45 - 11.30 am.

10.45 - 12.45 am.

10.30 - 12.30 pm.

15.15 - 17.30 pm.

Depart. Arrive.

14.30 - 16.00 pm.

15.30 - 16.45 pm.

15.30 - 17.00 pm.

Depart. Arrive.

13.30 - 15.15 pm.

13.30 - 15.30 pm.

13.30 - 17.30 pm.

243 Moo 2, Ao Nang Beach, A. Muang, Krabi 81000 Tel: (66) 075-637152/3, 075-637730 Fax: 075-637153 60/57 Moo 3, T. Rassada, A. Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: (66) 076-353211-2 Fax: 76-353212

www.aonangtravel.co.th

Getting Around There are busses, taxis, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, minivans, coaches, scooters, sawng-thaws, longtails, speedboats and more all awaiting you with a smile. What can be tricky sometimes is knowing how much a trip costs, where to buy your tickets and how long a journey should take - things that are starting to become more obvious now than they were before.

From Krabi Airport

Air-Con Bus

Nice, clean, air-con cars are available to take you anywhere you want to go and can carry up to 4 people. Or you can buy a seat in a minivan for less, but as it can take up to 10 people you may have to wait until they fill it.

There is now a regular shuttle bus that runs between the airport and popular destinations like those mentioned above. It also stops at piers where ferries leave for places like Railay and Tonsai.

This can be a great option if you are on a budget, but can take a while to get to where you want to go.

Destination

Car

Minivan

Destination

Car

Krabi Town

350

600

Krabi Bus Station

80

Ao Nang

600

1050

Krabi Town

90

Klong Muang

700

1100

Lanta Pier

90

Tub Kaek

800

1200

Ao Nang

150

Railay Pier

150

Tonsai Pier

150

Thai

Customs Thailand is one of those countries that have customs very different to what we might be used to in our home countries - and the Thais are extremely proud of that.

As we are a visitor in their country, it’s only right and proper that we take a little time to understand some local customs - does and don’ts - that can make a huge difference in your encounters with the locals. They will really appreciate you making the effort and it can go a long way in making your stay here more fulfilling.

H

ere are a few of the more important things to remember - they are simple, cost nothing and are all based in common sense.

Dress

It’s one of the great ironies of life that the one place in Thailand that has the best beaches, ocean and blazing hot sun, is also one of the most conservative when it comes to dressing. The predominantly Muslim population here in the South can take real offense to any tourist wandering into their shop with just a bikini on, or tiny shorts for the guys. I know, you’re on holiday and you deserve that tan - I understand. But here, bikinis are for the beach and only the beach.

Please, please, please try to appreciate the cultural differences here and cover up a little when heading to and from the beach.

Guys, just pull on a pair of board shorts and T-shirt. No-one wants to see another pair of fluorescent Speedos making their way around the town.

Ladies - simple. Sarongs. Dead cheap, available everywhere, take up no space, dry in a heartbeat and can be used a hundred different ways. Wrap one around your waist or shoulders when heading off the beach and you’re sorted.

Royalty

The Thai Royal Family is revered and there can be no worse “faux pas” than joke about the King. Some have actually been thrown in jail for making “uncivil remarks” about their beloved leader. It’s serious business and you should take note.

You’ll see his image absolutely everywhere, which should give you a good idea of the respect and love he has from the Thai population.

Just use common sense and you’ll be fine. If in doubt about what you should do in any given situation - just do what the Thais around you are doing and you can’t go wrong.

Religion

Respect is the name of the game when visiting a temple or encountering a wandering monk. Again, no speedos.

As a rule of thumb, make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered (especially the ladies) and you’ll be fine. Remember the mantra - “bring a sarong and you can’t go wrong”.

Monks

Buddhist monks are forbidden to make direct physical contact with women. This means that if a woman has to give anything to a monk, she must first hand it to a man who then can pass it on. Sometimes the monk will lay out a piece of his robe on the ground, where the lady can then place the object and he can pick it up.

Buddha

Sacred and revered. Even if it’s a ruined, half destroyed statue of the deity - treat it with the utmost respect and you’ll shine in the eyes of the Thais. Common sense again - don’t clamber up onto one and make bunny ears behind it for a photo.

If you want to take a picture of a statue, please do so respectfully and, if possible, ask a passing monk if it’s ok to do so. It may seem a bit odd to us, but it’s a real big deal to Thai people - so who are we to argue?

Head & Feet

In Buddhism, the feet are seen as the lowest part of the body and the head the highest - both literally as well as figuratively. This means that you should never point your feet at a Thai, a monk or a statue of Buddha.

Instead, sit with your feet under your knees like the statue of Buddha here or even cross-legged if you have glass joints like mine.

Also, try never to step over someone who is lying in your path (sleeping, presumably) as the act of passing the soles of your feet across them can be just as bad or worse than the feet-pointing.

The head is seen as the most “holy” part of the body and as such, should not be touched. This means no playful ruffling of that cheeky boy’s hair or patting of kids heads. I know, to us it’s a gesture of affection. To Thais, it’s very offensive.

Shoes

Easy, this one take your shoes or flip flops off at the entrance to any indoor space. If in any doubt, look for other flip flops at the doorway and leave yours there with them. Resorts are the exception to this, as are most restaurants

- but absolutely take them off if entering a Wat (temple) or a Thai’s home.

Saying “Hi” - Thai Style

The “Wai” is the traditional Greeting here in Thailand - similar to the handshake in the west. It’s usually performed by a “lower class” of person when greeting a superior, who can then return the gesture.

You’ve all seen it as soon as you arrived at your resorts - I have no doubt. The “Wai-er” places the palms of their hands together like their about to pray and then bends forwards at the waist.

It’s good practice to return the gesture too and the Thais really appreciate it.

Just put your hands together with the tips of your fingers touching your chin and bend forward a little while saying “Sawadee krap” if you’re of the manly persuasion or “Sawadee kaa” if a lady.

You may notice that sometimes you are addressed as “Mr. Bob” or “Miss. Jane” instead of your family name. This is just the way Thai people address their peers, usually with the first name.

Kissing

Public displays of affection are a big no-no all over Thailand, and should be avoided. No snogging in the restaurant please - or you will be faced with a sea of red-faced Thai’s all avoiding you.

Shopping

Thailand is an excellent place to pick up some bargains, and haggling is expected amongst customers and vendors.

Remember to take the “softly-softly” approach and don’t be aggressive. In some parts of the world, haggling can take the form of a shouting match with arms flailing, spit flying and lots of walking way and pulling back. Not so here. That kind of behavior will get you nowhere. Smile and ask what their best price is and take it from there. Keep your voice calm and quiet and never, ever lose your temper.

So there you have it. Try these simple tips and feel pleased with yourself for making the effort. It’s not as difficult as you might think, and it really doesn’t matter if you get it wrong!

Some of the best things to buy here in Thailand are: • • • • • • • •

Leather Jewelry Silk Wooden carvings Art (Paintings, Batik, etc.)

Ceramics Silverware Precious gems

Into the Blue Krabi Shipwrecks FInally Here!

Yes, at long last the wrecks that have been earmarked for the waters of Krabi arrived after their lang trip from Bangkok. Being towed all down the East coast of Thailand, past Malaysia, Singapore and up the West coast until they arrived in Krabi on the morning of the 19th April.

Krabi Magazine designed and printed posters and banners for the inside of one of the ships that remained for 3 days moored in Krabi so visitors could take the opportnity to wander around them before it too was taken to sink next to the others at the local dive site of Koh Yawasam.

It took just a few minutes for the ships to sink as they were flooded and guided to the ocean floor 21 meters below the surface.

The 3 new wrecks plus one to go at the Phi Phi dive site of Viking Cave, will make Krabi the wreck diving epicenter of Thailand, with a total of 7 official wrecks in the area, including a WW2 Japanese submarine just of Koh Poda.

Krabi Tides May 2013

Poor Quality Thai Reefs Driving Divers to Myanmar “They have turned away from Thailand because of the coral bleaching at key diving spots on our side,” a source at A-One Diving Co Ltd disclosed.

Based in Ranong, the company has arranged dive trips to various destinations in the Andaman Sea. Some destinations are in Thai waters while others are in Myanmar territory.

“St Luke Island of Myanmar is now becoming world famous,” the same source said.

The source said St Luke Island had yet to see a big boom because entry to Myanmar is still subject to complicated procedures and strict regulations. Each trip to the island takes at least seven days and the boats in Myanmar are not very comfortable.

“Despite that, the number of tourists to St Luke Island has now jumped by more than 30 per cent when compared with the previous year,” the source pointed out.

He said if coral bleaching in Thai waters continues an increasing number of tourist divers are likely to head to Myanmar.

Ranong Tourism Association president Somchai Ouitekkeng said St Luke Island in southern Myanmar was becoming popular among Asians and Europeans. But, on the bright side, he believed Ranong could still reap benefits from the situation.

22

Your guide to the underwater world in Krabi

The sinking was a resounding success and there were plenty of spectators out to watch the historic event.

Local tour operators even laid on boats to ferry anyone who wanted to go out to the islands to get a closer look at the event, and dive centers were incorporating watching the sinking into their dive trips, a great idea and a very unique dive day for anyone taking part!

It has been advised to wait for at least 2 or 3 days before the new wrecks are dived, as they need to make sure that they are stable and correctly settled on the sea floor and that there is no chance of them moving or rolling around in the current and tidal movements.

It also gives a chance for the sediment that was kicked up during the sinking to settle, which will have reduced the vicibility of the water quite dramatically.

+66 (0) 75 638 098, +66 (0) 819-797-89-5 INFO@WEDDING-IN-THAILAND.COM INFO@KRABI-SPESIALISTEN.COM

Island Hopping

Hong Island by Luxury Thai Longtail Boat

By the time this magazine goes to print, however, they should be ready and available for diving!

So if you want to be one of the first to experience the newest wrecks in Thailand, check into your nearest dive center today and ask for more details.

“We have the potential to become a gateway to hundreds of islands in southern Myanmar,” Somchai said. He said apart from St Luke, the Mergui Islands were also beautiful and had more sights on them.

He said if the plan was successful, it would be possible to arrange for groups of Myanmar tourists to visit Thailand also.

Chang Island, which is close to the Myanmar-Thai border, is just 30 kilometres from Ranong town. It is a famous attraction on the Thai side.

“We can promote Chang Island further while protecting its good environment,” Somchai said.

“Hong” in Thai means “room” and the literal translation of the Island’s Thai name is “the island with the room”, due to the gorgeous lagoon located at it’s centre.

During this relaxing day-long excursion, as well as exploring Hong Island’s exotic beaches and it’s lagoon, you will also get to visit the surrounding sister islands of Bak Bia & Paradise Island. You will have lots of time to snorkel, swim and enjoy the sights and sounds of life on these incredible beaches! The journey to the islands takes about an hour aboard our special longtail boat which has been specifically designed & built by Krabi-Spesialisten with your comfort in mind.

ITINERARY 09:00 – 09:15 09:15 – 09:30 09:30 10:30 11:30 13:00 15:00 16:00

Pick-up Klong Muang / Tub Kaek Hotels (on request at Sheraton beach) Pick-up Ao Nang Hotels Departure from Hat Nopparathara Pier Arrival at Paradise for relax, snorkeling & swimming the beach.

Leave Paradise island and cruise towards Bak Bia, where you can swim and relax while we set up a private, beautiful and delicious lunch.

Departure Bak Bia to Hong Island and visit lagoon on the way Departure Hong island back to Ao Nang Arrive at Ao Nang beach and return to hotel

* Program can be changed according to the water level and weather conditions

From The Nation

Krabi Spesialisten Co., Ltd.

126 Moo3, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi 81000, Thailand Tel: +66 (0)75 638 098, Fax: +66 (0)7563 8089 Mobile: +66 (0)80 691 5119 www.krabi-spesialisten.com, info@krabi-spesialisten.com

Chasing the

Dragon Krabi is truly a beautiful province – mangroves, limestone karsts, endless caves, evergreen forests, emerald pools and turquoise seas.

One by one each of these terrains is astonishing.

Seen together from a viewpoint high above though, leaves me speechless every time.

This really is a special place.

By Emily Huang-Ramirez

A

s they say, nothing worth having comes easy. If you have even a modicum of athleticism then it takes just over two super-sweaty hours and a decent pair of glutes to climb to the top of the beast known as Khao Ngon Nak. The peak is also referred to as Hon Nak, meaning Dragon’s Crest; so named for its side-view resemblance of a dragon’s head.

At 500 meters above sea level, it offers a panoramic view of our pristine coastline - Ao Nang, Thalane Bay and Phang Nga Bay. The ascent is uh, well let’s call it “fair” for it being the highest point in Krabi. Only one or two sections could’ve been classified at an angle of straightup° but that’s what the ladders are for, silly. The trail is well marked and the surrounding evergreen forest is dense enough to block out the sun’s rays, offering a well-shaded hike.

My best friend’s lobster-esque color was a good indication that a cooler activity was a good idea that day.

As you make your way to the top, there are a few teasers of the view to come that builds the excitement of the reward. Three quarters of the way up the trail forks, diverging to a waterfall a mere half kilometer or so away. The waterfall is small especially if it hasn’t rained in a while, but the water is quite refreshing and worth the detour. We took off our shoes and walked directly under the downpour, completely rejuvenating for the remainder of the trek. I highly suggest you do the same. The park rangers even claim that it is clean enough to drink. That is obviously a personal decision.

Being that the hike is a nature trail, there are several informational posts along the path to the top about the habitat and the things that grow and lurk about. The park boasts a large array of wildlife, including Gibbons and a type of bird with a high-pitched call that can be heard throughout the forest.

After you’ve trail-blazed the approximately 4 kilometers to the top, the best way to enjoy the view is with plenty o’ time; there is a plethora of pristine beauty to capture on film and in your memory bank. If you have the gusto, there are even a few

24

stone outcroppings you can shimmy out to, to really put you into the atmosphere. You’ll see for yourself, breathtaking is an understatement here.

Huge favor alert: you can hike up for the sunset, camp overnight, barbecue, and end with the sunrise before heading back down. It wasn’t until we finished our hike at the bottom and shared some bananas and water with the local park rangers that we were informed about this. Sad panda. It’s a hike worth doing more than once though, so we will be back.

The sunset hike/overnight camp is free thanks to the government but remember, tipping is not a city in China. To get to the park, head towards Tup Kaek Beach and just keep going. When you feel you’ve gone too far, you haven’t gone far enough. You know you’ll have arrived when you come to the end.

It’s that simple.

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I OF THE SUN

There is a new kid on the literary block in the shape of Mr. Richard Arthur. This young Englishman has written a book based on his first travels through South East Asia over 10 years ago.

One of the first places he came to was Krabi and Ao Nang, where he fell into a spiral of hard booze, loose women and introspection that began a journey of discovery. He discovered that the much sought-after “life in paradise” can have a hefty price tag.

Richard was in Krabi recently to promote his book and we managed to grab a sit-down with him at La Luna Restaurant to pick his brains.

KM: Hi Richard, thanks a lot for taking the time out to meet us - I finished the book only last night and it’s a pleasure to meet you face to face. It’s a breathtaking ride, “I of the Sun”! The first thing I have to ask you is - are all of the events true?

RA: Ha - yes, they are! When I was travelling I started keeping a journal of my daily life and it were these journal entries that formed the basis of “I of the Sun”.

They were the first draft, I suppose. It was from these entries that I created the story in the book. I did change the names of the people in the book, though.

KM: Now you have been living and working in Bangkok as a lecturer in English. How did this book come about?

RA: Since that first travel experience I have always had it in the back of my mind to write a book based on it, and this seed started to grow until it became my main focus. As anyone who writes can tell you, it’s very difficult to do so when you are busy with other things in your life, so I started writing the book during my holidays from teaching.

As it grew and I wrote more, I started taking more time off to focus on it and this had an impact on my life as a whole.

I sacrificed a lot in the end - my job, apartment and even my girlfriend had gone and been replaced by the book. It took 3.5 years to complete in total, including a 6 month stint back in the UK.

KM: It’s a miracle that you are here to talk with me now, considering the excesses you indulged in at the time. Many folks who come to Thailand experience the partying and “alternative leisure pursuits” to some extent. I myself can relate to the bucket-fuelled nights and hellish hangovers - but you absolutely caned it! Can I ask what your friends and family thought about what you revealed in the book?

“

It’s an interesting balance and one that makes the book more than just a diary of debauchery.

RA: Hmmm...well to be honest with you, my friends were not that surprised to read about that part of my travels as they kind of knew that side of me. My parents though...well, my Dad was very diplomatic in his review. He told me that he enjoyed the travelling parts! My mother has not read the book at all.

KM: Maybe best that way! But apart from the booze-soaked travelling, there is another side to the book where you are reflective and philosophical about life, the universe and everything. It’s an interesting balance and one that makes the book more than just a diary of debauchery.

RA: Yes, I studied Philosophy at the University of Leeds in England and I decided to add this more introspective facet to “I of the Sun”, as the travelling had a huge impact on the way I saw the world and my place in it.

I looked at how we as humans interact with one another and how much - if any - free will we have in our journeys through life.

I actually think that these sections of the book are the best - but that’s just my opinion. I like to think that the 2 different facets to the book will mean that there is something inside that will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers.

KM: Ao Nang and Krabi were two of your first destinations all those years ago and you returned here several times in the book. What was the pull of Krabi and why did you return here?

RA: I love Krabi. There is just something about the place that keeps drawing me back here. I have travelled across a lot of Thailand and it is my favourite province, without a doubt.

The landscape is simply stunning and the nature that surrounds the place is beautiful. Jungle, forest, islands, beaches and the ocean - I love it here and it’s my hope that one day I might move here to live.

The people are amazing in Krabi - so gentle, kind and welcoming it makes it hard to leave!

KM: I know what you mean and this is the same story I hear from a lot of ex-pats who end up staying here - myself included! It was a different place though when you were here 10 years ago, and a lot of the people and places you describe are not here anymore.

What do you make of the place now?

RA: I have to admit that the changes have been very dramatic from my first visit all those years ago! Lots of new hotels, resorts and people.

I remember that after Songkran then, the place was like a ghost town as all the tourists left for the season. Now there are loads of people still here which is great for the economy. Everything changes - that’s just the way life is - but I still love it here despite this.

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An interview with Richard Arthur

KM: A large part of the book details your time working on Phi Phi island in the bars and clubs, handing out flyers, getting people into the clubs and generally being the “party guy”. You got paid for this, all the free booze you could handle and free accommodation - which sounds like a young man’s dream come true.

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps and discover this “idyllic lifestyle”?

RA: I would tell them to travel. Travel a lot and discover as much about yourself as you possibly can. There is so much out there to learn about and it’s very easy to get sucked into the same self-destructive cycle that I did that you can miss out on a lot if you don’t travel and learn about yourself.

In the book I describe how this “dream lifestyle” can turn on you after a while, which I hope will stand as a warning to those who think it’s all parties, women and booze. What goes up, must come down!

KM: I hear you. So I have to ask you - if you had the chance to rewind - would you do it all again?

RA: Ha! Yes! I have no regrets at all.

KM: Glad to hear it! So what’s next for you now, Richard? Any plans to write another book?

RA: I would love to. I really enjoyed finishing “I of the Sun” and am thinking about how to follow on from it. The book’s ending leaves it open for what happens next, so there may well be a sequel sometime in the future.

For now though, I’m focussing on promoting this book as it takes a lot of time in-between my day job in Bangkok.

KM: Richard, thanks very much for talking to us today and all the very best with the book.

If you want to get your hands on a copy of “I of the Sun”, Krabi Magazine have several copies for sale at our offices. They cost just 450THB. Call us on 087 266 4876 or email editor@krabi-magazine.com You can find out more from the website www.iofthesun.com or find it on facebook be searching for “I of the Sun” The book is also available on Amazon, iTunes and at Bookazine and AsiaBooks stores throughout Thailand.

by Ekkehard Schwadtke

S

tanding in front of the display window of a flower shop in a cold climate country, everybody is fascinated by the single orchid flower standing in a slender vase. The shimmering dispersion of colours and the elegance of their shape let us think of warm, humid days in the tropics, where this flower belongs.

Orchids have always held a fascination for people; there is an air of mystery surrounding them. Mention the word “orchid� and words such as exotic, rare, expensive, beautiful, colourful and unique will arise. Everyone will have a different perception and all of these, no matter how diverse, will be correct.

With more than 27 000 species, orchids are the largest family in the plant kingdom. Even larger that this though, is the number of hybrids, from which more than 50 000 have been described.

Many of these hybrids are important commercial plants that are used as cut flowers and potted plants to satisfy strong demand, both locally and internationally. With the exception of glacial regions and arid deserts, orchids grow all over the world, even on Greenland some species can be found. In the tropics they are numerous and colourful and are often seen as characteristic of the region. In Thailand alone more than 1100 different orchid species can be found.

Orchids have their own unique characteristics and charms.

The mere fact that their roots live on air is enough to make us wonder how they can sustain themselves. The roots of the orchid are different from those of other plants, consisting of a special sponge-like layer of tissues called velamen that covers up the true roots inside. This special sheathing acts as a moisturecollecting device while protecting the roots underneath from direct sunlight.

We can categorise orchids by looking at their growing habits.

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Many have roots which grow into the ground or dirt like most other plants (terrestrial). Another group has roots which grasp and cling to trees, without in any way harming or taking away food from the host (epiphytic), and those who find unusual places to grow such as in the crevices of rocks on the side of cliffs (lithophytic).

In the tropics, most species can be found on trees in the upper canopy of the rain forests, where humidity is high all-year round.

In regions that have a distinct precipitation and temperature cycle, orchids have adapted to the dry period by storing water and nutrients in the swollen lower part of the stem, the pseudobulb. Other orchid species form succulent leaves which serve the same purpose and help in reducing the loss of water by evaporation.

What makes orchids different from other flowering plants? The flowers are what clearly distinguish orchids from other plants: Some bear large flowers of bright hues, and some have smaller or even tiny little flowers of softer tones. They may flower singly or in small groups of two or three per stem. Others will bloom in a large cluster or a bunch with some standing up on an erect stem and yet others bending down in a flowing cluster. The scent of orchids also differs, ranging from those without any smell to a soft and subtle scent through to a more full-bodied and pungent fragrance.

Each orchid flower has two sets of petals consisting of three outer and three inner ones. While the outer ones are similar to each other the three inner petals will usually consist of an identical pair and a singular one that is unique in size, shape and often also in colour. This petal is called lip or labellum, and

Bulbophyllum Blepharistes

Aerides Rosea

Most wild orchids flower only once a year and the shape or form of their blooms are not as popular on the market. Wild orchids are usually raised only by enthusiasts, who truly love the natural looks of these “miniatures” or “botanicals”, as they are known.

Callostylus pulchella

Bulbophyllum dentiferum

is almost always highly modified and quite different from the other segments in size, shape and colour. This structure often plays an important part in orchid pollination.

Pollinators, such as bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, ants and even birds are attracted by form, colour and often fragrance.

they depend on a specific kind of fungi (mycorrhiza), which is essential to help in finding food during the first part of the seedling’s growth until it can mature into another orchid plant. The mortality rate in the wild is enormous.

When the pollen comes in contact with the stigma, the bloom will rapidly wither and the ovary will expand into a pod. As maturity peaks, the full-grown pod will burst open longitudinally and the mass of dust-like seeds inside will be distributed into the air. Some of these pods can contain up to 4 million seeds, depending on the species. The seeds will be air-borne until, with great luck, some land on a host tree. As the seeds lack any nutrients,

For this reason, cultured orchid seeds start their life in the sterile atmosphere of laboratories on a special nutrientrich culture medium. This technique has made it possible to produce large quantities of both species and hybrids in a sterile environment. Today, the most attractive orchid species are entrenched in cultivation and have been propagated by division or by seed. Depending on the genus or kind, orchids can take from twelve months to twelve years from germination to flowering.

While the collecting of popular species from the rain forests can threaten the survival of wild orchid populations, their main enemy is habitat destruction. Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most densely populated regions, and its virgin forest continues to be cleared and burnt. New species continue to be discovered, and a number of “lost” species have been relocated. Yet one wonders how many species, both plant and animal, have become extinct before they have even been recorded.

On Lanta Island, Lanta Orchid Nursery has specialised in cultivating the native orchids from all regions of Thailand. More than 200 species of 1100 native to Thailand are on display. Lanta Orchid Nursery is located in the hills above Lanta Long Beach opposite elephant trekking and just 1 km from the main road. It is open from November to April daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

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Eating Guide Carnivore - Steak & Grill

Soi Klong Haeng opposite Thai Village Resort, Ao Nang.

They say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the same goes for steaks. The quality of what this kitchen produces is extremely hard to beat - and the experience of the owner Gidi is evident as you walk into the elegant and pristine restaurant. Gidi worked for 15 years in the restaurant business before starting Carnivore back in 2003 - and he has never looked back.

All main courses come with salad and a choice of six different potato dishes that include homemade french fries and mashed potato to die for.

As well as the 5-star meat selection, Carnivore also offers some of the finest salads, soups, crispy baguettes, grilled sandwiches and warm starters around - as well as no less than 60 beers from around the world. Yes, 60.

Average price: 400-900+THB What to Try: The “Carnivore” signature Steak Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Open daily from 3pm - 11pm. (Kitchen open from 4pm - 10pm) Tel:+66 (0)75661061 Website: www.carnivore-thailand.com

Da Carla - Italian and Thai Restaurant Noppharathara Beach, inside Sabai Resort.

For some of the best Italian food you will find in Ao Nang and beyond, you should look no further than this place. Nestled just off Noppharathara Beach and next to Sabai Resort, Da Carla & Poan is a small, informal place owned and managed by an Italian couple who are long-time residents here.

As well as great Thai food, this is the place for some real-deal homemade pasta just like it should be made. The hand-filled ravioli and homemade desserts that are on the menu are very hard to argue with. Great meat selection too, with quality steak and the freshest seafood you could hope to find.

Average price: 250+THB What to Try: The hand-filled ravioli Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Open daily from 7:30am - 2:30pm and 5:30pm - 9:30pm Tel:+66 (0)75637791 Website: www.sabairesort.com

As you would expect, a good selection of imported wine is also available, as well as imported Belgian beers.

The Irish Rover- Irish Pub & Restaurant

Heading towards Ao Nang beach on the “Mc Donald’s Road”, look for the pint of Guinness...

The Irish Rover has one of the largest draught beer selections in Southern Thailand, including Kilkenny and a very nice pint of Guinness. Irish ciders Magners and Strongbow are also available for those hot days when nothing else will hit the spot.

The kitchen is open until 1am, serving excellent food in generous portions. Expect to see homemade pies, tender steaks, juicy chops, shepherd’s pie (made with Guinness) as well as ploughman’s lunches, bangers and mash and more.

Happy hours & drink specials are worth watching out for. Air-conditioned, live sports, pool table and a darts board all complete this little slice of Ireland right here in Ao Nang.

Average price: 250+THB What to Try: The home made pies Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Open daily from 4pm - 1am.

Tel:+66 (0)75637607 Website: www.irishpubaonang.com

TJ’s Sports Bar & Grill

Located on the road to Ao Nang beach, just past Mc Donald’s TJ’s Sports Bar & Grill is the place to go when you want to be yourself for a while.

With live sport always running on their large projection wall and numerous big screen TVs, you will have the best experience you can without being on the playing field.

In the bar they serve all the classic cocktails by the book and a lot new ones with that “TJ’s touch.”

They also offer five different draught beers, English cider and 20+ different bottles of beer.

Tj’s is under Swedish management and the kitchen with head chef Oskar cooks up a classic sports bar menu with that little extra - everything from nachos and smaller dishes to big homemade hamburgers and juicy steaks.

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Average price: 220 THB What to Try: The home made burgers & nachos Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Open daily from Noon - Late Tel:+66 (0)75637119 Website: www.tjs-krabi.com

Eating Guide Smiling Dog Café - Crêperie Located on main street, opposite KL House in AoNang

The wonderfully titled Smiling Dog Café offers gourmet food without the gourmet price tag. Serving a wide variety of hot and iced drinks and breakfast all day, as well as some of the finest filled crêpes you’ll find anywhere in the South of Thailand.

An extensive menu that includes traditional sweet treats like their famous banana and chocolate filled “Chunky Monkey” or “Caramel and Apple”, the Smiling Dog Café also offers plenty to cater for those who prefer a savoury bite. Salmon & cream cheese, Tex Mex and vegetarian options are some of their highlights, and you can even create your own with a wide selection of tasty ingredients.

Average price: 89 THB What to Try: The Chunky Monkey or Tex Mex Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Open daily from 7am - 8pm.

Tel:+66 (0)809-298-297 Website: www.thesmilingdogcafe.com

With freshly ground coffee, comfy seating inside and out, a selection of local and International newspapers and free WiFi, the Smiling Dog Café is a great little place to ease into your day in comfort and style.

The Red Devil - Grill & Lounge

Just outside Ao Nang at the Ao Nammao junction. Big red building.

With their focus set firmly on comfort and quality, the Red Devil offers a mouthwatering selection of gourmet steaks, burgers, salads, pizzas and pastas - all top quality and cooked to exacting standards by Italian chef and owner, Umberto.

The jewel in the crown of the Red Devil is it’s upstairs VIP lounge area that’s open to the public as well as being bookable for private functions like Birthday parties, meetings and get-togethers with friends.

Sumptuously decorated with oversized cushions, low tables and carpeting throughout, “lounging” is almost obligatory. Soft lighting, a dedicated music system and even a “waitress call-button” all make for a wonderfully unique and relaxing atmosphere that really has to be seen to be appreciated.

Average price: 200+THB What to Try: The steaks, pasta & burgers Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: 8am - late Tel:+66 (0) 83 175-6938 Website: www.reddevilaonang.com

New lunch specials are now available, offering great discounts on set meals. Call for details or pass by and check the chalkboard outside

Wanna’s Place @ The L Resort North end of the Beach Road. Can’t miss it.

One of the very first restaurants in Ao Nang from 20 years ago, Wanna’s Place at the L Resort has hones it’s food and service to perfection. Owned and ran by A Swiss National, They offer an extensive range of Thai and Swiss food that is unsurpassed in the area. As well as the usual Thai dished you want to see, they have dishes like the original “Zurich Geschnetzeltes”, Schnitzel with cream sauce and noodles, or a veal sausage with Rösti. They serve “sizzling steaks” on hot stones for you to prepare just the way you like at your table.

As a thank-you to the local community - as well as keeping their ingredients as top-notch as they can - Wanna’s Place has their own organic farm that employs local people to grow their own produce.

Perfectly located on the Beach road, the large, open restaurant is airy and roomy with great views of the ocean and an idyllic base for people-watching with a cool drink.

Rated as the No. 2 restaurant in Ao Nang on Trip Advisor, this is a must-try place.

Average Price: 120THB What to Try: The crab curry Free WiFi?: Thankfully not Opening Hours: Daily from 11am-10pm Tel: +66(0)83 107 4400 Email: khaothongterrace@gmail.com

Eating Guide Venezia @ Sofitel

Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

200 Moo.3 Klong Muang Beach, Tambon Nongtalay, Muang, Krabi

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort’s Ristorante Venezia serves up gourmet cuisine featuring traditional Italian recipes, pizzas straight from the wood-fired oven & a large selection of wines from all over the globe. Located on the first floor of the resort & next to the grand lobby, tables are available for either indoor dining or on the outdoor terrace, al fresco style, with panoramic views of the ocean and tropical gardens.

Specialties include the Albero di Antipasti, at THB++600, a delicious selection of 6 of your favourite anti pasti choices, perfect when you can’t decide from their extensive menu choices.

Another must try is the Ravioli Frutti di Mare at THB440++, delectable homemade ravioli stuffed with the freshest Andaman seafood and served in a mouthwatering creamy crab meat sauce!

Average price: 400++THB What to Try: BThe antipasti & ravioli frutti di mare Free WiFi?: No Opening Hours: Open daily from 6pm - 11pm.

Tel:+66 (0)75627800 Email: fbsales@sofitelphokeethrakrabi.com Website: www.sofitel.com/6184

Gecko’s restaurant @ The Sheraton Resort & Spa

155 Moo 2, Nong Thale, Krabi

The signature restaurant of Sheraton Krabi features fresh pastas, salads and delicious selections from authentic Italian home cooking to pizzas baked in a traditional wood burning oven. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and the Andaman Sea breeze while dining at this prestigious resort, known the world over for it’s top quality dining experiences.

With a mouth-watering array of choices on the menu, you are quite literally spoiled for choice when it comes down to it.

Great food in a 5-star location with meticulous attention to detail. What more could you ask for?

Average price: 400-900++THB What to Try: The pizzas Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Open daily from 11am -11pm.

Tel: +66 (0)75628000 Website: www.sheraton.com/krabi

Cleopatra - Egyptian Restaurant & Shisha

On the main road to Ao Nang beach, after Mc Donalds

This is without a doubt one of the best things to hit the Ao Nang dining scene this season.

The food here is North African and Arabic, so think home-made hummus, baba ghanoush, eggplant curry, falafel and kebabs and you get some idea of what to expect. They have a vast array of dishes that ranges from lamb biryani and pasta to T-Bone steaks and mashed potatoes.

Although you must banish any image of a greasy, late night kebab house - this place does it in style.

This is the only place around that offers the traditional shisa pipe along with a variety of fruit flavours that are all worth a go - especially if you haven’t tried them before. They use a nontobacco formula that is pretty unique, and a lot better for you as well.

They compliment their dishes with a selection of 6 different breads that are all baked on-site in a large outdoors bread oven. Their BBQ grill is just as impressive and there can be nothing better than sitting on the terrace sipping a cool drink and watching your selection being cooked in front of you.

Average Price: 250+THB Shisha: 200 - 450THB What to Try: Hummus, breads, lamb Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from Noon - 2am Tel: +66 (0)82 1951982 email: cleopatra_krabi@hotmail.com

Tattoo de Café

On the Ao Nang Beach Road

The Tattoo de Café is something of an institution in Ao Nang as they have been on the beach for over 8 years and counting. With a fairly unique combo of tattoos and food, you can get inked and drinked (!) at the same time, with top quality in both areas.

Forget instant “6-in-one” coffees here as only the freshest ground beans are used in their brews.

For something sweet to accompany your cuppa, they offer some truly scrumptious homemade cheesecake and ice-creams that are becoming legendary.

If you are after something hot, they have some great house specials that include “Khao Pad Plaa Salit” - fried rice with salted fish & dried chillies, and spaghetti with bacon and black olives.

American and English breakfasts, salads, chicken wings, cheesy fries, sandwiches and more all make this place a great - and handy - stop on your way down the beach road.

Average Price: 100+THB What to Try: Grilled chicken & club sandwich, cheesecake Free WiFi?: Yes Tel: +66 (0) 81-9294766 email: mirorynut@hotmail.com

Eating Guide The Frog & Catfish - Restaurant & Country Inn

Din Daeng Noi, Nong Thale, Krabi Town 81000

Owned and ran by Gary and his wife, Bua, the Frog & Catfish is located in the Din Daeng Noi locality just a 10 minute drive from busy Ao Nang and is a gem of a place.

The food here is nothing short of spectacular, with people coming from as far as Railay Beach just to eat for the evening. Top resorts have been sending their head chefs here to see what all the fuss is about, and with good reason.

Think duck curries and freshwater fish. Lemongrass and mango fused with chilli and herbs. Sushi roll-style spring rolls with a 7-herb dip. You get the idea. They use locally sourced ingredients and organically grown fish from their own stocks. There are also have a few western items on the menu that include their own take on the classic fish & chips with “proper chips”, a full English breakfast and fillet steak as well as pasta and a few others all prepared in their own impeccable style

Average Price: 150+THB What to Try: Whole fried fish in Boraan Sauce, Duck curry Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from 10am-10pm Tel: +66(0)84 773 0301 Website: www.frogandcatfishkrabi.com

The location is stunning, the hospitality equally so and the food downright delicious. If you are looking to get away from the bustle of Krabi or Ao Nang for a while, this is the place to go.

U&P Homemade Bakery 401/4 Ao Nang, Krabi. End of Na Thai Road.

U&P Homemade Bakery has been around for a few years now and has secured itself a place in the hearts and stomachs of many locals and ex-pats in the Ao Nang area. Being one of the very few bakeries in town that bakes a good loaf of bread, U&P also have a great array - and display - of pastries, cakes, flatbreads, rolls, buns and even breadsticks to choose from.

They have a fairly extensive menu as well, meaning you can get more than just a decent cup of coffee and croissant in the morning. Lunchtime is sorted with a great selection of western and Thai dishes - the sandwiches being a firm favorite thanks to the freshness of the bread being used and the decent sized portions served up. Their early morning opening is perfect if you want to get a head start on your day, and the free WiFi makes hanging out here a longer pleasure as you can catch up with work or friends online.

What to Try: Sandwiches Free WiFi?: Yes Average Price: 100THB Opening Hours: 6am - 5pm Tel.: 081-8956670

Located a little out of town for most of the tourist trade, they are certainly worth a look in if you find yourself in the Na Thai area on the outskirts of Ao Nang. You won’t be disappointed!

Bussaba Thai Restaurant 129 Moo3, Ao Nang Beach, Ao Nang, Krabi

The Bussaba Thai Restaurant is a terrific place to start if you have just arrived in Thailand. That’s not to say it’s only for newcomers - not by a long shot - but for a first introduction to this country and it’s cuisine, it hits the spot.

The location, for one, is close to Ao Nang beach which makes for a pleasant stroll to and from the place, to get your juices flowing. Once you arrive, the combination of delicious cooking aromas coming from the kitchen will again give you a better idea of what’s to come.

Seafood is the name of the game here, and its as fresh as you can get. Crab, snapper, king prawns and more can be steamed, fried, battered and minced with the freshest ingredients to create something for everyone.

For those of you adverse to the chilli, they can serve sauces on the side or recommend a host of other options, including lime, garlic, lemongrass and plum sauces to compliment your dish.

There is a distinct Northern twist to the food, which means traditional recipes at a lower price than a lot of the other restaurants in the area.

Cheap, tasty, simple and with friendly service, the Bussaba Thai Restaurant is hard to beat for that real-deal Thai food experience. One happy customer even went on to state, “I could eat here every day for the rest of my life” Enough said, I suppose...

Average Price: 250THB What to Try: Seafood Free WiFi?: Yes Tel: +66(0) 75 661 409 Website: www.bussabathairestaurant@live.com

Eating Guide Cafe Del Mar Restaurant 126/2 Moo 3, Ao Nang, Krabi

This well-known eatery is the partner restaurant to the Baan Bandalay Resort next to it, and is a great place for some good Thai food close to the center of things.

With an impressive view of the towering green jungle-covered cliffs opposite, you can very happily while away some time here sipping a fresh fruit shake or partaking in one of the classical Thai dishes the South has become renowned for.

Curries are good here and the Massaman in particular has been singled out by many as one to look forward to. They also offer sizzling platters that come to your table for that something a little different!

Average Price: 120THB What to Try: The Mussaman currry Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: All day Tel: +66(0) 75 638 085/6 Email: reservation@baanbandalay.com

Good food, local ingredients and well presented - Cafe Del Mar is hard to beat.

Khao Thong Terrace This place is the restaurant equivalent of a pot of gold at the end of a particularly spectacular rainbow. I’d bet my left arm that there is no way you would ever find the Khao Thong Terrace in a gazillion years until now. Heck, we had no idea it existed until a Thai friend told us about it.

The food here matches the view - simply amazing. If you tire of the usual “Thai Tourist” fodder then imagine a herb salad consisting of ginger, lemongrass, carrot, lime, spring onion and chilli with a Thai sweet sauce relish, or “Laab Pla”, aka spicy, crispy fish salad and an amazing yellow curry with crab that has Thai locals honing in here from miles around.

Don’t be worried that this is exclusively a Thai place though, as they cater for both local and notso local palates. Crunchy spring rolls, chicken satay sticks, fresh fish fried with turmeric, homemade fish cakes and chicken any way you like it are all possible, and all fresh from the water you gaze at while devouring.

Average Price: 120THB What to Try: The crab curry Free WiFi?: Thankfully not Opening Hours: Daily from 11am-10pm Tel: +66(0)83 107 4400 Email: khaothongterrace@gmail.com

Washed down with a fresh cocktail - or even a mocktail for the drivers - Khao Thong Terrace promises to be an evening you won’t, and shouldn’t, forget.

Poppy’s Minigolf Garden & Kebab Cafe Soi 13, Ao Nang, Krabi

Poppy’s Special Offers...

• • •

Chicken kebab with our famous garlic mayonnaise sauce and a Chang beer or Leo Draught beer: 159 Baht.

5 Chang beers for 200 Baht Chang beer+ Chicken Kebab + MiniGolf....just 300 Baht....so that is the beer for free!

We have free WiFi, Free Ping Pong and if you want to make a Karaoke party, it is also possible and free.

Average Price: Chicken kebab & beer for 159THB What to Try: The kebabs Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Lunchtime until last one goes home Tel: +66(0) 80 146 4977 Email: aonang_7@hotmail.com

Our Facebook page is Poppy’s MiniGolf & KebabCafe

The Beer Garden @ Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort Right outside the resort on the main road towards Ao Nang Beach - beside Mc Donald’s

Simple yet very, very effective, The Beer Garden does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s an al fresco experience smack in the center of Ao Nang with tables and chairs set out on the sidewalk for you to indulge in some serious people-watching as well as sampling some great draft beers and food.

I can’t think of anywhere locally that has Asahi beer on tap apart from here. Yes, draft beers are the way forward and they are all accompanied with some great Thai and German fare.

As well as Pad Thai from a traditional cart to help soak up the beer, they also have several typed of German sausage on offer, as well as skewers from the charcoal grill that is fired up every day.

Add to this some live entertainment and you have a combo that’s hard to beat.

Draft beer, great music and grilled meat - what more could a body ask for on a hot day?

Every Sunday in April at 7pm, “Joe’s Stammtisch” is a 3 course dinner with International beer tasting for just 250THB. Well worth a look-in.

Average Price: 120THB What to Try: The German sausages Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: 5pm - 10pm Tel: +66(0) 75 626 888 Email: info@aonangcliffbeach.com

Utopia With its quirky charm and provocatively witty signs that are doubletake worthy, Utopia International Delights is quickly putting Railay Central on the map.

It’s hard to miss this place - both physically and online - as it’s along the main path between the east and west beaches, and stellar internet reviews have pushed it to one of the top restaurants to visit on Railay.

Naturally, we went to investigate...

O

ver a year ago, owners Clayton and Georgia along with their wee little grom Kodiak, envisioned a once abandoned concrete slab on a lonely dirt path as more than just that. Today, it has actualized into a cultural experience extending beyond their spectacular menu of food and drinks.

Utopia’s pervasive reputation is also known for its nightly movie viewing, live band performances, free Wifi (a rarity on Railay these days), and of course, its ever enchanting and gracious owners. And they are the sweetest. Just. The.

“

Sweetest. Clayton is a no bologna sandwich chew-the-fat kind of guy, and Georgia has that old friend soul that’s impossible not to adore. And Georgia’s knack for baking vegan treats is solid enough to win the heart of any meat-atarian.

Utopia’s fare is split between authentic Indian dishes and Western food of the American variety. Georgia and Clayton are after all, ‘Merican. Their food is the real deal. It’s legitimate, as in no Ketchup Carbonara, Chernobyl-colored sausages, or wine that tastes like it’s been aged in a rubbish bin.

It is the true essence of relaxed Thailand,

Two of my dinner dates and myself are from California, which practically makes us Mexicans, so to exceed our expectations on the Mexi food alone was monumental. I had a Burrito – a dish whereby veggies, cheese and meat go camping and slumber in a sleeping bag made of a giant flour tortilla- that was almost criminal. My friend ordered Nachos – another Mexican dish of tortilla chips, melted cheese, salsa and actually sour, sour cream– that are delicious enough to make anyone territorial…as in “These are mine! Nachos!”

”

Their presence alone everyday mingling with guests and being a part of the service speaks volumes of what patrons are treated to at Utopia. It is the true essence of relaxed Thailand, mixed with a melting pot of cuisines and distinctive flair. The food is always delicious, the drinks are always cold, and the cool is always free.

I must say, I quite fancy this place.

The prawns in Madras Curry Sauce and the Aloo Ghobi – an Indian dish of potatoes, cauliflower and Indian spices - were to die for, and then you get reincarnated and die again…you know, because its Indian food. The menu also includes a large variety of vegetarian options and according to my vegetarian date, it was splendid. Clearly, these people know Indian food and are familiar with the business end of some Naan. I won’t get into the soy lattes, but you should know that they are made from real coffee beans. Remember coffee beans?

Yeah, me neither. Big thanks for the reminder, Utopia.

Sure, people go out to eat because they are on vacation and don’t have kitchens or the desire to do anything too manual.

However, experience matters heavily when we have choices, and Georgia and Clayton are keenly aware that the overall experience is what keeps people happy and coming back.

Contact them at: utopia_railay@hotmail.com or +66 (0) 82 890 0812

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New Pants Please Railay Beach is known the world over as a premier climbing destination, with over 700 bolted routes ranging from easy to knock-kneed. The views of Railay East and West beaches and Phra Nang Bay of course, are devastatingly stunning. Moving at a glacial pace, I finally decided to try out climbing after having been here for over eight months.

By Emily Huang-Ramirez

I

brought along my best friend visiting from the States – Kristen - to help capture the most unflattering shots of us holdingonforlife climbing, and things got real. Real Rocks, that is.

Thanks to our new friends Tik, Tom and Rachael, we were looking like pro’s after two days of climbing, unearthing an unknown talent for survival.

With over 14 years of climbing experience, owner and head climbing instructor Tik had a lot in store for us on our first day, although probably not as interesting as the times he guided 1) an 80-year-old climber, 2) a six-months pregnant climber, 3) a one-legged climber and 4) a one-armed climber. How could we compete?

Kristen and I had only done a climb or two before, so it was safe to say we were total newb’s. Tik suggested we try our hand at the half-day climb, which is more than enough to make you realize you have very weak forearms. To start, we headed to a wall on Railay Beach East well out of the sun (so thoughtful, that Tik). We learned all of the safety procedures, had a few practice go’s at belaying, and tried a few different routes of climbing, each between 10-15 meters. Even for newcomers, we realized off the bat that we were indeed in a very special place. No

matter where you ascend to in Railay, the scenery is enough to stop you in your tracks.

After we had clambered up the beginner wall a few times, it was time to head into the abyss of Thai Wan Cave guided only by candlelight. As we made our way through from Phra Nang Bay and out into the face of the cliff overlooking Railay Sunset Beach, there were only two options to get back to home base: re-trace our steps (un-fun) or abseil down (definitely more fun!). The scenery is surreal; through small outcroppings you find yourself overlooking Phra Nang Bay on one side and then suddenly a sweeping panoramic view of Tonsai and Railay Sunset on the other. 200 photos and some four hours later, we were happily exhausted, prepping for the next day when adrenaline dumps were forecasted to be at their highest.

At some point there must have been a genius convention held on Railay (not clear as to how I missed the invite), because Deep Water Soloing came into existence and it’s nothing short of brilliant. This time, Tik and fellow climbing instructor Tom took us on an unforgettable sunset adventure. Deep Water Soloing is free climbing that ends with a plunge into the ocean.

Accessible only by boat, we were taken to two locations and allowed to have at it. I moved to Thailand and traded the corporate ladder for a rope ladder, and I’d have to say the rope ladder was much more difficult. Why? Because it’s a rope, suspended from a cliff and partially swaying about in the water as if in the middle of the wash cycle. But once you manage to get yourself up, the fun really begins.

You are in charge of how high you would like to climb, and Tik and Tom were there every step of the way - sometimes one step ahead to guide us – to ensure that we felt safe, were actually safe, and most importantly, having a blast.

Railay’s Annual F i r e S h o w Championships for the past few years.

Whodathunk the crew at Real Rocks had such an awesome resume of talents!

But the evening was not over after our romantical group dinner and show. There is a special spot Regardless of how high you climb, it never I moved to Thailand and offshore from Railay that has – looks that high up until you’re up there. But once you bite the bullet and just jump, the traded the corporate brace yourself – bioluminescent thrill is worth every inch of the flight. Just ladder for a rope ladder. plankton that you can swim with! It’s hard to describe the remember it’s a good idea to keep unbelievable feeling of floating in your legs crossed on the way tepid waters underneath the stars and down. You’re welcome.

After a few hours of climbing and a full moon, and then dipping down to nature’s glow-in-thespectating some very impressive dark dazzler. You just have to try it for yourself. jumpers, we headed to Poda Island for We returned to shore chins up, smiles on and stupefied to say a sunset dinner. the least. Did the last two days really happen? Is this real Apparently Tom and Tik are also life? Yessum, sirs and madams. This is a blissful, paradisical super handy with fire, and we were playground we are living in, and we owe it to ourselves treated to an extraordinary fire show to play accordingly. Our new friends at Real Rocks were after the sun had set. Tom has gracious hosts and superb guides, and it was just a small even qualified to participate in taste of the feast to be had on Railay.

“

Just get over there and climb already!

New Router for Technophobes

Linksys has launched a new powerful app enabled all-in-one WiFi modem router in the Linksys X-Series, X3500 which comes in a stylish enclosure.

The X3500 is designed for consumers who want an easy to install and manage.

Linksys says connecting new devices is simplified with the new router. Uses can just press the WPS button on the device they wish to connect and tap the WPS button in the mobile app to establish a secure connection.

Media and printers can be shared on the network through the builtin USB port and DLNA Certified Media Server - enabling wireless

Key Features:

printing and media streaming to devices such as tablets and smart TVs.

•

Delivers wireless networking speeds up to 450Mbps[1]

•

Connects to an ADSL line or cable/fibre modem

“Connected devices are emerging in every household with tablets,

•

Four Gigabit ports for faster file sharing

smartphones and smart TVs being immensely popular. With this

•

Share USB storage or print wirelessly with Virtual USB

new Linksys X-Series flagship wireless router we help consumers

•

Media streaming to all DLNA compatible devices

connect their devices in a simple way, offering a very powerful

•

Easy three-step installation

solution that is ready for wireless video streaming - like watching

•

Guest network and parental controls

TV on your tablet for example. The X3500 is also equipped with

•

Free mobile app for Android and iOS

both an ADSL and Ethernet connection, making it compatible with

•

Compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n devices

virtually any broadband connection,” said Amnat Meemongkol,

•

IPv6 compatible

Linksys, Sales Manager- Thailand.

A

spiritual son of mine, Benjamin Schmitt, got into the ring after only one month of Muay Thai training and he won his fight even though his Thai opponent had more experience and fights.

He truly did fight like a champion with a humble heart, a calm royal respect and the determination of a Siam warrior. “Siam” means “dark skin”, so back in the day they were the best fighters and of course they are from Krabi!

Ben is originally from France. His family started a business here last year and he actually tried Muay Thai at the age of 9 years old. He is 10 years old now and he told his dad, “I do not like Muay Thai and I will not do it anymore.” then I met the family and they discovered I love, I fight and train in Muay Thai from the old ways of the tradition which means … let us have some fun as we learn this amazing sport with honor and respect. Ben got to train with me and I had a blast with him and then he

41 8

told his dad he wants to train in Muay Thai again. You see, Muay Thai really depends on who and where you train and the best place to train is the place you have fun at and you feel like family.

I took him to the stadium to start to train more because there are young fighters there his age and I wanted him to experience the real deal in Thailand. Now this is even more interesting because Ben does not speak Thai and he can only speak a little English too, and the Thai fighters and trainers only speak Thai. That is what makes Thailand amazing … especially in Muay Thai … if you commit and take the time to be in the culture you can learn anything in the land of smiles - but you have to smile too!

After the stadium trainers had Ben for a couple of weeks, they asked him to fight.

They said he could do it. Ben asked me what I think and I told him it was up to him because he is the one getting into the

ring but I did say to train for the fight at least 4 more weeks. IT turns out that Ben is a natural at Muay Thai, he has so much energy and makes me with that I was 10 years old again!

Ben got ready at the stadium for the fight just like all the other Thai fighters. They massaged him as a warm-up and greased him down with Thai oil so he was like a slippery pig. This is a traditional way to get ready for a fight and Ben just accepted everything they did for his pre-fight preparation.

Ben then came out to the ring, he was ready, I was able to pray for him and most Thai fighters pray over 10 times before and during their fights. Ben did the tradition pre-fight ceremony of sealing the ring, wai-khru and then the “ram muay”. This is the showing of respect to Muay Thai teachers and then performing the stadium gym “Muay Thai dance” to show everyone

who trained him. Ben said he was more nervous about the ceremony than he was fighting and I told him to have fun and let the ceremony be your pre-fight warm-up.

Ben did a great job and the crowd clapped with approval as he finished his pre-fight ceremony.

Now the fight is on! The first round Ben acted as if he was experienced, he was a champion and actually he really took his time and relaxed. The first round was a good warm up but we saw something that concerned us - his Thai opponent came to fight. It was going to be truly the “real deal” and Ben was going to really reach into his heart and Thai fight.

The second round was 50/50. The Thai fighter got a good flying knee into Ben and it knocked him down, but Ben came right back with a hard kick, clinch and knee strikes. We had seen that the Thai fighter was better on the outside and distance

fighting, so Ben strengths were his close clinch and knee fighting techniques. The same thing went on in the third round.

Ben actually hurt his opponent with some strong knees but Ben did not know it and we all were screaming … “go go go Ben … go for the KO … you hurt him!” Ben just stayed humble and did the fight as it came to him.

Round four - traditionally this round is the one to win. If you win this round you have probably won the fight, so both fighters came out hard. The fight was in Ben’s favor because they went right into the clinch and then when his opponent got free, Ben got in some big punches and kicks and then went right back to the clinch. Ben’s opponent was feeling the consistent knee attack, Ben hurt him again but this time kept going and then the referee stepped in and announced Ben as the winner.

There is nothing like this experience.

Watching a young man at 10 years old going into a fight in Thailand and fighting at heart levels beyond human understanding. That is the real deal. That is Thai fight. That is what true Muay Thai in Thailand promotes. It really is not about your skill level, it is about you showing your heart and allowing yourself to go to a higher divine level of living. Ben is truly our Ao Nang Muay Thai champ and now his is back in France teaching and training with other young men as “iron sharpens iron”.

The biggest thing that I think Ben learned was to be humble, honorable and yet fight with a Siam warrior heart.

Contact me if you want to go to the fights. I will give you a tour of the gym, the stadium and show you how the fighters are getting ready to fight. Plus you can take as many pictures and videos as you want as long as you promise to share them with others.

You can watch Ben’s fight on my YouTube channel at http://youtu.be/v4mzhvoqfjw http://www.youtube.com/user/docThailand If you want to learn more about Muay Thai or even take a lesson please feel free to contact khru “doc”. docThailand@gmail.com – cell 087-810-2177 www.facebook.com/muayThaimissions https://www.facebook.com/khru.doc.9 - www.facebook.com/docdocto

9

Hot Diggity Dog Hot Dogs: bringing Krabi-ans (-nites? -sians?) together since 2005.

Actually, maybe it’s more the bottomless beer included in the entry fee that brings the people together.

In any case, I surmise that good cheer coupled with a little healthy competition makes for a blasted good time, and Café Europa recently hosted said good times with its annual Hot Dog Eating Contest.

By Emily Huang-Ramirez

Perhaps you’ve heard of this Scandinavian gem before, situated in the heart of Krabi Town now for nearly 23 years. Better known for its culinary delights, Café Europa serves up homemade pate, Smørrebrød (Danish open-faced sandwiches), imported Scandinavian cheeses, genuine Akvavit (wickedly strong alcohol), and gluten-free bread made fresh upon request. The neighborhood eatery has been popular with Thais, expatriates and tourists alike, but its ubiquity extends beyond their imports.

Owners Henrik, Finn, and Tip opened their doors in 1990 - long before the tourism boom invaded Krabi - with the simple mission of bringing a few comforts from home served up with a family feel. Today, they are a household name. Any of the owners can be found at the restaurant on a typical day, serving guests or sitting down to chat. One immediately feels the tenderhearted charm that permeates the air in this mom-and-pop style cafe.

And despite their occasional VIP guest list – the governor of Krabi is a regular and Leonardo Di Caprio ate here often enough to have his own chair commissioned - the establishment has remained tethered to its down-to-earth roots.

The idea for the contest was born from a small group of dive instructors that frequented the cafe, indulging in the nostalgic red hot dogs from the motherland. Naturally, someone had the brilliant idea that it should evolve into an eating contest, and these days Café Europa continues the tradition. “It’s just fun for the people,” Henrik explained. “It’s fun to give back to the regulars. A lot of people look forward to this event. More so they come for the beers, though.”

To the unknowing, the flaming red color of the hot dogs is peculiar, but it is actually intentional. In Denmark during the days of yonder, sausages were sold in their usual brown color.

The leftover sausages were then dyed red, so that customers could distinguish between the fresh and day-old sausages the following day. Somehow, people just began preferring a splash of color in their lives and the red dogs overtook the boring old brown. The hot dogs used for the contest were actually made in Bangkok by actual Danes and are regularly shipped to the restaurant.

This year, a whopping thirty contestants participated with some coming from as far as Phuket. In twelve short but grueling dog-stuffing minutes, people washed down hot dogs with beer, with some opting for the quicker technique of dipping the bread into the beer to speed up their journey down to eager bellies. Others casually dressed their dogs in onions and mustard in between chuckles, not taking the event as seriously as a heart attack (figuratively and literally).

The record of nine and a half hot dogs remains unbroken, but a fierce Rune Granland from Norway pounded eight and a half for the win. Dude, if you are reading this, congrats on being Top Dog. The rest of the evening kind of went hazy after that, culminating in another outstanding year for the festivities. Only one small casualty occurred with a loose tooth from the youngest competitor, Daniel. Focused and dedicated, he accidentally swallowed it mid-Hot Dog and slightly panicked. “Don’t worry,” coached his quick-witted father, “the tooth fairy will just put the money on the toilet.” Nice save, Dad. The contest is one small social event in a restaurant where everyday is a social matter centered around good food and great vibes. It wouldn’t hurt to practice stretching your stomach in anticipation of next year’s event, though.

Also, everyone please take a moment to acknowledge the genius that is the creator of spandex.

Until next year, Café Europa…

075-637-119

info@tjs-krabi.com www.tjs-krabi.com

Open Daily

From 12:00 to Late

WWW.PUSH-KRABI.COM INFO@PUSH-KRABI.COM

075-637-118

Open Daily 7:00 - 23:00

Secret Corner

If you really want to get away from it al,l Sabai Ba Bar is the place to go. Keenly tucked away in Klong Muang it is the place to be if you want to get away from the tourist traps and really chill like a local.

“Let’s Relax” is the theme of Sabai Ba Bar and this is not just a hook phrase used to draw customers. I had a brief chat with the co-owner of this quaint and really quiet soul zone. K. Ponphet shared with me that the whole idea of Sabai Ba Bar was actually influenced by the local Thais in Klong Muang.

Nestled right along the sea where fisherman would come in after a long day out catching the local fare. They would stop by one of the many street food vendors that line the seafront property of this lovely little village.

One particular street food stand would draw many of the locals day after day. The people enjoyed the food preparation, as it was authentic Thai food but always made with extremely fresh ingredients and with a bit of creativity, if you will.

By word of mouth alone they gained such popularity that 3 years ago this small family took a risk to see if they could support an actual business by purchasing a building and laying ground; thus Sabai Ba Bar was born.

As we were chatting, “Mama” Liang (as I quickly nick named her) emerged from the foliage to greet me with a big Thai smile and a ‘Sawasdee ka”. I giggled as K. Ponphet shared with me that when Mama and her family began the restaurant-bar she would take a traditional Thai meal like Phad Thai and liven it up with tiger prawns and added spices. Every one of her menu items has a bit of a twist and the flavors will drive your taste buds wild.

44

Mama has since hung up her apron to care for all of the beautiful plants that creates much of the ambiance to this hidden gem and given the secret recipes over to Uncle.

He has in turn taken European foods and given them a Thai flare, such as, Penang or red curry chicken sandwiches or shrimp sandwiches with Thai spicy sauce.

As you kick back and relax to a nice coolant from their trendy yet traditional bar, you will be served your meal just as you would at home - where you know that Mama took her time to prepare you a meal made for a king.

Don’t be in a hurry to eat and run, that’s not Sabai Ba Bar. This is a place to come expecting one thing; relaxation.

Everything else is just the cherry on top.

You might even come in on an evening when they have a local band from the village or one of the nearby resorts who decides to pay a visit and just play a set or two. This place is a must!

And did I fail to mention that it sets along side the Andaman Sea, so the view is to die for.

Come, let’s relax at Sabai Ba Bar.

They pride themselves on offering authentic Thai food with high class quality at a local price.

Open afternoons until late and located just around the bend from the Krabi Sheraton on the left side before Sofitel.

Just ask a local; they will quickly point the way.

Try your

Thai

Krabi is well-used to foreigners and most of the Thai people that deal with tourists on a daily basis will have a smattering of English to get by. The employees at your resort, for example. But if you want to try out a little of their own language, you will be rewarded by even bigger smiles and even the odd giggle. The Thais really do appreciate you making an effort to speak their language and just the odd word here and there can make all the difference in your relationships with them.

Hello (male speaker)........................................................................... “Sawadee Krap” Hello (female speaker).......................................................................... “Sawadee Kaa” How are you?...................................................................................... “Sabai Dee Mai?” I’m fine........................................................................................................... “Sabai Dee” How much is this?................................................................................ “A Nee Tao Rai?” What is this?..................................................................................................“Nee a Rai?” Yes............................................................................................................................. “Chai” No..................................................................................................................... “Mai Chai” Sorry/Excuse me.............................................................................................“Kor Toht” I can’t speak Thai................................................................. “Poot Passa Thai Mai Dai” Can you speak English?..................................... “Khun Poot Passa Angrit Dai Mai?” I don’t understand.................................................................................. “Mai Khao Jai” Do you understand?..............................................................................“Khao Jai Mai? Help!..................................................................................................... “Chooey Dooey!”

Spicy........................................................................................................................... “Pet” Not spicy............................................................................................................“Mai Pet” Is that tasty?................................................................................................. “A Roy Mai? Hot (Temperature)............................................................................................... “Rawn” Cold............................................................................................................................“Yen” Water................................................................................................................... “Naam” Where is the restroom/toilet?....................................... “Hong Naam Yoo Tee Nai? Can I have the bill/check?......................................................................... “Kep Tang” Where are you going?....................................................................................“Pai Nai? See you soon.........................................................................................“Pop Gan Mai”

And the one that rules them all - the 3 words that every Thai lives by and that can teach us stress-monkeys a thing or two about life…

It doesn’t matter No big deal Don’t worry about it Never mind

“Mai Pen Rai”

Numbers 1 - Noong 2 - Song 3 - Sam 4 - See 5 - Haa

6 - Hock 7 - Jet 8 - Ped 9 - Khao 10 - Sip

WHAT What isIS Montessori?

MONTESSORI?

I am sure that many parents have heard this word many times before, but in reality just a few truly understand what this method is all about and why it is different from any other traditional method in education.

I

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind” Dr. Maria Montessori

am sure that many parents have heard independent, creative, compassionate and opportunity for every child’s potential to reach its absolute maximum. this word many times before, but in always curious for more knowledge. reality just a few truly understand what At present, it is a well-known fact that this method is all about and why it is many successful and prominent people Modern scientific research has confirmed different from any other traditional method in the world have been educated in that a child from 0 to 6 is very open to in education.

Montessori formation schools. Theycannot are famous education and has a so called “Absorbent Character be taught. scientists, musicians, writers, businessmen, It comes from experience and not frommind”. At that age, a child absorbs everything from his surroundings and it This method was developed by Dr. Maria politicians and members of Royal families. explanation.

Montessori (the first woman doctor in Dr. Maria Montessori was the first person to becomes a part of his personality, mind Dr. Maria Montessori Italy and a prominent psychologist) more recognize the importance of the early years and soul. than 100 years ago and gained immediate where the foundation of a child’s future is worldwide recognition due to shocking laid. During her work and experiments, That’s why it is extremely important what results shown by the children who have she developed the method, which kind of environment and people are attended schools using Montessori allowed an environment for discovery and around the child in those early years of life. method.

“

The results were quite impressive, the children in Montessori class (from 3 to 6 years old) could distinguish 64 shades of colors, easily operate with concepts of length and volume, name all geometric shapes, count up to 10,000, add and multiply, write perfectly in handwritten calligraphy, read with pleasure and understanding of meaning and had sufficient knowledge of biology, geography, music and etc.

More importantly, the children were learning all these things with great pleasure and joy and without any enforcement from a teacher. During the process, they were

Unfortunately in our society, some schools just use the name “Montessori” a brand, but do not follow and implement Unfortunately inmodern our modern society, some schools just useas the name “Montessori” as a its original principles and philosophy. Here are some points and characteristics of Montessori class that can help parents to determine if it is brand, but do not follow and implement its original principles and philosophy. “fake” or original Montessori method used in a school...

Here are some points andteacher characteristics ofafter Montessori Professionally trained staff: The table before and meals and washclass their that can help parents to must have an AMI (Association Montessori own dishes.

It is an important part of determine if it is “fake” or original Montessori method usedthe in a school...

International) Diploma. AMI is a world famous organization and was founded

by Dr. Maria Montessori to protect and preserve the origins of her method. If a school has AMI accreditation, it means that the school preciously follows the original Montessori method.

education process, where they learn not only the skills for practical life, but also good table manners. Discipline...

Discipline in the are Montessori classroom is amazing. There Ages and Programs: The children is no loud talking, running or screaming. It is an absolutely divided into the following groups and quiet classroom full of children! Usually, children work quietly programs: 1 to 3 years old great – Toddler and with interest and motivation. By giving children program, 3 to 6 years old – Primary the freedom to choose what to do in a specifically prepared program, and 6 to 9 and 9 to 12 years environment of old a Montessori classroom, they learn selfcontrol over the child. But to act as a quiet – Elementary 1 and 2 discipline program. Mixed and noage longer need an adult to call them to order. observer, kindly and gently directing the groups help children to develop social child towards activities and materials that skills. Younger children have opportunities the child himself is showing an interest to observe and learn from the older peers, Environment...

Montessori philosophy... and requires for his own development. The and the older children try to set a good The school should have a fully equipped classroom with and waits Freedom of the child,teacher respectonly for suggests his personality, lackfor of the example for the younger ones. custom-made children size furniture and full set of original competition in the group, self-reliance and child toencouraging start the learning process but does Montessori education materials. The materials are defined independence, and much more makesa scenario the Montessori not force or animate as is usually Lessons: The teacher makes short for the natural laws of development and divided into several specific zones: Sensorial, Language, method appropriate done in a traditional school! individually.

Mathematic, Culture and Practical Life. Mostpresentations importantly,to each student and needs of the child. there are absolutely NO TOYS in have the original Environment: The school should a ThisMontessori comes at the right moment when the Discipline: Discipline in the Montessori classroom! fully equipped classroom with custom- teacher sees the readiness and interest classroom is amazing. There is no loud made children size furniture and full set of talking, running or screaming. It is an original Montessori education materials. absolutely quiet classroom full of children!

The materials are defined and divided into Usually, children work quietly and with The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind. several specific zones: Sensorial, Language, great interest and motivation. By giving Mathematic,Dr. Culture and Practical Life.

Maria Montessori children the freedom to choose what to Most importantly, there are absolutely NO do in a specifically prepared environment TOYS in the original Montessori classroom! of a Montessori classroom, they learn selfClassroom schedule...

Lessons... discipline and no longer need an adult to Classroom schedule: 3 hours of 3 hours of uninterrupted working cycle in the morning, when The teacher makes short presentations call them to order. to each student uninterrupted working in concentration the children reach the deepestcycle level of in their individually. This comes at the right moment when the morning, children reach the deepest work with when Montessori materials and absorb the knowledge teacher sees the readiness and interest of the student.

By of no the Montessori philosophy: Freedom level of concentration in lunch their follows work with quickly and easily. Usually, the 3-hours working means are lessons forced or given to the child without their child, respect for his personality, lack of Montessori absorb theof any Montessori cycle.

Healthy materials nutrition isand also a vital part sincere desire to learn. In Montessori school there are almost competition in the group, encouraging environment.

During lunchtime, children are taught to set no collective lessons! Usually children learn quickly to work knowledge quickly and easily. Usually, self-reliance and choice. independence, and the tablefollows beforethe and3-hours after meals and cycle. wash their own dishes. independently or in small groups of their lunch working much more makes the Montessori It Healthy is an important part of the education process, where they nutrition is also a vital part of learn not only the skills for practical life, but also good table method appropriate for the natural laws of any Montessori environment.

During of the student. By no means are lessons manners. development and needs of the child. lunchtime, children are taught to set the forced or given to the child without their sincere desire to learn. In Montessori school there are almost no collective The work of the Teacher...

Ages and Programs... lessons! Usually children learn quickly to Montessori work independently orIninthe small groups ofclassroom, the adult acts as a guide and The children are divided into the following groups and aid to the child’s development. It means that it is not her programs: 1 to 3 years old – Toddler program, 3 to 6 years their choice.

“

right to be the dictator or have control over the child. But old – Primary program, and 6 to 9 and 9 to 12 years old – to act as a quiet observer, kindly and gently directing the Elementary 1 and 2 program. Mixed age groups help children The work of the Teacher: In the Montessori child towards activities and materials that the child himself to develop social skills. Younger children have opportunities classroom, the adult acts as a guide and aid is showing an interest and requires for his own development. to observe and learn from the older peers, and the older to the child’s development.

It meansonly thatsuggests it The teacher and waits for the child to start the children try to set a good example for the younger ones. is not her right to be the dictator or have learning process but does not force or animate a scenario as is usually done in a traditional school!

Montessori Method is a comprehensive approach. Only in the combination of all the necessary conditions, we can see the progress of our children, the progress of the physical, mental and spiritual. We can see how they are changing very quickly - how they enjoy their new discoveries and learn to make friends, to help each other and how they gain confidence in their abilities and boundless thirst for knowledge, which they will carry through their whole life.

Montessori Method is a comprehensive approach. Only“Character in the combination of all be thetaught. necessary conditions, we can of formation cannot It comes from experience andsee notthe fromprogress explanation” our children, the progress of the physical, mental and spiritual. We can see how they are changing very quickly - how-- they enjoy their Dr. Maria Montessori new discoveries and learn to make friends, to help each other and how they gain confidence in their abilities and boundless thirst for knowledge, which they will carry through their whole life.

Krabi International Montessori is an early learning center that offers the original Montessori education for children

Krabi International is an check early learning center that offers the originalorMontessori education forinformation children from 1 to 6 years from 1 to 6Montessori years old. Please our website www.krabimontessori.com Facebook page for more old. Please check our website www.krabimontessori.com or Facebook page for more information about us! Come and visit us, as we about us! Come and visit us, as we are happy to answer all your qutestions. Tel: 0-908-700-905 are happy to answer all your questions.

RECOMENDED ON

Bussaba Thai Restaurant is a modern Thai eatery

The menu also offers an extensive list of Asian-

offering a single course eating experience devised

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The combination of its stylish interior, chattering

selection of Thai salads, noodles, curries and stir-fries

atmosphere and mouthwatering food has drawn

with an authenticity and freshness that surpasses

a loyal following of customers since its inception 9

expectations.

years ago.

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Sabai Residence

Connecting Krabi Tour

NOPPHARAT THARA PIER, BOATS TO KOH LANTA, KOH PHI PHI, PHUKET

HOLD ME CLOSE Tsunami Memorial Sculpture

NATIONAL PARK

TO KLONG MUANG

ST.AGNES CHURCH

Mandawee

Ayudhya Suites

ts

Sabai Resort

I8

SO

Ao Nang Bay

Wangsai Seafood

TOURIST POLICE

BOATS TO PHRANANG & RAILAY BEACH

Luna Bar

iss

a Ch

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Mercure

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Lazy Pub

The Hiltop Restaurant

Thai Village Resort

CENTER POINT

PhuPimaan Resort

Spaghetti House

Cleopatra Restaurant

TJ’s Sports Bar & Starbucks P.U.S.H Fitness Center

McDonalds

Boat tickets

The L Resort

Boat tickets

n rma she t Fi a fe’ s C a t L Las The The

Ao Nang Villa

Krabi Heritage Resort

Peace Laguna Resort

BOATS TO PHRANANG & RAILAY BEACH

BEACH ROAD

Entertainment Bamboo Restaurants Ao Nang Community Church Somkiet Buri Resort Taj Palace

Vogue Pranang

Ao Nang Haven GH Ao Nang Paradise Resort Chandee Buffet

Smiling Dog Cafe

Centara Resort

AO NAMMAO PIER

KRABI AQUARIUM

TO SHELL FOSSIL

WEDNESDAY SATURDAY MARKET

TO KRABI TOWN

BOATS TO PHRANANG KRABI & RAILAY BEACH

AO NAMMAO VILLAGE

U&P Bakery

Marina

@AoNang Villas

Jungle Village

AO NANG SCHOOL

TO KRABI TOWN

MONDAY-TUESDAY FRIDAY MARKET

Ao Nang Mountain View

Vipa Resort

TON Company

Just Deli

Poppy’s Minigolf & Kebab Cafe Centara 2 Lai Thai Apartments

SOI 13

The Massaman

The Earth Cafe The Dive

Boat

le R Nood

rant estau

Emerald GYM Muay Thai Center

German Beer Gardern

School

evil a Red D rn Sp our bako el & T v Boosa a r T g n Montessori Tattoo a Ao N International de cafe'

DAILY MARKET

Krabi Apartments

Glur Hostel

Pams Pub

1

I1

SO

Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort

BOATS TO PHRANANG & RAILAY BEACH

The Longtail Boat

Ao Nang Whisky

Alongkorn Language School

Krabi Consultants

Ao Nang Mosque

AO NANG VILLAGE

Fullmoon House

POST OFFICE

Oceanmart t sor t SK Optik Re ng auran a Bernies N st Krabi o Re Resort nA CENTER POINT Ba Luna Beach La Irish Rover Terrace

NIGHT FOOD STALLS

Lae Lay Grill AONANG Restaurant VIEWPOINT La Playa Resort

Baan Bandaley Krabi Spesialisten Carnivore Steakhouse AO NANG Centara Bussaba Thai Restaurant BOXING STADIUM

Palm Paradise Emerald Gardens ChaWan Resort Pavilion Queen's Bay

SATURDAY MARKET

Klong Haeng Mosque

Cobra Show

SupsaengDao Resort

THURSDAY MARKET

KLONG HAENG VILLAGE

WALKING STREET MARKET ON WEDNESDAY

Ao Nang Gardens

Nadivan Apartm a en

Exotiq Real Estate

Kitdee Media & Krabi Magazine

CTOP Nice Nature Homes Nice Day Resort

Tattoo de Café

Boat Restaurant

TO KRABI TOWN

Burger King

atin picy Garden

Ben Beach Bar

Aning Restaurant Ao Nang Beach Resort

TO KLONG MUANG

Hippy Bar

Azzurra Restaurant Jeanette's Restaurant

BUNGALOWS AND RESTAURANT BAR - GAMES ROOM - DIVING EUROPEAN MANAGEMENT 90mt from Noppharat Thara Beach

Noppharat Thara

tel 075-637791 - fax 075-695117 sabairesort@hotmail.com - www.sabairesort.com

RISTORANTE-TRATTORIA ITALIAN AND THAI FOOD

BAAN BANDALAY

A boutique guesthouse of superior quality

CAFE DEL MAR

Tropical and Oriental in atmosphere

ANYANA SPA

Relaxing spa treatments & massages

www.baanbandalay.com 125/2 Moo 3, Aonang, Krabi, 81000 Thailand Tel: (66 75) 638 089 095-6 | Fax: (66 75) 638 086 reservation@baanbandalay.com baanbandalay@hotmail.com

I of the Sun

By Richard Arthur

Published by Troubador Publishing Ltd.

ISBN :

9781780881751

In terms of your place in the world, it is your actions that define you. Everymoment of your life you are always, necessarily doing something. And sothe question is – why do you do what you do?

A young man travels on a one-way ticket to South East Asia in search of freedom and everything that comes with it. Free from responsibility, free from others, freefrom himself. That way he’ll really learn what makes him tick.

He discovers paradise islands, beautiful mountains and electric cities; gets hooked on crazy liquor, cheap pills, loose women and easy living. He has various run-ins on motorbikes andin the jungle, with butterflies and ladyboys, socio-narcotic minefields, hustlers, mafia, mad men and mystics. All the while surfing the fine line between East and West, imagination and reality, sanity and madness, life and death; as he follows the crazy, impossible dream to go everywhere, meet everyone and do everything.

On his quest to discover the meaning of freedom, he also goes on an intellectual journey through various areas of philosophy, history and science, in order to discover whether or notwe are truly masters of our own will; and if we are, then how do we control ourselves? His quest takes us to the very core of human consciousness.

At turns beautiful and ugly, hilarious and horrifying, exalted and base, I of the Sun takes the reader on an epic journey following the Sun around South East Asia and into the heart of what it means to be human, on a young man’s literary and philosophical tour de force.

Everyone likes to read a good book on holiday, so we take a look at 3 spankingly great reads this month that are perfect for whiling away your lazy days here in Krabi.

All area available through Asiabooks stores in Krabi

Holiday

Reads

Safe Haven

By Nicholas Sparks Published by Hachette Book Group USA ISBN : 9781455523542 When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet selfeffacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

200 Thai Favourites: All Colour Cookbook Published by Hamlyn ISBN : 9780600619376 Thai food is globally renowned for its distinctive flavours and delicious mix of spicy and sour tastes. No matter what your level of ability, experiencing this wonderful cuisine need not be limited to restaurant visits - “Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook: 200 Thai Favourites” will allow you to re-create that authentic Thai flavour in your own home.

From firm favourites such as red curry with roasted duck to the more exotic such as red snapper with three-flavour sauce, this book has a dish to suit everybody.

Each recipe is accompanied by easy-tofollow instructions and a full page colour photograph to ensure perfect results.

RAISING

Eyebrows S

Vanity, vanity, vanity!

ince the beginning of time woman have taken upon themselves every modality known to mankind to maintain that youthful glow. Keeping the wrinkles at bay and going to every extreme to slow down the ageing process; or at least the appearance aforementioned.

Once in the spa you can receive full body massage, exfoliating and firming treatments to permanent make up from eye liner to eye brow. The spa even provides salon treatment for hair cut and color or professional make-up artist and hair stylist for your special event while here in amazing Thailand.

Woman around the world excitedly look forward to a day at the spa with a friend. Where they can push away the computer, the kids or even the hubby for a day of pampering. “A day just for you”.

Walk in to the Boossabokorn Spa and expect to be greeted by a beautiful attendant and immediately given a welcome drink and slippers.

Thailand is known for the “Gorgeous Getaway”. Medical tourism at its finest. An opportunity to come to paradise where you can nip and tuck away every appearance of age or imperfection.

However, not all people need, want or desire to take upon themselves such invasive procedures to reveal their inner beauty. They are happy to use natural or cosmetic therapies to bring the lacklustre back to the surface.

Whatever your fancy; a gentle pamper or permanent beauty therapy, Boossabakorn Spa will serve you like a princess at an affordable rate and with Thai hospitality. The atmosphere is delightful with warm lighting, the air filled with the aroma of lemon grass and an indoor fountain that cascades from the wall of the lounge.

Our advice; relax and enjoy...

Boossaborkorn Spa is the place to receive a Gorgeous Getaway without signing a medical release waiver and at a fraction of the cost incurred.

Free trasfer from your hotel

TO: Phuket

Huay Toh Waterfall

Khaothong Terrace 4

Khao Thong 4033

TO: BigC, Tesco Lotus, Krabi Airport

4034

Tup Kaek Bay Beach Phulay A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Uttara

Ban Nong Thale Nong Thale School

Krabi Cart

Ananda Pools

i

ha ai T nS

Elephant Camp Elephant Camp

ah

ar ad

Natin Spicy Garden

KITDEE MEDIA&DESIGN 4203

Nakamanda Resort & Spa

Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort

M

4202

The Pelican

Krabi Villa Co., Ltd.

Saitai Canooeing

Klong Son Temple

The Krabi Sands Resort The Beach House Restaurant Sabai Ba Bar

Ban Chong Pli

Ban Chong Pli School

Cobra Show

Ban Klong Muang

Ut

ta

Morning Market

Marina Yoga

Hemthanon

Nathai Resort Tharue

Police s Krabi Thai Village

Long Tail Boats to Railay

Ao Nang

Mosque

Post Office Full Moon 4203

Pakasai Resort

Long Tail Boats to Railay

Th

Ban Ao Nammao Thip Residence

Ban Leam Pho

Ao Nang Villa

Long Tail Boats to Railay

Hong Naak Cape

Kaew grovaram temple

Boats to Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Jum Passenger Port of Krabi

Klong Heang

Passenger Por Port of Ao Nang Boats tto Lanta, o Phi Phi, Lan ta, Phuket Phuket

The princess’ Residence

it R d

Treansport Department Labour Department Krabi Immigration

Ban Nammao School

Long Beach

Siew Bay

Rd.

ra k

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Soi 1

@Sea Condo

Klong Muang Plaza

Krabi hospital Rd .

4204

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Ban Klong Son

Sofitel Phokeethra Resort & Spa

Ba

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Nathai Ro

Pong Cape

.

Sai Tai Temple

Villa Rattana

Elephant Camp

Ban Tup Kaek

kit Rd

Nong Thale River Residence

KOH HONG ISLAND

Klong Muang Beach

Bus Station

.

Rd

4200

ad ar ah

Hong Nak Nature Reserve

M

Anyavee Tubkaek Beach Resort The Tup Kaak Tup Kaek Sunset Beach Resort

4

Frog & Catfish Restaurant

Hang Nak Nature Hike

Amari Vogue Resort

Gastropod Fossil Susaan Hoi - Shell Cemetry

Koh Lanta highlights Koh Lanta is situated at the southernmost tip of the Krabi province.

I

t consists of two islands, Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. Koh Lanta Noi is the smaller of the two and does not have tourist facilities. Visitors travelling by road from the mainland pass through the smaller island on the way to Koh Lanta Yai - the center of the tourist operations. Ban Sala Dan village on the north side of the island is Lanta Yai’s commercial center and the pier where visitors arrive on the island. It is a row of shops, seafood restaurants on stilts, dive shops, tour operators, banks and guest houses that cater for newcomers on the island. The bulk of the Lanta beaches lie along the west coast of the island and can all be reached by road: Khao Kwang, Khlong Dao and Phra Ae all have long stretches of white sand facing the Andaman sea, while Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Ba Kan Tiang and other smaller bays are all nice to relax and swim.

T

he east coast of Koh Lanta Yai is flat and has many local villages scattered along its coastline. Koh Lanta has a very diverse cultural mix of people who have lived on the island in harmony for hundreds of years: Thai-Muslim, Thai-Chinese and the original sea gypsies still inhabit the place in harmony. The biggest town on the island is Lanta Old town. Boat trips to Koh Lanta are available during the monsoon-free period from October to April. May to November sees the closure of some of the island businesses and of the boat passenger services due to rough seas. A minibus service is the alternative way to reach the island via land.

Lanta Old Town It was once called Ban Si Raya and was the commercial port for Chinese and Arabic trading boats that sailed between the ports of Phuket, Penang and Singapore.

Today it is a village with a few rows of stilted shop houses home to an ancient community that was established on the island long ago. It is a picturesque place with Chinese timer shop-houses dating back 100 years, from the old days of sea trading. Near the shacks along the coast, local

fishermen dock their longtail boats giving the whole scene a very Thai look.

Ba Kantiang Beach Spectacular crystal–clear seawater and soft white sand, romantic sunsets in utmost privacy. This is why Ba Kantiang has come to symbolize a hideaway in Lanta for relaxing in natural surroundings.

Lighthouse on Lanta Located in Tanod Cape on the southernmost tip of the island, the lighthouse tower of Lanta is the perfect symbol of solitude. It is the place where immaculate nature still survives as it is rarely reached by tourists due to the rugged road conditions.

Koh Lanta National Park The park covers a marine area dotted with several small sandy islands surrounded by coral reefs. The headquarters is located on the island’s southern extremity.

Ban San-ka-u A sea gypsy’s settlement in south-east Lanta Yai. It is there that an old clan of traditional Chao Ley try to preserve a disappearing way of life in this fast-developing island.

Eco-tours These are run all year round from the east coast of Lanta Yai, not affected by the low season rough seas.

Make your way to Thung Yee Pheng village for a trip with a local community, or book a tour with friendly and experienced local companies.

Nature Because of its bio-diversity and richness of natural resources, Lanta is a good place for trekking. Explore limestone cave chambers and passageways in the Lanta caves, or walk upstream to the spring water waterfall where you can swim in cool rock pools.

Fire Dancing This is definitely one interesting part of the Lanta beach culture. A fire dancing show is usually performed by young boys performing twisting acrobatics swinging burning torches and ropes lit on fire around their muscular bodies. A distinguishing show that sparkles in the dark.

What to do?

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling You do realise that you are in one of the best locations in Thailand and beyond for diving, don’t you? Yes? If you did - good for you! If you already have your certification or never tried it in your life - you’re in luck. There are no fewer than 19 dive operators on Koh Lanta and most of them - if not all - will be qualified to take first-timers out for a fully supervised scuba dive. Trust me, as a diver myself - you won’t regret it!

Dive sites nearby include the worldfamous Phi Phi islands as well as the Koh Haa archipelago - all of which are within easy reach. The price you pay will generally include all equipment rental, lunch, fruits and drinking water and as a bonus, the dive sites and boats will be much quieter at this time of the year.

A lot of the dive operators speak a variety of European languages, so there’s a good chance you can get an instructor that quite literally - speaks your language.

Check out our diving section “Into the Blue” for more information.

If you’re dead set on staying well and truly within reach of the water’s surface, then no problems at all. Snorkelling is the way forward and many of the dive boats also welcome snorkellers on board as well as divers. This is great for families with children, where some members want

56

to dive and others snorkel. Usually the operators will provide the masks, snorkels and fins, as well as a dedicated staff member to guide the snorkellers in the water.

Thai Cookery Thai food in the west is generally quite expensive, creamy and “toned down” in comparison to what you find in this country. Here, in contrast, it’s very cheap, plentiful and packs much more of a punch.

bring the bike back, is all.

As tempting as it might be (and it is!) to roar off into the sunset, laughing madly with the wind in your hair - don’t. Those that do often round a bend, collide with a passing goat and end up in a sobbing mess in the local clinic. Wear a helmet. That’s all. Simple, yet effective at prolonging your holiday to the last day Bike fuelled and helmets on, the roads are yours to explore. Head south out of Saladan and you will discover another side

Learning to cook authentic Thai food in Thailand is about as good as it gets, and many of the kitchens are open-air or even on the beach front - just to add to the experience.

of Lanta that is very different to the bars and restaurants of the north.

Isolated beaches, rockier roads and local residents are all here, and the feeling you are stepping back in time is overwhelming.

Classes are a great way to spend a morning or afternoon if the weather is a little wet for other outdoor activities, and you get to eat everything you make too - so you don’t have to worry about what’s for lunch!

You will come across a junction after a while, with a right turn towards Klong Nin. This is filled with smaller beach-bungalowtype places to stay and similar bars & restaurants to match. Expect to find locals lounging in hammocks strumming guitars and sipping cold beers. This is a good indication of how they do things here…

Rent a Moped and Explore Mopeds are everywhere in Thailand, and Lanta is no exception. They’re cheap, easy to operate and are hard wearing - judging by the state of some I’ve come across that are held together with string and a prayer…

In Saladan you can hire them absolutely everywhere. You might have to leave your passport with the rental agency, but don’t worry - this is standard practice. Everyone does it. It’s an insurance for them that you’ll

If you don’t take that right turn, the road will turn into a winding, twisting hilly serpent that leads you to the east of the island, where the “sea gypsy” people have lived for 500 years. This is a very interesting part of the island, but visitors here should respect the privacy of these “Chao Ley” people and remember they are not a tourist attraction.

That aside, they are a warm and welcoming

people and are fascinating to experience.

Remember to take a map with you just in case, and keep your eyes open for the “gasoline shacks” that dot the roadsides, just in case.

Watch the fuel gage and you’ll be fine.

Biking around Lanta is the best way to truly explore all it’s nooks and crannies, and you might even come across a few surprises along the way….

Have a Massage If the thought of even standing upright is just to much - congratulations: you have successfully integrated into the Lanta way of life. If you have reached this point in your stay here, then it’s time for a massage.

Only in Thailand can you engage in an “activity” while lying perfectly still for a hour. I love this country…

If you have never had a Thai massage, you’re in for a treat. Unlike the more traditional notion of a massage, the Thai version does not use soothing strokes as it rubs scented oils into your tired body. Oh no.

It uses a “pressure point” method that means lots of hard pressing, twisting, cracking of joints and squealing. That last part is usually from me.

But it’s not anywhere as bad as it might sound - otherwise n one would do it. It’s invigorating and totally relaxing all at once, and after a hour of this, you feel like you’ve had a great workout and your body will be rid of any niggling aches and pains - I guarantee it.

Probably one of the best things about getting a Thai massage in Thailand is it’s availability to everyone on any budget. You can choose to luxuriate in one of the breathtaking spas that Lanta has on her shores, or you can find a small massage hut somewhere. While the surroundings will not be on par with the spa’s, you can still get a great massage for a couple of hundred Baht, which can’t be argued with.

Help local animals Rated on TripAdvisor as the No.1 activity on Koh Lanta, Lanta Animal Welfare (LAW) is a non-profit organisation working to relieve the suffering of local animals through sterilization, vaccination and medical care. Its’ sterilization and health centre, which currently cares for over 60 dogs and cats, is open daily to visitors who can tour the facility and meet the animals. Whether you’re interested in taking a dog for a stroll on the beach (some of the dogs love to swim!) or are happier cuddling one of the many affectionate cats, LAW is the place where you can get your furry fix while contributing to a worthwhile cause. www.lantaanimalwelfare.com

NEED HELP ON LANTA? Tourist Police - 1155 Police - 075 668 192 Lanta Hospital - 075 697 176 Dr. Salarin - 075 684 522 Clinic in Saladan - 075 668 170

KOH LANTA YAI NORTH KAW KWANG BEACH

Lanta Diver Ko Lanta Diving Center Blue Planet Divers The Frog

BAN SALADAN

Lanta Diver main office

Passenger Ferry

Car Ferry to Lanta Noi & mainland

POST OFFICE Minivan Station

SUNDAY MARKET

Crown Lanta Resort & Spa Costa Lanta Resort

TO LANTA OLD TOWN

Laguna Beach Club

Lanta Diver

Mike’s Collection Eden Bar&Dining

Noble House branch

Lanta Pizzeria

Cafe’a

u Lait Deli

Lanta Diver

Southern Lanta branch Southern Lanta Resort

Fix the girl

Lanta Car Rental SK Optik

The Retreat

Chaba Bungalows Maneelanta

Lanta Island Resort

KLONG DAO BEACH

NEED HELP ON LANTA? Tourist Police - 1155 Police - 075 668 192 Lanta Hospital - 075 697 176 Dr. Salarin - 075 684 522 Clinic in Saladan - 075 668 170

Minivans to Krabi/Phuket Congrit Resto

Everything Shop Ancient Realm Resort & Spa

Elephant Trekking

Time for Lime

Cooking School & Restaurant Holiday Villa Lanta Resort Lanta Sand Resort Funky Fish Indo Furniture Lanta Palm Beach

KLONG DAO BOXING STADIUM Lanta Tavern

Escape Cabins

Dreamy Spa I-Yarade Real Estate

Lanta Law Thanee

Layana Resort & Spa

Tides Restaurant

Lanta Casuarina Resort Dive & Relax Irish Pubs

PHRA AE LONG BEACH

White Flower Apartments White Flower Bajen Sports

Bajen Steakhouse & Nintendo Wii Minigolf

Lanta Castaway Resort Siam Pharmacy Lantanian Center

Desjoyaux Pools Andaman Sunflower

DID YOU KNOW....

Our profits are donated to the charity LANTA ANIMAL WELFARE So.. come Learn, Eat & Drink your hearts out!

AND FEEL GOOD

Red Snapper

Relax Bay Resort Lanta Diver

Lanta Manda Resort Faim de Loup bakery Bootshaus Retro Restaurant

Lanta Loft

Relax Bay branch Elephant Trekking

Cooking School thai & fusion Restaurant Beach Bar

TO LANTA OLD TOWN & EASTERN ISLANDS

Fun & Professional evening Cooking Classes on the Beach Front

HAPPY HOURS 3 - 6 pm On our FAMOUS Cocktails

FANTASTIC 6 dish Tasting Menu that changes every evening

Bungalows

Sunrise Creek Villa Project Custom Homes

Lanta Animal Welfare

KLONG KONG BEACH

8 cozy air-con & fan

Chaw Ka Cher Resort

Saneh Villas LPH Kirikan

9 years with Quality & Funky Atmosphere

LPH Klong Kon Villas

Closed Mondays KLONG DAO BEACH - KO LANTA Tel: 075 684 590 www.timeforlime.net

TO SOUTH OF THE ISLAND

BUS TIMETABLE: to Krabi every hour 6am to 5pm to Trang every hour 8am to 3pm to Phuket every hour 7am to 4pm MARKETS: Ban Saladan Sunday mornings Lanta Old Town Monday mornings Klong Nin Saturday mornings NEED HELP ON LANTA? Tourist Police - 1155 Police - 075 668 192 Lanta Hospital - 075 697 176 Dr. Salarin - 075 684 522 Clinic in Saladan - 075 668 170

Run Baby, Run!

By Suzi Hall

For me a life of fitness, began with a run. The length of the street where I grew up, I felt heavy, it was painful and I recall thinking “how does anyone run 26.2miles?”

Five years later, I experienced the elation of crossing Tower Bridge, the final stretch of the Embankment and Big Ben. I sprinted through the finish line on the Mall, I had completed the London Marathon and just for fun did it again two years later.

I would recommend anyone to try running; it’s a simple as putting on your trainers and walking out the door.

Training for a race...

Benefits of running...

This is a great way to set a goal, starting off with a 5 or 10km gives you a taste of race day, which can be nerve wracking but also a great buzz.

1. Running uses all your muscle, bones and joints, it burns more calories per minute than any other cardio exercise, so can be used for weight management.

I would advise having a foundation of three runs a week, making sure one of them is either a hill or sprinting session.

Plan out your training diary from that, increasing your mileage or time running every week.

How far...?

This depends on your fitness level and goals. If you are happy to plod along for 40mins in the morning to start your day then great! Anything over 20mins is a good base to build up from.

My top running tunes...

‘You could be Mine’ by Gun and Roses.

‘Saltwater’ by Chicane ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder

2. It promotes the human growth hormone, keeping you looking younger and sexy.

3. It gives a feeling of wellbeing, referred to as ‘runner’s high’ from the endorphin released during a run (phew, wait there’s more...)

4. To top it all off running increases confidence and improves mental state, for free.

Top tips to improve your speed and strength running Sprinting: To improve your aerobic threshold (normal running fitness) you need to push into your anaerobic threshold. Anaerobic literally means: without the presence of oxygen. Aim for short, sharp and hard bursts!

Tempo runs: This is running at a pace out of your comfort zone, so you would not be able to have a conversation. One of these a week (20-40minutes) will suffice and improve your cardio vascular fitness.

Hill runs: A means to easily push out of your comfort zone, hill sessions should be a challenge but extremely rewarding. Easy to do, find a hill, run up it and down.

Lunges: Take a step forward, back foot on tiptoe. Hands on hips, chest upright (no leaning forward) and lower your body down, knee just hovering the ground. Excellent for working all the leg muscles and achieving strong, lean, speedy legs.

Treadmill running: Perfect for scorching Thailand heat, days when you could fry an egg on the road, don’t run on it. Get on a treadmill. My favourite ways to use a treadmill is whack up the incline until you are puffing and walking hard uphill, then bring the speed up and try running intervals for 30 seconds. Take the incline down and start some sprinting intervals. Use 30 seconds or 1-minute sprints with the same or double time rest periods. You will only need 10-20minutes before you need to get off and shake out your wobbly legs

What to eat before and after...

A question I get asked frequently. Simply put, carbohydrates fuel your muscles and protein restores and rebuilds damaged muscle tissue. Bananas are great sources of healthy fuel and light, porridge is perfect for the mornings, a pasta dish the night before. Then post run look for nuts and yogurt and eggs.

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Eating Guide koh lanta Seven Seas Wine Bar & Restaurant @ Pimalai Resort & Spa 99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach. Head south, turn right at the Klong Nin junction and keep going.

A truly stunning place that demands you stand slack-jawed as you walk into it. Open-plan everywhere - even the kitchen - with some of the best views you can hope to witness whilst enjoying your meal. Their chef is a talent to behold, and the food from the kitchens here is top-notch indeed.

The restaurant and its show kitchen offer a comprehensive “a la carte” fusion style dinner menu which means that superior ingredients from all over the globe are marinated, cooked and served together on the same plate - generating a symphony of flavours. The presentation of the food is beautiful and it’s a feast for the eyes even before you pick up your fork.

A wide-ranging collection of international wines has been assembled from which you can select an ideal accompaniment to your meal.

Average price: 400-900++THB What to Try: The Boeuf Charolais Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: 6:30am - 10:30am & 3pm - 11pm Tel: +66 (0) 75 607 999 Website: www.pimalai.com

Tides Restaurant @ Layana Resort & Spa

272 Moo 3 Saladan, Phra-Ae Beach, Ko Lanta. Head South and look for the sign on the right side.

A formal restaurant perched on the very edge of the beach overlooking the sea and open to the cooling sea breezes. Guests have the choice of a cool interior venue or an al fresco beachside setting on the deck in front of the restaurant. Serving a mouth-watering a la carte selection of international dishes, as well as traditional Thai fare and seafood specialties all made from the freshest of ingredients.

The chef, Khun Apichai, grows his own herbs in a beautiful garden right on the premises and the presentation of his food is straight out of a Monet.

The menu quality is matched by an extensive wine list to compliment the food perfectly.

Average price: 400-900++THB What to Try: The Healthy Spa Cuisine Menu Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: 6:30am - 10:30am & 11:30am - 6pm Tel: + 66 (0) 75 607 100 Website: www.layanaresort.com

Time for Lime - Thai & Fusion Restaurant 72/2 Moo 3, Saladan, Koh Lanta 81150. Head South and look for the sign .

This place opened it’s doors 10 years ago. A little place, with a big passion for food, and a huge heart as their profits goes to support Lanta Animal Welfare.

Time for Lime’s legendary Creative Thai Cooking School, the first on the Island, is famous for it’s approach combining professional cooking classes with a great and fun atmosphere.

The restaurant offers 3 tasty appetisers and a “Main Dish of the Day” that changes every day, where you can choose from meat, sea food or a vegetarian version. A tasty Western dessert changes daily as well.

Their signature cocktails are the talk of the town! Lemmongrass or chilli Margarita anyone?

Their friendly staff welcomes you to enjoy your time on the beach front, and you can feel good by supporting a good cause at the same time too!

Average price: 150 - 350 THB What to Try: The fresh Dish of the Day Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: 5pm - 10.30pm except Sundays Tel: +66 (0) 75684590 Website: www.timeforlime.net

Beachcomber Restaurant @ Lanta Castaway Resort 299 Moo 2 Phra Ae, Saladan, Koh Lanta,

If you’re searching for a laid-back, yet stylish beach-front dining experience , then Beachcomber is the place for you. The restaurant features a terrific menu selection and is best known for its authentic TEX-MEX dishes. You’ll also want to try the large selection of savory Thai, Western and Seafood BBQ dishes. The open-air restaurant is situated near the beach and there is also plenty of outdoor seating on the beach-front deck and in the garden.

The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff is friendly, and the setting is beautiful with a lovely garden and a terrific view of Long Beach and the Andaman Sea. You’ll also want to enjoy a before and/or after dinner drink at our beach bar which serves up a wide variety of cocktails and delicious frozen drinks.

Average price: 250-350THB What to Try: The Tex-Mex food Free WiFi?: For bungalow guests only Opening Hours: Open daily from 7am - 9pm.

Tel: +66 (0) 75684851 Website: www.lantacastaway.com

Crown Lanta Resort & Spa

315 Moo 1, Saladan, Koh Lanta Yai. Off the ferry, turn left at Salaldan junction and first right. Look for sign.

This may not be known to you as many places on Koh Lanta are only discovered on the Internet or by following your nose down the hundreds of side streets that appear to go nowhere. It would be a mistake. The food here is not what you might expect from a resort. No touristy bland curries here, oh no. With a Thai chef that has been doing his thing since a child and a Thai GM that has worked in the Waldorf Astoria, you can expect great things from the kitchen here. Thai food with class and bursting with flavour is fused with European classics such as prime steaks and fresh seafood platters to satsfy the mose discerning and demanding palates.

Start the evening with drinks and nibbles at the Crown Reggae Bar and head here for the main event with a spectacular view to boot.

Average price: 250++THB What to Try: Pan-fried sea bass and the steaks Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Open daily morning to night Tel: +66 (0) 7562 6999 Website: www.crownlanta.com

Koh Jum Island Plugged In but still unplugged Story by : Jeffrey Dietrich

K

oh Jum Island is still the quintessential destination in Krabi province if you are looking for authentic Thai village life and development that is still a small footprint on this

tranquil island. Geography brought electricity to Koh Jum late in 2009 as the island was in the direct path of the new underwater electric cable connecting Koh Phi Phi from the mainland.

to Krabi Town

The Cove, Krabi Asia Tropical Homes

4036

Krabi Sunset Properties

Long Beach Hat Yao

Laem Hin

Ban Klong Toh Ban Koh Siboya

Koh Siboya

Pattanarak eco-tourism Ban Sai Tok Laem Kruat

Koh Hang Ban Koh Pu Piman Pu Villa 422 mt

Koh Lanta Krabi Ao Nang 1hr Boat drop-off point

Oon Lee Bungalows

Koh Talang

Ting Rai village Season Bungalows

Koh Jum Lodge

The Urban Cafe’

Koh Jum Beach Villas Bluejuice Diving

Woodlands Bungalows Joy Bungalows Coco Bar

Koh Jum village

Koh Jum

So now that Koh Jum is plugged in, has it lost its reputable unplugged character that has attracted intrepid travelers over the past couple of decades?

We are pleased to report that Koh Jum is as tranquil and laid back as it always has been.

In fact, what is noticeable are the lack of noisy generators at most of the resorts. Folks come to Koh Jum to unplug; the island’s nature and culture still dominates the minimal tourist infrastructure.

The existing resorts on Koh Jum all have their own family run character ranging from the back packers paradise Bo Deng run by two laughing souls, Dila and Rosa, all the way up to the stunningly beautiful Koh Jum Beach Villas, an eco villa resort with exquisite villas tucked in an incredible botanical garden.

Koh Pu Mountain is the dominant geological feature on the island at over 400 meters. A great hike for the adventurous and a vital refuge of native habitat still harbouring Asian Pied Hornbills and Burmese Pythons. The three villages, Koh Pu, Ting Rai and Koh Jum are situated on the back side of the island amongst the mangroves. Resorts are located facing the open Andaman Sea. This division allows the villages to remain authentic without any significant tourist infrastructure while the resorts are all located on the beaches.

Access to the island is by longtail taxi boats located on the mainland port town of Laem Kruat. There is now a songthaew you can take direct from Krabi Town to Laem Kruat. During the high season most visitors come to Koh Jum using the Krabi – Koh Lanta Ferry that stops at two locations on Koh Jum out at sea where long tail boats come out to meet passengers to take them ashore.

The lack of any deep ports on the island keep the ferry boats out at sea and also prevent large masses of tourists from ever overcrowding the island. Getting here is an adventure and this ends up defining the interesting community of resorts and visitors that have made this island their home and the place they return to year after year.

Getting to Koh Jum Getting to Koh Jum can be very simple or a bit of a nightmare - all depending on how much you know about getting there. This is where we come in - we decided to make the journey ourselves and tell you exactly how and when to get there with the least amount of hassle.

There are 2 ways you can get to Koh Jum by passing ferry or longtail boat. There are ferries that leave from Koh Lanta at 8am and Krabi at 11am, which will stop as they get alongside Koh Jum and longtail boats will come and take you the rest of the way.

Koh Phi Phi also has ferries leaving at 2pm that operate on the same principle.

The second way is to get to a place called Laem Kruat and take a longtail boat for 40 mins to the island, and this is what we decided to do.

If you are driving, it takes about 1 hour to get from Ao Nang to Laem Kruat. You just head to Tesco and continue until you see the large overhead signs that tell you to turn right for “Koh Jam”. This road will

lead to to the small locality of Laem Kruat, where you will find a large pier.

If you don’t have transport of your own, you can catch a blue and yellow “sawngthaew” the local bus that has benches in the back.

It has the words “Krabi, Bus Station, Tesco, Big C, Laem Kruat” written on it, which is easy to spot. This will leave from all of these locations at intervals throughout the day and will take you to the pier.

Now, the pier is a bit misleading. We waited at the end of the pier before realising the longail taxis were passing us by and docking at the mainland. We went back and followed our noses along past the shops until we saw a slipway with goods and people being unloaded. It was the second slipway we needed to get to “Moo Too”, the place on Koh Jum we were being collected from.

We got on and soon we were chugging along through the mangroves with a boat full of happy local Muslim women that looked as if they hadn’t changed a bit since 1925. We arrived at Koh Jum 45 minutes later, paid our 70 Baht fare each and were taken by “Taxi” (a battered old pickup truck) through the winding dirt track until we reached our destination resort Give it a go and you will see a different side of Thailand from years gone by - well worth the experience.

If you know the name of the pier on Jum you need to get to, just ask anyone in this area and they will direct you to the correct boat.

Koh Jum Koh Jum, also confusingly called by it’s other name of Koh Pu, is actually named after the 420 meter high mountain that dominates the horizon of the north part of the island.

Located midway between Krabi and Koh Lanta Yai, 25 km from Krabi Town, Koh Jum is predominantly a large Muslim populated sub-district of Krabi and is home to 1,500 inhabitants that live in three tiny fishing villages.

The locals of these villages engage mostly in fishing, rubber cultivation and the local craft of cloth weaving as cottage industries. While the north is mountainous, the south comprises dense jungle, cashew nut trees, rubber plantations, casuarinas and nipa-palms.

The string of beaches on the west coast has several simple, wooden bungalow resorts and a community of private beach homes sitting among the palms, each offering sunset views over the silhouettes of the Koh Phi Phi archipelago.

Koh Jum is ideal both for young travelers who want to rest their

bones after some hard backpacking and for families with kids, looking for a worry free holiday in a place where children can run and swim in complete safety. Nature is at your feet there, and if it’s serenity you’re after, you can’t go wrong. Electricity just arrived in Koh Jum only relatively recently and some smaller resorts are still powered by generator. Progress is imminent and already in motion as more resorts and restaurants look set to open up soon.

Getting There There is a ferry terminal about 35 - 40km south of Krabi town, in a place called Laem Kruat, that can take you to the islands, the last one departs at around 3pm. It costs around 50 Baht per person.

Another option is to take a ferry directly from Krabi or Koh Lanta.

This might be an easier and more reliable option for most people.

A new ferry service has started from/to Koh Phi Phi Islands.

A short stop into your nearest travel agent will furnish you with the latest times and tickets for your journey. Contact the resort you wish to stay at for assistance with transportation.

Northern

Exposure

Blessed with a cooler climate than Bangkok and surrounded by lush mountains, Chiang Mai has long served as the gateway to Thailand’s northern reaches. An influx of Thai artists and Western expatriates has turned this quiet city into a vibrant destination in its own right. Design studios have sprung up in town, fusing traditional Thai with modern twists. Traditional Lanna curries are now paired with wines, croissants and fantastic, trendy eateries. There are areas packed with Art Deco homes, contemporary art galleries, and a good array of nightlife.

Must See & Do Chiang Mai Zoo (Next to the Chiang Mai Arboretum, Huai Kaew Road, on the way to Doi Suthep) A 210-acre wooded land, home to over 7,000 animals in a natural environment. A couple of pandas from Sichuan, China, and four koalas shipped from Australia to mark the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne make this one of the must-visit place for both Thai and foreign visitors.

Bosang Umbrella Village (9 km on Route 1006 out of Chiang Mai) In this village of cottage industries, visitors can view young women in traditional costumes hand-paint silk and cotton umbrellas in various animal and floral designs. There are also craft shops selling an assortment of northern Thai handicrafts.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (15 km from Chiang Mai) This temple, about 3,500 feet above sea level, is an important landmark of Chiang Mai. Built in 1383, its special feature is the 300-step naga stairway leading to the temple. The temple’s golden pagoda contains holy Buddha relics.

Chiang Dao Cave (Km. 72 on Route 107) Being part of Doi Chiang Dao Mountain this 10 km. long cave has some Buddha images enshrined. The deep recesses can be explored with local guides and lanterns. Legend claims this cave to be the ancient home of a hermit for thousand of years.

Mountain Biking in Chiang Dao The area provides some of the most spectacular bike trails in northern Thailand, where one can enjoy beautiful landscapes and scenes of peaceful small villages and ethnic hill tribes.

Did You Know...?

Chiang Mai’s original name is Nopburi Srinakornping Chiang Mai or Veing Ping. King Meang Rai founded the city as a capital of the Lanna Kingdom in 753, during the period of the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom.

LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

VISIT US HERE IN CHIANG MAI!

Mix and match tours tailored in our private car: jungle trekking, elephant riding, hot springs, river boat cruise, waterfall, temple visit and much more.

089 8519697 (24/7) www.chiangmaiontour.net • tours@chiangmaiontour.net

Shopping Night Bazaar (Chang Khlan Road, outside the city gates) A popular night market that consists of a great number of shops and street vendors, many of whom are hill tribes. On offer is a large variety of Thai and northern Thai goods, especially handicrafts and souvenirs, at attractive prices. A must for shopping-oriented visitors and bargain lovers.

Eats

Sunday Market (Ratchadamoen Rd, inside the city gates) All traffic is halted every Sunday as people flock to this thriving and ever-expanding shopping haven. You won’t have the hassle of cars and motorbikes whizzing by while you search for a bargain amongst numerous sellers and buskers..

Classy Beds

Kum Kantoke (139 Moo 4, Nong Pa Khrang. Phone: 053-304-121) - an authentic Thai restaurant with a Thai folkdance show that entertains diners while waiting for their food.

Vieng joom On Teahouse Vieng Joom On (meaning Pink City) Teahouse is indeed a unique, full of character place, a pink building neatly sited by an alluring Ping River. Khun Orawan and team are charismatic people who complement it and make incredibly special. Contemplate the colors of Indian and Oriental antiques while tasting the 50 varieties of high quality tea blends available, assimilating their fragrant scent, kidnapped. An enchantingly mellow place where to while away in bliss.

53 Charoenrat Road, 053 303113, www.vjoteahouse.com

Chayayon Boutique Lodge & Spa Discover a distinctive contemporary design tucked away in a friendly local community and a wide range of exclusive Thai health and spa treatments available.

Unique airy and spacious rooms, displaying a range of tasteful furnishings and sumptuous contemporary decor. Room rates start at 3.000 baht.

Sofitel Riverside Chiang Mai (33 Changklan Rd, near the Ping River) 74 Deluxe and Suite rooms with private balcony and river views. It combines ancient Chiang Mai heritage with modern amenities. Open July 1st. Room rates start at 6.400 baht.

Nightlife Bubbles (B1, Porn Ping Tower, 46 Charoen Prathet Road) - This would be just another cheesy hotel disco if not for some good DJs and enthusiastic crowds; it’s a packed and fun hotel disco on weekend nights. Cover 100 baht including one drink, open until 2.00 am.

The Thai way of life is based upon Buddhist religious beliefs as well as the animistic elements of Brahmanism and folklore. As a result, religion has become a mixture of philosophical, mythical and supernatural elements, all of which deeply influence one’s way of life. Just as some people go to see the doctors to treat their physical ailments, some Thais go to fortune - tellers (Maw Du), the all seeing doctor to cure their spiritual ills. and prevent future maladies. Fortune - tellers are engaged to give auspicious names to a baby according to his exact birth calculations.

Weddings, investments, travel, car purchases, building construction, traveling and other significant decisions in life, are all directed by the fortune - teller. There are many forms of fortune - telling: palm reading, star charts, playing cards, physical features, spirit mediums and high - tech computerised fortune - telling. Fortune - tellers can be found in many places - under the shade of the trees like the tamarind trees around Phramane Ground, next to the Grand Palace, in the markets, in the hotel lobbies and plazas, etc. Most can be identified by small altars with offerings of flowers and lighted incense dedicated to various deities who have given them with the skill and knowledge of this art.

Thai Fortune Tellers

by Wadee Kheourai

Photo montage by Nami Chan

Thai Time You are reading this in the year 2556. Huh? Yes - the future is now, but only in Thailand...

Thailand’s Buddhist Era years are one year behind that of Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka (the Western Christian world had a similar situation until it synchronized years in 1592, thanks to Pope Gregory XIII’s imposition). The Thai New Year date change now occurs on January 1, not April 13 (the date Buddha attained enlightenment, ‘Songkran’ day), but the latter is still the festive Thai New Year long holiday.

The time zone in Thailand is +7 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). If you’re like most people, you may find it straining to know the time zone in other countries and cities, e.g., for phone calls and bank transactions.

Windows has built-in time zones for other parts of the world, available by a right mouse click on the time on the bottom right of your Windows screen, then choose Adjust Time/Date, then the Time Zone tab (just view, don’t change, of course). However, after doing mental arithmetic, many people still forget if we’re X hours ahead or X hours behind our associates. A solution is either a time zone wheel, or a software time zone program listing the cities of key associates and the times there.

Keep in mind that the day will end in Tokyo and New Zealand before Thailand, and the sun rises here before it does in Europe or America. In fact, if you send international courier shipments to the USA, you will be able to send them ‘faster’ than you will receive them. For example, when it’s high noon Tuesday in Thailand, it’s midnight Monday-Tuesday in Washington, D.C., and the 9pm summertime sun is setting on Monday in California.

Thais keep track of the time of day differently than foreigners, and people sometimes miss appointments due to miscommunications. It’s not common in Bangkok professional circles any more, but it does happen on occasion, especially with Thais who are new to foreigners. The Thais split up the day into four 6-hour sectors, whereby two o’clock could mean 8.00am, 2.00pm, 8.00pm or 2.00am.

Office hours usually start from 8.30-9.00am, with a one-hour lunchtime usually starting between 12.00 and 12.30, and you should be able to catch people back in the office from 1.30 until

somewhere between 4.30 and 5.30pm. Most government offices close at 4.30, and many will close their doors from newly arriving people at 3.30. Banks run from 9.30 to 3.30.

Be careful about wall clocks you buy in Thailand. Most keep accurate time, but some do not. What I do is synchronize them with my watch at the start, and then see how much they drift over time. As for the accuracy of your watch, you can synchronize and re-check it every evening at 6pm when all the radios and TV stations, and most sound-overs in public places, play the national anthem. This is usually preceded by beeps for the last few seconds before 6.00.

Keep in mind that the day will end in Tokyo and New Zealand before Thailand, and the sun rises here before it does in Europe or America.

Land Ho There can be a lot of confusion and even the odd legal battle from the mind-bending array of terms for land areas in Thailand.

It pays to know exactly what you are talking about if you are considering purchasing or building a property of your own here, so here is a table breaking down the Wahs, Ngans and Rais so you can see at a glance what’s what.

As a rule of thumb, the Rai - the most common unit of land in purchasing deals - is just under 1/2 acre, or 17,222 sq feet Always make sure that both parties are crystal-clear in the amount of land being discussed, especially before any contract is drawn up and signed...

sq.

Wah

sq. ft.

sq. m.

Ngan

Rai

Acre

Hectare

1

43

4

100

4,305

400

1

0.25

0.10

0.04

400

17,222

1,600

4

1

0.40

0.16

800

34,444

3,200

8

2

0.80

0.32

1,200

51,667

4,800

12

3

1.20

0.48

1,600

68,888

6,400

16

4

1.60

0.64

2,000 86,111

8,000

20

5

2.00

0.80

2,400

103,333

9,600

24

6

2.40

0.96

2,800

120,555

11,200

28

7

2.80

1.12

3,200

137,777

12,800

32

8

3.20

1.28

3,600

155,000 14,400

36

9

3.60

1.44

16,000

40

10

4.00

1.60

32,000

80

20

8

3.20

48,000

120

30

12

4.80

64,000

160

40

16

6.40

80,000

200

50

20

8.00

96,000

240

60

24

9.60

112,000

280

70

28

11.20

128,000

320

80

32

12.80

144,000 360

90

36

14.40

160,000 400

100

40

16.00

4,000 172,222

With the new-year moving along, The Pelican in Krabi is fast approaching the transfer process of its long awaited condominium but not too soon it has begun the construction of its revered private pool villas.

The first villa built has already been sold this past month and there are plans to begin construction of the next phase of villas at the end of May. The first villa has recently been transferred to a delightful Swedish family, lets take a minute to talk with them about their recent purchase.

I am sitting with Per-Olov and Anette Hallberg, both seasoned travelers to the land of smiles. First arriving in Krabi over 20 years ago, Per-Olov and Anette came to Thailand as backpackers accompanied by their two toddlers. All they have to say is that “a lot has changed since that time”.

Per-Olov continues; “buying property abroad is also a big step considering laws and regulations, many people get scared-off by that. The staff at The Pelican have been very helpful and friendly assisting us step-by-step with everything from legal documents to getting to know the area and its local inhabitants and so on.

“Why do you prefer Krabi” I ask Per-Olov,

We have one question though - what about our neighbors?! When are more people going to move in”?

“Aonang is the place to be, Phuket and other areas are nothing compared to this. Here the nature is untouched and we can feel comfortable to walk along the beaches without being harassed by salesmen” Per-Olov responds.

“Because of our large family we want a place where all of us can meet up and celebrate Christmas and other holidays. Our 400sqm villa is perfectly suited for the whole group”. He continues.

“More villas will be built, by the end of 2014 we plan to have 27 villas completed and ready to live in. Construction is starting within the next two months and will continue into the coming future.

Thanks for talking with us Per-Olov and Anette, enjoy your new gorgeous villa”.

“So why did you decide to buy a villa in Thailand?” I inquire further.

“After staying at The Golden Beach in Ao nang for almost 17 years it felt like home but something was missing. That´s when we decided it was time to get our own place.”

“What made you choose Krabi over other regions of Thailand?” I ask.

“I guess there is something special about this place, since first coming here so long ago we’ve been drawn back again and again and now going to Klong Muang this trip we’ve found a new gem in Krabi.”

“So can you tell me a little about your new home you’ve purchased?”

“The villa is beautifully designed and well built. Both of us fell in love with it at first sight. Our private pool will be well appreciated by our children as well as our grandchildren. 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and large living room is ideal”. Per-Olov and Anette both say.

Please feel free to contact a member of The Pelcian’s sales team by calling 085-069-4752 or by emailing sales@thepelican.com You can also find us on facebook by searching “The Pelican.”

72

Done May

Nong Thale River Residence

Ao Nang Weather station www.aonangweather.com

Custom designed villas & holiday rentals

c i g a Live am magic life!

Experience the difference

Modern minimalistic Villa Ao Nang

Nong Thale River Residence l l l l l l l

www.nongthaleriverresidence.com

300

l

l

l

Quiet and spacious residential area Near Ao Nang beach and entertainment Krabi International Airport 25 kilometer Spacious plots 1100-1600m2 Custom built villas Quality materials Environment aware construction Project management and rental service Good accessibility for seniors Opportunity to experience on site before buying

350 m

4034 Krabi

4024 Klong Muang

Wat Klong Son

info@kamalot-ltd.com

+66 (0) 818940675

Kamalot

Co. Ltd. Land & Development

บริษัท กมล๊อต จำกัด

Opening a Thai Bank Account When You’re Not Thai Can it be done?

T

he answer is of course, “yes”, or more accurately, “yes, but…” As a matter of fact the issue of the opening of a bank account by a foreign non-resident is one of the most confusing issues for foreigners in Thailand because there is a huge discrepancy between the theory and the practice.

If you are living and working in Thailand like I am, and even coming here as a tourist you will be, in

theory, entitled to open and maintain a Thai Baht savings account.

The number and the type of documents that you will be requested to provide in order to get going will depend of your status. In general there will be fewer documents to provide if you are working or living in Thailand permanently and more if you are only a tourist.

For example, below are the documents required from the Bangkok Bank: APPLICANT STATUS: You are working in Thailand DOCUMENTS: Passport and work permit APPLICANT STATUS: You are living in Thailand DOCUMENTS: Passport and house registration APPLICANT STATUS: You are living in Thailand temporarily or you are a tourist DOCUMENTS: Passport ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: A letter of recommendation from a reputable organization located in Thailand such as an embassy, or your driving license containing your photo

I

t’s worth remembering here that other institutions may have different requirements.

Now, the bank documents requirements do not seems excessively complicated even if you are a tourist. The catch is that theory is one thing and practice another.

bank branches, and even sometimes within a branch depending which employees you are dealing with.

In other words, yes you can open a bank account, but you might have to go through several trails (several bank or bank branches) before you fulfill your quest.

Many foreigners have seen their request for the opening of a bank account refused by one bank or another despite having provided all the documents required by said bank. Even worth, there are major discrepancies in the foreign account opening practice not only between banks themselves but also, between a same

Once you manage to do so, you will only need to deposit 500 thb cash to open a Thai Baht Saving Account. Upon opening a bank saving account in Thailand you will immediately receive an ATM/ bank debit card allowing you to deposit and withdraw funds at the ATM machines.

This may cost you in between 100 and 300 thb to be issued.

Bank credit cards are in general only issued to foreign applicants that hold Non Immigrant Visas and Work Permit, and have a history and proof of income.

Banks and/or card issuers will generally request that the applicant has been working between 3 to 6 months with the same employer before he can apply for a credit card.

Spice Up om your Bedoruo r boudoir ey 5 tips to mak irresistable!

Fill in the Blank Make the most of the mystifying space between a headboard and the ceiling with clever room accents. Deck the walls above a curved headboard with square picture frames or above a square headboard with round frames for dramatic visual contrast. Or follow the curve of a headboard with a staggered arrangement of decorative objects, such as plates. When grouping objects for display, harness the visual power of odd numbers for the most eye-pleasing results. Suspend artwork a foot or less above the highest point on a headboard to ensure that the two read as a single unit without an awkward river of space.

Make the Headboard a Focal Point Elevate a bedroom to new heights of fashion with an eye-catching headboard. Soft and cushy with no hard edges, an upholstered headboard is an ideal choice when sink-in comfort tops the boudoir wish list. If you crave privacy and a sense of enclosure, use canopies or bed curtains to wrap your bed in luxurious folds of fabric.

Dress the Windows for Privacy and Style Bedroom windows generally need room-darkening window treatments that block light in the morning and provide privacy at night. In addition to such functional considerations, bedroom window treatments help set a room’s overall style. Swagged and gathered draperies communicate romantic elegance, Roman shades speak of tailored sophistication, and shutters convey casual cottage style. Layer room-darkening shades with draperies to address both functional and decorative needs.

Introduce Glamour with Mirrors A room that sparkles and shimmers radiates soft romance and highstyle luxury. Beyond beauty, however, mirrors can serve a practical purpose by reflecting outside views and light that can help small bedrooms feel larger. Hang an oversize mirror on a wall devoid of windows to create a view where none exists. Or lean a tall mirror against a wall to create an illusion of depth, as well as a handy spot for reviewing an outfit before you head out the door.

Furnish for Comfort and Function You’ll find your bedroom beckons to you to linger longer in the morning and retire earlier at night when you make the space about more than just sleeping. Pair a chair or two with a side table to create a cozy reading spot. Make the most of low ceilings common in attic bedrooms by tucking a low-profile chaise longue under the awkward angles of eaves. Or make use of the often-wasted space between two windows with a writing desk or a vanity. www.bhg.com

Experience something that will change your world “The BaliSpirit Festival is a spiritually charged event that celebrates the synergy of global cultural collaboration through wellness and the arts, yoga, dance and music, with a passionate and enthusiastic global audience.

In addition to providing an inspiring space for personal transformation and sacred celebration, the Festival emphasizes giving back to the local community through creative, educational, and environmental outreach initiatives.�

12

WHAT TO ENJOY THERE

I was simply taken by these words about a fantastic annual event in its sixth year, a festival that attracts top yoga and dance instructors, healers, musicians and several thousand guests, all in spectacular Ubud, Bali’s cultural and arts capital. And guess what: I, editor at large, was right there! I had heard so much about this incredible event in previous years, with its high quality and diversity of daytime workshops, world music concerts, holistic healing sessions and eco-friendly vendors that make it oneof-a-kind event in Asia.

And so there I was, getting up early in the morning, joining the festival for the 8am classes, starting off with Thai Chi and moving on to Sound Therapy with Bio Crystals, to Masala Bhangra Dance, to a Shiatzu or Watzu class, to a Capoeira session (!) and finally on the last day to a liberating Sunday Dance that closed one of the most fantastic and rejuvenating weeks of my life. And what to say about the evening concerts? In a location within Ubud with the stage set by an ancient temple entrance and the whole garden set amongst sacred trees, over four groups from different countries and with different music genre played and sang each night to the hundreds of people present, and each evening was a coronation of the daily practices at the festival.

Yoga is a great mind/body health maintenance system that can be practiced daily or sporadically by people of all ages and physical condition. Inhale. Exhale.

Inhale. Exhale. Bear in mind that though I have practiced Yoga in the past, I am not a Yogi, nor do I consider myself an expert or an enthusiastic fan of holistic and spiritual practices. But I do guarantee you that after the 5 days at the Bali Spirit Festival, I was younger, healthier and had so many fresh propositions in mind for my life that I could not believe the energy that I was giving off from every pore. This festival has provided me with an inspiring space for personal transformation and sacred celebration, a space I did not know I had within me. I simply tried to attend to as many classes as possible, and to follow my intuition looking for inspiration and mingling with each class, with each student. It worked, plus I met so many other like-minded people who let themselves be swept away in the rush of positive energy, and in utter enjoyment. Such a great communal energy gathered up in a marvelous place.

I also discovered that Bali Spirit Festival gives back to the local Balinese community through creative and meaningful outreach initiatives. Well done for that!

Truly embodying the spirit of Bali, this internationally recognized annual event provides a platform of inspiration and change while drawing thousands of people from around the world. I will certainly attend again next year, and I hope you will do too! PS: I now have to find out how to maintain the mindful flow and inspiration now the festival is over…

Story by Thomas Gennaro Photography by www.ulrikereinholdphotography.com

• Over 100 workshops n Yoga, Dance, Music, Healing and Lifestyle.

• Sample modalities of yoga include: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Laughter, Power, Anusara, Silat, Capoeira, Poi and Qi Gong.

• Dance styles draw from: Mandala, Javanese, Balinese, Indian and West African traditions.

• Music workshops feature the Djembe, Didjerdu, Kirtan and voice.

• Healing and treatments available range from: Energy Channeling, Sound Therapy, Dreamwork, Watsu, and Crystal healing.

• Daytime Dharma Fair and Night Market: Up to 40 stalls and booths featuring locally made products, food and services, and a traditional performance stage space.

• We Love Family Day! Hari Cinta Keluarga: The last day of the Festival is by far the most popular and is dedicated to children and families. Featuring multi-lingual and free programming, welcoming the Balinese community to join in the festivities.

13

Путеводитель по

краби

ПЛЯЖИ Ао Нанг находится в 20-ти км от города Краби и является одним из самых развитых пляжей Краби, с белым песком и отвесными скалами. Ао Нанг предлагает широкий диапазон услуг для проживания и сервиса. На главной улице есть рестораны, бары, пабы, магазины сувениров, дайвингцентры, туристические агентства, массаж и СПА центры. Ао Нанг является отправной точкой для путешествий на лодке по морю на близлежащие острова. Пляж Ноппаратара протяженностью 3 км. находится за пляжем Ао Нанг. Этот пляж все еще мало развит и имеет всего лишь несколько ресторанов и баров. Привлекательный, естественный вид пляжа собирает по выходным местную молодежь и их семьи насладиться закатом. Попробуйте местные мусульманские сладости в “макашницах”, которые расположены в конце пляжа. Также, насладитесь морепродуктами в местных ресторанчиках, которые находятся у офиса национального парка Ноппаратара. Во время отлива, пройдитесь по набережной, вместе с миллионами маленьких крабов, по песчаной косе до ближайших островов. Пляжи Рэйлэй разделены от Краби и Ао Нанга большими известняковыми горами. У полуострова Рэйлэй есть 2 стороны, Восточная и Западная, которые просто восхитительны: кристально чистая вода, песчаные пляжи, дикие горы, скалистые

острова выступающие из моря. Рэйлэй находится в 15-ти минутах от АоНанга и в 30-ти минутах от города Краби, вы сможете добраться до него только на лодке . Насладитесь коктейлем в одном из пляжных баров, посетите пещеру “Прананг” проверьте себя на курсах по скалолазанию, поднимитесь на вершину горы, и спуститесь в лагуну или просто расслабьтесь на пляже. Соседний пляж Тонсай “Tonsai” распалагается в основании скалы и разделяет Рэйлэй на Западную и Восточную часть. Это небольшой, красивый пляж с пологим дном. Пляж Клонг Муанг находится в 20-ти км. от Ао Нанга, и в 40 км от Краби. Это новое место с развивающейся инфраструктурой, в котором вы сможете провести великолепные выходные. Именно здесь вы получите незабываемый отдых, в окружении девственной природы.

пляжами переходящими в изумрудное море. Гуляя, по южной части острова, вы можете наткнуться на уединенный райский уголок с высаженной тропической растительностью.

Пляж Туб Каек (Tubkaek) - это еще один чистый, спокойный пляж, в котором можно оставаться в дали от цивилизации. С него открывается потрясающий вид на архипелаг островов Хонг (Koh Hong) и очаровательные закаты. С пляжа, вы можете дойти до национального парка и подняться на вершину горы и посмотреть водопад.

ПРИРОДНЫЕ ИСТОЧНИКИ Известняковые горы и отвесные скалы характеризуют местность Краби, а наиболее зрелищным и массивным является Сай Тай (Sai Tai). Не далеко от Ао Нанга (Ao Nang) есть уникальное геологическое место - Сюзан Хой (Susaan Hoi) “кладбище ракушек” . Плиты у побережья моря, напоминающие куски старого, потрескавшегося асфальта, на самом деле – плиты, спрессованные из остатков древних моллюсков, чей возраст более 40 млн. лет. Территория кладбища ракушек была в доисторические времена пресным болотом, на дне которого тысячелетиями накапливались ракушечные отложения. Впоследствии, болото пересохло, а останки его обитателей теперь виднеются на поверхности в виде песчаных плит 40-сантиметровой толщины. К кладбищу моллюсков примыкает живописный мангровый лес, в котором проложены специальные туристические тропы.

На пляжах Ко Ланты (Koh Lanta) огромное количество курортов на любой вкус и достаток. Остров Ланта Яй (Lаnta Yai) славится длинными, белыми, песчаными

Крупнейший природный парк провинции Краби Као Пханом Бенча (Khao Phanom Bencha), находится всего в 20 км. от города Краби. Этот Национальный парк является

следами доисторических поселений. Са Маракот (Sa Morakot) изумрудный бассейн. Это чудо природы, пруд с бирюзовой водой, питаемый горячими источниками в центре джунглей. Берега пруда представляют собой желтоватый камень, такой цвет ему придают отложения карбоната кальция. Вода в пруд поступает из горячих источников и имеет в разных местах разную температуру от 25°С до 49°С градусов. Здесь можно поплавать, полежать и отдохнуть душой и телом.

домом для множества редких растений и диких животных, среди которых леопарды, пантеры, тигры, тапиры и гиббоны. Гора Phanom Bencha (1350 м.) является территориальным и туристическим центром всего заповедника. С горы сбегает 5 водопадов, крупнейший из которых Хуай Тох (Huay Toh), расположен всего в 500 метрах от входа в парковую зону. Еще одной популярной туристической достопримечательностью заповедника является пещера Tham Khao Pheung, украшенная живописными сталактитами и сталагмитами. Национальный парк Тарнбок Корании (Tarnbok Khoranee) находится в северной части региона, состоит из известняковых гор, зеленых тропических лесов, пещер, и красивых островов. Хорошо известен различными видами деревьев, растущих вокруг большого природного кристально чистого бассейна, и более сотен видов птиц. Пещерный комплекс Пи Хуа Тох (Phi Hua Toh) расположенный в районе Бор Тора (Bor Thor), состоит из нескольких пещер, каждая из которых уникальна. В некоторые из них, вы можете попасть на лодке, только во время отлива. Здесь вы сможете полюбоваться потрясающей красоты сталактитами и сталагмитами, древнейшими наскальными рисунками и

Термальный источник Хот Спрингс в Клонг Том (Hot Springs of Klong Thom) представляет из себя смесь водопада с парной под открытым небом. Вулканические горячие ключи нагревают поток до 30°С – 40°С, превращая водопад в естественную сауну, вода в которой, к тому же, насыщенна полезными минералами. ОСТРОВА Отправьтесь на остров Ко Пода (Koh Poda), который покрыт пальмами и почти полностью окружен мягким белым песчаным пляжем. Коралловый риф находится примерно в 20 метрах от пляжа с богатым разнообразием морской жизни. Также, вы можете посетить соседний остров Ко Кай (Koh Kai) или “Куриный остров”, который получил свое название от необычной формы скалы с одного конца острова, которая выглядит как голова и шея страуса или курицы. Одна часть острова состоит из крутых скал, другая имеет красивые пляжи. Теплая и чистая вода острова с богатым миром кораллов является популярным местом среди любителей снорклинга и дайвинга. Оттуда можно прогуляться по песчаной косе до острова Ко Туб (Koh Tub). Можно взять тур на лодке или на катере до архипелага островов Ко Хонг. Это группа островов из известняка со скрытыми пещерами и лагунами, которая идеально подходит для каякинга и подводного плавания. Возьмите тур на острова Ко Пхи Пхи (Koh Phi Phi) с живописными морскими бухтами, окруженными потрясающими известняковыми скалами, устремленными в небо прямо из океанских глубин, в пещерах гнездятся ласточки, вокруг богатый подводный мир, насыщенный морской жизнью, и многое, многое другое. Посетите острова Ко Джам (Koh Jum) и Ко Сибойя (Koh Siboya) скрытые от глаз человека, наполненные тропической растительностью и уникальной природой. Эти острова дают посетителям возможность расслабиться и прекрасно провести время. Также посетите остров Ланта (Lanta) в южной части провинции, который сейчас активно развивается. Ланта также является домом для морских циган, где вы сможете увидеть их традиции и познакомиться с

Текс переведен и отредактирован: Шинарита Стоун

их укладом жизни. Национальный парк включает в себя много различных островов, окруженных коралловыми рифами, такие как Ко Нгай (Koh Ngai) и Ко Рок (Koh Rok). КУЛЬТУРА Бан Натин (Ban Natin) - это место находится по пути из Ао Нанга (Ao Nang) в Клонг Муанг (Klong Muang), где вы сможете увидеть мирную жизнь местной мусульманской общины. Вы можете приехать туда на несколько дней или просто остановиться и посмотреть на изделия ручной работы. Музей Ват Клонг Том (Wat Klong Thom) главный исторический музей провинции Краби. Доказательством того, что провинция Краби была одним из первых мест на карте современного Тайланда, где возникли человеческие поселения, служит этот музей. В нем выставлены различные артефакты, найденные во время археологических раскопок. Экспозиция музея включает в себя доисторические каменные и бронзовые орудия, образцы древней керамики, монеты, предметы прикладного искусства и старинные кровати, возраст которых превышает 5000 лет. Огненное шоу, это часть пляжной культуры и очень популярно в вечернее время суток на пляжах Ко Ланты (Koh Lanta) и Пхи Пхи (Phi Phi). Невероятная хореография, удивительный рисунок танца и множество завораживающих глаз моментов делают шоу с огнем просто незабываемым. Бан Санг-Ка-Ю (Ban Sang-Ka-U) место проживания “морских циган” на юговостоке острова Ланта Яй (Lanta Yai). Именно там живет старый клан В-Лей (v Ley) пытающийся сохранить исчезающий образ жизни в этой быстро развивающейся части острова. ГОРОД Очаровательный, маленький, тихий город. В Краби много старых зданий, баров, ресторанов и местных экзотических рынков с продуктовыми лавками на старой пристани Чао Фа (Chao Fa), там вы можете отведать блюда местной кухни. Девиз Краби: “Прекрасный город, Прекрасные люди” местные жители Краби гордятся своим городом и своим теплым и щедрым характером. С пирса Чао Фа (Chao Fa) можно отправиться на лодке до главного природного символа города Као Нам Канаб (Kho Nam Kanab) – 100-метровые скалы-близнецы расположены по обе стороны реки Краби и являются своеобразными водными воротами в Краби-таун. Также посетите остров Ко Кланг (Koh Klang) расположенный в устье реки, где вы сможете проникнуться жизнью местных рыболовных общин, и побывать в мангровых зарослях.

топ

10

Лучших мест

для отдыха

Провинция Краби является раем для тех, кто любит солнце и ищет удовольствие, а также это одно из лучших мест в мире для скалолазания, дайвинга и каякинга. Журнал Краби предлагает вам топ 10 видов отдыха, которые стоит попробовать здесь, в Краби: КАЯКИНГ Это очень популярное занятие в Краби. Мангровые леса, пещеры и, конечно же, пляжи, дают много возможностей для каякинга. Ао Нанг и Рэйлэй пользуются большей популярностью, так как находятся близко и до них удобно добраться. Если же вы хотите больше приключений и хотите познакомиться с красивейшими местами провинции, уголками девственной природы и их обитателями, то отправьтесь в тур в Ао Талэин (Ao Thalane) или в Бор Тор (Bor Thor), которые находятся в Национальном парке Тарн Бок Корани (Tarn Boke Koranee). Пещеры, гроты и лагуны, сделают ваш день незабываемым. ВАТ ТАМ СУА (Wat Tham Suea) Храм «Тигровая Пещера» ВАТ ТАМ СУА (Wat Tham Suea) — одна из интереснейших достопримечательностей Краби. Храм расположен прямо под сводами пещеры. С вершины горы, в которой распалагается пещера с храмом, открывается потрясающая панорама на окрестности. Однако, чтобы попасть туда, вам предстоит преодолеть 1237 ступеней. В этой пещере археологами были найдены многочисленные древние артефакты, ныне хранящиеся в музее. А в пещере можно увидеть отпечаток ноги Будды и его величественную статую. Объедините поездку в Храм с другими достопримечательностями, например посетите еще Са Маракот (Sa Morakot) изумрудный бассейн или местный рынок. ЗАКАТЫ Основной достопримечательностью пляжа Ао Нанг (Ao Nang) и Ноппарат Тара (Noppharat Thara), конечно же, являются закаты . Муссонные дожди приносят тучи, которые зловеще нависают в небе над морем, создавая незабываемые закаты. Самая красота складывается из непостижимого и величественного “рисунка” подсвеченных облаков. Чем более “размазаны” облака по небу и чем более невероятны их формы, тем красивее закат.

БАРЫ И МОРСКИЕ РЕСТОРАНЫ АО НАНГА И НОППАРАТ ТАРЫ После вечерней прогулки, завершите день бокалом коктейля в одном из баров на пляже или порадуйте себя ужином с морепродуктами. С правой стороны пляжа Ао Нанг находится улочка с ресторанами, где блюда из морепродуктов представлены в большом разнообразии или вы можете попробывать местную рыбную кухню в самом конце пляжа Ноппарат Тара. СКАЛОЛАЗАНИЕ ПЛЯЖ РЭЙЛЭЙ (RAILAY BEACH) Пляжи Рэйлей (Railay), Тонсай (Tonsay) и Прананг (Phranang) находятся на полуострове в Railay Bay совсем рядом с Ао Нангом и по праву считаются одними из самых красивых мест в Таиланде. А первоклассные маршруты для скалолазания на многочисленных скалах делают это место настоящей “Меккой” для скалолазов со всего мира. Практически на всех пляжах острова есть богатый выбор вулканических скал, по которым проложены 700 маршрутов разной степени сложности. И профессионал, и новичок в скалолазании найдут здесь подходящую скалу, магазины альпинистского снаряжения с доступными ценами или пункты проката, а также опытных инструкторов, которые смогут гарантировать безопасность во время занятий. РЫНКИ Как и во многих восточных странах, в Тайланде особое место занимают рынки. На местных рынках можно купить свежие овощи и фрукты, живую рыбу и различные морепродукты, мясо, яйца, одежду и обувь. Любой человек, пришедший сюда, моментально попадает в пестрый круговорот ярких цветов и запахов, доносящихся с прилавков уличных торговцев едой. Обычно, рынки работают со второй половины дня, когда солнце уже не сильно печет, примерно с 3-х часов дня, и до часов 7 вечера. Посетите рынок в районе Клонг Хенг на Ао Нанге, который работает по четвергам и субботам.

радует порхающими разноцветными бабочками и юркими ящерками. И вот за деревьями появляется Изумрудное озеро с целебной водой, насыщенной минералами и природными солями. Чуть дальше есть Голубое озеро, поражающее цветом своей воды, им можно только любоваться и наблюдать, как из-под земли бьют горячие источники. АРХИПЕЛАГ КО ХОНГ (KOH HONG) Ни одно посещение Краби или Ао Нанга не будет полным, без поездки на острова Ко Хонг (Koh Hong) - это потрясающая группа островов расположенных у побережья Краби (Хонг в переводе с тайского - “комната”) Пляжи Ко Хонг никогда не перестанут удивлять кристально чистой водой, большим количеством разнообразных рыб у берега, и белоснежным песком на пляже. В скалах можно обнаружить узкий проход в закрытую бухту, внутри которой, вы сможете увидеть мангровые деревья, уходящие своими корнями в воду.

СА МАРАКОТ (SA MARAKOT) Изумрудное озеро Са Моракот по праву считается изюминкой Краби. Вода здесь прозрачна в любое время года и меняется в зависимости от времени суток и угла падения солнечных лучей. Дорога к Изумрудному озеру великолепна: тропинка ведет среди переплетающихся лиан, плутает в ровных зарослях бамбука, теряется между деревьями, Текс переведен и отредактирован: Шинарита Стоун

МЕСТНАЯ НОЧНАЯ ЖИЗНЬ На Ао Нанге имеется большое количество баров, ресторанов и ночных клубов, рассчитанных на все вкусы. Однако Ао Нанг хорош и своей демократичностью: местные цены доступны практически всем, причем качество блюд, напитков и обслуживания от этого не страдает. Стильный бар «Last Fisherman» настоящий эталон пляжных баров. Бамбуковый навес, столики на песке, звезды, отличная музыка – что еще нужно для счастья? Барный комплекс Central Point распалагает несколькими залами, в которых звучит живая музыка и всемирно известные хиты прошлых лет. На Ао Нанге очень много пивных баров и ирландских пабов, где подается недорогое, но хорошее пиво и всевозможные закуски к нему. Стоит отметить, что, несмотря на то, что нравы в Ао Нанге более сдержанные, чем в Паттайе или Бангкоке, все же любители “клубнички” смогут побаловать себя, познакомившись с доступными девушками. Они работают в местных гоугоу барах, расположенных на улице Сой Салай (Soi Salai). Пляж Ноппарат Тара, порадует вас колоритнейшим баром «Хиппи» и ярким пляжным баром Luna, в котором имеется великолепный танцпол. ЛОДОЧНЫЕ ТУРЫ В МАНГРОВЫЕ ЗАРОСЛИ Это интересное путешествие для любителей экотуризма. Манговые заросли, которые окаймляют побережье различных островов, создают каналы с лабиринтами. Во время прогулки на лодке, можно увидеть и посетить множество интересных мест: удивительный лес мангровых зарослей, пальм и лиан; скалистые острова с гротами и пещерами; большие и маленькие каньоны, где обитают красивые тропические птицы. Отправиться в это незабываемое путешествие можно со старого причала Чаофа (Chaofa).

Solutions 1. Backing Up 2. Sleeping at the Wheel 3. Quarterback 4. Coffee Break 5. Identical Twins 6. Count the Ways

The Brain Drain

Wuzzle

Sudoku

DOWN 1. TKO caller 2. Fighter pilot 3. Make believe 4. Ballet skirt 5. Birthday number 6. Take offense at 7. Andean mountain native 8. Letter greeting 9. Laundry problem 10. Assisted 11. Looks closely 17. Jupiter, e.g.

19. Courtroom event 21. Physics, e.g. (abbr.)

22. Deary 24. Pimples

ACROSS 1. Engrossed 5. Desertlike 9. Plant juice 12. Beige 13. Dancer ____ Kelly 14. Bind 15. Tootsies 16. Prank 18. Mummy name 20. Sooner

21. That woman 23. Rushed 25. Ampersands 26. Strong belief 30. New Delhi native 31. Certain engine 35. ____ school 37. Acquire by labor 40. Mighty tree 41. Formerly named 42. Skinny

27. Capital of Austria 28. Brainstorm 29. Pig’s sounds 32. Capital of New Mexico (2 wds.)

33. Before, poetically 34. Caustic chemical 36. Building cement 37. Curved letters 38. On the ball 39. Settle a debt 43. Let fall 44. Roof edge 46. Lamenting cry 48. Lodge member 50. Hollywood’s ____ West 51. Blunder

45. Took a chair 47. Pull apart 49. Limping 52. Baseball stat 53. Egg-shaped 54. Not nearby 55. Hog home 56. Brew coffee 57. Soothsayer

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