Krabi Magazine Nov 2013

krabi Nov 2013

loi krathong the festival of lights

vegetarian festival blood on the streets

great escapes lonely planet tells all

DINING - TRAVEL - LIFESTYLE - LEISURE - REVIEWS - WELLNESS

krabi November 2013 – Issue 92 EDITOR: Paul Stretton paul@krabi-magazine.com - 087 266 4876 DIRECTOR: Pamela Huxley krabimagazinemarketing@gmail.com - 088 451 2178 SALES & MARKETING: Joe Alonzo joe@krabi-magazine.com - 080 770 5734 DESIGN & LAYOUT: KitDee Media & Design Co. Ltd CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS: Zina Docto, Emily Huang-Ramirez, Suzi Hall, Ben Groundwater DISTRIBUTION AO NANG – KOH LANTA KOH PHI PHI – KRABI TOWN - KOH JUM KitDee Media & Design Co. Ltd. KitDee Media & Design Company Limited 247/13 Moo 5, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000 Tel: 093 658 4415 E-mail: info@krabi-magazine.com www.krabi-magazine.com 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: info@krabi-magazine.com Please send submissions to:

paul@krabi-magazine.com

DISCLAIMER

While great care has been taken in the receipt and handling of material, production and accuracy in this magazine, the publisher will not accept any responsibility for any errors, loss or omissions which may occur. The information and stories published are those of the writers and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the editor. The description of properties, the contents, whereabouts and price are given in this magazine as a guide only. Please request further details from the advertiser and seek legal advice before entering into any contract to purchase. All information and prices were correct at the time of going to press.

editorial Change is good - wouldn’t you agree? Those of you who have known Krabi Magazine over the past 92 months will undoubtedly see that we have undergone a hefty makeover this month. Welcome to the new face of Krabi Magazine!

The past few months have seen a lot of changes for us as we continue to grow and expand our presence all over the Krabi region. As well as being available in restaurants, spas, resorts and real estate offices we are proud to announce that Krabi Magazine is now delivered to the Thai Airways first-class lounge at Krabi Airport. With all the new changes, we decided that the time had come for a new look to the magazine - and here it is.

While we are still commited to bring you the lowdown on the best places to eat, drink and sleep in the Krabi area, we are also going to include new tech, gadgets, cars, health and wellness, lifestyle and more to our pages. Starting now.

This month we take a look at two of the more remarkable festivals of Southern Thailand for very different reasons. Loy Krathong is the “festival of lights” that sees the whole country light up at night with “krathongs” floating away on the tide and millions of glowing lanterns drifting up into the night sky as Thais and foreigners join to send their “bad vibes” off into the Universe for the year. A truly spectacular sight and one that must be seen if you are in Thailand at the moment.

At the other end of the spectrum, we take a look back at the recent Vegetarian Festival that would have shocked anyone not expecting to see people sicking swords through their cheeks! Yes, the “day of the dead” was back and as bloody as ever. If you have no idea what this is - all will be revealed inside!

We take a look at some of the newest technology to hit the market this month that aims to make your life easier both at home and on the road. If hitting the road in style is on your agenda then you could do worse than behind the wheel of a Porsche. The new Spyder 918 hybrid is an eco-friendly ride with a punch - just how much is a feat of engineering in itself and we take a peek.

Our dining guide to the area is now improved with QR codes for areas that are listed on Google Maps, so simply scan with your smartphone or tablet and get instant, turn-by-turn directions to the restaurant of your choice.

We still have a news section for the latest on what’s happening in Krabi and Thailand as a whole, as well as our Meet the Locals article spotlighting one resident of choice and why they are here.

With so much to do in Krabi, we hope that through Krabi Magazine we can highlight some of the best ways to spend your time and Baht during your stay in this beautiful part of the world.

For more up to the minute info, check out our social media platforms as well as our website at www.krabi-magazine.com.

Cover photo by Rebecca W.

www.flickr.com/photos photographingrebecca

inside

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dining spas shopping culture activities

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38 50

10 18 28 32 34 48 74

7 WONDERS OF KRABI

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities in Krabi.

We select the top 7 “Must Trys”.

NEWS We take a look at what’s happening around Krabi and Thailand as a whole.

DINING GUIDE A selection of some of the best places to eat out in the area.

SLOW CULTURE Koh Klang is an island hidden in plain sight.

A short boat ride away and you find an oasis of tranquility.

OFFSHORE All things water-based. From scuba diving to sailing.

MOTORS The newest addition to the legendary Porsche stable is the 918 Spyder Hybrid.

We take a glimpse at what it has to offer.

PROPERTY Krabi is fast becoming the premier investment opportunity for real estate. Villas to condos renting or buying - legalities and interior design.

LUXURY BEACHFRONT PROPERTIES Klong Nin beach - Koh Lanta Yai

villas & apartments ready to move in

+66 (0) 824 161625 / +66 (0) 869 431698 w w w. t h a i e s t a t e . c o m

a window on

krabi THE BEACHES AO NANG BEACH 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.

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.

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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.

beaches islands hot springs tours national parks temples

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 marvellous: 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.

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. 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.

The lookout point on Phi Phi Island has to be seen to be believed. A stunning vista over the azure waters of the Andaman Sea is the reward for the hike up.

The shallow waters of the bays are alive with life and are the true image of Paradise.

THE ISLANDS KOH PODA is the iconic island of Krabi and the first one you can see from the beach in Ao Nang. Hop on or hire a longtail, the local wooden boats with their picturesque prows and sail away surrounded by turquoise waters.

CHICKEN ISLAND should be next on your list as it’s right next to Poda. From the right angle it looks like a chicken you’ll know it when you see it! From where a walk on a sandy pathway that connects it to Koh Tub - which can only be accessed when the tide is low.

THE KOH HONG ISLANDS demand to be explored by longtail boat or speedboat. The archipelago, a group of limestone islands with hidden caves and lagoons, is perfect for kayaking or snorkeling.

KOH PHI PHI - This is a MUST! Private bays, limestone cliffs, waters rich in marine life, caves where swallow’s nests are harvested are all here on the sand that Leonardo de Caprio stepped on while filming “The Beach” at the now iconic Maya Bay KOH JUM & KOH SIBOYA are small, unspoiled tropical hideaways that have a unique atmosphere. These islands give visitors the time to relax and re-charge their batteries.

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 NATURE Limestone mountains or karsts characterise 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.

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.

SA MORAKOT, THE EMERALD POOL, is a natural wonder: a pond of turquoise water with an average temperature of 3040C, 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.

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The Krabi region has some of the finest scuba diving in the world with an incredible array of marine life beneath the waves.

Colourful reef fish, turtles, rays, seahorses and even the giant whale shark are all visitors here.

Kayaking is a hugely popular activity in Krabi.

The mangroves, caves & beaches provide plenty of great opportunities for paddling.

The beaches of Kong Hong never cease to amaze with their crystal clear water and stunning white sand. With two glorious beaches, a lagoon and national park land, this is a real island paradise.

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.

krabi 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 stunning scenery.

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 somewhere every day of the week .

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, there are also hot

Renovations completed at Pimalai Resort & Spa Awards winning Pimalai Resort & Spa, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has just completed the soft renovations of all its Deluxe rooms, Bayfront cottages and Pavilion suites as part of its on-going commitment to continuously provide first class comfort, facilities & services.

While other resorts may completely revamp their design & concept, this resort has actually not changed that much, and is still determined to remain essentially Thai as much as possible, especially in preserving its true Thailand tropical island setting and ambiance.

Special emphasis is given to the protection of the natural environment, the pristine beach and bay, the surrounding lush green rainforest, the stunning age-old majestic banyan tree, the cheeky monkeys, the sea eagles hovering about the resort and the many other numerous indigenous plants and animals. Part of the luxury of the resort is the richness of how it blends in with its surroundings.

The renovations include extra or much-improved audio-visual hardware and new Jim Thompson silky tropical feel fabrics. The interiors have been spruced up, and the accommodation appears brighter & bigger, although the lay-out and design are still the same... and just enough has been done in retaining the authentic Thai experience for guests.

Sofitel French Wine Week Celebrations On 23rd September 2013 Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort arranged a fabulous opening ceremony for Sofitel French Wine Week, from 23rd – 30th September 2013, held in all Sofitel hotels worldwide.

The resort arranged a large wooden container to be brought into the grand lobby and filled with 100 Kilograms of fresh grapes ready for a unique demonstration of French’s traditional wine making.

All Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra‘s guests, as well as local media, were invited to experience the traditional fun of wine making, crushing and squeezing the grapes with their own feet.

Moreover, there were a variety of other highlights throughout the week, highlighting France’s culture, gastronomy and wine to be experienced by all guests with a grand finale on the last evening on Sunday.

A French themed dinner was spectacularly arranged at Ristorante Venezia with exceptional wine pairings, master sommelier and a truly great end to a Magnifique week at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.

Beside the accommodation, the existing resort small shop & adjacent library has been replaced by a large retail gallery allowing guests to not only buy the usual resort clothing, but also quality souvenirs...Thai items & artifacts handpicked by the resort’s owners themselves. In total this renovation represents a 20 million baht investment.

Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance

Peace, Serenity, Solitude… These are the words that come to mind for Pimalai. Add to that elegance, nature and genuine friendly service.

Be it for a honeymoon or a break from it all, Pimalai nestled in a lush tropical forest, is the destination to set your sights on. The resort combines all the right ingredients – subtle five star comfort, natural beauty, far from the crowds, with no noise except the sound of the waves sliding in and out and slowly breaking onto a pristine sandy beach.

Visit www.pimalai.com for the latest special offers.

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Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 120 addresses, in almost 40 countries (more than 30,000 rooms). Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today’s more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, London, New York, Shanghai or Beijing, or nestled away in a country landscape in Morocco, Egypt, French Polynesia or Thailand, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre”.

You can discover Sofitel at www.sofitel.com

3RD CONSECUTIVE WIN AS ASIA’S LEADING SPA RESORT IN 2013

SALT SPA AND THERAPIES AT LINGER LONGER SPA

Stefan Heintze, General Manager of Layana Resort & Spa, managed

by MBK Hotel and Tourism, proudly received the honour of being awarded Asia’s Leading Spa Resort during the World Travel Awards 2013. This is the third consecutive year that Layana Resort & Spa has received this prestigious recognition.

Layana Resort & Spa, managed by MBK Hotel and Tourism, celebrated the inauguration of it’s new Salt Inhalation Room as a part of the secluded Linger Longer Spa. The Salt Spa, with fibre-optic lighting provides a special environment to breath in minerals and salts and relax with various therapeutic salt massage treatments.

World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those companies, organisations and brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.

The environment of the Salt Spa has been created to produce the therapeutic micro-climate found in natural salt caves. Reclining in a chair, listening to the soothing sounds of relaxation music, breathing normally, patients inhale the salt which penetrates even the deepest areas of the lungs for a complete health solution in a 100% normal way, cleansing the lungs of bacteria, irritants and pollution.

Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards says that the “winners continue to serve as an example of the most luxurious and innovative brands with unique hospitality products and services. Recipients strive to set the highest possible bar to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism.”

“This honour encourages for the entire team at Layana Resort & Spa, 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.

Stefan Heintze, General Manger, adds that “the addition of the Salt Spa further refines the luxurious facilities and amenities in the exclusive, adults-only resort located on an idyllic stretch of white sand and azure blue ocean which has become the resort of choice for selective guests.”

The Salt Room is a hypo-allergic and hypo-bacterial environment with a high performance air-exchange system, with a mean temperature between 20-24 Degrees Celsius with a relative humidity of 40-60%.

The Linger Longer Spa is a sanctuary of stress where guests can rediscover their inner harmony through an extensive range of Eastern and Western health and beauty treatments designed to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. A complete wellness destination the spa, in addition to the Salt Spa, highlights an idyllic garden setting, six indoor air-conditioned treatment rooms, two outdoor foot massage Salas, sauna with shock shower and hydro massage pool; with an array of treatments that includes traditional and aromatic massages, scrubs, body treatments and facials.

Having recently received the honour of being a finalist in the 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards and awarded Asia’s Leading Spa Resort by the World Travel Awards for the 3rd consecutive year.

Stefan Heintze, General Manager of Layana Resort and Spa proudly accepts the award.

WWW.LAYANARESORT.COM Tel: + 66(0) 75 607 100

Fax: + 66(0) 75 607 199

Email: resa@layanaresort.com

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 Thais all avoiding you.

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.

customs

I know, you’re on holiday and you deserve that tan - I understand. But here, bikinis are for the beach and only the beach.

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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.

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 or crosslegged.

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 Buddhist Thais, it’s very offensive.

haggling 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.

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.

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 monk if it’s ok to do so.

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.

The current reigning monarch of Thailand is His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The king has reigned since 9 June 1946, making him the world’s longest reigning current monarch and the world’s longest serving head of state.

the

king

500THB TAX FOR FOREIGNERS TO ENTER THAILAND A plan to levy a Bt500 tax on tourists entering the country has the blessing of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports after it was brokered earlier by the Ministry of Public Health.

Local media reports have not explained why the proposal came from a ministry that has no relevance to tourism or why the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which has jurisdiction over tourism gave its blessing without first consulting with tourism industry partners and associations.

The maverick at the party is Public Health Minister, Pradit Sintavanarong, who argued his ministry had consulted with other government agencies.

He claims tacit approval for the entry tax, although a decision has still to be made on which agency will be responsible for collecting fees at immigration check points. It also needs to gain Cabinet approval before implimentation.

KRABI MAN FIGHTS COFFEE GIANT Last week, a Thai law firm filed a complaint on behalf of Starbucks Coffee Co against Damrong Maslae, 44, for not complying with an injunction issued last year for him to remove the logo from his sidewalk stall in Bangkok.

The US multinational has demanded compensation of Bt300,000 plus Bt30,000 a month in legal fees. An initial hearing has been set for November 4.

“I will fight the case,” the Muslim from Krabi said. “I may lose, because Starbucks is a rich big company, but I have already won my case in the eyes of society,” he said.

“My customers have given me a lot of moral support. One client even gave me Bt1,000 to help fight my case.”

THAILAND NAMED “BEST GOLF DESTINATION” AT SAFARI INDIA NATIONAL TOURISM AWARDS 2013 Thailand has been named the “Best Golf Destination” at the Safari India National Tourism Awards 2013 at the award ceremony held on October 4, 2013.

Mrs Runjuan Tongrut, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New Delhi office, also has been honoured with the “Best Professional in Marketing” award in appreciation of her commendable work towards taking Thailand tourism to newer heights.

Mrs Runjuan expressed her gratitude to the editors and management of Safari India, saying the golf award is the recognition of efforts made towards promoting the increasingly popular sport as Thailand has become a natural attraction for golfers thanks to its modern facilities, internationally-designed and championship courses, cost competitiveness, unmatched hospitality and excellent infrastructure.

There are more than 250 world-class golf courses in Thailand, ranging from locations in cosmopolitan city such as Bangkok to beach destinations such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Phuket, as well as in the highland areas of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Khao Yai. Golf has been played in Thailand for 100 years now, with matches reported at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club as early as 1905. The first recognised 18-hole course, Royal Hua Hin, was built by a Scottish engineer in 1924 in the aristocratic seaside resort of Hua Hin. Thailand hosts many globally recognised golf tournaments, such as the Honda LPGA Thailand and the Royal Trophy – Europe vs. Asia Golf Championship. Thailand also hosted the Asia Golf Tourism Convention in late April and the Yatra Tournament in June.

news

Damrong insisted his green-and-white logo, which depicts a Muslim man at its centre with crescent moons on the side, was inspired by Islam, not Starbucks.

TRAGIC BUS CRASH CLAIMS LIVES IN LAMPANG

KRABI AIRPORT TO UNDERGO FURTHER EXPANSION

A bus carrying worshippers home from a temple at the end of Buddhist Lent plunged into a ravine in northern Thailand, killing 22 passengers, police said on Thursday.

It has recently been announced by the Civil Aviation Beureau that the Krabi Airport is to be renovated once again to increase it’s capacity to cope with the increasing amounts of visitors to the region. It has been estimated that up to 3 million air passengers are to pass through the airport every year, gathering pace as each season in Krabi attracts more and more tourists from all over the world.

The bus driver lost control of the vehicle before it fell about 30 metres into the ravine on a curvy rural road in Wang Nuea district in Lampang province on Wednesday, police Col. Somdet Tossaporn said. The driver was among 16 people injured.The travellers had visited the temple to make merit, a Buddhist ritual of performing good deeds or other acts. Most of those killed were women.

The 2013 high season is about to start and so the proposed expansion scheme has been earmarked to begin around the beginning of 2014.

Up to 26,000 people are killed in road accidents every year in Thailand, according to the Interior Ministry.

TOURIST NUMBERS IN THAILAND DUE TO SOAR Tourism Council of Thailand estimates international tourist arrivals to Thailand during the last quarter, October to December, will reach 7 million giving the country around 26.27 million visits by year end.

TCT president, Piyaman Techapaibul, said for the fourt quarter is always strong but if present trends continue Thailand will surpass targets.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports earlier set a target of 24.3 million tourist arrivals in 2013. As it is now almost certain the country will sail past the target comfortably the ministry will no doubt raise the targets for 2014 through to 202o.

“Asia and ASEAN continue to be the main markets for Thailand’s tourism industry particularly China. We expect 4 million visits by year end from mainland China alone, ” she said.

During January to August, this year, there were 3.2 million Chinese visits generating Bt130,000 million in tourism revenue.

The president added economic recovery in Europe and the Americas will encourage tourists to travel to Thailand and that would further boost arrivals, but Europe is no longer the kingpin market.

Travel companies in Thailand are now fast catching on to the potential revenue benefits in Asian markets such as China and India.

For domestic tourism, Thais continue to travel although the cost of living is rising.

NEW HOLIDAY TO MARK END OF THE YEAR The Thai cabinet on Tuesday agreed to make Monday 30 December an additional holiday nationwide for all employees to encourage tourism during the New Year celebrations.

According to the decision, Thais can look forward to a five-day public holiday from 28 December 2013 to 1 January 2014.

Tourism Council of Thailand president, Piyaman Techapaibul, said it had surveyed around 2,000 Thais and the result suggested the additional holiday would help to boost tourism.

“It will increase the desire to travel to 59% from an earlier estimate of 40% and that could generate more than Bt24,000 million in tourism revenue, ” the TCT president said.

Thai Travel Agents Association estimated the additional holiday will encourage 200,000 additional overseas trips on top of the average 350,000 to 400,000 trips a month.

The association president, Suthiphong Pheunphiphop said: “The long holiday will encourage Thais to travel to short-haul destination and to countries that do not require visas, for example, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau.

We estimate a 20% boost to travel.”

Trips to Japan will increase as there is a visa-free privilege in place, while trips to China will decrease due to a strict tourism law that controls what agents can sell in both outbound and inbound markets. Also visa procedures for China are tighter than ever.

This year 5 million Thais will buy overseas travel.

getting 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

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

krabi’s very own “million dollar baby” takes to the muay thai rings of thailand to challenge herself mind, body & soul.

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No, it wasn’t the estrogen. It wasn’t the first time I had the urge

tutelage; taxing, draining, exasperating tutelage that many times,

to eye sweat either, but I usually hold it in until I’m safe in the

serves to test the strength of our spirits. But here in Thailand,

confines of my shower. This time though, it escaped me before

where grace, humility and femininity are also revered qualities

I could muster the strength to suppress it. I took a hit that really

in strong fighters, is the cultural view different? Is the occasional

hurt, but in hindsight it had nothing to do with the pain. Normally,

crying - by both women and men - accepted as simply the

I’m in the mood for a proper face smashing by the testosterone-

release that it is? I wish we talked about it more. It may mean

heavy population at the gym. I actually like it because it’s great

nothing to others, but I firmly believe that I’m not alone in this.

training. But I had a vulnerable moment, the kind in which the variables of exhaustion, frustration and feeling overwhelmed

Only in recent history did women gain the right to fight Muay

combine in an inconsolable rush of tears and the infamous

Thai in Thailand. I suppose I, like many female fighters, have an

ugly cry face unique to all of us, but linked by the common

unspoken sentiment that we represent all of us everywhere,

denominator of ugliness. Crying is only cute on tiny humans.

and we are continually proving our right to be here. Moreover, it’s a fine line between maintaining our sexual identity and

In retrospect, it was completely irrational to feel aggravated by

validating our skills; being taken seriously, not being questioned

the inundation of someone bigger, stronger, and much more

about our sexuality, nor seen as prey (which is a whole ‘nother

experienced than myself, which describes the majority of my

Pandora’s box I can’t possibly open up sufficiently on this page).

gym. It’s a genetic fact that I’ll never be able to overtake many

I love fighting and am game for all it entails, but I also like to

of these men in my lifetime. I’m the only female at the moment, and at that, most of the time. It’s rarely if ever discussed, because

wear mascara. How do I preserve this balance when I’m crying in the ring?

men don’t cry.

It’s likely that feeling powerless in the ring stems from much We live in an age that despite cultural progressions, many of us subscribe to the societal notions that girls can cry, and boys shouldn’t; it’s ingrained is us from childhood. That publicly crying is a dubious display of masculinity for men, but women are just living up to their gender expectations. That women should show their emotions so that whomever is making them cry, stops, and if they don’t they are jerks. But as a female in a male-dominated world of Muay Thai, the rules seem different for us. This equation has new constants because getting pummeled is part of the training, and for me, it means being hit by men. Like, a lot. And so there’s this superficial fear that crying may make them think I’m not tough enough, and they shouldn’t have let me in the club in the first place. This is a terrible way to think.

The instant I cried, I felt ashamed for crying. But worse, I soon after felt ashamed of being ashamed...all day. Fighting has a huge mental and emotional training component, and there is nothing easy about it.

deeper issues carved immeasurably into my psyche, and learning to lessen the effect of this is learning to empower myself.

No one has ever mentioned the incident, thankfully, because at the end of the day the tears were just that, insignificant tears. It’s the baggage of training, and this is why I love fighting so much.

This is why I need it. It transfers effortlessly into my personal life.

It’s a way of learning to take control, and to heal. The crying was trivial and something I will grow out of, and I hope it’s always understood that way and never assigned to my gender.

We train to fight, but we also train to take hits on our own terms.

We train ourselves to be pushed beyond the brink or to accept what can’t be changed, but more importantly, to leave it in the ring or in the past, where it belongs.

My fear is that my tears aren’t understood by others as insignificant. I wish I knew it would be okay to cry and have people ignore it, to just let that detox happen so I can learn to train out of it, the same way we teach

When I trained Muay Thai in the States, the anti-crying propaganda was ceaseless. This pervasive meathead notion associates fight sports with hearts and minds of steel, with the moment of victory as possibly the only time a fighter should

I don’t feel bad about it anymore, and no one’s mentioned it, which means I hope it’s understood that the tears are really insignificant in the grand schematic.

cry. We sadly allow ourselves to subscribe to this belief with only a few brave souls going against this grain, at least in my

Fighting is an emotionally challenging sport.

experience. How fighters should react and behave is easily muddled with the reality of how we release in reaction to our

by emily huang-ramirez

23

hautecuisine High is the name of the game as dining in Krabi takes to new heights with 2 restaurants that are worth noting for their outstanding quality and stunning location.

fresh seafood and international wines to pair.

Thai food is given a twist with old favourites like chicken satay and spring rolls given a contemporary “upgrade� with fusion elements and the freshest ingredients.

The Hilltop is situated about as high as you can get in the Ao Nang area that offers a They have a free shuttle service that takes stunning view over the whole of the area. you up to the restaurant and back again, and the ride is entertainment in itself - hold Particularly impressive at sunset, they ahave on tight! an impressive selection of food, including

Thai Restaurant & Bar Sky Lounge & Lush Garden T: 075-637-088 M: 084-455-0096 Free shuttle service Open Hours: 11:00 - 24:00

Free shuttle service

Chill out with your friends or enjoy a romantic dinner at The Hilltop!

Open Hours: 11:00 - 24:00

T: 075-637-088 M: 084-455-0096

(noun) ORIGIN French, literally ‘high cookery’.

While not high in altitude, the all-new Red Devil Restaurant & Grill has raised the bar in terms of the quality of food available in the Krabi Area.

Executive Italian chef Umberto has completely revamped his place and transformed it from a cozy lounge bar into a first-class dining experience worthy of any 5-star resort.

With a brand-new menu that features some of the finest pizzas around, home-made Italian specialties and legendary grilled meats, the Red Devil is proud of it’s commitment to serving premier cuisine withought the high price tag.

With a selection of imported beers and wine, patrons can now enjoy an exotic aperitivo on the rooftop terrace before being seated at their table downstairs or in one of the private function rooms available.

rill t & G in n a r u esta nces evil R g experie D d e n R n... ni mped e finest di once agai a v e ally r one of th d the bar ens d tot n a ow kitch like raise w N s i e s . h a n g t h l a n l th rms The a with a ba new menu food t using te s s a l r c k a net st e first is bac his brand for th onely Pla phold. i, n b w a L o r u d grill K kn to

n nd a ation come isor a lties a as be Trip Adv as a reput a i h c e o t p s h er n Umb e, so whe rabi”, he talian K c fine I ts. u s n i d r e f o r e ff a p h il o me berto best c f Um e d Dev imported e e h R “The t C a st cool, becom menu e fine le and ty he has nsive cludes th b e a t t x r i e o f tal at in The c, com hospi ion th is chi al Italian t a select h t n terior aditio lish in ith the tr y t s h w ou Wit mes y welco s for. u famo

• FREE tuk-tuk pick up service available • Open from 8am - Late

• Contact: 083 175 6938

loykrathong Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated in Thailand which is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar it usually falls into November.

“Loy” means to float. A “Krathong” is a vessel traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions often use styrofoam).

These are decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense and coins.

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By moonlight, people light the candles and joss-sticks, make a wish and launch their Krathongs out to sea, into canals, rivers or even small ponds. It is believed that the Krathongs take away sins and bad luck and carry the wishes that have been made for the new year to start.

Indeed, it is the time to be joyful and happy as the sufferings are floated away.

The festival originated in Sukhothai, but is now celebrated throughout Thailand, with the festivities in Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya being particularly well known.

17.11.13 Both Krabi town along the river, and the beaches in Ao Nang, Klong Muang and Koh Lanta annually see a beautiful display of thousands of candle-lit baskets.

Krabi town hosts a Krathong festival and funfair along the riverfront, where you can buy your Krathong in one of the street stands.

Make sure you release your Krathong when the tide is receding so you don’t run the risk of seeing it floating right back. You might have to soak yourself ankle-deep in water in order to achieve that, but it’s well worth it.

+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

“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

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

dining [ steak & grill [

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Carnivore

krabi area

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 home-made french fries and mashed potato to die for.

Da Carla

[ italian & thai [

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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

Noppharathara Beach, inside Sabai Resort.

The Irish Rover

[ irish pub & restaurant [

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

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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.

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

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.

TJ’s

[ sports bar & grill [

What to Try: The home-made pies Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from 4pm - 1am Tel: +66 (0)75 637 607 Website: www.irishpubaonang.com.com

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

Average price: 250+THB

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. They show pretty much any major sporting event that happens to be going on in the world at any time!

In the bar they serve all the classic cocktails by the book and a lot of new ones with that “TJ’s touch.” They also offer five different draught beers, English cider and 20+ different bottles of beer.

You can expect a classic “sports bar” menu with that little extra - everything from nachos and smaller dishes to big homemade hamburgers and juicy steaks. The portions are very generous and the quality is outstanding. Well worth a visit.

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Average price: 220+THB What to Try: The home made burgers & nachos Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from Noon - Late Tel: +66 (0)75 637 119 Website: www.tjs-krabi.com

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Venezia @ Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort [ italian [ 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!

Tattoo de Café

Average price: 400++THB What to Try: Antipasti & ravioli frutti di mare Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from 6pm - 11pm Tel:+66 (0)75 627 800 Website: www.sofitel.com/6184

[ thai & european [

On Ao Nang Beach Road & Shell Cemetary Junction The Tattoo de Café is something of an institution in Ao Nang as they have been on the beach for over 9 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.

Diver’s Inn

[ german & steakhouse [

What to Try: Grilled chicken & club sandwich, cheesecake Free WiFi?: Yes Tel: +66 (0)81 929 4766 Email: mirorynut@hotmail.com

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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

Ao Nang, opposite the Siam Commercial Bank, Near Mc Donalds.

The oldest German restaurant in Ao Nang focus on hearty meat dishes and offers an array of savoury items on its menu.

Enjoy one of the renowned juicy and tender Australian Angus steaks, duck and chicken breast or pork tenderloin, all accompanied by a selection of potato dishes and the famous salad buffet.

You can also enjoy traditional German wheat beers or a nice imported wine like a German Riesling as you munch on tasty appetizers such as tempura shrimps or maybe a full plate of steamy spare ribs.

For patrons who are not too much into meat dishes there is a selection of traditional Thai food and seafood as well as crispy and fresh salads.

Minty’s Folly

Average price: 150 – 900+ THB What to Try: The Angus steaks Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from 11am - 11pm Tel (Th/En): + 66 (0)75-637 297 Tel (En/Ger): + 66 (0) 89 587 3533

[ northern thai & european [

On the road out of Ao Nang, towards Na Thai Once known as “The North Food Restaurant”, this place has been going from strength to strength as it refines it’s menu and offers more choice of dishes than ever before. Old movie posters adorn the walls and the love of antiques and all things wooden is evident here, with comfy armchairs and even a second-hand book shop to browse through.

The Khow Soy soup is still the jewel in it’s crown, but as well as this and the other authentic Northern Thai delicacies on the menu, there are now fresh pastas, home-made burgers and wraps, salads and sandwiches that use freshly baked Italian bread.

The portions are generous and all excellent value for money. Add an array of fresh juices and smoothies, as well as beers for 50 Baht and a selection of wine that is very impressive and affordable and you have yourself a great place for lunch or dinner.

Average price: 70-150THB What to Try: Noodle Soup, burgers, pasta, sandwiches.

Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2pm & 5pm-10pm Tel (eng): +66 (0)89 469 2415 Tel (thai): +66 (0)87 455 7052

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[ thai & fusion [

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The Frog & Catfish

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.

Average price: 150+THB What to Try: Whole fried fish in Boraan Sauce Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from 10am - 10pm Tel:+66 (0)84 773 0301

The Red Devil

[ italian & grill [

Website: www.frogandcatfishkrabi.com

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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.

Just outside Ao Nang at the Ao Nammao/Shell Cemetary junction.

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

The menu has been refined and expanded to offer exceptional quality Italian cuisine at very affordable prices. Think Beef Bourgiononne with truffle-oiled tagliatelle. Homefired pizza with parma ham. Buffalo mozzarella and tomato salads. Huge platters of authentic Italian appetisers. This is not your usual pizza takeout place - more fine Italian dining without the heart-stopping price tag at the end.

Gecko’s @ The Sheraton Resort & Spa

[ italian [

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The restaurant has undergone a major refurbishment and now has an upstairs terracce as well as a lounge area with seperate rooms that can be used for private parties and get-togethers. With an impressive array of quality wines and imported beers, this is fast becoming one of the premier eateries in the Krabi region.

Average price: 200+THB What to Try: Beef Bourgiononne with truffleoiled tagliatelle, pizzas.

Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily 8am - Late Tel: +66 (0)83 175 6938 Website: www.reddevilaonang.com

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: Pizzas Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from 11am - 11pm Tel: +66 (0)75 628 000

Wanna’s Place @ The L Resort

[ swiss [

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Website: www.sheraton.com/krabi

North end of the Beach Road.

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 topnotch 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.

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Average price: 200+THB What to Try: Steak on hot stone.

Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily 7am - 10pm Tel: +66 (0)75 637 484

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Khao Thong Terrace [ fine thai [ Khao Thong, on the road towards Phuket.

This place is the restaurant equivalent of a pot of gold at the end of a particularly spectacular rainbow.

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 not-so local palates. Crunchy spring rolls, chicken satay sticks, fresh fish fried with turmeric, home-made fish cakes and chicken any way you like it are all possible, and all fresh from the water you gaze at while devouring.

Poppy’s

Average price: 120+THB What to Try: Crab curry Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from 11am - 10pm Tel: +66 (0)83 107 4400 Email: khaothongterrace@gmail.com

[ minigolf & kebab [

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

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

Average price: Chicken kebab & beer for 159THB

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

What to Try: The Kebabs Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Lunchtime until last one goes home Tel: +66(0) 80 146 4977

Our Facebook page is Poppy’s MiniGolf & Kebab Cafe

Email: aonang_7@hotmail.com

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The Hilltop [ fine thai [ 99 Moo 3, Ao Nang, Krabi

Krabi Villa Café @ Krabi Villa Co. Ltd.

[ café [

Average price: 400-900+THB What to Try: Southern Crab Curry, Duck The Hilltop Style Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Daily from 11am - 12am Tel: +66 (0)75 637 195 Website: www.thehilltopaonang.com

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The Hilltop Restaurant & Bar is truly an idyllic dining spot. With the breath-taking views of Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara beaches, the Hilltop Restaurant is located on one of the most phenomenal settings for panoramic sunset.

Furnished with a stylish and spacious design, we are also perfect for hosting both romantic couples as well as big party groups.

Pamper yourselves with fresh Andaman lobsters. King prawns, crabs and giant oysters carefully chosen and prepared by our chefs. At The Hilltop, menus are always evolving in an effort to create new, mouth-watering dishes such as “Duck, the Hilltop Style”, “Southern Curry with Crabmeat & Local Herbs” & “Prawn Salad in Taro Pasty Basket”.

There is a wide range of local brews, wines and thirst-quenching cocktails to soothe your throat. Hilltop Sunset & 99 Aonang are among the list of signature cocktails available only at The Hilltop Restaurant & Bar. Chill out at The Hilltop Sky Lounge for an unforgettable experience of style and comfort!”

Klong Muang Beach Road Nestled next to the Krabi Villa Company Ltd. in Klong Muang, the Krabi Villa Café is a great little place to grab a bite to eat and some fresh coffee.

Comfortable sofas and chairs are available for lounging in with your drink and the staff are friendly and very welcoming. If you want to take a load off for a while, high-speed Internet access as well as a selection of newspapers and magazines make spending an hour or 2 here as easy as pie.

If you fancy more than a drink, there is an impressive array of sandwiches prepared with fresh bread, as well as cakes and muffins. Even breakfast is catered for, with a selection of pastries as well as eggs, bacon and toast to start your day in style.

Fresh coffee, home made food, WiFi, sofas and magazines. What more could you ask for?

Average price: 100THB What to Try: Sandwiches, organic coffee Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Tues - Sun from 9am - 5pm Tel: +66 (0)75 600 141 Website: www.krabivillacompany.com

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culture F

Just a short boat ride away from Krabi Town lies the genuine getaway island of Koh Klang We went to take a peek at what it has to offer

or the culture-seeking travelers among us, there still exists a quiet, tranquil place where the breeze is never turned off and the charm is always at max output. A place untouched by 7-11’s, nightclubs, even cars.

Two tuk tuk’s trying to pass each other on a path spanning the width of only one is rush hour. Hard to believe this place exists when growth is all around us at an alarming pace as high season kicks into gear, but it’s real.

Welcome to Koh Klang.

for lunch and dinner. There are even resident puffer fishes that can be pet if one dares, but of course, it’s not on the menu.

A five-minute boat ride across the river in Krabi Town will put any soul on a quest to digitally detox into the heart of a traditional southern island. A pristine wetland ecosystem and unrivaled panoramic views of the islands are enough to draw any nature-lover, but a peek into the inner workings of the islands will compel anyone to stay. The few thousand inhabitants hail from generations of fishers, farmers, and handicraftsmen that preserve their heritages to this day.

And it would be just another normal day if either of these charming personalities invited visitors to try their hand at assembling a model boat or painting Katik.

Koh Klang is famous for a few things, mainly the seafood and Sangyod rice, which is produced only here and in Pattalung. Sangyod rice is distinctively purple on the tips of the grain and has a unique, slightly salty flavor due to the perfectly balanced fresh and salt water combination used to grow the rice.

Annual planting and harvesting celebrations characterize the spiritual nature that rice farming emanates within the community, and visitors are always welcomed to observe and even participate.

Fresh seafood abounds on the island due to its optimal location and its expanse of mangroves and salt-water canals. A daytrip to the island affords visitors choice picks of fish and shellfish, prepared fresh and daily

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The island is also popular for its awardwinning production of hand-made arts and crafts. Pay a visit to Mr. Sombun Manka, known for his intricate ‘Hua Tong’ model fishing boats, or visit Grandma Prajim as she makes ‘Katik’ cloth, a blend of hand-painted Batik and Patae techniques that produce vibrant textiles.

The island is home to only one resort development that takes great pride in upholding the values of the island’s predominantly Muslim community, with the main focus of encouraging guests to immerse themselves into the fabric of the island’s various livelihoods. Islanda Eco Village Resort was born of a sincere appreciation for the gentle rhythm of the island’s people.

It’s a place for peace; a chance to slow down and allow oneself to be enveloped into the local cadence. Both community and resort embrace each other’s presence, actively working together to welcome visitors into exploring the island and preserving all its facets of life.

One quickly gathers that there is nothing pre-fabricated about Koh Klang. Unlike many tourist attractions, it is far from staged. It’s an unblemished experience of Southern Thai culture…and it’s right in front us.

“

Koh Klang is famous for a few things, mainly the seafood and Sangyod rice, which is produced only here and in Pattalung.

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offshore

snorkelling watersports gear

new gear

cetatex aquabionic warp1 fins With its warp technology CETATEK introduces the world’s first water adapting responsive propulsion system for fins. The warp1 uses patent pending technology that spreads and cups the fin blade in response to increased load on actuator joints when the diver kicks harder.

This sophisticated design allows the fin to be flexible and maneuverable at low thrust and become increasingly more powerful when more propulsion is needed.

The forced adapting dynamic spreading of the actuators and central membrane increase the surface area of the fin, capturing and accelerating more undisturbed water for most efficient propulsion.

The forced dynamic cupping design allows for relatively low profile side rails while still minimizing side spill. This makes the warp1 not only an excellent fin for straight-line flutter kicks, but also a top performer for frog and scull style kicking as well.

www.cetatek.com

mares matrix dive computer A full-dot matrix high resolution display, tilt- compensated digital compass with bearing function, graphic profile during the dive and multigas algorithm make Matrix arguably the most impressive Mares watch-style dive computer ever. A choice of digital or analog time of day display, second time zone and a precision stopwatch, all in a sleek metal housing make it the coolest product to show off with in between dives.

Did we mention a 35-hour logbook including dive profile graphs at 5s sampling rate? The rechargeable battery means years and years of maintenance free use. The charging cradle doubles up as PC (or Mac) interface for downloading dives and for firmware upgrades.

www.mares.com

what is “tec diving”?

Technical diving is scuba diving’s “extreme” sport, taking experienced and qualified divers far deeper than in mainstream recreational diving. Technical diving is marked by significantly more equipment and training requirements to manage the additional hazard this type of diving entails. Tec diving isn’t for everyone, but for those who hear its challenge call, the PADI TecRec courses are the answer.

Technical scuba diving is defined as diving other than conventional commercial or research diving that takes divers beyond recreational scuba diving limits. Tec Diving usually takes you deeper than 40 metres/130 feet deep, requires stage decompression and or the use of variable gas mixtures during the dive.

Whilse tec diving does present more risks, it also offers a slew of benefits. Those who Tec dive visit places underwater that relatively few people can. Many spectacular, untouched wrecks lie at depths well below 40 metres/130 feet. Deep reefs have organisms you don’t find in the shallows.

Some people enjoy the challenge and focus tec diving requires.

Still others love being involved with cutting edge technologies.

These reasons make tec diving rewarding.

The fun part of TecRec is rising to the challenges as you dive deeper and longer than most divers ever do.

krabi tides

November 2013

krabi diving info...

Great for: Small animals, all skill levels of diver, snorkelling Depth: 5 - 25m Visibility: 5 - 20m Currents: Easy Surface Conditions: Calm, but can be choppy in rainy season Water Temperature: 27 - 31°C Experience Level: Beginner to advanced. Tech diving possible.

Number of dive sites: >10 Distance: ~5-10 km west of Ao Nang (¾ hour)

35

Knife piercing of cheeks, climbing ladders with broken glass on the rungs, walking over burning coals, tongue slashing with razors, standing on lit firecrackers and threading fishhooks through the skin on arms and backs. Apparently I’ve been doing festivals all kinds of wrong my whole life and didn’t know it.

This past October marked yet another year of the infamous Tesagan Gin Je, or Vegetarian Festival in Thailand, a display of religious devotion in the form of abstinence from meat and vice, and more notably, public selfmutilation.

“

38

The sheer gore can be vile to some, and fascinating to others.

I was in the latter category.

The festival is believed to have originated in Phuket in 1825, in an effort to honor Chinese gods, purify the community of evil spirits and bring good fortune to the areas. But the real spectator draw of the festivities is its ghastly displays of mediums – mostly men – possessed by spirits, impaling their bodies with a creative array of implements from guns and swords, to umbrellas and musical instruments.

Extra merit points for creativity.

The sheer gore can be vile to some, and fascinating to others. I being in the latter category, had to be front and center for one of the many processionals taking place throughout the nine-day festival. Phuket is the hot center in Thailand for this event due to the high population of Thai Chinese residents, but Krabi Town also has its fair display of flagellation and mutilation.

The story goes that the governor of Thalang, Praya Jerm moved the island’s town to the Kathu District in Phuket, then heavily pocketed with tin mines and Chinese miners, as well as an endemic fever.

A travelling Chinese opera company came to the town for a performance, and when stricken ill, followed a vegetarian diet to honor two emperor gods, which they believed provided the cure. The people in Kathu viewed this ritual vegetarianism as a sacred act, embraced the practice, and the festival has evolved into what it is today.

Tradition dictates that devotees perform mutilation on themselves and each other – consensual, of course – while under a trance-like state. Devotees are dressed in all white with some dawning traditional Chinese garb, and the ritual begins at the local Chinese temple where the spiritual possession begins.

Mah Song – the people inviting the spirits into their bodies – execute their planned methods of impalement and mutilation, which are sometimes planned weeks or months ahead of the festival. Mah in Thai is the word for horse, and Mah Song

refers the act of the spirits using bodies as vehicles, much the way a person rides a horse. Only unmarried men and women without families can become Mah Song.

In front of City Hall, the rituals began as temples from each of the surrounding communities took their turns circling the temple shrine while other participants held a collective yellow string around the shrine.

This string was later cut and tied on wrists of all those in attendance (including yours truly as I’d hate to miss that train of good luck) as a well wishing of good fortune in the coming year. I’m just supposed to wear it until it falls off and one week into it, it’s still going strong.

Although anecdotal in nature, the mutilation is a means to venerate both gods and ancestors, and purify the soul.

It is believed that because the Mah Song are imbued with other worldly spirits they do not feel pain, and judging from Krabi’s procession, I believe it to be true.

I watched a man slice a razor over his tongue in fierce motions as if playing the violin…in a heavy metal song.

As the name implies, participants eschew meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy as well as vices during the period of the festival.

So no, this isn’t your typical party.

Restaurants and proprietors around town, even 7-11, indicate that vegetarian food is available by displaying the iconic yellow flag with the word “je” written in red. The characters are printed in a font that resembles Chinese characters, and devotees are those of Chinese heritage, but interestingly the festival doesn’t exist in China.

Naturally, one wonders about the aftermath. In the days following the festival, some Mah Song are seen with bandages although I was told by one spectator that devotees tend to recover quite quickly with little scarring.

Vegetarian “magic” as it was referred to.

It also helps to impale the same holes every year, I suppose.

What does remain however is the altered demeanor the ritual is believed to impart on the devotees for days, even weeks after: a clear focus and calm nature. I could use some of that, always, but I’m too cheap to pay the price. *Sigh* Amazing Thailand.

by Emily Huang-Ramirez

“

Devotees are those of Chinese heritage, but interestingly the festival doesn’t exist in China.

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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.

True Colours

By Stephen Leather Published by Bloomsbury ISBN : 9781408842423 The Russian oligarchs are the world’s new elite. They treat the world as their plaything, traveling without borders and living lives of unimaginable luxury without fear or restraint.

But when an assassin starts killing off some of the world’s richest men, an oligarch with friends in high places seeks the protection of MI5. And Spider Shepherd is placed in the firing line. But while Shepherd has to save the life of a man he neither likes nor respects, he has to deal with a face from his past. The Taliban sniper who put a bullet in his shoulder turns up alive and well and living in London.

And Shepherd is in no mood to forgive or forget.

Doctor Sleep

By Stephen King Published by Hodder & Stoughton ISBN : 9781444761191 An epic war between good and evil, a gory, glorious story that will thrill the millions of hyper-devoted readers of The Shining and wildly satisfy anyone new to the territory of this icon in the King canon. King says he wanted to know what happened to Danny Torrance, the boy at the heart of The Shining, after his terrible experience in the Overlook Hotel.

The instantly riveting DOCTOR SLEEP picks up the story of the now middle-aged Dan, working at a hospice in rural New Hampshire, and the very special twelve-year old girl he must save from a tribe of murderous paranormals. . .

The Husband’s Secret

By Liana Moriarty Published by Penguin Books Ltd. ISBN : 9781405911672 At the heart of The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty is a letter that’s not meant to be read . . . Mother of three and wife of John-Paul, Cecilia discovers an old envelope in the attic. Written in her husband’s hand, it says: to be opened only in the event of my death.

Curious, she opens it - and time stops. John-Paul’s letter confesses to a terrible mistake which, if revealed, would wreck their family as well as the lives of others.

Cecilia - betrayed, angry and distraught - wants to do the right thing, but right for whom?

If she protects her family by staying silent, the truth will worm through her heart. But if she reveals her husband’s secret, she will hurt those she loves most . . .

42

Poseidon’s Arrow

By Clive Cussler Published by Penguin Books Ltd. ISBN : 9781405914116

KRABI INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI

It is the greatest advance in American defense technology in decades—an attack submarine capable of incredible underwater speeds. Nothing else in any other nation’s naval arsenal even comes close. There is only one problem: A key element of the prototype is missing—and the man who developed it is dead.

At the same time, ships have started vanishing mid-ocean, usually never to be found again, but when they are, sometimes bodies are found aboard . . . burned to a crisp.What is going on? And what does it have to do with an Italian submarine that itself disappeared in 1943, lost at sea? Or was she?

It is up to NUMA director Dirk Pitt and his team, aided by a beautiful NCIS agent and by Pitt’s children, marine engineer Dirk and oceanographer Summer, to go on a desperate international chase to find the truth, from Washington to Mexico, Idaho to Panama.

The Longest Ride

By NIcholas Sparks Published by Hachette Group ISBN :

9781455546916

early learning center

Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninetyone years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash.

Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago.

Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together.

A few miles away, at a local bull-riding event, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent breakup, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans -- a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

กระบี่อินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล มอนเตสเซอรี่

0-908-700-905 www.krabimontessori.com krabimontessori@gmail.com 242 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi

thai Hello (m)

Sawadee Krap

Hello (f)

Sawadee Kaa

How are you?

I’m fine How much is this?

What is this?

Yes No

Sabai Dee Mai? Sabai Dee A Nee Tao Rai? Nee a Rai? Chai Mai Chai

I can’t speak Thai

Poot Passa Thai Mai Dai

Sorry/Excuse me

Kor Toht

Can you speak English?

I don’t understand Do you understand?

Help!

Spicy Not spicy Is that tasty?

Hot (Temperature) Cold Water Where is the restroom/toilet?

Can I have the bill/check?

See you soon

Khun Poot Passa Angrit Dai Mai? Mai Khao Jai Khao Jai Mai? Chooey Dooey!

Pet Mai Pet A Roy Mai? Rawn Yen Naam Hong Naam Yoo Tee Nai? Kep Tang Pop Gan Mai

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

Mai Pen Rai 1 2 3 4 5

Noong Song Sam See Haa

6 7 8 9 10

Hock Jet Ped Khao Sip

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

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

porsche 918 spyder hybrid

The 918 Spyder embodies the essence of the Porsche idea: it combines pedigreemotor racing technology with excellent everyday utility, and maximum performance with minimum consumption.

Developing the car from scratch, appropriately beginning with a sheet of white paper, allowed the team to come up with a no-compromise concept.

The entire car was designed around the hybrid drive. The 918 Spyder demonstrates the potential of the hybrid drive to a degree never seen before: the parallel improvement of both efficiency and performance without one being at the cost of the other.

This is the idea that has made the Porsche 911 the most successful sports

48

car in the world for 50 years. In short, the 918 Spyder will act as the gene pool for the Porsche sports cars of the future.

A key message of the 918 Spyder is that the hybrid drive from Porsche is a plus for no-compromise driving dynamics.

intelligently that, for every sprint with maximum acceleration, the full power of the 918 Spyder can be tapped into by simply pressing the accelerator down fully.

Drivers can experience this thanks to the unique all-wheel drive concept with a combination of combustion engine and electric motor on the rear axle and the second electric motor on the front axle.

The Porsche developers defined five operating modes that can be activated via a “map switch” on the steering wheel, just like in motorsport cars. On the basis of this pre-selection, the 918 Spyder applies the most suitable operating

The advanced “boost” strategy manages the energy of the electric drive so

and boost strategy without driver intervention, thus allowing the driver to concentrate fully on the road.

see video

075-637-119

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

Open Daily

From 12:00 to Late

The infotainment block is housed in the lifted center console, which was introduced in the Carrera GT. Control functions for the automatic climate control system, wing adjustment, lighting and Porsche Communication Management (PCM), including a Burmester high-end sound system, can be intuitively operated by multitouch with a new type of black panel technology.

Porsche Center Bangkok: +66 (02) 522 6655

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

075-637-118

Open Daily 7:00 - 23:00

Great Escapes The newest installment from Lonely Planet is an opus on some of the most stunning locations on the planet. Travel at its finest...

Ben Groundwater

50

The shadows dance in the candlelight.

Musical strains from a mariachi band float across the cemetery as the painted midnight revellers laugh and chat and dance and sing. Some people choose to perch on the graves in silent vigil.

Most, however, are a little livelier in their celebration of the dead.

sand that kiss the sapphire water of the Pacific Ocean. There’s not a soul around, no one to disturb the peace of a tropical island and time to spend in the sun. This is Tikehau, an atoll that barely pokes its head above the wide expanse of the ocean, and it is home to a private resort offering seemingly unending solitude.

It’s dark and eerie at the graveyard in Oaxaca, but the night is just beginning; this will party stretch on until dawn. It’s the Day of the Dead, Mexico’s annual festival to honour family and friends who have passed away. It’s an evening spent in the company of those loved ones down at the cemetery, celebrating their lives and the things they held dear. It’s ghoulish costumes and dark shapes in the night. It’s tequila and mescal and the joy of friends.

There are activities available on Tikehau if you want them. You can surf the breaks that crash into the coral fangs that ring the island. You can scuba dive among swirling schools of tropical

It’s also about as far from the world most people know as you could possibly get, a sometimes bizarre escape from the daily norm. Want to get away from the routine of home? Want to have your world so shaken, your soul so inspired that you return feeling like a different person?

Then a night in a cemetery in Oaxaca during Day of the Dead is not a bad place to start. It’s not, however, everyone’s idea of a great escape. And it doesn’t have to be. There’s a whole world of options available. Cut to a beach in French Polynesia, one of those arcs of white

fish. Or you can just wander the beaches soaking up the sun. As a brief break from the norm it’s as spectacular as the revelry in the Mexican cemetery, but a completely different experience – one of solitude and relaxation rather than cultural fascination.

It’s an escape from reality nonetheless.

And that’s what this book is all about: escape. Over the course of these pages you’ll find holiday escapes of all shapes and sizes, from romantic weekends to gastronomic adventures to big-city getaways.

Whether you’re holidaying as a family, a couple, a group of friends or going solo – you’ll find ideas to inspire your next short break, or an interlude during a longer trip. These exciting experiences share

the common thread of enjoyment and difference, a way to break up life’s routine with something special, something out of the ordinary.

Some people prefer to experience that enjoyment through adventure, by kayaking across an archipelago, touring Thailand on a motorbike, or rounding up cattle at a ranch in Montana.

Others want to let loose and party, barhopping through pulsating Tokyo, dancing on the sand in Hvar, or soaking up the music in New Orleans. And then there are times when you just want to get away from it all, from civilisation entirely, working on body and mind in a yoga retreat in Bali, or sleeping under the stars on a houseboat in Kerala, India.

These escapes can be discombobulating riots of colour if you want it, or they can be the complete absence of the things that stimulate the mind. A break to make you think, or a break to make you stop.

Whatever your pleasure, whatever form it takes, an escape is a chance to reassess your life, to recharge your batteries, to so completely divorce yourself from normality that by the time you return to the nine-to-fi ve grind you’ve forgotten all of your passwords.

This is the chance to have an experience that will alter the way you look at the world, and perhaps even the way you look at yourself.

These journeys are not lengthy. We’re talking mere days. A long weekend.

Travel at its best doesn’t have to be an epic adventure.

It can be a perfectly planned mini-break, a couple of days to discover something different from the daily routine.

That can be enough time to soak up another culture. Spend a couple of nights in the tapas bars of Andalucia and you’re starting to get an understanding of the place, of the locals’ passion for flamenco dance and the heart and soul that goes into the little plates of food.

Live a weekend in Berlin and you’ll find enough time to be inspired by its thriving creativity, to experience a city that caters to every quirk and whim imaginable.

It’s also enough time to disconnect.

Whether that’s achieved in a monastery in Mallorca or at Ian Fleming’s Jamaican villa is up to you.

Open 10.00 - 14.00 17.00 - 22.00

Closed on Sunday

A cool, quiet alternative Fresh pasta Home-Made Sandwiches Burgers & Wraps

It’s enough time, too, to taste the flavours of the world, from the hawker food in Penang to Chile’s world-class wines.

And, of course, it’s enough time to take in something so completely alien that you’ll be pondering the experience for months afterwards. Something like the Day of the Dead. Something like drinking tequila in a graveyard in the middle of the night while those around you pay their respects to the dead by celebrating the joy of life.

That’s something different.

A great escape.

www.lonelyplanet.com Uniquely styled rooms available

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Welcome to The L resort located in the heart of Ao Nang’s beachfront road and yet close to everything you would want in Ao Nang.

From the simple bungalows to the revered L suite there is everything you could want at this trendy modern resort.

Redesigned 2 years ago by Swiss owner and his wife Wanna, the L resort has seen many changes.

Some of the noteworthy ones include the new solar panels and solar hot water panels that drink up the Thai sun atop the resorts rooftops, both systems now operate 24 hours a day and help conserve energy usage at the resort.

The jacuzzi pool that overflows into the main swimming pool has 3 lounge chairs secured above the underwater jets offering guests the ability to lay back and relax in style.

The contemporary design and modern, trendy feel set amongst the tropical ferns and sandy beaches gives the feeling of utter relaxation while still maintaining the sophistication of all modern day amenities.

The rooms are designed with the flare of purple walls and countertops yet there are patches of floor tiles replaced with pearl white stones, again emphasizing the relationship between both tropical paradise and a trendy, modern resort.

Upon entering the resort, an iPad is given to the guest with all the amenities at his or her fingertips.

From in room massage, to wake up calls for the next day’s excursion, to an in-room champagne celebration, it’s all there, all you need to do itstap the screen.

If you are looking for a resort with all the amenities you could ask for while still offering you beachfront access and within walking distance to most shopping areas and fine dining restaurants in Ao Nang then look no further than the L.

the The sumptuous rooms have a contemporary design that is luxurious and unique in Krabi.

The in-room iPad “butler” service adds an element of extra convenience at your fingertips.

resort

The loungers fixed to the jacuzzi are a nice touch, offering complete relaxation and a spa-like experience in one.

new $249.99

braven bluetooth speakers At nearly 4x the size of the BRAVEN Six Series, the BRAVEN 850 pumps out unbelievable sound from a speaker less than a foot long. Like its smaller brothers, the 850 provides emergency mobile device charging, impressive play time, integrated speakerphone, and an aircraft grade aluminum housing.

In addition to mind-blowing sound, the BRAVEN 850 will charge iPads, tablets, and other 2.1A devices (as well as cell phones), and offers wireless pairing between two 850 speakers for left and right stereo.

www.braven.com

$9999 lg curved tv Some things in life defy all explanation and must be experienced to be believed. Such is the case with the new CURVED LG OLED TV. With deeper, richer colors, stunning contrast, and an ingenious curved screen, it is unlike any technology you’ve ever seen, and it delivers a picture that exceeds your wildest imagination.

www.lg.com

$99

pyle audio HD camera Pyle Audio has just announced that they are rolling out the new Hi-Speed HD Camera/Camcorder.

This would be the perfect companion for action sports enthusiasts as it lets them share their hiresolution photos and videos with family and friends. The camera will arrive in black, blue, grey, red and silver shades.

Featuring a 12-megapixel sensor, with CMOS image sensor technology and capable of recording video at 120 frames-per-second, this camera/camcorder will also be able to produce hi-speed, high-quality videos that are fit for any video production.

www.pyleaudio.com

samsung galaxy gear smartwatch This unique smartphone watch not only picks up notifications, controls music playback, and keeps time with a variety of faces, it also has a 1.9-megapixel camera, speakers and two microphones built in — meaning you can actually record a video from your wrist.

$299.99

In order to make calls through the watch, you have to connect it to your Galaxy device (more specifically, your Galaxy Note 3 or Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition), but that’s made easy thanks to Bluetooth.

The gadget comes in an array of colors aimed at specific lifestyles — like orange for the sporty types and rose gold for their feminine audience.

$99

www.cruxcase.com

crux360 ipad case The Crux360 is a clamshell-keyboard case that allows you to use the iPad® in a multitude of positions. All iPad ports and buttons remain accessible while using the case.

It features a full bluetooth® keyboard, and features four modes: Laptop Mode, Movie Mode, Tablet Mode & Carry Mode

www.samsung.com

Zina is the founder of “i AM WOMAN”.

Educating woman to discover their health and beauty from the inside out; overcome weight issues, sickness and disease.

Many travelers making their way to Thailand have one thing in mind - heading to the open sea.

Taking a long tail boat out into the pristine turquoise waters for a bit of scuba diving or snorkeling, all the while gazing out on the Andaman Sea and breathing in the fresh cool air. The tropical scenery here in Krabi with white sandy beaches, lush foliage and a cool sea breeze to cool you amidst the humidity will simply take your breath away.

But Krabi does not just take your breath away, it also gives back.

Krabi has some of the freshest air in the Northern hemisphere. The quality of the air has been unspoiled by automobile exhaust and industrial plants oozing waste emissions into the atmosphere. Unaware the entire time you are walking along the beach or drinking a fresh coconut juice under a palm tree, you are providing yourself the number one need of the human body; Air. A mixture of invisible, odorless, tasteless gases that surround you as simply enjoy your holiday.

Air is something that you’ve got to have; period. All that need be done to see the importance of air is to cut off its supply for just a few minutes. Life can remain without food for a few weeks, without water for a few days,

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The stunning beaches around the Krabi province are ideal for some deep cleansing exercises

but only a few minutes without air.

There is a continual process of taking in air. Filling our trillions of cells with oxygen then breathing out carbon dioxide; thus removing toxins from our oxygenated body. The length of human life depends on the quality of air that is breathed in.

Air influences the level of health that is attained throughout your lifetime.

Endurance building activities often referred to as aerobic exercises are great ways to obtain air. Aerobic literally means “with oxygen”.

A few aerobic exercises, which can be sustained, are walking, swimming, jogging, dance, jumping rope, etc. These forms of exercise circulate blood to the muscles along with oxygen to produce energy to perform a physical task, as well as burn fat.

Deep breathing is also a key factor to bringing plenty of air into the lungs. Sadly, most adults breathe quite shallowly.

Tight clothing, sitting hunched over, sitting sedentary and being under stress produce shallow breathing. However, this can be reversed by training yourself with some easy-to-do exercises.

Give these a go and get ready to feel the difference!

Squeeze and relax each and every muscle from the soles of your feet to the top of your head. Hold each flex or contraction for approximately 3 seconds, release and go to the next body part. Do this either standing or lying down. The blood will circulate and drive oxygen throughout your entire body.

Improper breathing causes oxygen deficiency. Use the full capacity of your lungs by expanding both the chest and lower abdomen.

Sitting on a mat on the beach is a great location for you to practice this exercise.

Begin breathing from your diaphragm.

Keep your shoulders pressed away from your ears and breathe in deep enough to where you feel your lower rib cage increase. It should pinch just a bit.

When exhaling, use your stomach muscles to push the air out as if you are pulling your belly button to the back of your spine. You want to eliminate all of the air from your lungs before taking in your next breath.

Do this 5 times.

Aerobic exercise increases the capacity of the heart to pump blood and increases the capacity of the lungs. It doesn’t matter what aerobic exercise you do. No matter what it is, try to start from 5 minutes up to 15/20 minute intervals. Just have fun, breathing in and out. Giving your body the number one need that it has - air!

Eat smaller nutrient-dense meals as overeating causes oxygen deficiency.

Thailand has delicious health food.

Consume meals that are easy to digest, not engorging yourself. You will find that you are not taxing your body and exhausting your oxygen, as your body tries to process your meal.

One more tip as you make your way back to where you call home.

Avoid carbon monoxide. Simply put; bad stinky air is of no value to your body. Car exhaust, cigarette smoke, refinery fumes and the like should be avoided when at all possible.

Enjoy your time in the “land of smiles”; now breathe…

info@beautyfromtheinsideout.org

take my away

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muang

As Krabi’s beach areas become more and more crowded, it’s a relief to know that one small corner of this province is still the postcard-picture image of paradise.

The unspoilt beach at Klong Muang is just a stones throw from Ao Nang and yet, the peace and serenity here is a million miles from the tourist traps and big brash resorts just down the road.

Places to stay in the area are located directly on the beach. Luxury rooms and bungalows look out over the waters of the Andaman Sea, giving you the perfect view of a spectacular sunset.

As the sun sets over the Andaman, the time has come to relax and sample some of the finest seafood you’ll ever taste. Krabi is known country-wide for the fresh produce from these waters.

While welcoming you with open arms, the small local community are also active in preserving the beauty of the area and encourage visitors to do the same.

This small piece of paradise will leave a long-lasting memory. Enjoy the beauty of Klong Muang and remember, don’t tell too many people - this is your secret hideaway!

Elephant Camp

Ban Klong Muang

Klong Muang

Hong Naak Cape

The princess’ Residence

Siew Bay

Krabi Villa Co.Ltd Krabi Villa Cafe

4203

Pakasai Resort

Soi 1

Nathai Resort

Railay

Ao Nang Villa

Post Office Full Moon

Long Tail Boats to Railay

TUP ISLAND CHICKEN ISLAND

PODA ISLAND

Ao Nang

4202

Ban Chong Pli

Krabi Thai Village

Klong Heang

Long Tail Boats to Railay

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

Long Beach

Natin Spicy Garden

Klong Son Temple

Cobra Show

Ban Chong Pli School

Nong Thale School

British International School

Villa Rattana

4203

Thip Residence

Tharue

Rd.

ar ad

Rd .

R

T

Police

Kaew grovaram temple

Hemthanon Rd.

Ut ta ra kit

Krabi hospital

Ao Nammao Bay

Gastropod Fossil Susaan Hoi - Shell Cemetry

M ah

4

TO: BigC, Tesco Lotus, Krabi Airport

Morning Market

Bus Station

Huay Toh Waterfall

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

Treansport Department Labour Department Krabi Immigration

Ban Leam Pho

Saitai Canooeing

Ban Ao Nammao

Long Tail Boats to Railay

Mosque

Ban Nammao School

4204

town, Ao Nammao Long Tail Boats to Krabi to

4034

i ha ai T nS Ba

Ananda Pools

Sai Tai Temple Krabi Cart

4200

M

Klong Muang Plaza

Elephant Camp

Ban Klong Son

Elephant Camp

Nong Thale River Residence

Ban Nong Thale

4034

4033

.

Rd

@Sea Condo

Nakamanda Resort & Spa

The Krabi Sands Resort

Sofitel Phokeethra Resort & Spa

Ban Tup Kaek

Hong Nak Nature Reserve

Frog & Catfish Restaurant

Khao Thong

4

ah

Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort

Sabai Ba Bar

The Beach House Restaurant

Klong Muang Beach

Pong Cape

KOH HONG ISLAND

Tup Kaek Bay Beach Phulay A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

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

Hang Nak Nature Hike

Khaothong Terrace

TO: Phuket

ad ar

.

ad

akit Rd

Nathai Ro

Uttar

kohlanta 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 shophouses 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.

the lighthouse 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.

just arrived It 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.

ba kantiang bay 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.

national park The park covers a marine area dotted with several small sandy islands surrounded by coral reefs.

The headquarters are located on the island’s southern extremity.

fire shows 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.

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sea gypsies Known as Ban San Kau, this sea gypsy’s settlement is based on 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.

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.

Asia’s Leading Boutique Beach Resort

Asia’s Leading Spa Resort

World Luxury Suite Hotel

koh lanta scuba diving & snorkelling 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.

Dive sites nearby include the world-famous 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.

If you’re dead set on staying well and truly within reach of the water’s surface, then snorkelling is the way forward and many of the dive boats also welcome snorkellers on board as well as divers.

thai cooking classes 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. 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.

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!

rent a moped & explore Mopeds are everywhere in Thailand, and Lanta is no exception. They’re cheap, easy to operate and are hard wearing.

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 bring the bike back, is all.

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….

activities 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.

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 and cracking of joints!

But it’s not anywhere as bad as it might sound - otherwise no 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.

You can have it as hard or soft as you like - and your masseuse will usually ask you if the pressure she is using is ok for you, and will adjust accordingly.

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

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dining Seven Seas @ Pimalai Resort & Spa [ fine fusion [

map

koh lanta

99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach.

Tides @ Layana Resort & Spa

[ fine fusion [

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

map

A truly stunning place that demands you stand slack-jawed as you walk into it. Openplan 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.

272 Moo 3 Saladan, Phra-Ae Beach 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: Healthy Spa Cuisine Menu Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: 6:30am - 10:30am & 11:30am - 6pm Tel: +66 (0)75 607 100

Time for Lime

[ creative thai & fusion [

map

Website: www.layanaresort.com

72/2 Mo 3, Klong Dao Beach, Saladan. Look for the “lime green” sign.

Beachcomber @ Lanta Castaway Resort [ tex mex & thai [

Average price: 490 THB for 6 dish Tasting menu What to Try: The lemongrass or chili Margarita Free WiFi?: Yes Opening Hours: Happy hour on cocktails 4 – 6.30pm Food served from 5pm – Closed Sundays Tel: +66 (0)75 684 590 Website: www.timeforlime.net

map

A small, funky un-snobbish place with passion and soul, on the beachfront. It’s been going strong for over 10 years. Not only a famous professional Cooking School, but also now a well know restaurant that serves a high quality 6 dish Tasting Menu with an extremely good value. This is the place to go for those who want something more than the regular tourist norm. They serve great wine with low prices, and their cocktails are the talk of the town. In the tree top adult-zone you can you can relish the sea, while having a peek at what the cooking school “chefs” are creating down below. What also makes this place unique is that their profit goes to the charity Lanta Animal Welfare.

So, while you enjoy wining & dining, you support of great cause too.

Note: The Tasting Menu changes every day. If you prefer, you can also order just a main dish.

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.

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Average price: 250 - 350THB What to Try: The Tex Mex food Free WiFi?: Bungalow guests only Opening Hours: Daily from 7am - 9pm Tel: +66 (0)75 684 851 Website: www.lantacastaway.com

Environmental concerns have surfaced in the Krabi area, causing uproar amongst the locals, especially of Koh Lanta, where the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) plan to build a Petrochemical Industrial Estate.

The Coal Plant would be situated in the Nuea Klong district of Krabi and Koh Lanta will be the chosen distribution hub.

Heavily laden coal barges will travel from Indonesia to Koh Po, a small, serene island opposite Lanta’s old town, where the larger ships will distribute to smaller barges.

These barges will pass adjacent to Lanta’s Sunset beaches, where expected coal spills could be a regular occurrence, damaging the valuable and diverse marine eco-system.

There could be up to 90 vessels a day, resulting in the possibility of a coal-bearing ship being on the horizon continuously.

The project has already been opposed in Nakhon-Si-Thammarat with the help of Greenpeace, where locals refused the Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) access to the land by forming a blockade and protest.

66

sign the petition!

EHIA have claimed that there has been no opposition here in Krabi, that there are no risks involved and that the general public here are for the project, meaning that it has a good chance of going ahead.

Local Thai and foreigners feel that there has been no public consultation and that the promise of the EHIA to be accountable and transparent (so that locals can fully understand the extent of the project) has not happened.

The current hope is for EGAT to make a new Environmental Health Impact Assessment, as there was no public consultation, information or studies about the effects of the coal plant on the environment and local economy in the previous report.

Locals are petitioning, staging demonstrations and fighting for this naturally stunning coastline, with the knowledge that this proposed coal plant will affect the entire area and could seriously impact the marine environment.

Koh Lanta Ferry to Mainland

Boat

s to K Ao N oh Jum ,K ang, Raila rabi, Ph iP y, Ph uket hi

Koh Lanta Noi BAN SALADAN

Khaw Kwang Beach Come visit our HAPPY ANIMAL CENTER! EVERY DAY: 9.30 am - 5 pm for Tours, Doggie Walking, Kitty Cuddles & Adoptions • Keeping the Island safe with sterilizations & rabies vaccinations.

• Treating sick, injured and abused animals.

• Please help us to continue this important work, as we don’t get any government support.

A non-profit Organization

We’re in Pra-Ae opposite the school.

Tel: 084 304 4331

Ferry to Mainland

Lanta Car Rental

Time for Lime

Klong Dao Beach

Layana Resort & Spa

Mangrove Forest Agrotourism Center longtail boat trips

Lanta Castaway Resort

Phra Ae

Thung Yee Pheng village

Long Beach Lanta Animal Welfare

If it wasn’t for Cooking School we wouldn’t be here.

They are 3 km north from us on Klong Dao Beach front.

Klong Khong Beach DIID YOU KNOW....

We have built LANTA ANIMAL WELFARE’s Center & our profits support their daily cost?

So, come on join the fun Learn, Eat & Drink your hearts out! AND FEEL so GOOD

Koh Bubu

Jee Lee village

Klong Tob Beach Rawi Warin Resort

cooking school beach bar & food

The first on the Island.

QUALITY - FUNKY & FUN ATMOSPHERE FOR over 9 YEARS

Lanta Old Town Mai Kaew Cave

Klong Nin Beach

HAPPY HOURS 4 - 6:30 pm on our famous cocktails.

Great hot Bar Snacks, and the “Special dish of the day” too!

Bungalows

8 cozy air-con & fan

Closed SUNDAYS starting from Nov. 1st.

Pier

Tham Seua Cave

Lanta Hospital

Klong Nui Beach

KLONG DAO BEACH FRONT - KOH LANTA Tel: 075 684 590 www.timeforlime.net

Klong Hin Beach

Koh Lanta Yai

The Houben Hotel & Villas Ba Kantiang Bay Pimalai Resort

Waterfall

& Spa

Ao Nui Bay Klong Jark Bay May Pai Bay

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

National Park Headquarters

Lighthouse

Long Beach

Laem Hin

Hat Yao

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

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

Koh Talang Ting Rai village

Koh Jum Lodge

The Urban Cafe’

Koh Jum Beach Villas Bluejuice Diving

Woodlands Bungalows Coco Bar

Koh Jum village

Koh Jum

koh Jum Koh 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.

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.

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With a pristine beachfront location, the lodge demands a slower pace of life.

Reading, eating, swimming, evening strolls and general relaxation are almost obligatory.

If you want to get away from the crowds but still hit the beach, there is a place that was built for just this purpose...

koh jum You would be forgiven for raising an eyebrow about now if the name of Koh Jum means nothing to you. It’s far from the madding crowds and yet right on our doorstep - an idyllic island getaway that has to be one of the highlights to any trip to the Krabi provence The island is home to Jean-Michel and is Thai wife, as well as close friend Thierry. As their names suggest, they come from France and have been here since 2004, building their dream resort on the unspoiled shores of the island.

As you may recall, the year 2004 was a horrific year for Thailand, as well as a large portion of SE Asia. A mere 3 days after the Koh Jum Lodge opened it’s doors for the very first time, the Tsunami struck and destroyed most of the place. Thankfully there were no casualties as they had yet to recieve any guests - a silver lining if ever there was one!

Jean-Michel has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, as he previously worked for 12 years in a Bangkok tour agency. He knows Thailand and his love for the country and it’s people permeates through every inch of his resort.

As with most places on Koh Jum, the journey there is half the fun of the experience.

Located a 45 minute longtail boat-trip away (or considerably less on a speedboat) arriving on the island is like stepping back in time.

There are no bars, take-aways, 7-Elevens, loud music or touts selling you things you don’t want. The roads are rough and ready

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and the locals genuine, helpful and warm this is a side of Thailand that is surprising in it’s nearness to the bustling tourist locals of Ao Nang and Krabi and yet it’s distance in the way people live and work.

After arriving at the resort via what passes as a taxi on the island, 19 luxurious wooden bungalows greet you, secluded and elevated on stilts that offer you a view of the surrounding jungle and towards the ocean.

Each bungalow can accommodate a family of 4-5 people, with an upper mezzanine area in each one for the kids.

The rooms are furnished with a local, Thai “bamboo hut” feel but with a 5-star twist.

A huge bed with soft cotton sheets, fresh flowers, a gleaming monsoon shower and huge bathroom mirror let slip that this is no backpacker hideaway. A lot of thought has gone into this place and - as always - it’s the little details that matter.

It must be said that the main “activity” on the island is doing not much at all. While certain excursions can be arranged such as scuba diving, boat trips to nearby Phi Phi Islands and hikes up the nearby Koh Pu mountain; the main reason people come here is for hardcore relaxing. Reading books from the on-site library, napping on the hand-made beach loungers or lazing in the swimming pool are considered extreme sports here, so don’t expect adrenaline-fuelled programmes.

The restaurant is excellent and serves topquality Thai and European food that seems

to go down well with the mostly French, Swiss, German and Swedish guests. Situated overlooking the ocean, it’s an evening to remember and many who come end up staying. The average length of stay is now 20 days, with some booking in for the whole season.

With fresh, local seafood, ice-cold drinks, soft ocean breeze and a pristine beach that is devoid of people, noise and litter - Koh Jum is that little slice of paradise that demands to be experienced.

“

the main reason people come here is for hardcore relaxing

The rooms at Koh Jum Lodge are furnished in traditional Thai fabrics that are elegant and luxurious.

The large outdoor swimming pool is perfectly nestled in front of the bungalows that is perfect for lounging in or around.

propertysection investments

real estate

legal

interior design

legal

land ownership by foreign nationals Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand but (in theory) individual foreigners can own land up to 1 rai (1600 square meters) in specified areas for residential purposes through a Board of Investment regulation (section 96 bis Land Code Act) which requires that, in addition to the land purchase, a 40 million baht investment into Thailand must be made in specified assets or government bonds beneficial to the Thai economy.

IF granted (unlikely) it is under strict conditions and the land must be located in specified areas and requires approval of the Minister of Interior. Moreover this ownership is not transferable by inheritance, therefore limited to the life of the person granted the right to own the land for residential purposes under this exception. In practice, even if you would be very rich, this is not a viable option. Besides this one exception land ownership in Thailand is strictly prohibited for foreign individuals

design Housing is rapidly having to adapt to the global changes of the twenty first century.

These include the transformation of the family and the rise of the non-traditional household, increases in construction costs, and concerns over climate change and the depletion of natural resources.

focused thematic chapters look at twenty discrete topics, such as live/ work; adaptable housing; prefabrication; water efficiency; green roofs; innovative landscaping.

Designing the residential environments that address these issues is an urgent priority.

Each chapter includes an essay which lays out principles, methods and practices.

Using text, drawings and photos from a variety of contemporary international practices, the book demonstrates how these ideas can be applied by architects.

This book examines the latest residential design trends that have arisen in response to these challenges.

It offers a comprehensive collection of strategies and examples that will inspire a much needed housing revolution.

Divided into four broad areas, tightly

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materials export quality bamboo for sale Latin name: Dendrocalamus sericeus Local names: Phai Sang Mon Culm: The most beautiful smooth skinned giant Thai bamboo.

Only found in the higher altitudes of Northern Thailand.

Very straight culms up till 15m.

Uses: Strong dense fiber great for construction and furniture.

Excellent for decorative strips, bamboo matts and interiors.

6m long, 3-4 inches thick, 650 THB/pole 6m long, 4-5 inches thick, 890 THB/pole

Call: 0833939021

Latin name: Dendrocalamus asper Local names: Phai Tong Culm: The mother of all South-east Asian giant bamboos.

Thick uniform wall. diameter from 2-20 inches.

Uses: The strongest Asian bamboo Suitable for construction, columns, beams, arches.

6m long, 3-4 inches thick, 860 THB/pole 6m long, 4-5 inches thick, 1’090 THB/pole 6m long, 6-7 inches thick, 1’820 THB/pole

land 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

4,000

172,222

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

100

40

16.00

160,000 400

The property business can be a cutthroat one with competition rising every year in Thailand amongst real estate brokers and agents all out to make a living.

There is one man in Krabi who has been standing head and shoulders above many as a Rental Broker, rather than sales.

This is proving to be a lucrative business - and his success is even more impressive when you learn that he is deaf.

We meet up with Kristian Olsen for an exclusive interview on his life to date.

meet KM: Thanks for taking the time to meet with me today Kristian. Let me start by asking how you came to be living in Krabi?

Kristian: Well, I was living in Phuket at the time and was finding it difficult as there was so much competition in the real estate business. My wife and I decided to relocate to Khanom - a beach resort on the other coast.

On the way over we stopped in Krabi for one night. “Wow”, I thought. It was beautiful here, we went to visit Ao Nang beach and I thought it was also very beautiful.

As my son started to grow up - I wanted to put him in an English school. So we came here and started looking for a house to rent. It took a while to find something suitable and at a reasonable price but in the end we prevailed.

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locals KM: Now Kristian, I understand you are deaf - obviously it has not stopped you from succeeding in business and family.

Would you mind sharing with us how you came to lose your hearing?

Kristian: (Laughing), no problem. When I was growing up in Denmark I was big for my age. I played a lot of sport with older boys and ended up running in circles with teenagers closer to 17/18 years old.

I even had a 19 year old girlfriend.

One night after I had been drinking with my friends I was invited to a party.

I initially said no and walked home, but then I changed my mind. “Borrowing” my father’s car in order to get to the party was what cost me my hearing. I have no memory of the crash, but I woke up from a coma in hospital six days later deaf. The nurse started to answer my questions and I realized that I was lip reading her - not hearing her.

My father told me at the time that I had fallen off my bicycle so as not to upset me and make me feel bad. Later I found out the truth. It took me a while to get good at lip reading, and of course school was difficult - I had no-one to help me in class and life was a bit tough in the beginning. I read lots of books and followed the black board as best I could.

In the end I was provided with a translator and I graduated with good marks.

KM: What happened to the 19 year old girlfriend?

Kristian: Ha ha, well her family put a stop to that!

KM: So how do you find living in Thailand being deaf?

Kristian: In Denmark people are scared of deaf people because they dont know how to communicate with them.

People would stare at me like I came

from another planet. The attitude was the same with the government. I said I wanted to work at a job where I could use my brain, not just work in a factory or something like that. I had an education and degree in IT and business but it was very hard to find a job.

So after visiting Thailand one time for a holiday, I decided to forget about Denmark and try and make a fresh start in Thailand. I had made friends here during that holiday with deaf Thai people - I saw they worked hard and were accepted easily by Thai people. In fact Thai employers were happy to employ deaf people as they were good at their jobs and worked hard. I watched a Thai Chinese deaf friend of mine succeed in business here in Thailand. He loaned money from the bank to open a small guesthouse - now he has a big hotel, a restaurant, three cars and so on.

Thai people are much more open hearted than northern Europeans ,I feel. When they talk they are very expressive and use their hands a lot so communicating for me became easier.

In Thailand people are not distracted by people with handicaps - for example if someone is missing an arm or a leg - it’s not such a big deal in daily interaction with people. They get over it immediately and treat you no differently. It’s not like that in Denmark. The choice to move to Thailand was an easy one. Here I can use my business skills and actually get on with my life.

KM: So tell me about the business that you have going here in Krabi....

Kristian: Well I am a real estate broker.

I source rental properties for people and also sell land and homes. I am also a property valuator. I can advise people on what their home is worth when they are trying to sell, depending on the location, age of the house, size, current market, etcetera, etcetera.

It’s funny because here in Krabi there are quite a few property brokers, though none of them seem to deal with rental properties. Though if you drive around town you will see many signs on houses saying “for rent”. I am trying to create a database of rental properties - similar to an estate agent in the west.

It keeps me very busy though, as often the property owners dont think about updating their broker when things change - like they find a tenant, or the

price changes or whatever. But that is essentially what I do.

KM: Now you’ve moved quite a few times in Thailand already - from Pattaya to Phuket to Khanom to Krabi. Is this the last move or do you plan to move on again in the future?

Kristian: My wife and I love it here in Krabi! There is also a wonderful Danish restaurant in Krabi Town - Cafe Europa - that serves some of the best Scandinavian food I ever found in Thailand - that might just keep me here forever.

KM: Right - so you are going to stay in Krabi because of the great Danish food?

Kristian: (Laughing) well there are many more reasons to stay of course and we love Thai food too.

But yes, we are very happy here and I think it will be some time before we think about moving again.

KM: You have a lovely family with two beautiful sons. How do your boys handle communicating with their Dad? Kristian: Both my sons understand English so it’s no problem for me to talk to them. The older boy also speaks Danish. We have used sign language since they were old enough to learn.

Sometimes they make up their own signs too - so we have a language that is continually evolving. I lip read, and they create new signs as we need them.

KM: Kristian, I regularly interview business owners here in Krabi for the “Meet the Locals” piece. Many foreigners would like to open a business here in Krabi. What advice can you offer to people wishing to invest in Thailand and live here in Krabi?

Kristian: Many people who open a business want to follow their heart, but instead of following your heart, you should follow your customer’s heart.

77

What they want - give to them. If you want to succeed in business here I think you need to find a niche. Try to find a business that does not have too many competitors.

The first business I opened in Thailand many years ago was a visa service in Pattaya. All the other expats were opening bars, but I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to offer visa services - but there was already many people doing that so it didn’t go so well.

I asked people there what they wanted and the answer was always the same - real estate agency that can find cheap properties. I dropped

the visa service and started selling property because that’s what people wanted. It was very hard work but I earned a good living.

Investing in property in Thailand is pretty much a guaranteed investment return - in the 16 years I have lived here property has never gone down, only up.

Beach front property all over the country just keeps going up. In Ao Nang it’s unbelievable how expensive beachfront land is now.

Anyone that was able to buy beachfront years ago is sitting on a gold mine now.

Anyone wishing to view rental properties or homes and land for sale in the Krabi region should contact Kristian. Their office is on Krabi road not far from the Ao Nang turn off at the Shell Station as you head into Krabi Town Kristian Olsen Property, land, business for sale and lease SMS: +66 81 721 7646 Email: kristian@thaiestatenetwork Web: www.thaiestatenetwork.com

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บริษัท กมล๊อต จำกัด

Инвестиции в Таиланд – это решение, которое требует тщательного продумывания, но решить, где открыть в Таиланде бизнес, может быть еще более сложным. Где прибыльнее всего? У какого из молодых рынков самый большой потенциал? Проводя исследования актуальной информации о рынке недвижимости в одной из самых бурно развивающихся туристических зон Таиланда, я встретился с Ником Паркером, основателем компании Koh Phangan Holiday Homes и управляющим директором компании Krabi Land & Villas. С ним мы обсудили, какие аспекты выделяют эту «южную драгоценность» (так часто называют Краби) на фоне других, более старых туристических зон страны. Итак, Ник, давайте начнем с того, как вы попали в Таиланд и как вы стали профессионалом в сфере недвижимости. Как вы попали в этот бизнес? Я здесь уже много лет. Классическая история, на самом деле. Я приехал в отпуск, и домой уже не вернулся. В сфере недвижимости я начал работать на острове Панган (Koh Phangan) девять лет назад. Я создал компанию, которая занималась арендой вилл, затем мы стали заниматься строительством вилл и их содержанием для клиентов-владельцев. Мы начали с одной виллы, а к тому времени, когда я переехал, у нас строилось 35 вилл, из них 70% мы строили сами в качестве генерального подрядчика. Также мы занимались девелопментом, контролем за исполнением строительных работ по представленным чертежам, генеральным планам застройки и благоустройства участков и консультациями по проектированию инфраструктуры. И очевидный вопрос – почему Краби, что отличает Краби от других районов Таиланда? В последние несколько лет развитие Ко Пангана затормозилось. После глобального экономического кризиса 2008 года многие девелоперы отошли от дел в ожидании оздоровления экономики. Туристы все еще приезжают, но инвестиции в остров практически остановились. Кроме того, мы с женой ждем ребенка, поэтому нам пришлось оставить островную жизнь и переехать в место с более развитой инфраструктурой. Ко Панган не очень известен своими больницами! Моя жена Фон родом из провинции Сураттани, поэтому Краби стал нашим очевидным выбором. А здесь в Краби потрясающие пляжи и очень красивые камни, целые каменные композиции создала здесь природа. Во всей провинции построена отличная инфраструктура, есть международный аэропорт, который связывает Краби с несколькими европейскими городами. В ноябре открывается новый крупный госпиталь, а также международная школа. С точки зрения инвестора, если я, например, хотел купить что-то в Краби, какого рода прибылей можно ожидать по сравнению с Пукетом, Ко Самуи и Ко Панганом? Пукет и Самуи – рынки уже насыщенные, они сейчас нацеливаются только на сверхбогатых клиентов. Я думаю, что Ко Пангану еще очень долго до восстановления. А Краби – рынок молодой, растет быстро. Вилла с 2-3 спальнями обеспечит вам постоянный доход от сдачи в аренду, потому что этот район Таиланда уже известен как направление для семейного туризма. Все больше семей стремятся снять здесь виллу на каникулы или на период отпуска. Доход от сдачи в аренду точно покроет текущие затраты, что позволит владельцам виллы проводить здесь отпуск практически бесплатно и, конечно, обеспечит увеличение стоимости самой недвижимости. Ваша нынешняя компания Krabi Land & Villas – какие услуги она предоставляет людям, заинтересованным в покупке и девелопменте недвижимости в Краби? У нас очень широкий диапазон объектов недвижимости и полный цикл услуг, включая подбор участков, сопровождение сделки, строительство виллы вашей мечты. У нас также есть уже построенные дома, кондоминиумы, а для тех, кто хочет заняться здесь собственным бизнесом – курорты и гостиницы под ключ. Мы предоставляем полный цикл услуг по строительству. Кроме того, я могу консультировать любого разумного инвестора в отношении идентификации оптимальных путей от стадии предварительного планирования до передачи ключей к Вашему новому дому. Спасибо большое, Ник, за эту информацию Связаться с Ником Паркером вы можете через его сайт www.krabilandandvillas.com

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

80

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.

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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.

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.

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).

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, радует порхающими разноцветными бабочками и юркими ящерками. И вот Текс переведен и отредактирован: Шинарита Стоун

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