Krabi magazine October 2017

MAGAZINE

KRABI Issue #130 October 2017 www.krabi-magazine.com

STAYING FIT HAPPY

LANTA ANIMAL WELFARE Saving those less fortunate

NEED A BOOST? Coffee hotspots throughout the region

AO NANG’S NEWEST WATERING HOLE

NE XT LE VE L

OUR SECRET INSIDE

TA Z KE IP N LI TO NI T HN G E

4

www.krabi-magazine.com

October; you’re favourite month, our favourite month Welcome to Krabi! We are happy you’ve deceived to come here to our little corner of the globe to get your slice of paradise and enjoy some much earned time in the sun. October is a wonderful time in krabi actually it’s one of our favourite times here.

The air is fresh yet not too hot, the dust is kept down due to the constant (yet short lived rain showers) and overall the town is not too crowded. Typically the prices for accommodation during October will be fourty percent less than December and January due to demand, so you have this going for you as well.

October is a great, lush green month to visit Krabi and we are happy you decided to do so.

Just keep in mind if you’re out exploring on a motorbike, in a car or just walking around and the skies open up on you and give you a little mid afternoon tropical shower, it’s not the end of the world, it will pass in a short while, so stop grab a shake and wait a minute, the good times are soon coming back.

Enjoy Krabi and all it’s many wonders.

Managing director: Joe Alonzo Joe@krabi-magazine.com 085-069-4752 Operations manager: Pimpimol ‘Mem’ Wongkajorn info@krabi-magazine.com 093-658-4415 Contributing Writers and photographers: Zina Docto Anastasia Slepysheva Linsey Hurley Larry Arnold Steven Heckler

Published by: KitDee Media Co., Ltd. 093-658-4415 info@krabi-magazine.com Visit us online at: www.krabi-magazine.com

Krabi Magazine is published and produced by KitDee Media & Design Company Limited and is protected by copyright laws. No part of this publication can be used or reproduced in any form: printed, electronic, photocopied or otherwise without the written permission of the publishers.

The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish advertisements, text or advertising features.

Disclaimer.

While great care has been taken in the receipt and handling of material, publication 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 prices given in this magazine are to be used as a guide only. Please request further information from a particular advertiser and seek legal advice prior to entering into any binding agreement.

All information and prices was correct at the time of this issue going to press.

Contents

KRABI MAGAZINE

October 2017

FEATURES OF THE MONTH 20 Keep yourself happy and healthy One way to keep the body and mind you know and love so much

26 Get down at Get Rad’s Ao Nang’s newest watering hole

40 Ziplining through the forest Thai’d up is well worth the trip

48 Animal Welfare helping strays Helping reduce the homeless animal population in Ao Nang through compassion

54 Coffee anyone Check out these top spots to get your fix!

EAR TO THE GROUND 12 Whats going on in Thailand Some upcoming festivals in October

14 Krabi activities Some things to keep you bust in Krabi

64 Lanta Activities What to do on Krabi’s largest island

HERE TO THERE 34 Krabi’s Dining Guide Our top pics for dining options in Krabi

62 Koh Lanta delights Where to go, what to do and how to do it

70 Lazy days on Koh Jum Krabi’s authentic ‘step back in time’ island

like a

Travel localWith With the all new Krabi Magazine application Full of information and up to the minute detailed guides on dining, entertainment, nightlife, hiking, excursions and much more

Download your free copy today

OR

12

www.krabi-magazine.com

13 October I 2017

K R A B I THAI COOKING CLASS AT AO NANG THAI COOKERY SCHOOL

FISHING AT EXOTIC FISHING THAILAND

SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELING AT AQUA VISION

If you want to take home some techniques of the famous thai cuisine you must stop off at Ao Nang Thai Cookery School, opened since 2001.

Looking to hook massive fresh water species? Then look no further than Exotic Fishing Thailand situated in beautiful Phang Nga. You will find more than sixty species such as Jau Catfish, Vundu Catfish, Piraiba Catfish, Goonch, Chinese Black Carp, Yellow Cheek Carp, and dozens of others. Exotic Fishing Thailand offers a special stocking program to ensure that their fishing only gets better and more interesting.

With Krabi being host to over 100 islands, it’s makes perfect sense for you to venture out and see some of the nooks and crannies which this beautiful province is home to.

Learn how to cook Royal Thai Cuisine with experienced chefs who will take you step by step through each recipe with the exotic herbs and spices that make Thai cuisine one of the world’s culinary delights.

One of the main instructor SOW, whom has 10 years cooking and culinary experience in some of Thailand’s five star hotel and restaurants.

At Ao Nang Thai Cookery School, you will be able to learn by choosing your own dishes to cook.

Back home, impress your friends with green Thai curry fragrant soups or stir fried chicken with cashew nuts, spring rolls, chicken satay, pad thai and many more recipes.

When the cooking is all over you can sit and enjoy all of your hard work.

Ao Nang Thai Cookery School is just the thing you need when you want a break from the beach and discover the authentic thai culture.

14

The lake is over 25 rai (nearly 10 acres) and is one of the largest fisheries in southern Thailand.

At Exotic Fishing Thailand, they offer fishing packages for all levels. Most of clients stay for a few days to have the chance to catch as many species of fish as possible. You will not be disappointed with the huge variety of fish stocked in this beautiful pond.

It is also possible to enjoy a nice and reasonable priced meal or a real Thai cooking class at the Mountain View Restaurant.

Open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Phone number: (+66) 088-379-9377 www.exoticfishingthailand.com

The Andaman sea is home to a range of creatures, from the illusive nudibranchs to the streamlined white tipped and black tipped reef sharks. There are even sightings of whale sharks which occasionally carouse the waters.

It’s not just that, there are thousands of parrot fish, schooling travelies, clown fish and territorial damselfish.

All that is just below the waves and waiting for you to visit.

Aquavision is one of the first dive companies in Ao nang, they pride themselves of their attention to detail and safety protocol, rest assured when you’re diving with Aquavision.

PHONE NUMBER : +66 (0) 75 637 394 WWW.AQUA-VISION.NET

Phone number : +66 (0) 81 415 9358 / +66 (0) 75 695 478 www.aonangthaicookeryschool.com www.krabi-magazine.com

AC T I V I T I E S HORSEBACK RIDING AT KRABI NATURE HORSE RIDING

GET YOUR FLEX ON AT MARINA YOGA

ENJOY A UNIQUE SHOW AT BLUE DRAGON CABARET

Have you ever dreamed of a romantic horse rides on the beach with the one you love ? Have you ever dreamed of escaping your busy lifestyle to a relaxing holiday with your family or friends ? Then Krabi Nature Horse riding is the place for you.

Take a break from the beach and try another way to enjoy your holidays. Marina yoga offers a systemic and flexible approach to yoga that will suit anyones needs.

At Marina yoga, it’s not about pushing yourself, it’s about finding your center through the guidance of the caring and professional teachers.

Blue Dragon Cabaret Show gives you one of the warmest welcomes you can find in the land of smiles and does so in many different languages. Thailand is well known for ladyboys and Blue Dragon shows them doing what they love the most: dressing up and performing.

Some of these ‘ladies’ have features that would make women jealous. The performers are keen to entertain and put on a good show and the best way to enjoy it is to don your imaginary feather boa and embrace their world of glitz, glamour and over-the-top drama.

Khun Pan, the owner, will help you explore and discover Krabi by horse riding along the white sandy beaches and thai countryside, and even swimming with horses by high tide. You just have to choose between a one hour trek, a two hours trek, a half day trip or a whole day trip.

Krabi Nature Horse riding offers a variety of horse riding activities suitable for all the levels. The horses are selected to match with wide range of your riding skills to ensure that you will enjoy your ride.

Open everyday 8.30am-4.30pm Phone number : 075 662 305 / 0810 085 9627

Marina yoga classes integrate the use of many different postures (Asana), breathing (Pranayama), relaxiation (Shavasana), and meditation (Dhana) to relieve pain, prevent injuries and promore general well being.

Yoga practice is the best way to tone your muscles, get you in shape fast while developing you from the inside out, this is done by putting a strong focus on awareness and control during all classes. The incorporation of mind and body helps reduce both physical and mental stress. Yoga can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, strength or flexability.

At Marina yoga, no more aches and pains, through increased oxygem flow throughout the body you will actually gain energy as opposed to loosing it and end every class feeling reinvegorated and fresh again.

Phone number : +66 (0) 94-320-5335 www.marinayoga.com/

If you want to enjoy an amazing show with beautiful costumes, fun dancing, great lip syncing, the Blue Dragon Cabaret show is a must see with very professional Lady Boys.

Blue Dragon is the first cabaret show in Krabi, very entertaining to watch, located in Ao Nang’s Center Point on the third floor. Three shows are scheduled every nights, at 8 pm, 9.30 pm and 11 pm and each one of them lasts one hour.

If you go before and between the shows you may have the chance to take photos with the transgender performers trying to bring in more customers by parading on the sidewalk.

Phone number: + 66 (0) 99 561 5684 www.bluedragoncabaret.com 15

October I 2017

Window on Krabi

Parks

THA POM NATIONAL PARK Thapom is a simple local national park, not the easiest to access, but certainly worth the trip. Just outside Ao Nang, Thapom is a place where salty seawater and freshwater from the mountains mix perfectly creating an observable stratified layer, where both sea fish and freshwater fish live separately but together.

Close to Ao Thalane Bay, Thapom is a 30 minute drive from Ao Nang.

Islands

KOH PODA This is the iconic island of Krabi and the first and most dramatic one you can see from Ao Nang beach. Hop on a longtail boat - the local wooden boats with their picturesque prow and sail away surrounded by turquoise water.

CHICKEN ISLAND This should be next on your list as it is right next to Koh Poda. From the right angle when passing Chicken Island (Koh Gai) you can catch a glimpse of a chicken’s neck and head, some would argue more like that of a turkey but it’s up to you. The second island, Koh Tub, is connected to Chicken Island by a sandy isthmus and people can walk from one to another at low tide.

KOH HONG This island archipelago demands everyone’s attention as it is one of the highlights of Krabi Province. The Archipelago, a group of limestone islands with many hidden caves and lagoons makes it perfect for snorkeling and exploring. Make sure you visit Lading and Pakbia islands before Koh Hong as they are much less visited and sport a blend of both lush jungle and tropical

16

waters. Koh hong is usually crowded until 3pm so we recommend visiting other Lading and Pakbia in the morning, then going to Koh Hong after the crowds have started to leave.

KOH PHI PHI Private bays, limestone cliffs, waters rich in marine life and caves where swallow’s birds nests are harvested are all here on the island that Leonardo Di Caprio once rolled his hot bod in while filming ‘The Beach’ at the now iconic Maya Bay. KOH JUM & KOH SIBOYA Both are unspoiled tropical hide-aways that have a unique atmosphere. Tune in to the slow culture here, imbibe the peace and recharge your batteries with the soundtrack of lapping waves.

KOH LANTA The developing island at the southern end of the province known for its prime sunset views, heaps of activities and glimpses into sea gypsy life. Koh Lanta is also a National Park that comprises many local islands surrounded by coral reefs, such as Koh Ngai, Koh Mook and the remote Koh Rok.

KHAO PHANOM BENCHA NATIONAL PARK At 20 km from Krabi Town, the Khao Phanom Bencha national park 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 it’s name. One of the features of the park is Huay Thoi Waterfall where water runs down onto several huge pools.

TARNBOK KHORANEE NATIONAL PARK Located in the north of the province, Tarnbok Khoranee national park is made up of limestone mountains, verdant tropical forest, caves and beautiful islands. It is well known kayaking explorers as there are a number of tributaries curving into a number of small caves boasting ancient cave paintings.

SA MORAKOT, THE EMERALD POOL Truly a natural wonder of Krabi: a pond of turquoise water with an average temperature of 30-40°C fed by a hot spring in the middle of the jungle in Klong Thom district, 70 kilometers from Ao Nang.

HOT SPRINGS Situated in Klong Thom district, These natural hot springs are natures jacuzzis. They melt away tensions, relieve the body and mind with the fresh spring water running over mineral enriched limestone rocks.

www.krabi-magazine.com

Beaches AO NANG BEACH: At 20 km from Krabi Town Ao Nang Beach is the most developed of Krabi’s many beaches. Ao Nang Beach is famous for it’s white sand beaches and large limestones karsts towering over the eastern edges. All of your accommodation, shopping and service needs can be found here. It is the hub from which to plan your trip to sea as well as to any number of the nearby islands.

TUBKAEK BEACH Next to Klong Muang Beach, Tub Keak beach is another place to just get away; long, clean and powerful, the area boasts breathtaking views over the Koh Hong archipelago and provides for wonderfully charming sunsets.

From Tubkeak beach you can venture inside the National Park and try the nature trail “Naga trek” to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Krabi.

NOPPHARAT THARA BEACH Just around the corner from Ao Nang, yet still undeveloped with only a few resorts, bars and restaurants, Noppharat Thara beach offers a bit more “local” feel than it’s sister Ao Nang.

Attractive because of its natural setting, this is where local youngsters and families gather during sunset and on weekends. Savor some local Muslim snacks at the beach stalls, or fill yourself with seafood in the local restaurants at the end of the beach neat the Noppharat Thara National park headquarters. At low tide, walk out together with millions of small crabs on the sandy pathways to a small island on the western edge of the beach.

RAILAY AND TONSAI BEACHES Are split and separated from Ao Nang by a limestone mountain range. Railay has two sides, east and west, and its settings are simply marvelous: crystal clear waters, pure sandy beaches, lush mountains and rocky islands emerging from the sea. Both beaches are known all over the world for their famous climbing routes. They can only be reached by boat, a 15 minute 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 or ‘deep water solo’ cliff jumping into the sea, hike the limestone trail to a lagoon or the viewpoint or simply chill out and watch the day pass you by.

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

Reminder:

When visiting many of the national parks in krabi there is often an entrance fee which you need to pay by cash at the time of entrance. If you do book a tour through a local operator, please make sure to check with them prior to departing as to whether or not the tour price includes this national park fee.

KOH LANTA BEACHES Koh Lanta has a wide selection of resorts for all tastes and pockets. Koh 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.

17 October I 2017

Over the horizon lays one of the quintessential most visit national parks in Krabi.

The Emerald Pool or as it’s called in Thai Sa Morakot

Among all the natural beauties in Krabi, the Emerald Pool is one of the unseen destinations that many Thais and foreigners would like to drop by.

The Emerald Pool in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, also known as Crystal Pool (“Sa Morakot” in Thai), originates from a natural warm water stream in lowland of southern forest. It is a large natural pool that is filled with pure spring water at ambient temperature where you can enjoy a relaxing soak.

The Emerald Pool is 800 meters from the parking area and you can reach it thanks to a network of trails through the Khao Nor Chu Chi forest, so if you are making the trip, you should wear some comfortable walking shoes.

The walk transports you to a lush, tropical jungle atmosphere, under trees for the most part, and the path is large and safe. There is another option that we highly recommended, a concrete raised walkway that goes over a wooden boardwalk through the woods and leads to amazing pools of fresh spring water that most tourists won’t see because they often take the short 800 meters walk. If you chose this path, you will see the amazing “Sra Gaew Pool”.

Once you arrive at the Emerald Pond, you should continue up the hill and find the boardwalk on your

18

left side. Keep walking another 400 meters and you will find the brightly colored Blue Pool, another must-see site in the reserve. Though the water looks magical and inviting, it is hot and surrounded by quicksand, so no bathing is allowed.

You will pass by a series of clear mini-pools, waterfalls and streams and hundreds of species of tropical trees and plants. This area is also popular with birds as the forest is home to many rare species, including the endangered Gurney’s Pitta.

The best time to visit is very early morning or late afternoon when the tour groups have left. Vendors selling Thai food and drinks can be found at the entrance to both sites until around 5.30 pm.

Location: Located in “Khao Pra - Bang Kram Wildlife Sanctuary” at Khlong Thom district of Krabi province.

Getting there: The site is 55 kilometers from Krabi Town and 75 kilometers from Ao Nang. Take Highway Number 4 to Khlong Thom district and turn left to Route Number 4038 heading to Lam Hap Sub District. Looking for a guide post, the Emerald pool is located along the way.

Open daily: From 8:30 am to 5 pm.

www.krabi-magazine.com

Raks Thai Resort Your home away from Home +66(0) - 94-859-0808 raksthairesort@gmail.com www.raksthairesortaonang.com

19 October I 2017

Wellness lets face it we all want it By. Zina Docto

Thailand has an allure that draws people from countries and continents near and far. A place that people experience what life was like decades ago. A place of serenity and a slow pace. Where life seems to slow down and inner peace seems to speed up.

Thailand has quickly become a destination for the faint of heart and those having lost their zeal in life. Offering an invitation to come and experience a time of reflection, self-examination and self-discovery. To put aside the things seen and journey into the things unseen. Personal retreats of every kind imaginable are being made available to those longing for a change of scenery and even more so a change of life. Whatever your fancy or whatever your folly there’s a retreat available for you....

20

www.krabi-magazine.com

21 October I 2017

Wellness programs are now not only exclusive to individuals or couples but is now even moving into the market place. Corporate wellness retreats are on the rise as many companies are now bringing into the workplace a wellness culture. This move towards wellness has been well receive and is growing and to no surprise, as most individuals spend on average six to eight hours in the office each day. Your office becomes your community, an influential surrounding, and a place of pleasure or pressure. Adopting a wellness program produces healthy staff and team members. This benefits in less sick days, a boost in company moral and employment retention. Employees feel a sense of belonging, appreciation and mindfulness from their employers.

Taking wellness to heart you can experience fitness retreats where participants can get introduced to personal workout plans or experience a retreat to enhance their current physical fitness regimen. Dietary retreats are offered that provide guest a time of eating clean, whole fresh food, education towards proper eating habits, experiencing juice cleanses and even classes to teach you how to prepare healthful meals upon return to your homeland. Most of these retreats address the physical dimension of who we are. However many are finding this to not be enough as they are seeking out retreats that address the emotional and spiritual aspects of oneself.

Yoga retreats have taken on a whole new face over the last decade or two, with young and old going on holiday to exotic Thailand to receive Yoga teacher training certifications.

Beyond Yoga there are also other retreats that provide its clientele opportunity through personal Life Coaching, guided meditation, and other modalities to learn inner focused self-examination. These retreats are helping to bring their guests to a place of discovering inner peace and personal direction. Direction in their personal and even professional lives.

within the entire Krabi region. A place to be served right at your personal point of need. If you’re making plans to come to Thailand then plan a wellness retreat that could make your experience in the “Land of Smiles” life changing.

Zina is the founder of “i AM WOMAN” in association with Get Juiced for Life Wellness Retreats. Providing education and resources to discover your health from the inside out; overcome weight issues, sickness, disease and beyond. Want to know more?

Contact: info@getjuicedforlife.com or info@imwoman.fit

Rounding out retreats in Thailand we have discovered that there are only a handful of programs that cater to the whole person. Using a holistic approach, addressing mind body and spirit. These few personalized programs are created around a menu of services that each individual can choose from based on their own personal needs and desires. These programs are very successful as they address each aspect of its guest’s lives. Whether you feel the need to address weight loss, sickness, overall education, physical fitness, emotional balance, personal direction or inner peace there’s a wellness program for you in amazing Thailand at one of these rare retreat sites.

If you are feeling the greater need for a holistic approach to center in on the whole of you Ao Nang hosts the only holistic retreat

22

www.krabi-magazine.com

CHANG BEER ON DRAUGHT GLASS JUG TOWER Happy Hour Daily from 4 pm - 7 pm Cocktails - 129 baht Nightly Street Buffet / Snacks/ Beverages

NIGHTLY STREET BUFFET KIDS UNDER 6 EAT FREE !!!

GROUP DEAL COME 5 PAY 4

SNACKS FROM 85THB NET Internaaonal Snacks And Thai Snacks Mexican Chicken Wings Malaysian Chicken Satay Deep Fried Mozzarella SScks Nachos with Bolognese and Mozzarella Thai Vegetable Spring Rolls Phad Thai with Shrimp Fried Rice with Chicken or Shrimp

CHANG DRAFT BEER

BY GLASS 80 THB

BY JUG 240 THB

BY TOWER 720 THB

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY - SUNDAY

MONDAY AND THURSDAY

SELECTED WINES BY THE BOTTLE 12.00 22.00 HRS.

ALL AGES / EVERYONE WELCOME STREETSIDE AT CENTARA SOI 8 AO NANG 23 October I 2017

Thai cuisine,

Arguably some of the best food in the world, now it’s time to try your skills in the kitchen

Red Curry with Chicken

Ingredients: 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp ginger & garlic paste 5-6 tbsp red curry paste 800ml coconut milk 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks kaffir lime leaves (ideally fresh) 2 tbsp fish sauce 1 tsp brown sugar ½ small pack Thai basil 1 red chilli, sliced diagonally thumb-sized piece ginger

Steps: 1.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry the ginger and garlic paste for 2 mins. Add the curry paste, sizzle for a few secs, then pour in the coconut milk. Bring to the boil, reduce to a simmer, stir a little and wait for the oil to rise to the surface. Add the chicken and lime leaves, and simmer for 12 mins or until the chicken is cooked through.

2.

Add 1 tbsp of the fish sauce and a pinch of the sugar, then taste – if you like it a little saltier, add more fish sauce; if you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar. Bring to the boil, take off the heat and add the basil.

3.

Spoon the curry into four bowls and top with the chilli, ginger and a few extra basil leaves. Serve with rice.

24

www.krabi-magazine.com

25 October I 2017

SIGNATURE DRINKS AND LOCAL FACES

26

Get Rad’s has pioneered a new watering hole in Ao Nang, redefining the standard and style of the town

www.krabi-magazine.com

27 October I 2017

ready to play at a moments notice (they don’t charge for play). These are just the cherry on the top of the whole experience at Get Rad’s, the games are the classic Pacman, Asteroids and street fighter but there are also another 500 other games programmed into the machines, from tetris to duck hunt there is no end of arcade entertainment in Gat Rad’s. Who knows maybe there will be a tournament going on the night you arrive, so bring gaming fingers ready for a workout.

Staffed with top notch bartenders standing by ready to win up some running drinks on a moments notice.

These talented mixologists can thrown together any and all cocktails you might need even if it’s not on the menu, but for your beer heads out there don’t worry

T

he pulse of Ao Nang can be felt on the streets, can be felt in at your hotel swimming pool, can be felt on the main beach of the town, it’s everywhere it’s invigorating, it’s inspiring; it’s tourism. Ao Nang has been a hotbed for tourism for the past 20 years now, it now draws in over 1 millions visitors annually from al over the globe. This growth in tourism has led to many improvements in the town for offering these thousands of tourists something better, better more interesting activities, better logistics to get around from region to region, better medical care and better police enforcement and better dining options.

Yet with all of these improvements there still was something lacking, we have a number of 5 star luxury resorts throughout Krabi, we have hundreds of different restaurants to choose from as well as activities to keep your days full, but there was still something missing, what to do when the sun goes down?

When the owners of Get Rad’s saw this gap in the market. There was simply no honest, high quality bar which focused on the drinks, the atmosphere and thats it. A cocktail bar offering people (locals and tourists alike) a place to drink and socialize in a cool retro grunge environment was what the owners had in mind during at their moment of inception. This vision has been property constructed to offer everything which was originally intended and more. The drinks are top notch, the cocktails range in taste and flavor from the class Old 28

fashioned A perfect balance of brown sugar and whiskey to the more exciting Peach meringue pie.

We visited Gat Rad’s for a night to get a feel for the place and ended up staying until 2am as the drinks were just too delicious to stop, and the staff was so friendly and easy going.

Now if that wasn’t already enough to get you into the mood of Gat Rad’s there are also 3 classic Atari stand up arcade games on the side of the bar

they always have a few cold ones in the fridge.

If you’re looking for a place to get down in a cool high quality unpretentious bar, then Gat Rad’s is totally worth the trip.

Get Rad’s 246/17 Moo 2 Ban Ao Nang, Krabi 093 762 7368 Tuesday - Sunday from 4pm - 2am www.krabi-magazine.com

Some of our favorite cocktails: Southern Babe Clover Club White beard Lace and Rose Peach merinque pie Singapore sling Old fashioned Jerry’s buttery nuts

Step 1. Blend

Step 2. Garnish Mint Orange peel Cinannom stick Lemon twist Bitters Cherries

Step 3. Enjoy This part of the process is completely up to you but we typically recommend doing this is a small group of people or possibly in the company of a single person.

29 October I 2017

Dive In to the ocean blue

Looking to go out for a day in the sun and wondering what time high or low tide is? Well for the month of October we’ve got you covered.

Krabi boasts over 150 islands to explore above sea or the underwater world, they are scattered throughout the province and offer many new places to explore

Longtail boats can be chartered easily at any of the major beaches in krabi, the prics vary you can always try yout best at haggling depending on the season.

Sunscreen is a mush when visiting any island or just spending a day out on the water. Don’t let the lack of clouds fool you, UV rays go straight throught them.

Tide tables for the month of October

30

www.krabi-magazine.com

31 October I 2017

Nadivan Apartm a ents

SO I8

Exotiq Property

T O KRABI T OWN

PhuPimaan Resort

Andakiri villas

Emerald GYM Muay Thai Center

German Beer Gardern

Krabi Apartments

Ao Nang Whisky

1

I1

SO

McDonalds

Plaza Buffet Starbucks

The Lai Thai Condominium

Diver’s Inn

Ao Nang Haven GH Ao Nang Paradise Resort

Entertainment Bamboo Restaurants

Ao Nang Villa

The

man her t Fis t Cafe’ Las Las The

Krabi Heritage Resort

Peace Laguna Resort

Somkiet Buri Resort Taj Palace

The Massaman Spaghetti House

First Standard Clinic

The Earth Cafe The D ive

rant stau le Re Nood Boat SOI 13

Glur Hostel

Pams Pub

POST OFFICE Babaji Hostel

Ao Nang Mosque

AO NANG VILLAGE

Fullmoon House

KITDEE MEDIA & DESIGN (Krabi Magazine)

CTOP Nice Nature Homes Nice Day Resort

Cobra Show

Thai Village Resort

The Hilltop Restaurant

Oceanmart Bernies

Walking Street BOATS TO PHRANANG & RAILAY BEACH

BEACH ROAD

Jeseao Green Restaurant Curry

CENTER POINT

Lae Lay Grill AONANG Restaurant VIEWPOINT

Umberto’s

Italian Kitchen

t Theshi Hu Su

Ao Nang Beach Resort

SupsaengDao Resort

THURSDAY MARKET

Klong Haeng Mosque

TOURIST POLICE

Krabi Resort

Condominium

Devanna place The

Luna Bar

Emerald

Krabi Spesialisten Carnivore Steakhouse

Palm Paradise Emerald Gardens ChaWan Resort Pavilion Queen's Bay

SATURDAY MARKET

KLONG HAENG VILLAGE

AO NANG BOXING STADIUM

WALKING STREET MARKET ON WEDNESDAY

Ao Nang Gardens

Sabai Resort

Tip Anda

Resort & Restourant

BOATS TO PHRANANG & RAILAY BEACH

Burger King

BOATS TO PHRANANG & RAILAY BEACH

SEAFOOD STREET

Azzurra Restaurant Jeanette's Restaurant

T O K L ONG M UANG

ST.AGNES CHURCH

Mandawee

Natin Spicy Garden

T O KLONG MUANG

Connecting Krabi Tour

HOLD ME CLOSE Tsunami Memorial Sculpture

Ben Beach Bar

Foodies

T O KRABI T OWN

U&P Bakery

Andamana Beach Club

T O FOSSIL SHELL BEACH

WEDNESDAY & SUNDAY MARKET

T O KRABI T OWN

Jungle Village

AO NANG SCHOOL

MONDAY-TUESDAY FRIDAY MARKET

Ao Nang Travel & Tour

Vipa Resort

AO NAMMAO VILLAGE

Ao Nang Mountain View

Centara

Centara Grand Resort and Villas

A O N AMMAO PIER

BOATS TO PHRANANG KRABI & RAILAY BEACH

www.krabi-magazine.com

32

NATIONAL PARK

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

Hippy Bar

Sabai Residence

Ayudhya Suites

Go out and explore Krabi on two wheels who knows what you'll see

or

who you'll meet

Krabi MotoRentals

www.krabimotorentals.com 33 October I 2017

34

www.krabi-magazine.com

35 October I 2017

36

www.krabi-magazine.com

Getting AROUND town

DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF A TAXI

BIKE

TUK TUK

VAN

PRICES: $

MAXIMUM ALLOWED OCCUPANTS

$$

$$$

1 5 10

CASHOR CREDIT AVERAGE PRICE (whole vehicle)

CASH ONLY

50THB

CASH ONLY

150THB

CASH ONLY

500THB 37

October I 2017

Exotic Fruits of Thailand

by Linsey Hurley and Pamela Benjasirichai

A visit to Thailand isn’t complete without experiencing some of the foods here. The tropical fruits are abundant, delicious and fascinating! While you are here, be adventurous and give some of them a try!

Durian (Tu-Rian) - is one of the most bizarre fruits on

earth. It is a rich, unique tasting fruit, but to some, it is a putrid-smelling, lousy excuse for a food. It has an extremely strong and unpleasant aroma, as well as a deadly look. Trying this fruit is a step into another world. Durian is quite expensive and due to it’s powerfully imposing smell; it is actually banned from many hotels, busses and planes.

Jackfruit (Khanoon) -

Payapa (Malakx) -

The papaya is a small, sparsely branched tree, usually with a single stem with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. Originally from southern Mexico (particularly Chiapas and Veracruz), Central America, and northern South America, the papaya is now cultivated in most tropical countries. It grows rapidly, fruiting within three years. It is, however, highly frost-sensitive, limiting its production to tropical climates.

This is a fascinating fruit that comes in a huge spindly ball. Opening it up, you can pull out separate pods, which are around 3” long. These pods have large seeds inside that can be peeled, boiled and eaten with salt. The flesh of the fruit has a pungent taste and smell, somewhat crunchy and a little sour/starchy feel to it. Sometimes they are very sweet, and other times they are pretty bland.

Guava (Farang) -

Looks like a bumpy/wrinkled green apple. Cutting guava is very pretty. Slice way into it, wedge-like, and then slice all around the guava this way. We pulled out the wedges and ate them this way. This doesn’t taste like the Hawaiian fruit. Hawaiian guava fruits (called strawberry guava) are pink and sweeter. These were somewhat bland, crunchy and starchy – a little pear-like.

38

www.krabi-magazine.com

Mangostein (Mang-Kut) - Mangosteen is a bizarre looking fruit with a round, deep purple shell.

It has flavorful white flesh that is eaten in sections. This has a delicious, distinctive flavor that is also wonderful for juices. Mangostein is becoming better known globally for it’s remarkable healing properties.

Longan (Lam-Yai) – look like big brown grapes on a branch. They have a thin but hard shell that is easy to break open. The flesh is clear and very sweet with a pit inside. These are delicious but don’t eat too many at one time, as you can get cold sores or even a fever.

Sapodilla (La-mut) -

This fruit looks like a large brown plum. The Thai way is to peel it with a sharp knife directed away from you and with the index finger just in front of the blade, guiding it along. You peel the fruit and then cut it through the middle in a zigzag fashion, for display. Lamut has a subtle flavor that isn’t particularly sweet, and yet seems to taste like brown sugar – if that makes any sense - It’s delicate and delicious!

Lychee (Linjee) -

Covered by a red, roughly textured rind that is inedible but easily removed, the inside of a lychee consists of a layer of sweet, translucent white flesh with a grape-like texture. The centre contains a single glossy brown nut-like seed that should not be eaten.

39 October I 2017

’d hai gT

n Bei up a for he

ll t

T H G I R

N O

S A

E R

…

S

G ing to the extreme while on holiday…

40

www.krabi-magazine.com

41 October I 2017

you live only once, what are you waiting for?

42

www.krabi-magazine.com

43 October I 2017

There’s something about getting on an airplane and travelling for as many hours as it takes you to sleep through the night to come and experience a holiday in amazing Thailand.

Arriving in this incredible country strikes up in most awe and wonder upon witnessing the natural topography, the sounds, smells and yes even the tastes of this incredible land.

Southern Thailand in particular is teeming with incredible waterways, rivers, waterfalls, limestone karsts, lush foliage and incredible

adventure. A tad bit intimidating on first glance. As the guides begin to gear you up into the safety harnesses they instinctively and confidently provide you instruction as what to expect during your zipline adventure.

Assuring you that the platforms are inspected before and even during your time zipping to and fro. You’ll be grateful to hear that each of the guides are former or current professional climbers. Even more appealing is that they are local climbers who are familiar with the

terrain. After you are strapped into your harness and have been given all of the other safety equipment they take you through a short training course to emphasis safety during your time out in the wilderness.

Now it’s time to fly! Zip through trees, open ravines, through narrow passageways and even along a mountainside. You’ll even climb up gargantuaous trees to go from platform to platform; twenty in total. The thrill of this zipline adventure is sailing above it all some sixty meters high and at a distance of two hundred and fifty meters. It will be the most exhilarating twenty five to thirty seconds of your life. You’ll never forget this part of the journey. The excursions are scheduled so that each group of people booked are scheduled at various times throughout the day. This gives you a V.I.P. experience and leaves you with the sense of being about just you and nature.

You’ll be able to take your time, relax on one of the many platforms and take in the scenery of Krabi. The Thai guides will swap stories with you from their homeland and welcome hearing stories from your homeland too. Although many of these incredible athletes may never leave amazing Thailand you will be pleasantly surprised at their language aptitude. No matter what country you are from there will be a guide that can speak English. Not only will they answer the questions you may have but they will also share local culture and tell you lots about your current surroundings. It

jungle terrain. It creates an unquenchable sense of adventure with a wanderlust for doing things that would be almost unthinkable in your own homeland. For those whom have been bitten by the extreme adventure bug there is an experience awaiting the faint of heart to the madman risk taker. Just outside of the bustling sea village of Ao Nang you are met with bumpy terrain and a menagerie of rubber trees. Nestle within this landscape you will find Thai’d Up Adventures. The name itself gives way to the type of excursion they provide. They really do have you tied up securely as you harness yourself in for the activity of a lifetime; Ziplining. Upon arrival you are greeted by a team of smiling staff decked out in what appears to be climbing gear. With a hearty, “hello” they invite you into a quaint reception area. Immediately you are faced with a wall full of apparatus that you need to wear during this thrill seeking

44

www.krabi-magazine.com

will seem as if you been launched back in time as they share the rich history of Krabi.

As you stand upon these elevated platforms swaying in the breeze, you will be able to look equal to the horizon and surprisingly witness the famous Krabi River and the Andaman Sea. This day is all about being above it all and sailing through it all as well. Within the lush fauna the call of nature will cry out surrounding you. You will hear and maybe even see, monkeys, birds and even silent aired butterflies mating in the breeze high above the ground. Finally to end your time out amongst the wild you will abseil down an incredible limestone wall to top off your adventure and tick off of your bucket list one more thrill seeking life adventure.

Contact Thai’d Up Adventures to book your adventure now: www.thaidupadventures.com +66 (0)98 909 2885 45 October I 2017

Whats at the bar?

You’re on holiday so why not try a few while you’re here.

Here are some brain tinglers to get you thinking to sip on over tonights meal.

Old Fashioned:

The origins of the word “cocktail” are lost to history, but the first definition we find in print comes from an 1806 newspaper from upstate New York. A cocktail is called “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters...”

Over the course of the 19th century, the cocktail picked up a number of additions and refinements: liqueurs, fortified wines, various bits of garnish, et cetera. Eventually, some drinkers came to prefer a simpler form of cocktail, the type their grandfathers might have enjoyed, and so they’d ask the bartender to make them an “old-fashioned” cocktail, of booze, sugar muddled into water to form a syrup, and bitters.

If you want to experience the ur-cocktail, or if you just enjoy deliciousness, the Old Fashioned is the drink for you.

Note that the original definition called for spirits of any kind. You can make a tasty Old Fashioned from whiskey, of course, but also from tequila, mezcal, brandy, rum, genever, and to a lesser extent, aquavit or gin. I have even been desperate enough to attempt a vodka old fashioned, but I can’t say I enjoyed it. Stick with more robustly flavored spirits.

Additional drinks to consider any day of the week

Pina Colada:

Daiquri:

Mai Thai:

Cuba Libre:

First made in Puerto Rico back in 1952, with this rum, pineapple and coconut cream cocktail in your hand all you’ll be missing is the sand between your toes. It’s a must have while in Krabi

The lime and sugar in a daiquiri complement the rum and highlight its flavors.

The more you sip, the more you can learn about the rum used in your Daiquiri, ask your bar tender what brand they are using as some can be overpowering.

It ain’t every bar that does a Mai Tai correctly; in fact, it’s probably still relatively rare to find one that does, unfortunately, all the more reason to try one at every chance you get.

Created during the SpanishAmerican war, this simple cocktail has taken on many different forms, whiskey and coke and rum coke are a few to name.

2446

www.krabi-magazine.com www.krabi-magazine.com

47 October I 2017

Animal Welfare makes its way to Krabi Making a difference for our

four legged friends

48

www.krabi-magazine.com

49 October I 2017

accesses the needs of communities that have an abundance of strays. The area Orbitor and even mosques will make announcements for local villagers to bring their pets for sterilization. They also have volunteer animal catchers that will go out and bring the animals in, catching these strays in phases. First they will catch the friendly dogs, then the timid or fearful. They locate feeding areas and use catch cages in a safe and harmless way to catch the animals in order to care for them. Depending on the condition of the animal it will then be spayed or neutered. If the animal is injured or sick they will treat wounds and infection. All animals sterilized are fortunate to be given treatment for mange, tick, fleas and given rabies vaccine.

A recent a foreign volunteer group made their way to Ao Nang and to date have performed 2 animal clinics. They are excited that they are gaining momentum in the reduction of strays by returning to places they previously conducted a clinic. To see the willingness of people to bring more personal pets and strays to the sterilization program. Too, they are seeing an ever increasing reduction of strays in the smaller villages; this is a big win!

W

hen arriving in beautiful Krabi visitors to this amazing province are amazed at the beauty of the lush green topography, warm humid temperatures and the mountainous karsts bursting forth towards the heavens. They are perplexed by the crystal clear waters teaming with tropical fish and a plethora of sea life and vegetation. When trekking through the jungles they get to witness elephants, monitor lizards, monkeys and tropical birds. This paradise is almost too good to be true; but it is actually the truth.

However, although surrounded by such natural beauty the traveler will scratch their heads in wonder at seeing something that in their homelands is almost never witnessed; stray cats and dogs.

week to teach about how to care for animals and introduce spay and neutering. This helps to educate and stop the increase of animals being born without the possibility of being housed. They learn about rabies, animal-people interaction and animal behavior. Primarily to decrease the fear of dogs.

With the help of a Community Outreach Coordinator pamphlets are then distributed to introduce an upcoming spay and neutering clinic. Partnering education and sterilization programs the decrease of stay animals is immanent.

They are integrated with the Government Livestock Department of Thailand. Working hand in hand

The Thai Community Outreach Coordinator surveys areas and

More and more travelers to Thailand are saddened and even vocal about dogs and cats that run the streets and beaches looking for shelter, food and protection. In their homelands most dogs and cats are domesticated and they rarely see animals without owners. Thailand may appear to be different but there’s always a back story to things seen as there are things unseen. Although it may appear that dogs and cats are wondering without any love or concern by the people surrounding them this is far from reality.

Over the last two decades animal welfare has been on the rise in Thailand. More and more animal shelters are being built and services developed to educate about the care and welfare of our beloved furry friends. One such animal care provider that is near and dear to the hearts of those in the Krabi province is the Lanta Animal Welfare; located on the island of Lanta. They have developed an educational platform by going into local schools almost every

50

www.krabi-magazine.com

by having staff members on sight to log in and register the animals being serviced. Also, working with Thai Veterinarians who will come in and volunteer on a private basis. These great volunteers cannot meet the needs of these animals without the support of the local government and financial support. The local Orbator provides a building to use, electricity, lighting systems, tables and a spacious area fully covered to use as the clinical area. Thanks to the financial support given by Welttierschutzgesellschaft.e.V (WTG). This German

animal welfare charity shares an international focus.

Their vision is a world in which animals are treated with respect and understanding. The WTG does not receive any government funding or support. It is only due to the kind and generous help of donors and supporters that they are able to help suffering animals around the globe. This incredible sponsor has helped to grant the growth of Lanta Animal Welfare and clinics that are going on around the surrounding areas.

Most of the Veterinarians that come in to provide the care are volunteers and volunteers with a lot of heart. When they perform the clinics the teams are on their feet working with the heat, the climate,

hundreds of cats and dogs. Working tirelessly in extreme and diverse conditions. In the watching it’s unimaginable the strength of heart and body these teams put forth to care for and treat the animals.

The team’s work for 12-14 hours per day non-stop.

Many people come and see the stray animals and out of passion want to start their own animal rescue foundation. In theory this is well driven but in all practicality not so much. In spending time with these team leaders they emphasized that clinics are great because you can come in and service an immense amount of animals which will stop their being an overpopulation of strays. If a person would want to come and create an actual rescue center, the center would be at capacity in no time at all.

To maintain a high standard of care and welfare for these animals would take unimaginable amount time and financial resources. Quote, “It’s not like taking care of your pet; times 50”. These animals come with very individualized needs. Too, once you’ve reached capacity animals would have to be turned away. If not, then you begin to hoard and then put the animals at risk. The greatest advice they give is “collaboration”. Work alongside others that already have established animal care facilities.

Participate and learn about all that’s already going on around you. Then you would see the undertaking and if indeed this is your calling. Love for animals is great but there’s a need for greater commitment behind the passion.

It is not just the foreign visitor that sees the great need towards animal intervention. You will often see Thai nationals that feed these strays every day. They show compassion and kindness to tens and twenties of both cats and dogs. Too, there are networks of Thai

51 October I 2017

nationals who fund-raise to draw financial support to care for our canine and feline darlings. Krabi is a very religious area with Buddhist and Muslims living together in community. Both religions have their personal beliefs surrounding dogs and cats.

Even though at times there may be obstacles the main objective is always towards the wellness of the animals and educating the communities in which they serve in. Remember just as Rome was not built in a day, so shall with animal rescue and welfare projects. However, with passionate volunteers, caring Thai nationals and people giving to the cause, change is surely on the horizon.

Spending time with this incredible volunteer team allowed me to see that they are absolutely driven by a passion to help rescue and secure the future of the dogs and cats in Krabi, Thailand. They stay in their personal and professional lane by bringing in clinics where they see the need. Working with Thai nationals that equally desire to see the welfare

52

Lanta Animal Welfare is a Non profit working to makes the lives of dogs and cats in current and future generations better.

They are solely funded by donations from all around the world and operated by volunteer who give their time, energy and love to those in neeed

of these animals addressed and filling the gaps that are currently around them. Their goal is to see these animals sterilized so that there is not an increase in the stray population, seeing injured animals rehabilitated and domesticated. Ultimately that cats and dogs would have a place to call home and these homes would have more happiness through loving fur babies. My hat goes off to this incredible group of people who are working diligently to bring hope and a future to the dogs and cats of amazing Thailand.

Interested in learning more or volunteering? Check out Lanta Animal Welfare website now. www.lantaanimalwelfare.com

www.krabi-magazine.com

53 October I 2017

COFFEE

?

ANYONE

OF COOFFEE PRODUCTINO TAKES PLACE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

BILLION CUPS ANNUALLY

COFFEE SHOPS ARE THE

MILLION PEOPLE

90%

500

25

WE DRINK

PROVIDES JOBS TO OVER

$100

BILLION/ YEAR INDUSTRY

FASTEST GR WING RESTAURANT NICHE

FINLAND

DRINKS THE MOST COFFEE PER CAPITA

Thinking of heading out into the hot blazing sun but need a little kick to get you going?

We’re outlined some of our favourite coffee shops in the Ao Nang and Krabitown areas to show you what we like and why.

You can try one of a few of them, or maybe make a full day of the expedition and travel from one shop to the next, it’s all up to you on the day of coffee!

HUB Cafe Newly built in 2016 the Hub Cafe is one of Krabi’s newest coffee shops to date. It’s set on the main road heading into the Krabitown from Ao Nang, in the middle of a dense palm plantation yet it’s surrounded on all sides of towering monstrous limestone cliffs. If the coffee doesn’t sell you, then the location should as it’s hard to beat The Hub for its location Inside it’s a more modern touch, yet the design team still kept true to bamboo and used it liberally throughout the building. Enjoy coffee, snacks, sandwiches, ice cream and much more.

Hours: 8am-10pm Address: 4034 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000.

GPS: 8.077938, 98.846198 Phone number: 091 824 9586

KoKo Nest KoKo Nest, located just a short 200 meters down the road from Pakarang coffee house, Koko nest offers a great blend of both modern and contemporary design, it’s fully air conditioned lounge space is perfect for those hot days and from the whole cafe you can enjoy greats views of Krabi river, boats passing by and birds flying above the mangrove trees. We also recommend Koko nest for it’s great selection of ice cream and sandwiches. Coffee might be their specialty but food and snacks and right behind the famous bean.

Hours: 7am-10pm Address: 17/9 Uttarakit Road, Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000 GPS: 8.066694, 98.916884 Phone number:

56

www.krabi-magazine.com

Pakarang Coffee Pakarang coffee house located on one of the main roads in Krabi town in the tourist downtown of the city, just on the banks of Krabi River lies a little known secret in terms of style, taste and general atmosphere. The coffee is above average, nothing to go totally crazy about, but it’s certainly a good cup, the real attraction here is whats on the wall, what your sitting on, the colors, smells, feelings of this coffee shop which make this one of our favourite shops to his up. It’s located above a unique ‘souvenir shop’ which sells all kinds if bags, clothes, jewellery and much more which you cannot find anywhere else throughout Krabi. Overall, great place to great a cup of joe, but if you’ve got an extra minute they also serve sandwiches and salads so why not?

Hours: 11am-8pm Address: 17/42 Uttarakit Road, Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000 GPS: 8.064368, 98.917545

EP’s cafe and patisserie Our last and final must visit cafe in Krabitown. EP’s has a very modern feeling to, only windows and a glass front door bring in outside light to the comfortable seats and tables inside. Making it a very comfortable place to bring your computer, sit down and power through some work in a quiet and cool place. There is also outdoor seating if needed. The menu features traditional Thai favourites as well as European sandwiches and traditional Italian gelato. It’s a very comfortable and effective place to get work done.

Address: Hours: 11am-9pm (everyday) 92/27 Vicar Rd, Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000 GPS: 8.067329, 98.915134 Phone number: 075-612-555

Riverside coffee Thats why you’ll find and more at Chazia bakery, located just outside Ao Nang on a small tributary river.

Perfectly situated at the end of a quiet road where one would least expect such a reward as can be found at Chazia bakery. The bakery is actually a part of Bankolek Riverside restaurant, which serves tasty authentic Thai food from 11am-8:30pm. Chazia bakery is generously stocked with various wines, homemade cheese cakes, pastries, ice cream and of course coffee! You should plan to come toe Chazia bakery for the ambience, the soft winds from the river flow throughout the restaurant and the river is full of various fish which school around the dining area so if you have kids, they can enjoy time feeding the fish.

Hours: 11am-8pm (everyday) Address: Tap Mai,, Tambon Sai Thai, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180 GPS: 8.042466, 98.889903 Phone number: 081 597 4966

57 October I 2017

58

www.krabi-magazine.com

59 October I 2017

60 60

www.krabi-magazine.com www.krabi-magazine.com

July I 2017 October I 2017

61 61

THE SUNSET ISLAND

Koh Lanta is made up of 2 main islands, Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta Noi is the smaller and less developed of the two but offers some special adventures for a certain traveler. Koh Lanta Yai is fully loaded with resorts, restaurats, activites such as kayaking, islands hoping, scuba diving companies and more.

W e l c o m e t o K o h La n ta

Saladin is the main township located in the north of Koh Lanta Yai, it is home to the majority of the islands banks, restaurants, cafes and general shopping areas. Saladan is also home to a number of stilted houses and businesses which extend out into the ocean on the Northern most edges of town. Each shop is different in it’s own right but they all 62

have the same relaxed feeling much of the island is famous for. There are a number of other regions all over the island though and each has it’s one little charm to offer, and truth be told a great way to see the island is to rent a motorbike or car and just go North to South, it’s cheap, fun and offers numerous opportunities to stop and explore at your own leisure. To

the South of Koh Lanta is the famous Lighthouse which features a nature walking trail, 2 beaches and one of the best vantage points for dramatic cliff photography on the island. So what are you waiting for, get going and explore this not so small island.

www.krabi-magazine.com

63 October I 2017

L A N T A Scuba diving at OK Club Diving Center

Thai cooking classes at Time for Lime

Help local animals at Lanta Animal Welfare

If you want to discover scuba diving and the amazing

If you are looking to learn how to cook authentic

Rated on Tripadvisor as the No 1. Thing to do on Koh

underwater world of Koh Lanta with all its great dive

Thai food then you must stop by Time for Lime

Lanta, Lanta Animal Welfare (LAW) is a non-profit

sites and marine life, Ok Club Diving Center will make

where cooking classes are conducted in an open-air

organisation working to relieve the suffering of local

your dream comes true.

beachfront cookery school kitchen by the foodie lover

animals through sterilization, vaccination and medical

Junie Kovacs.

care.

Ok Club Diving Center is the opportunity to dive with

Junie started Time for Lime out of a love of food. She

The rescue center is open daily to visitors who can

highly qualified instructors in a very well organised

wanted to give people amazing food experiences on a

tour the facilities and meet the animals. Whether you

establishment and learn through a friendly and

full-time basis. Her passion for food led her to create a

are interested in taking a dog for a stroll on the beach

professional approach. The courses and programs are

well designed and laid-back atmosphere for people. Her

(some of the dogs love to swim) or are happier cudling

available in english, german, italian, polish, french and

work is known for its cross-cultural and disciplinary

one of the many affectionate cats, LAW is the place

russian. The Center offers unique sessions of cave

surprises.

where you can get your furry fix while contributing to

diving, an extreme activity demanding high requirements

She also founded Lanta Animal Welfare out of a love

a worthwile cause.

for equipment configuration and reliability, as well as

of animals and the profits from Time For Lime goes to

divers skills, physical condition and mental strength.

LAW.

If your wish is to explore some underwater treasures

Phone number : +66 (0) 75 68 4590 / +66 (0) 89 967 5017 www.timeforlime.net

then opt for safari diving tours and choose between exotic Myanmar, the famous Similan Islands or Komodo

Phone number : +66 (0) 84 304 4331 www.lantaanimalwelfare.com

Park in Indonesia.

Phone number : +66 (0) 88 019 5640 www.okclubthai.com

64

www.krabi-magazine.com

AC T I V I T I E S Namaste at Oasis Yoga

Enjoy fire shows at Why Not Bar

Snorkeling and fishing at Lanta Dream & Paradise

Yoga is a great way to take back control over your

Located right on the beach at Kantiang Bay View

Looking to discover the beauty of the Andaman Sea

holistic, mental and emotional health and Oasis Yoga is

Resort, the Why Not Bar host live appearances from

in a friendly and easy going atmosphere then look no

an exceptional place to do so.

popular bands in Thailand and hold beach parties about

further than Lanta Dream & Paradise, a company

once a month. With a live band every night, fireshows

specialized in private snorkeling and fishing trips.

Situated at Klong Dao Beach, Oasis Yoga welcomes

on the beach and great cocktails, there’s a buzz going

Aboard authentic longtail boats with a professional

you to discover restorative health with laid back island

on there every night.

team, Lanta Dream & Paradise offers you unique trips

relaxation and a chill seaside attitude. Whether you

with exclusive itineraries by discovering and exploring

are a seasoned yoga practioner or want to try your

Fire shows at Why Not Bar are some of the best you

the heart of Marine National Parks of Koh Phi Phi,

first practice in a unique atmosphere, Farra Williams, a

will see on the island and are a must see during your

Koh Bamboo and so many more. If you want to cut

certified yoga instructor, is here to help you develop

stay in Koh Lanta. They normally start after 10pm but

off of the world for a short time you can choose a

the tools to take the peace of holistic health home

if you want a good seat in the bar you will need to

camping trip program in Koh Rok and Koh Kradan or

with you.

get there a little earlier. Just sit, relax and enjoy a laid

pass a fishing day on the sea in Koh Haa with Captain

back atmosphere, great vibe and a very entertaining and

Boo.

Phone number : +66 (0) 85 115 4067 www.oasisyoga-lanta.com

welcoming staff.

Phone number : +66 (0) 83 644 1333 www.facebook.com/ WhyNotBarKohLanta

All tours include transfers go and back from your hotel to the boat, Marine National Park entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, Thai buffet, fresh water, fruits, fishing equipment (for the Fishing Trip), camping tents 2/3 people (for the Camping package), life jackets and insurance for passengers.

Phone number : +66 (0) 890 999 423/ +66 (0) 861 114 054 / +66 (0) 855 790 178 www.lantalongtailboat.sitew.org July I 2017

65

66

www.krabi-magazine.com

67 October I 2017

HELLO (M) / (F)

THANK YOU (M) / (F)

SAWADEE KRAP / SAWADEE KAA KHOPUN KRAP / KHOPUN KAA

HOW ARE YOU? SABAI DEE MAI I’M FINE SABAI DEE HOW MUCH IS THIS?

KNEE KUR TAO RAI

WHAT IS THIS? NEE A RAI? YES CHAI NO MAI CHAI I CAN’T SPEAK THAI

POOT PASSA THAI MAI DAI

SORRY / EXCUSE ME KOR TOHT CAN YOU SPEAK ENGLISH

KHUN POOT PASSA ANGRIT DAI MAI?

I DON’T UNDERSTAND MAI KHAO CHAI DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

KHAO JAI MAI?

HELP! CHOOEY DOOEY SPICY PET NOT SPICY MAI PET IS THIS TASTY? A ROY MAI? HOT (TEMPERATURE) RAWN COLD (TEMPERATURE) YEN WATER NAAM WHERE IS THE RESTROOM / TOILET?

HONG NAAM YOU NAI?

CAN I HAVE THE CHECK / BILL?

KHEP TANG?

SEE YOU SOON JEUR GAN MAI

68

www.krabi-magazine.com

Welcome to Thailand, want to learn some

THAI?

69 October I 2017

UNPLUG IN

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.

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

We are pleased to report that Koh Jum is still as tranquil and laid back as it always has been. In fact, what is most noticeable are the lack of noisy generators at most of the islands resorts. Folks come to Koh Jum to tune out; the island’s nature and culture dominate the minimal tourist infrastructure.

The existing resorts on Koh Jum all have their own family-run character, ranging from the backpackers paradise to luxurious beach villas.....

Koh Pu Mountain is the dominant geological feature on the island at over 400 meters. It’s a great hike for the adventurous and a vital refuge of native habitat still harboring 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 while the resorts are located opposite, facing the open Andaman Sea. This division allows the villagers to remain authentic without a significant tourist infrastructure while the resorts are all located on the beaches.

Koh Jum is predominately a large Muslim populated sub-district of Krabi, home to over 1,500 inhabitants. The locals of these villages engage mostly in fishing, rubber cultivation and the local crafts of cloth weaving and painting or ‘batik’ as it is known as here. While the north is mountainous, the south is comprised of dense jungle, cashew nut trees, rubber plantations, casuarinas and nipa-palms.

Since all the resorts face West, there are epic sunsets to be had all along the island. The renowned Koh Jum Lodge is an excellent place to stay for a few days, and has superb views to boot.

Access to the island is by longtail taxi boats which leave from the mainland at the port town of Laem Kruat. There is now a songthaew you can take direct from Krabi Town to Laem Kruat.

70

www.krabi-magazine.com

71 October I 2017

During the high season most visitors come to Koh Jum using the Krabi-Koh Lanta ferry which stops at two locations on Koh Jum, both of which are offshore so local longtail boats will come from the island to pick up passengers.

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

Getting to Koh Jum can be very simple or a bit of a nightmare, it all depends on how much you know about it. This is where Krabi magazine can help, we recently took the trip to Koh Jum ourselves and have decided to share the adventure with all of our readers.

There are 2 ways to get to Koh Jum- by passing ferry or longtail boat. There are ferries that leave from Koh Lanta at 8am and from Krabi at 11am, both ferries stop as they pass alongside Koh Jum and signal to longtail boats to come and pick up visitors to land ashore Koh Jum. Koh Phi Phi also has ferries which leave at 2pm and operate on the same principle as above.

The second way to get to Koh Jum is to go to the port town of Laem Kruat, from where you can catch a longtail boat directly to Koh Jum- this was our favorite of the 2 methods of travel.

If you are driving, it takes about one hour to get from Ao Nang to Laem Kruat.

You just head to Tesco Lotus and then continue until you see the large overhead signs which tell you to turn right for “Koh Jam”. This road will lead to the small locality of Laem Kruat, where you will find a large pier with boats going to Koh Jum. If you don’t have transport of your own, you can always catch a blue and yellow “songthaew” - the local buses that have benches in the back. On the side of the “songthaew” will be written – Krabi, Bus Station, Tesco, Big C, Laem Kruat, they are frequent and easy to spot.

will direct you to the correct boat.

We got on and soon were chugging along through the mangroves with a boat full of happy local Muslim women that looked as they hadn’t changed a bit since 1925.

We arrived at Koh Jum just 45 minutes later, paid our 70thb fare and were taken by “taxi” (a battered old pickup truck) through the winding dirt track until we reached our destination resort.

Give it a go and you will see a different side of Thailand from years gone by.

Well worth the experience.

These buses will leave from all of these locations at intervals throughout the day and will take you directly to the Laem Kruat pier.

Now, the pier is a bit misleading. We waited at the end of the pier before realizing the longtail taxis were passing us by and docking at the mainland.

Then we went back and followed our noses along past the shops until we saw a slipway with goods and people being unloaded. It was the second slipway we needed to get to “Moo Too”, the place on Koh Jum we were being collected from.

If you know the name of the pier on Koh Jum you need to get to, just ask anyone in this area and they

72

www.krabi-magazine.com

73 October I 2017

74

www.krabi-magazine.com

75 October I 2017

76

www.krabi-magazine.com