April 2011

www.krabi-magazine.com

April 2011

ISSUE 64

KOH LANTA

•TRAVEL•CULTURE•AO NANG•LANTA•LEISURE•NATURE•

Editorial

Welcome to Krabi April 2011– ISSUE 64 EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Thomas Gennaro krabimagazine@gmail.com 089 9085990 ART GROUP Creative Director: Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat [Ton®] tonidesign@gmail.com - 089 7727858 Graphic Designers: Bandit Kanjanavarodom [Lim] CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Thomas Gennaro – Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat Roberto Spezzani - Lim Zenith - Hilton Jones Robby Attwater – Ton Company - Norm Flach Stefano Gonella – David Raine DISTRIBUTION AO NANG – KOH LANTA – KOH PHI PHI Guava Corporations: 075 637459 DISTRIBUTION - KRABI TOWN Globe Evolution Co., Ltd. – 083 5251978 PHUKET - KOH SAMUI – BANGKOK – CHIANG MAI Asia Books Co., Ltd. – 02 7159000 MARKETING Parita Khojongdee (Nok) – 089 2512367

KitDee Media & Design Company Limited 247/13 Moo 5, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000 Tel: 075 661144 - 075 637459 - Fax: 075 637460 E-mail: krabimagazine@gmail.com www.facebook.com/krabimagazine

Krabi Magazine is published and produced by KitDee Media & Design Company Limited and is protected by Copyright. No parts of this publication can be used or reproduced in any form – printed, electronic, photocopy or otherwise – without the written permission of the publishers. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish adverts, texts or advertising features. Advertising terms and conditions are to be obtained at krabimagazine@gmail.com Please send submissions to krabimagazine@gmail.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.

K

rabi Province is considered to be one of the most beautiful regions in a beautiful country.

Krabi has it all, from the limestone karsts that characterize the region to world-class beaches, islands, temples, markets, nightlife and shopping, the list is seemingly endless.

Gastronomes will find Krabi a sanctuary of fine dining and lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty to keep them occupied - waterfalls, hot springs, national parks, elephant treks are all on offer and Krabi is also one of the world’s premier destinations for rock climbing and scuba diving. The coral reefs of the Andaman Sea are among the world’s best and the Railay Peninsula attracts climbers from all over the world.

This is the tourist high season closing issue, and we do it with the best and biggest and most stunning water fight in the world: escape the gripping heat, mix and splash during Thai New Year Songkran, in style! The most exciting activity of this issue has to be a ‘fly high in the Krabi skies’ with new business Skyview, for amazing and unseen views of the province. Also in this issue we give the right exposure to Koh Lanta, an amazing island that has seen a huge increase of visitors’ numbers in recent years. Sea trips to faraway tropical islands, stunning beaches in Koh Rok archipelago, a bike trip to the National Park, and more to help you arrange your trip to paradise. And there is more: discover cultural past-time Keng Nok, the local bird singing contests; read about green energy being developed in the South of Thailand; and dance away your holiday at Marina Yoga in Ao Nang.

If you are after a property in Krabi, there is so much to read in our real estate section: we hear the dos and don’ts of villa rentals; there are tips on how to avoid the avoidable when contracting to build your house in Thailand; we enter the world of rustic teak root furniture, and learn how appraisals are a good way to see what your future villa is really worth.

Our ever-popular magazine is being successfully distributed all over Thailand in most Asia Books/Bookazine stores, including at the main Thai airports, and Krabi is being given the attention it deserves. This will help tourists plan their trip to our province in advance, it will make Krabi an interesting option for potential visitors to the area, and it will give our sponsors a much wider exposure.

It does not end there! Watch out for our extremely popular Krabi 81000 Miniguides that are massively available to visitors to Krabi and Islands, complementing the magazine and helping you with your search for the best eats, nightlife, activities, boats and buses timetables, doctors and banks, events; an endless array of information to make your stay reasonably organized from Kitdee Media & Design. Find the above products in your hotel lounge, in restaurants and pubs, at airports and boat piers or in your favourite local travel agency. Browse them avidly and make use of our local expertise. Look out for our logos, and BEWARE OF IMITATIONS! We hope you find Krabi Magazine inspirational and helpful whether you come to Krabi to eat, drink and relax on the beach or participate in any of the numerous activities on offer here in Thailand. And if you are not in Krabi yet, what are you waiting for? Enjoy the magazine, enjoy our printed products, and above all enjoy your holiday in Krabi!

Thomas Gennaro Executive Editor Koh Lanta Cover picture courtesy of: Roberto Ridi®

CONTENTS

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April 2011, issue 64

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A Window on Krabi

9

Cover Story

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

A fantastic Koh Lanta 4 Islands Tour to Koh Chuck, Koh Ngai, and Trang Islands.

PLUS:

Factfile: Hat Chao Mai National Park

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Festival

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Activity

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Songkran is the most popular festival in Thailand. It is the celebration of the New Year, as well as a symbolic farewell to the bad luck and hardships of the previous year.

Fly High with Skyview, a new service from Bangkok Aviation Center offering air sightseeing flights over the most beautiful seascapes of Krabi Bay, Pang Nga Bay and Phuket Island.

PLUS:

Factfile: Skyview Fleet and Routes

www.amari.com

loves your indulgences

Dive into new sensations at Amari Vogue Krabi. The soothing touch of Thai massage and captivating floral aromas of Sivara Spa. The crisp taste of a wood-fired pizza enjoyed by the beach or the zest of an authentic curry in one of our three signature restaurants and bars. Toast the sunset with a fresh tropical cocktail or unwind to a massage set to the soundtrack of Andaman waves. Whatever your choice, we invite you to find new ways to tantalise your senses at Amari Vogue, inspired by the beauty of Krabi.

For more information contact +66 (0) 7560 7777 Bangkok | Chiang Mai | Pattaya | Koh Chang | Koh Samui | Phuket | Krabi

The longtail boat is truly a place where price comes together with quality of food and service. The Real Thai taste is the main character here. They serve an array of Thai appetizers, chicken satay, mixed seafood fritter plate, Thai main dishes and famous banana fritters with ice-cream by the long tail boat style. To complete the meal there is a selective range of wines, cocktails and other beverage at the bar.

The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed with two options: at the chic tables outdoor, or at the upstairs bar. Both locations have great views out over the Andaman Sea. Open daily From 10:00 to 16:00 pm. Special Lunch menu with free sun bed in front of the sea, fine dining till 23:00 pm.

Soi Aonang Seafood

Police Box

50 metre

Boat Ticket

Aonang Beach

Aonang Center

Boat Ticket

for reservations please call +66 (0)75 638093, +66 (0)81 0915590

32/17 Moo 2 Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi 81000 e-mail: thelongtailboat@gmail.com

CONTENTS

April 2011, issue 64

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Cultural

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Green Energy

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News

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Islands

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Wellness

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Koh Lanta

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Ever wondered what all those men are doing shouting at long lines of caged birds before? It’s Bird Singing Contest time!

A project to plant a mangrove forest on wasteland in the southern part of Thailand and develop technology for the manufacture of bioethanol from the sap.

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Over the past few years, various countries have started putting intellectual property protections over foods or culturally significant items. The Thai Government is to copyright Muay Thai.

Koh Phi Phi, what’s in a name?

Marina Yoga in Ao Nang offers regular dance and pilates classes for both adults and children from her new location.

Get the most out of Koh Lanta. Highlights, maps, reviews and articles: Koh Lanta Highlights: Lanta Features Out at Sea: Koh Rok, Renowned Beauty

PLUS:

Factfile: Location, How to get there Eating Review: Time for Lime Adventure: Ride a Bike in Southern Lanta Geographica: Plants of the National Park Geographica: Koh Lanta National Park

Real Estate

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

Architect Tips: Villa Rentals Dos and Don’ts Construction: Avoid the Avoidable Showcased: Teak Roots Furniture The Property Guru: Appraisals

Directory

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Media Kit and Businesses listed in the Krabi Magazine

Aning Restaurant Thai & International Cuisine

High quality fresh seafood Choise of 12 different cuts of steak Thai food Pizza & Pastas Selected wines Our speciality: Cheese platter Homemade selection of our delicious desserts Gin Long Drink Cider Finnish, Swedish and English menu Daily Finnish and Swedish newspapers Aning Restaurant has become the most renowned and well established restaurant in Ao Nang

The FIRST and ONLY one, a true original Mexican Music Bar & Tex-Mex Restaurant in Ao Nang !

and original Our menu has tasty Eur opean dishes and hes dis ican Mex spapers new h edis Sw and nish Fin d rea to le availab

Map

upstairs.

@ CRAZY GRINGO'S BAR

BIGGEST AND COOLEST MUSICBAR IN AO NANG LIVE DJ MUSIC DANCE FLOOR POOLPARTY

Tex Mex World Co., Ltd.

Aning 7-eleven Ao Nang Beach

Walking Street

423/12 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Muang District Krabi 81000 +66 (0)75 695 176 aningrestaurant@hotmail.com

A window on Krabi

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

Noppharat Thara beach, just around the corner from Ao Nang, is 3km long yet still undeveloped, with only a few resorts and bars.

Attractive because of its natural setting, this is where local youngsters and families gather at sunset and at weekends. Savour some local Muslim snacks at the beach stalls, or fill yourself with seafood in the local restaurants at the very end of the beach, near the Noppharat Thara National Park headquarters. At low tide, walk out together with millions of small crabs on the sandy pathways to the small islands near the beach.

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

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

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

Koh Lanta beaches have a wide selection of resorts for all tastes and pockets. Lanta Yai island has long stretches of gleaming white sandy beaches and shallow emerald waters. Lined with tropical vegetation, a private spot is never more than a short walk away on a southern beach at Lanta Yai.

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

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, at 20km from Krabi Town, comprises waterfalls, streams, lush forests and caves. It is home to all kind of flora and wildlife and to the highest mountain in the region from which it takes the name. One of the features of the park is Huay Toh Waterfall where water runs down onto several huge pools.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE ISLANDS

Hop on or hire a longtail, the local wooden boats with their picturesque prows. Sail away to Koh Poda, surrounded by turquoise waters, or to Koh Kai, shaped as a chicken and therefore called the Chicken Island, from where a walk on a sandy pathway connects it to Koh Tub. Make a longtail boat or speedboat trip to the Koh Hong archipelago, a group of limestone islands with hidden caves and lagoons perfect for kayaking or snorkeling. Join an organized tour to amazing Koh Phi Phi islands, full of marvelous bays, limestone cliffs, waters rich in marine life, caves where swallow nests are harvested, and much more. Visit Koh Jum and Koh Siboya, small, unspoiled tropical hide-away that have a unique atmosphere. These islands give visitors the time to relax and re-charge their batteries. Or venture out on Koh Lanta, the developing island at the southern end of the province home to sea gypsies communities, where you will meet nature and tradition. A National Park area that comprises many different islands surrounded by coral reefs, such as Koh Ngai and remote Koh Rok.

THE TOWN Small, charming, silent at times, nice for a day’s walking tour. Krabi Town is full of old buildings, bars and restaurants, local exotic marketplaces and food stalls at the old Chao Fa pier where to sample the local food. The Krabi motto is: “lively town, lovely people”; Krabi’s simple people are definitely proud of their town and of their warm and generous character.

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

THE TEMPLE Located just 9 km from Krabi Town the Wat Tham Seua, or Tiger Cave Monastery, is one of south Thailand’s most famous and interesting forest temples, as the monks live, meditate and worship within a maze of natural caves in an overgrown jungle valley.

Many Thai women live out their oldage there as nuns. Explore the inner cave used by monks for meditation.

Climb the 1,237 steps up a limestone tower to see the statue of the Buddha and the “footprint of the Buddha” embedded in the rock, and to enjoy one of the best viewpoints of the area. Take the circular walk through Krabi’s rarest of all features, a pocket of primary lowland forest, a circular rocky basin enclosed by high cliffs.

Here, along a pathway used by monks to meditate and amongst a number of magnificent trees you can be amazed in front of the largest flared root base of any tree remaining in Thailand.

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OPEN ALL YEAR

Cover Story

Story & Photos : Roberto Spezzani

Koh Lanta 4 Islands Tour I had heard about this boat tour and I had been impressed by the comments of those who had been on it; it was especially the experience in Koh Mook’s Emerald Cave to inspire my fantasies. As a result, after an Internet search and a recommendation from my Koh Lanta friends, I booked the trip with Lanta Princess Tour.

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B

oarding time is at 9am. I am pretty early and take advantage to stock up on croissants and cream donuts at a bakery close to Lanta Princess Tour office. I meet the boat crew, get one of the tour brochures and sit on the prow of the Lanta Princess 5, expecting a nice suntan. The boat starts its navigation towards the East coast of the island. At slow pace, we sail through large canals that host an incredible variety of birds, which set fly as we approach them. This side of Koh Lanta has a rare tranquility and a pretty wild-looking surrounding. It is after 30 minutes of navigation that we reach the open sea. Lanta Princess’ engines gain speed and we quickly approach our first destination, Koh Chuck, where the crew throws the anchor in a sea full of fish. This is a great place for the first snorkel of the day! The water is transparent, and we can easily make out an incredible variety of corals, anemone sponges and sea urchins barely a few meters from the surface.

Half an hour later we reach Koh Ngai and make a brief stop there before heading towards Koh Mook and Koh Kradan, islands part of Trang province but included in most 4-island trips from Koh Lanta. Koh Mook main attraction is the Emerald Cave; pretty busy today judging from the number of boats anchored nearby the cave entrance, which increase my curiosity about the place. We store our cameras in the dry bags, wear lifejackets and jump in the water, forming a single file and grabbing each other. The tour guides head the file with torches and lifebuoys. We swim to the inside of a marine cave, and immediately meet a single line of people swimming in the opposite direction, clearly pleased with the experience; their screams of surprise fill the darkness in this small fissure. Light beams from various torches eventually light up the cave, where the atmosphere is joyful. I let myself rock in the water during the slow swim towards the unknown, moving my legs carefully so not to kick sharp rocks underwater. Where will we get out to, I ask myself? The answer to my question comes a few minutes later: sunlight starts to filter inside the cave and the water assumes an emerald green color.

Out of the cave the sight is amazing! We are in a natural amphitheater enclosed by high cliffs, with a tropical surrounding of lush vegetation and a white sandy beach that gives way to crystalline waters. Places like this are for real, not only in the fantasy of those looking for marvels of nature. I take lots of pictures and record a video, and enjoy a relaxing swim in these calm and transparent waters. The energy of this cave takes away all fear and transforms it into happiness of life.

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Once all passengers are back to the boat, the Lanta Princess heads towards its last destination of the day, Koh Kradan, an island of purely transparent water used regularly as a location for underwater weddings. We dock on the sandy beach, where the crew arranges a place for our lunch. After enjoying a filling buffet of Thai food under the shades of the palm trees that fringe the white sand, I observe a few sea stars that lay on the sand undisturbed, and later venture on a path that leads to a small fishermen’s settlement in the heart of the small island. I linger a bit and finally look at the watch only to realize I am late for the pick up time. I hope the boat doesn’t leave without me… and if this was to happen… I would not mind spending the night on the island, perhaps host of a good-hearted fisherman… I quickly rush towards the beach, where the Lanta Princess is still there waiting for me.

The boat follows Koh Lanta western coastline, with its beaches and resorts, where I recognize several places I have visited from the land. Koh Lanta is like home for me. No wonder the island sees every year an increase of tourists as well as visitors who chose this wonderful place as their home.

LANTA PRINCESS TOUR Address: 60 Moo1 Saladan, Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150 Phone: (66) 075.684188 Mobile: (66) 089.744.1834, 081.537.6191 Contact person: Mr. Aroon Wajeadee Email: lantaprincess@yahoo.com Website: www.krabidir.com/lantaprincesstour Tours Include: Buffet lunch, mask & snorkel, soft drinks and drinking water, coffee & tea, fresh fruit, professional guide, pick up and transfer to your hotel.

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Factfile

Hat Chao Mai National Park

The coastline of Trang has historically been inhabited by sea fishermen whose houses were built at the mouths of streams and rivers flowing into the sea. These people had a simple easy life, fishing and harvesting produce from there surroundings. Hat Chao Mai National Park natural unspoiled environment is the last remaining refuge of the endangered Dugong, or sea cow. Koh Mook and Koh Kradan are part of the National Park.

Koh Mook is an island perfect for diving (manta rays are often spotted), swimming, kayaking and fishing. Farang beach to the west is where to enjoy stunning sunsets. The Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot) is an Unseen Thailand destination in the west of Muk Island, hidden in the jungle among the limestone cliffs. The cave itself winds for about 80 meters to the other exit, opening onto a clean white beach with an emerald color open pool.

Koh Kradan has white-sand beaches, pristine coral reefs and the water is amazingly clear.

Named after it’s oblong shape, Koh Kradan really is a truly, tropical paradise island! The unspoiled coral reefs offer superb snorkeling and two sunken Japanese warships are one of Thailand’s best scuba diving sites.

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Festival

Story by : Hilton Jones l Photos by: Lim Zenith & ton®

Songkran

A water festival

Songkran is the most popular festival in Thailand. It is the celebration of the new year, as well as a symbolic farewell to the bad luck and hardships of the previous year. Here in Krabi it is mainly celebrated on the 13th of April for one day, but in Chiang Mai it can last up to ten days.

T

he word Songkran comes from Sanskrit and its meaning refers to the new solar year.

Traditionally statues of Buddha are bathed in a ritual using sacred water, and people perform this ritual for elders and monks also. Many people will clean their houses, and many will make new-year’s resolutions. It is a national holiday in Thailand, often called the “water festival” because after visiting the temples Thai people (for whom having fun is very important) take to the streets armed with buckets of water to have the biggest waterfight of the year. Friends and family are important on this day, but Thai people involve everyone – including tourists. The symbolism of the water is clear - it is a washing away of bad luck and negative feelings, and many people will perform the ritual bathing with extreme gentleness, perhaps pouring some water on your head or shoulders and wishing you happy new year; “sawat dii pii mai”. Far more commonly, however, you will find yourself surrounded and being attacked by a gang of kids armed with powerful water pistols and cannons. The meaning remains the same, as are the smiles on all the faces. This is a day for fun.

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The smiles are so contagious, and the festival is a reminder for everyone to enjoy life and not take things too seriously. Even the police are considered fair targets, but always get permission before throwing a bucket of water over a policeman just in case! Sometimes people will wipe a mixture of mentholated talcum powder and water on your cheeks and forehead, which is considered to be giving you a blessing and also has a wonderful cooling effect. Be careful not to get the powder in your eyes as it stings, but it is easy to wash out and there are always plenty of volunteers armed with buckets around to help you!

Most shops and restaurants will have large containers outside their premises, which are constantly being filled with water. If you ask permission you can reload your water pistol or refill your bucket, and continue soaking the neverending flow of trucks filled with revellers. Traffic in Ao Nang is made one-way for the majority of the day, and many people drive the circuit around to Klong Haeng and back past Na Thai many times during the day, refueling both their water tanks and gas tanks on the way back to Ao Nang.

Amidst all the fun it is important to bear some things in mind to keep your Songkran safe and enjoyable. Firstly, the day is supposed to be fun for everyone so if you are unhappy having water thrown at you then perhaps consider staying inside your hotel. Water is generally not thrown inside restaurants and bars, so these provide a safe haven for a break from the festivities. Be careful with your belongings: use a dry bag or even a plastic bag to keep things waterproof. If you want to take pictures, consider buying a waterproof pouch (available at most dive centers) to protect your camera.

Remember to use lots of sunscreen – the cooling effect of the water and powder often encourages people to spend too much time in the sun.

Factfile

Origins of Songkran

Avoid using your motorbike: it is much more fun and safe to park and walk instead. The roads will be very wet and slippery, and both water and powder will be thrown at you even as you are driving.

Consider the fact that many people will be drinking and driving: unfortunately there are usually more accidents on Songkran day than any other day of the year. Be considerate and avoid throwing water at others driving motorcycles. Remember also that there is a large Muslim community in Krabi, so please dress conservatively. It is very offensive to walk around town wearing next to nothing - even at Songkran. In addition young boys, sometimes from neighbouring provinces, visit the beaches of Krabi in the hope of seeing foreign women in skimpy bikinis, so female tourists should try to avoid wearing anything too revealing and refuse offers of hugs from young, drunken boys – hugging is not a part of the Songkran festival, or Thai culture in general and can be a misunderstood gesture.

Taking these things into consideration will guarantee you a safe start to the Thai New Year leaving you free to enjoy all the fun and games.

Be prepared to get very wet! Sawat dii pii mai!

There was once a young man who was prodigious in learning. He understood even the language of the birds.

This excited the jealousy of Kabil Maha Phrom, one of the gods of a higher heavenly realm. He came down to meet the young man and posed him three sphinx-like riddles with the wager that if the young man failed to give the right answers within seven days, he would lose his head but if he succeeded, the god himself would give his own. Like all folk tales the young man was at first at his wit’s end to answer such difficult riddles and he repaired to a certain place in order to kill himself rather than face defeat.

He stopped at the foot of a tall tree at the top of which was an aerie. By chance he heard the mother eagle comforting her eaglets that cried for more food, that they would be gratified soon by feasting on the body of the young man who would fail to solve the riddles. She then related the story of the wager between the god and the young man, and in answer to her children’s question the mother eagle satisfied them with the right answers to those three riddles.

The young man availed himself of this information and on the appointed day he gave the god the three right answers.

The god, as was the case in such tales, lost the wager and himself cut off his own head. His head was a terrible one for if it touched the earth there would be a universal conflagration and if it fell into the sea, the sea would dry up through its intense heat. The god’s head therefore was deposited in a certain cave in the heavens. Every new year that is on Songkran Day one of the god’s seven daughters in turn will carry her father’s head in procession with millions of other gods and goddesses circumambulating like the sun round the Meru, the Buddhist Olympian Mount.

After that there are feasts among the celestial beings who enjoyed themselves with drinks made from the juice of the chamunad creeper. The god’s head was taken back to the cave after the feast, to be taken out again on Songkran day the next year.

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AO NANG BRAND NEW

CENTERPO NT The Cave

A full bar that boasts a cavernous interior.

Beers, wine and cocktails - exceptionally friendly staff.

The Airport

Getting into the mile-high club has never been so easy! Real scale 1:10 Boeing 767 hanging from the ceiling. Staff dressed up as pilots and air stewardesses.

Former Apollo Bar

Kr Bar & Pub

Oldest established in Ao Nang Newly refurbished bar with original design and features Real fishpond, waterfall and lots of traditional woodwork. Friendly staff and good value drinks.

MAP CENTER POINT Top Charoen Optic Soi Seafood

Burger King

Aonang Beach

The Airport The Cave KR pub

Story by : Thomas Gennaro l Photos by : Nattapat Sunthornphuriwat

Activity

Fly High with Skyview “My dream, is to fly, over the rainbow, so high…

I try to fly, a while, so high, direction sky…”

I

turn on the radio on the way to the airport, and coincidentally it is playing top ten single Rise Up. I am meeting up with the management team of Skyview, a new service from Bangkok Aviation Center offering air sightseeing flights over the most beautiful seascapes of Krabi Bay, Pang Nga Bay and Phuket Island. I am up for a demo flight and I am ever so excited.

At the Krabi terminal, I get to know Khun Visessak, Director of Skyview. He briefes us on their services and accompanies us through the gate. As VIP flying with Skyview, you are surely reassured to be relieved of usual security lines, passport controls, baggage mix ups and the kind of other frustrations. At the right end of the airport tarmac, 2 Cessna planes are parked. The one for our flight is a modern version, 2 seats at the front and 2 at the back; the cockpit has a computerized system that is also an analog trainer, and is similar to commercial airplanes.

Apparently it has good stabilization and it is easy to maintain. “The best training aircraft in the world, only 50,000 exemplars in the world” states proudly Khun Visessak.

Captain Den is the senior captain of today’s flight over Koh Phi Phi, together with Captain Neil.

Ton and I board the plane onto our comfortable back seats; we buckle up, wear headphones and await the plane engine to warm up. We are excited. The pilots inform control tower of the wish to fly and the flight plan, after which they get the go ahead. They drive the plane to the main runway; the Cessna seems easy to maneuver and the take off is smooth. In a minute we are cruising at 800 feet, a windshield of 60 degrees. From the headphones we are able to hear all communication between the pilots and control tower.

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The plane quickly gains height and at 1500 feet we are over shrimp farms, passes the maze of mangroves that dot the Krabi River mouth and reaches Ao Nam Mao and the Shell Cemetery. At the Railay peninsula, we marvel at the view of dozens longtail boats parked on Phra Nang Bay, before heading south over Koh Poda and Chicken Island, with the entire Ao Nang Bay under our feet. The weather starts to get windier and the small plan rattles a bit; my body feels as if it is part of the chassis. It is a strange sensation, fearful at times, fantastic the rest of the time. Huge outcrops emerging form the sea observe us from below, surrounded by the crystal blue Andaman Sea. The color of its waters is indescribable from up here.

We soon reach Bamboo Island. It is nice to see how easy it is for the pilots to turn the small plane. They often check the CP system; they change cruising speed and height, direction. We look down to several speedboats and other vessels dotting the sea, leaving foam lines that look like tear drops or shooting stars. The pilots look impressed by the views too, quite a difference from their usual grey Bangkok skies. We reach Koh Phi Phi at 2000 feet height, so we can see Maya Bay and the various beaches and lagoons nicely form above; the higher we go, the more we feel the wind hitting the plane. The pilots ask permission to control tower to raise the height to 2500 feet, and up we go. At that height, the noise of the engines is barely bearable if I take off the headphones.

We soon start our flight back. The skilled pilots lower the height when we fly over islands and islets so to give us the chance to immortalize the moment with our cameras. Krabi province is nice enough when visited on the ground, but seeing it from the sky it is simply a magic sensation.

We finally reach the airport vicinities, where the pilots ask for permission to land, which is soon granted. They approach the runway, straighten up the Cessna, and down we land, ears popping air out, in a soft touchdown.

You may see this as an expensive activity, which surely is. However, it is an unforgettable experience that is worth the investment. Believe me!

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Krabi Magazine

Factfile

FLEET

Cessna 172

KRABI AIR SIGHTSEEING ROUTES

is suitable for 2 passengers, single engine, highwing, fixed-wing aircraft – good for skyview.

Route K1- Krabi Miracle Route: Fly over Railay Bay, Koh Poda, Koh kai, Talay Wae, Ao Nang Bay, Nopparat Bay, Krabi Town and Khao Kanab Nam on the way back to Krabi Airport. PRICE for a 45 minutes flight – 9,000thb per person.

Route K2 Krabi Phi-Phi Unseen: Heading to Bamboo Island where a hearted shaped island is only visible from the air, then flying over and around the Blue Atoll before enjoying the bays with lagoons at Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay. PRICE for a 1 hour flight – 12,000thb per person.

SKYVIEW also operates in Phuket and will soon add up more destinations with bigger planes, such as Koh Similan islands.

Piper Seneca 2

KRABI AIR CHARTER SERVICE

is a single pilot business jet carries 5 passengers and suitable for domestic and oversea travel.

Bangkok Aviation Center provides an efficient private air charter operation service to corporate business and leisure tourists traveling in Krabi and Phuket, specializing in corporate jet charter and on-demand private jet for a seamless transfer with the understanding that businesses and people operate on very demanding and dynamic schedules. Their 24/7 operation and vast network of top tier corporate aircraft can be dispatched anywhere in the country and internationally with as little as four hours notice ensuring that you arrive at your business meeting or favorite vacation spot relaxed, rested and ready to go.

SAFETY Bangkok Aviation Center ensures the safety of aircrafts and professional pilots team. BAC is the leading Pilot Training Academy in Asia; they have trained pilots for Air Asia and Thai Airways for many years. BAC has more than 20 aircrafts of different types under their Aviation Operating Certificate. They can also provide Air Charter Service operated by Business Jets to all destinations. While en route you are assured that one of their charter specialists is monitoring your trip every step of the way. Safety and security are paramount features – they utilize several nationwide auditing agencies to ensure that all aircraft are maintained to the highest standard of safety and comfort. Pilot certification and credentials, maintenance records, interior and exterior aesthetics are among the many factors that are strictly monitored and reviewed.

is suitable for 4 passengers with the two center row seats face rearwards and the two back seats face forward allowing more legroom in the passenger cabin.

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Beech Jet 400A (VIP) is a premier executive business light jet – this aircraft is perfect for group booking – can even get you to enjoy a tour of Krabi’s natural maritime environment and home again on the same day so there are no hotel bills.

FOR BOOKINGS Ao Nang Travel & Tour Co., Ltd. - 243 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000 Thailand Tel: +66(0)75 637152 - Fax :+66(0)75 637153 www.aonangtravel.com

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Story by : David Raine l Photos by: Nattaphat Sunthornphuriwat

Cultural

Keng Nok

Bird Singing Contest

E

ver wondered what all those men are doing shouting at long lines of caged birds before? Yeah, me too, so that’s why this month I decided to find out what it’s all about! In most of the southern provinces, and also nationwide, these bird singing contests are a regular pastime for a lot of Thai folk. It is a regular sight around Krabi to see people driving their bikes with a covered birdcage in one hand and chances are they will be on their way to a contest!

Such is the popularity of these songbirds and contests it was rather easy for me to find out the details as a few of my Thai friends have their own birds and compete in the contests. Speaking to Khun Jukri, who is the proud owner of a rather successful bird, he told me the staggering price range that these birds can fetch. You would pay around 600THB for an untrained baby bird, around 1500THB for one which already has its singing voice. The price goes up all the way to 130,000THB (over 4000 US dollars!) for one that is said to sing really well and wins in the contests. This being the price one of Khun Jukri’s neighbours just paid!

So with a price tag like that you can see why the competitions are taken so seriously and with such passion from their owners! Small local contests usually have an entrance fee of around 100 baht per bird and the winning bird gets up to 5000 baht. When I have watched these contests take place, often behind my house and far too early on a Sunday morning, I have been baffled as to how they choose the winner! To me it just sounds like a lot of noise!

Obviously I have an untrained ear for these things so I asked Khun Juk what

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the ‘judges’ have to listen out for. He said the bird has 30 seconds to perform their winning song and they are judged on their pitch, melody and ability to sing continuously for the given period. All the while the owners, standing behind a line a set distance away from the cages, call out their birds names in encouragement for them to sing!

In Thara Park in Krabi town they have bigger regional contests sometimes with cars on offer for the best singing birds as well as large cash prizes, so the stakes are certainly high!

A recent contest in Yala Province saw more than 6000 birds taking part and it was even entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest avian singing contest in the world!

The birds involved in the competitions are red whiskered bulbals and they are actually on the protected species list in Thailand.

Those captured from the wild are said to be more difficult to train, needing up to a few years to be contest ready, compared to those that are bred in captivity. Over the past few decades in the South there has been less and less of these songbirds in their natural habitats because of over hunting. Many birds are now caught in the north east of the country and even in Cambodia to be sold for these contests.

Next time you see one of these contests taking place, stop and have a look and a listen and see if you can hear the winning bird song!

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Krabi Magazine

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Green Energy

Mangroves are a Gas

T

wo companies and a university from Japan are embarking on a project to plant a mangrove forest on wasteland in the southern part of Thailand and develop technology for the manufacture of bioethanol from the sap. Besides increasing the amount of C02 absorption sources by transforming wasteland into mangrove forests, the project will enable a further reduction of C02 emissions by use of the bioethanol in place of gasoline.

The technology development is being pursued jointly by three parties: Kansai Electric Power Co., its subsidiary The General Environmental Technos Co., and Kyoto University. For the mangrove afforestation, the project selected the nipa palm species, whose sap has sugar content on a par with sugar cane. The planting technology is being researched on a site measuring about 0.7 hectares in Nakhon Si Thammarat in the southern part of Thailand. The research is going to continue until fiscal 2012, and a decision will be made on the commercialization prospects in fiscal 2013.

Thailand has many shrimp farms that were built after cutting down natural mangrove forests and have since been abandoned. It is estimated that about 200,000 hectares have been turned into wasteland in this manner. Use of all such sites would enable production of about 500,000 kilolitres of bioethanol per year. This amount would have the effect of reducing C02 emissions by about 800,000 tons

What is Bioethanol?

The principle fuel used as a petrol substitute for road transport vehicles is bioethanol. Bioethanol fuel is mainly produced by the sugar fermentation process, although it can also be manufactured by the chemical process of reacting ethylene with steam. The main sources of sugar required to produce ethanol come from fuel or energy crops.

These crops are grown specifically for energy use and include corn, maize and wheat crops, waste straw, willow and popular trees, sawdust, reed canary grass, cord grasses, jerusalem artichoke, myscanthus and sorghum plants. There is also ongoing research and development into the use of municipal solid wastes to produce ethanol fuel.

Ethanol or ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) is a clear colourless liquid, it is biodegradable, low in toxicity and causes little environmental pollution if spilt. Ethanol burns to produce carbon dioxide and water. Ethanol is a high-octane fuel and has replaced lead as an octane enhancer in petrol. By blending ethanol with gasoline we can also oxygenate the fuel mixture so it burns more completely and reduces polluting emissions. Ethanol fuel blends are widely sold in the United States. The most common blend is 10% ethanol and 90% petrol (E10). Vehicle engines require no modifications to run on E10 and vehicle warranties are unaffected also. Only flexible fuel vehicles can run on up to 85% ethanol and 15% petrol blends (E85).

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News

O

Thai Government to copyright Muay Thai

ver the past few years, we have seen a disturbing trend whereby various countries - many of whom have been pressured to put in place intellectual property laws to appease the US - suddenly start putting intellectual property protections over foods or culturally significant items. For example, there was Lebanon’s attempt to copyright hummus, Malaysia’s attempt to copyright popular dishes like Nasi Lamak, and Kenya’s recent attempt to copyright a traditional bag.

Of course, none of these are really copyrights in the traditional sense. They’re all attempts to use the basic concept of intellectual property to try to control a piece of cultural heritage. It appears that Thailand is jumping into this realm as well, with the Thai Government wanting to ‘protect’ 25 forms of ‘traditional art, wisdom and folklore’ via a form of intellectual property protection, including the quite popular – in Thailand and in the West too - martial art of Muay Thai.

Generally these attempts to ‘protect’ such national art forms or foods don’t really mean much from a practical standpoint, but it does show how real the concept of ‘intellectual property’ is, even in Thailand.

MUAY THAI – THE ROAD TO PROTECT IT In the late 1980’s, the Thai government recognized Muay Thai as an international sport. In order to regulate the sport a single organization was commissioned and created, maintaining uniformity of the sport under the same rules, regulations, and safety measures and get international recognition for Muay Thai. The primary objectives were to promote Muay Thai as a cultural art form, selfdefense, and ring sport, as well as to procure Amateur Muay Thai inclusion into Southeast Asian Games (Sea Games), Asian Games, GAISF and Olympic Games. An international meeting soon took place in 1989 in Thailand with 20 amateur federations from around the world in attendance. The discussion was focused on the first constitution, rules and regulations to establish a world federation, International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur (IFMA). IFMA has started a roadmap to take Muay Thai towards Olympic recognition. AO

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NANG KRABI BOXING STADIUM Muay Thai events are on every Monday and Friday night at Ao Nang Krabi Stadium in Noppharat Thara. Ao Nang has a few training camps open to foreigners. If you would like to see this astonishing sport live, these are the places to go to in the Krabi Province. Note that, however spectacular these matches are, they are not staged. They are real fights, regularly attended by local Thai fans, and the same is true of the complex dance ceremony performed before each fight. The only concession to tourism is the price tag: tickets for foreigners are 800 for a standard arena seat, and 1,200thb for sofas positioned on the lower area near the ringside. For this you will see up to 10 fights. Tickets to be purchased at box office near the stadium. Free pick up from Ao Nang areas. Phone 075 621042, 081 6062888, 083 2802968

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Phi Phi - Thailand

Islands

Koh Phi Phi

What’s in a name?

K

oh Phi Phi comprises 6 islands: 2 of them are the main island – Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. On Koh Phi Phi there are 2 villages and under administration of Ao Nang sub-district, Krabi Province. The islands are surrounded by the Andaman Sea. Koh Phi Phi is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. The place does not suffer from any religious tension and the folk live in peace and harmony.

Phi Phi is pronounced as ‘Pee Pee’. Some visitors mistakenly read its name as Fi Fi. The name Phi Phi originates from Malay language.

Sea gypsies called the islands Pulao Pi ah Pi. The name refers to the mangrove wood found there. Phi Phi Islands were incorporated into the national park in 1983.

PHI PHI TODAY Phi Phi officially has no motorized transport; there are however, a plethora of longtail boats waiting to take you to any beach or snorkel spot on the island.

Transport on land is by foot or bicycle, the center of town is a maze of streets but most everything can be reached in less than a 10 minutes walk. Bicycles are the official mean of transport on the island; some have interestingly odd shapes. There are a handful of Banks with ATM and credit card services scattered throughout the island.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Phi Phi has 2 seasons - Hot and Wet. Hot season is from November to April, wet season is from May to October - average temperatures are between 25C to 32C. Phi Phi Islands is a world-class destination for rock climbing. There can be as many as 10,000 visitors a day to Phi Phi Island during peak months.

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Wellness

Let’s dance!

Over the last years there has been a growing interest in dance and pilates classes in the Krabi area, but there hasn’t really been a place that would offer them. Now Marina Yoga in Ao Nang starts to offer regular dance and pilates classes for both adults and children.

M

arina Yoga is the first place in the Krabi area to have such a wide variety of classes; yoga, dance, pilates and reiki treatments, all under the same roof. Marina Yoga and Reiki has recently moved to a new location and as the new centre is double the size of the old one, it’s now possible to introduce a variety of different kinds of dance classes. The new location is only a hundred metres away from the old yoga centre, so it’s still very easy to find. You can enjoy a great cliff view and the same lovely atmosphere as before.

The newest addition, dance classes, invite you to move, explore, and most of all have fun while learning about different dance styles. Classes will introduce you to jazz, contemporary and show dance and even to classical ballet. You can also find some twists from afro and latin dances. It’s not about learning complex choreographies or difficult movements. It’s about moving yourself with the music, feeling the rhythm, and finding your own way of dancing with the guidance of an experienced dance teacher. If you do want something a bit more difficult however, more challenging classes will be arranged for more advanced dancers. The classes will start with a warm-up, during which you get to try some world dances like afro dance. After that you get to do different kinds of exercises that will improve your coordination, balance and flexibility. The rest, and most of the class is dancing, and learning to dance through practice. Different styles are done separately, but there’s always the possibility to get a mixed style class, all depending on the interests of the customers.

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Jazz dance is a traditional style that’s origins are in african dance.

It’s very much connected with music and rhythm. You’ll do big energetic movements in space and learn to coordinate your body to do very detailed small movements. Show dance has a lot of same elements as jazz dance but it’s more “pop”. As the name implies, show dance is meant to look impressive and entertaining.

That’s why it is often seen in many music videos and musicals.

Contemporary dance on the other hand is very grounded, body centered and expressive dance form. You’ll learn to feel the movements rather than concentrating too much on what they look like. In contemporary dance the music is often more artistic, and sometimes you might not even use music but instead move in the rhythm of your own breathing in silence. When it comes to classical ballet, most of the people have an idea of what it looks like and often have the false idea that they’re not flexible enough to do it. In reality, you really don’t need to be a ballerina to practice it. It’s as easy to try as any other style of dance. The basics of classical ballet teach you coordination, right alignment of the body, and increase your flexibility and strength. Children have their own dance classes which introduce kids to rhythms, different ways of moving and having fun to music. In the classes children listen to different kinds of music and find out their own way to move with it, as well as try new ways of moving by, for example, exploring how different animals move. It’s a fun way for kid’s to move and be creative, develop their imagination, and get to know with their own bodies.

Dancing, pilates and yoga all go well together. They all increase body awareness, strength and flexibility in their own ways. All the classes, be it yoga, dance, or pilates, are for all ages and levels so that everyone can go and try what they like. Wether it is meditation or energetic movement you enjoy, you can get in touch with Marina Yoga and Reiki and they’ll be sure to help you find what you’re looking for.

Marina Yoga also offers Reiki, personal training and more. Feel free to call 087 8981506 if you have any question or if you like to visit Marina Yoga center. You can also visit www.marinayoga.com - Contact information for dance and pilates 080 1474044

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Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Highlights

K

oh Lanta is situated in the southernmost tip of the Krabi province. It consists of two islands, Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. Koh Lanta Noi is the smaller of the two islands and does not have tourist facilities.

Visitors traveling by road from the main land pass through the smaller island on the way to Koh Lanta Yai, the center of the tourist operations.

Ban Sala Dan village, in the north 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 new comers on the island. The bulk of the Lanta beaches lie along the west coast of the island and can all be reached by road: Kho 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.

The east coast of Koh Lanta Yay is flat and has many local villages scattered along its coastline. Koh Lanta has a very diverse cultural mix of people who have lived on the island in harmony for hundreds of years: Thai-Muslim, Thai-Chinese and the original sea gypsies still inhabit the place in harmony. The biggest town on the island is Lanta Old town.

Boat trips to Koh Lanta are available during the monsoon free period from October to April. May to November see the closure of some of the island businesses and of the boat passenger services due to rough seas.

A minibus service is the alternative way to reach the island via land. For boat schedule to/from Koh Lanta consult our Krabi Miniguide 81000.

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

Lighthouse on Lanta Located in Tanod Cape, on the southernmost tip of the island, the lighthouse tower of Lanta is the perfect symbol of solitude.

It is the place where immaculate nature still survives as it is rarely reached by tourists due to the rugged road conditions.

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

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

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

Make your way to Thung Yee Pheng village for a trip with a local community - www.tungyeepeng.com, or book a tour with friendly and experienced Sun Tours - www.lantalongtail.com

Nature 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, these Chinese timer shop-houses date 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.

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 to swim in cool rock pools.

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

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At Sea

Koh Rok Renowned beauty of the southern seas D

awn broke on what would be another perfect day in Koh Lanta. It was with excited anticipation that I quickly showered and threw a few essentials, such as camera, towel, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses into my bag. Koh Rok, a magical Island I had heard so much about, was my destination for the day. We were picked up by the tour company minivan and introduced to our guide for the day. Arrived at the pier, just meters off shore were several sleek high-speed powerboats. I was assisted aboard by deckhands and our group was given a detailed explanation of what treats lay in store for the day ahead. My group was made up of visitors from all points of the globe, ranging in age from small children to seasoned travelers. It appeared that I was not the only one who was keen to experience the beauty and magic that Koh Rok is renowned for.

Comfortably seated and with the push of the throttle, our experienced skipper unleashed the power to the twin outboard motors and we were propelled southward.

The purpose-built craft effortlessly skipped across the now sparkling waters. The journey south enabled you to truly appreciate the diverse characteristics of Koh Lanta. Golden sandy beaches contrasted by rocky outcrops and lush tropical jungle give you an insight to just some of the sights that you just do not see by sticking to the main road. Secret spots that you may only ever see if you utilize the ocean as your highway.

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With Koh Lanta quickly disappearing behind us, our trusty skipper pointed the craft to a distant speck on the horizon. We were comfortably whisked across this space of open water, with only the occasional fishing boat and feeding sea birds as our companions. The hustle and bustle of city life was now a distant unwanted memory! In no time at all the island that lay ahead loomed closer. Koh Rok is made up of two small Islands, Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok. We dissected the two by passing gracefully past sailing boats, lying at anchor, their owners basking on the decks in the sunshine. Our skipper eased off the power and we were at our first snorkeling location.

After being issued with fins, snorkels and goggles, we broke the aqua blue surface and began to experience the underwater beauty of what Koh Rok is famous for. Below the surface laid an underwater garden paradise. Experienced and not so experienced began to easily adjust to the freedom of gliding across and below the surface. This was fish paradise! We were treated to a spectrum of colours. It seemed that fish of every description and colour imaginable had made this place their home. They were totally oblivious to our presence and went about their daily routine of grazing and feeding on the coral and plankton that thrive in these tropically warm waters. We frolicked in this marine playground. With the water visibility near perfect, to see just how varied in shape, colour and size the array of marine life that dwelt below the surface, was simply amazing.

When the time had come for us to move on to our next nearby snorkeling site, the crew mustered us with several short sharp blasts on their whistle. At the next site I was feeling so relaxed that I elected to just splash and swim around. The total flexibility that an experience like this offers you is that you can do as little or as much as you choose. For me, at the time, I thought that I was in a giant aquarium, and upon reflection I really was. Again, a sharp blast of the whistle brought me back to reality; we all clambered aboard whilst being informed it was time for lunch. Within minutes we were disembarking onto a white powder sandy beach. Nestled under shady trees was our lunch spot, Koh Rok National Park on Maan Sai Bay. This area has

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been specifically set up to allow visitors to avail themselves of the Koh Rok Nok Island’s beauty by being able to picnic on numerous timber tables and chairs. For those who want to linger longer, camping sites are also available. This scenic location offer not only shelter from the sun, but the chance to rest and relax after the mornings activities, or for the more energetic a place to study up close the large local lizards that inhabit the island.

A ranger station as well as toilet facilities are powered by eco-friendly solar panels.

After dining on a traditional Thai meal consisting of chicken, rice and curry, as well as an array of fresh fruit, we were left with ample time to stroll around, stretch out on the beach, or take a swim in the clear calm waters. Many chose to just simply relax and take in the ambience and tranquility of this little piece of paradise. It made sense that this island is protected by being designated a National Park. After packing up our outdoor banquet, our friendly staff ushered us back onto our boats. We still had time for another chance at snorkeling in a nearby protected little bay. It was interesting to note that to maintain the fragile coral formations, all cruise boats secured their positions on these reefs by the use of pre-installed buoys, thus reducing the impact and damage that could be caused by the use of a traditional anchor.

Again we snorkeled and swam, surrounded by schools of inquisitive florescent fish. The way the fish seemed to swarm around me as I dove and swam made me ponder that possibly they believed we were just another species of marine life that had somehow stumbled into their backyard. A balance in nature that left you with the impression that time had somehow stood still.

Our time had unfortunately come to an end, as I reluctantly climbed back aboard to begin our trip back to the real world. The satisfied smiling faces I observed on our homeward journey confirmed to me that the Koh Lanta slogan of ‘Discover the Beauty of the Andaman Sea’ had been 100% spot on. Do yourself and your senses a favour by putting this trip on your ‘Must Do’ list whilst visiting Koh Lanta. Believe me when I tell you that you will not be disappointed.

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Factfile

K

oh Rok, located 47 kilometers from Koh Lanta Yai and within Mu Koh Lanta National Park, is a small island surrounded by emerald green water and white-sand beaches. Offshore there are two additional islands: Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok. Koh Rok Nai consists of many steep cliffs, some as high as 200 meters. During the rainy season, you can take a boat and see the water violently cascading into the ocean below. The interior is heavily forested and teeming with wildlife. In the ocean, you can dive around the coral reefs and see the colorful tropical fish in their natural environment.

Koh Rok Nok is part of the National Park Ranger Unit. Had Man Sai, the most popular beach, has white-sand beaches where you can waste the day away. In the afternoon, you can snorkel from here and share the water with many different species of fish. At the end of the day, Had Man Sai is a wonderful place to watch the sun disappear over the horizon. This beach also rents tents, allowing you to spend your night under the stars.

Koh Rok Beach to the south of the island is the longest beach; with fine white clean sand as beautiful as that of Mu Koh Similan in Phang Nga, this 500-meter long beach is of shallow water so clear that the sand furrows under is clearly seen. The front bay has corals with sea anemones in alternation with sandy floor, ideal for a dive. Further next at the depth of 4-5 meters is big coral reefs in a vast area to fulfill the need of divers.

Laem Thong Bay is located west of Koh Rok Nok, and has a beach with unique fine round stones. Ao Talu is a stony beach with mangroves north of Koh Rok Nok, behind Koh Rok Beach.

Both sides of the bays end with hills offering very beautiful scenery. From here, in clear weather it is possible to see Koh Lanta. Walking up to the left is the nature-study route leading to Pha Samed Daeng viewpoint. You will need to walk for 1 hour to reach Pha Samed daeng Viewpoint, which offers views of Koh Ngai and Koh Lanta. In clear weather, the Trang shore can be seen too.

Ao Marn Sai is located further next to Koh Rok Nok Beach, with Laem Hin in between, reachable by skirting by the island at the low tide. Ao Marn Sai is named after the forest at its rear, where Bunyan trees are abundant. The 300-meter long beach is as beautiful as that of Koh Rok with bright clean sand, clear sea and more peaceful settings. This is ideal for a quiet retreat.

Sarn Chao Beach is a 300-meter stunning sandy beach, with a wide front that makes it ideal for sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters. Koh Rok Nai Waterfalls are located to the West of Koh Rok Nai, a single water line falling from the mountaintop with water supply only in the raining season, around May to October.

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INFORMATION LOCATION: about 30 km from Tanod Cape of Koh Lanta Yai and about 47 km from Saladan Pier.

HOW TO GET THERE: In the dry season between November and May, there are package tour services from Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta Yai by speedboats, leaving at 9am and taking about one hour.

FACILITIES: Koh Rok Nok has 5 lodges and a camping ground with bathrooms, toilets and a restaurant. However, you are advised to take your own food. Electricity is by a motor generator. Reservations can be made though Internet at www.dnp.co.th or by contacting Mu Koh Lanta National Park on 075 629018/9.

Story & Photos : Norm Flach

Restaurant Review

Time for Lime One of our long-time favorite restaurants on Koh Lanta is Time For Lime. You will want to visit each time you are on the island, and to bring friends and family to share a unique dining experience.

S

ituated at the south end of Klong Dao Beach, Time For Lime is owned and operated by Junie Kovacs, the animal welfare advocate of Koh Lanta. We are aware of two of Junie’s passions: one, taking care of all stray cats and dogs on the island; two, cooking Thai food to perfection. All of the profits from Time For Lime go to the Lanta Animal Welfare charity.

This article is about Junie’s second passion, cooking Thai food to perfection. Anyone who has been to Koh Lanta has seen the lime green signs advertising Time For Lime’s Thai Cooking Classes. We have taken the class with Junie, and I guarantee that doing so increases your knowledge and appreciation of Thai food, whether you like to cook or not. I personally do not cook; I eat. If you love to eat, you are going to love Time For Lime.

Time For Lime has a set menu, Tuesday through Sunday. They offer a variety of six course sampler meals. This time we started on a Thursday because the Thursday menu has some of our favorite dishes, including Pad Thai and Papaya Salad. My wife Lory and I actually shared the six courses and felt comfortably full at the end of the meal. We recommend sipping on the house specialty Mojito while you watch the sun set. The Thursday menu begins with two Crispy Spring Rolls, served with a spicy sauce that brings out the flavor of the spring roll and sets your taste buds in motion. This tasty starter is followed by the delicious Pad Thai with Papaya Salad - a winning combination. Junie prides herself on her Pad Thai; it may be the best on the island. You must have the stomach for very spicy food to enjoy the Papaya Salad. I loved it!

Our fourth dish was the Snapper Filet with a sweet-sour-spicy sauce. Aroi mak, mak (very delicious)! This was served with the incredible Stir-Fried Morning Glory. I drooled throughout this part of the meal. As if that was not enough of a taster’s delight, the meal concludes with Chicken Massaman Curry. The menu points out that this curry has “wandered from India through Malaysia and has now become Thai.”

The Tasting Menu of Time For Lime is an experience you do not want to miss. Now that we have experienced the Thursday Menu, we are looking forward to the other days of the week. The Crispy Spring Roll starter and the Chicken Massaman Curry finisher are constants in the menu, but the four dishes between vary greatly. It’s all good!

TIME FOR LIME Time For Lime consists now of a Thai/Fusion Cookery School, Restaurant, Beach Bar and 8 small bungalows. It is located on the southern end of Klong Dao Beach, Koh Lanta. It is the first Cooking School on the Island, and will celebrate their 8th anniversary this year. Junie is also the founder Lanta Animal Welfare - www.lantaanimalwelfare.com - the most active group of people that helps stray and unwanted animals at their Animal recovery and aid center on Koh Lanta. All profits from Time For Lime goes directly to the non-profit Lanta Animal Welfare.

For more information visit www.timeforlime.net or call 075 684590 -089 9675017.

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Adventure

Story by : Thomas Gennaro l Photos by : Lim Zenith & ton®

Ride a Bike in Southern Lanta

For wayfarers, there is no trail as the trail is the one that you make with your steps. If you want to follow great adventurers’ impulses to discover places stopping wherever you wish, a waterfall, a cliff seawards, a beach, and you would like to do it with the breeze against your face, it’s a motorbike ride you are after, and Koh Lanta is the perfect place.

I

was staying at The Houben (www.thehouben.com) in Ba Kantiang Bay, the gateway to Koh Lanta southern beaches, and I thought the best way to get to them was a bike. I phoned my usual supplier Khun Yod at Lanta Car Rent and reserved a showy and colourful Kavasaki 250cc KLX cross bike (the bike sensation improves with the cylinder size!), perfect for rugged terrains. South of Ba Kantiang Bay, the island landscape takes on a more rugged character and the stunning Klong Jark, Ao Nui, Bamboo Bay and the beaches in the far south of the island, in the National Park grounds at Cape Tanod, are highly recommended for those who like their beaches on the wild side, the perfect place to play Robinson Crusoe. All are relatively small (compared with the north of the island), and crescent-shaped, backed by jungle and large rocks. The package crowds do not tend to venture down there as the road is only partly paved and to continue south it is an occasionally hazardous journey along steep dirt roads.

We enjoyed our journey south, negotiating the steep hills nicely with our powerful bikes that can reach 10,000 revolutions per minute or more, hence perfect for those climbs in first gear. If you need gasoline, Kong Jark has one of those village shops where they sell the red or amber liquid in glass bottles for about 45thb. We overtook a few slow pick up transporting newly arrived tourists to bungalow operations on the southern beaches, and showed off our flashy bikes to those who rode on simple mopeds. Helmet was a must of course. It’s good to remember that in Thailand using a helmet is compulsory, even if it looks unlike and in some places you can see wide flexibility with these rules.

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Nicely sitting in our style bikes, watching those landscapes of trees, forests and clear water beaches appearing forward, distances were shorter for us and the freedom feeling was genuine. The almost null traffic on the road meant it was very difficult to resist the temptation of giving a little touch to the accelerator and then to feel the powerful shove accompanied of the typical roar of a cross bike engine. At the National Park, the southernmost point of Koh Lanta, we parked the bikes and contemplated, arms behind the nape, a stunning marvel of Tanod Cape and the Lanta lighthouse.

BIKE RENTALS Renting a bike in Thailand is very simple: you pay, fill a form, leave your passport and in less than 5 minutes you are over your favourite colour and style motorbike. The bikes for our trip in Koh Lanta were rented at Lanta Car Rental, in Klong Dao beach. They have 100-125cc mopeds, Motorcross Kawasaki 250cc KLX or D-tracker, pick-ups, Suzuki 4x4 and even minivans. Lanta Car Rental give attractive discounts by renting bikes for 1 week or more. Their vehicles are fully insured and include a free delivery to your hotel. Contact them on 075 684411 or 081 7199132, they speak English!

Lanta PIZZERIA BAJEN STEAKHOUSE

Tel: 081-677 84 95

MiniGo f Nintendo Wii

075-684 309

Phra-Ae Beach - Koh Lanta

www.bajenpizzeria.com

Geographica

Plants of the National Park THE INDESTRUCTIBLE PANDANUS This is one of nature’s most tenacious plants, the Pandanus (Pandanus odoratissimus). It will thrive in the most anemic sand, on soilless rocky limestone or in flooded swamp. Natural disasters actually aid in its distribution. The seeds of the Pandanus will wash out to sea after a tsunami or typhoon and survive for extended periods on ocean currents. If blown over by a typhoon or knocked down by a truck, the Pandanus has evolved stilt-like roots that are gravity sensitive and emerge on the side of the tree that is tilted in order to prop itself up and provide stability. This adaptation evolved growing in the unstable sandy and swampy soils prone to erosion and flooding.

The other name for the Pandanus is Screw Pine due to the whorled and twisted way the leaves grow off of the main branches. On the beach in Koh Lanta National Park you will find the Pandanus growing from the edge of high tide inwards on rocky or sandy shores. The fruit of the Pandanus is a beautiful orange and about the size of a pineapple and when mature they break apart into dozens of orange seeds.

As a landscaping tree at the beachfront, the Pandanus is unsurpassed. You can transplant adult trees easily and once established you can ignore them and they will thrive. They can withstand the harshest salt laden winds of the monsoon and help stabilize sandy beachfront soils. The only nuisance with the tree is the rows of teeth that line not only the leaf margins but also the mid vein underneath each leaf. They are needle-sharp and care should be taken that they do not hang over pathways.

THE SUGAR PALM TREE There is a stunning display of dozens of these iconic plants in the main grassy lawn at the National Park land headquarters.

The beach there is in fact called Tanode (Palm) Beach.

The Borassus Flabellifer (palmyra palm) is a genus of 36 species of palms of the Arecaceae family a round-leaf fountain palm native to South East Asia. They can grow as high as 30mt tall, can live 100 years or more and are fan palms: their leaves have an armed petiole of several fronds spreading 3 meters across and terminating in a rounded fan of numerous leaflets. The large trunk resembles that of the coconut tree and is ringed with leaf scars. Young palmyra palms grow slowly in the beginning but then grow faster. Its growth pattern, large size and clean habits make it an attractive landscape. These palms are the trees of Cambodia, and can be found only in a few locations in Thailand.

The sugar palm fruit is known as Ton Taan in Thailand and sometimes ice-apple in British English. It measures 4 to 7 inches in diameter, has a black husk, and is borne in clusters. The top portion of the fruit must be cut off to reveal the three sweet jelly seed sockets, translucent pale-white, similar to that of the lychee but with a milder flavor and no pit. The jelly part of the fruit is covered with a thin, yellowish-brown skin. The ripened fibrous outer layer of the palm fruits can also be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted.

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Geographica

Mu Koh Lanta National Park The rainforest covered southern tip of Koh Lanta and over 15 islands in the Andaman Sea are a protected area of 134 square km with trees, flowers, fauna and the colorful life of the coral reefs, saved from environmental destruction to be enjoyed by future generations.Â

A

s the park combines terrestrial and marine areas, it protects different natural resources and consists of several ecosystems, ranging from mangrove forest on the east coast of Lanta Yai to dry evergreen forest and tropical rainforest with more than 50 tree species recorded. Koh Lanta islands are characterized by steep craggy limestone cliffs, typical for southern Thailand and covered mostly by grassland. Although most of the islands within the park are uninhabited by man, they manage to support a wide diversity of plants and animals on the cliffs and under the sea.

Like most island ecosystems, the number of mammal species is small, with most of them living in the trees: tree shrew, squirrels, fruit bats, langurs and macaques. Known ground grazers are limited to wild pigs, mouse deer and small rodents.

Reptile species include monitor lizards, cobra and green snakes.

Thanks of the park’s proximity to the mainland, over 50 species of nesting or migrant birds have been confirmed. Marine life includes more than 32 species of fish and over 23 different species of corals.

The national park is little prepared for visitors: there is a small information centre, a few forest trails and little interpretative information, as well as communal bathrooms and shower facilities available, but there are no restaurants and food has to be prepared in advance. There are a few bungalows near the park headquarters. This area is ideal for day trips, a walk through the forest and a picnic on the beach. There is a nice stretch of beach to walk on and many rocky tidal pools on the western side to look for marine life at low tide. The view from the lighthouse, the symbol of the island, provides and ideal view of the Andaman Sea, of Koh Rok and the surrounding area. National Park fees are 200 baht for foreigners, 100 baht for kids.

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KOH LANTA YAI NORTH

Passenger Post Office Ferry Car Ferry to Lanta Noi & mainland

KAW KWANG BEACH Kaw Kwang Resort Blue Planet Divers

Lanta Diver Lanta Sailing Ko Lanta Diving Center Blue Planet Divers The Frog

BAN SALADAN

Minivan Station

to Lanta Old Town

Sunday Market Costa Lanta Resort Laguna Beach Club Mike’s Collection Eden Bar&Dining

Phone +66 (0) 75 68 41 24-27 Fax +66 (0) 75 68 41 28 E-mail : info@lantaislandresort.com Website : www.lantaislandresort.com

ar B n ing e d E Din &

Enjoy tasty Thai dishes European Food New Zealand Beef Fillet Pizza & Pasta Wines & Cocktails

Cafe’au Lait Southern Lanta Resort The Retreat Chaba Bungalows Maneelanta Lanta Island Resort

KLONG DAO BEACH

Mike’s Collection

Minivans to Krabi/Phuket Congrit Resto Everything Shop Ancient Realm Resort & Spa

Elephant Trekking

Time for Lime Cooking School & Restaurant Klong Dao boxing stadium Holiday Villa Lanta Resort Expat Cafe’ Lanta Sand Resort Escape Cabins Poseidon Villas Lanta Diver Lanta Tavern Ozone Bar Dreamy Spa I-Yarade Real Estate Lanta Palm Beach Lanta Law Thanee Layana Resort & Spa Tides Restaurant Lanta Casuarina Resort Dive & Relax

KOH LANTA

Klong Dao Main Road Beside PT Petrol Station For Reservations Contact Khun Supavadee [Azmi] : 086 8840052 - Mr. Markus : 083 1066606 www.eden-restaurant-lanta.com, e-mail : mail@eden-restaurant-lanta.com

Lanta Car Rental SK Optik

PHRA AE LONG BEACH

White Flower Bajen Sports

Lanta Castaway Resort EXOTIQ Koh Lanta Real Estate Lantanian Center Desjoyaux Pools Andaman Sunflower Red Snapper Relax Bay Resort

White Flower Apartments Bajen Steakhouse & Nintendo Wii Minigolf

Lanta Garden Hill Faim de Loup bakery Retro Restaurant Lanta Loft

Lanta Sunset Living

Elephant Trekking to Lanta Old Town & eastern islands

Custom made clothes for ladies and gents

Choose from our large selection of material and style Free pick-up from any hotel on Ko Lanta Your satisfaction is our motto

KLONG KONG BEACH FERRY TIMETABLE: to Koh Phi Phi 8am & 1pm to Ao Nang/Railay 8.30am & 1.30pm to Phuket 8am &1.30pm to Koh Lipe 1pm

Contacts:

Ko Lanta, Klong Dao main road (beside Eden Restaurant)

Restaurant

Fun & Professional evening Cooking Classes on the Beach Front FANTASTIC 6 dish Tasting Menu that changes every evening

8 years with Quality & Funky Atmosphere

Beach Bar

HAPPY HOUR 5.30-6.30 On our FAMOUS Cocktails

Bungalows

BUILT AND MARKETED BY

Saneh Villas LPH Kirikan LPH Klong Kon Villas

tel. +66 (0)899085990 thomas@exotiqproperty.com www.exotiqproperty.com

MARKETS: Ban Saladan Sunday mornings Lanta Old Town Monday mornings Klong Nin Saturday mornings

to south of the island

LaNta aNImaL WELfaRE

DID YOU KNOW....

Our profit goes directly to the charity LANTA ANIMAL WELFARE So.. come Learn, Eat & Drink your hearts out!

AND FEEL GOOD

Cooking School

Chaw Ka Cher Resort

BUS TIMETABLE: to Krabi every hour 6am to 5pm to Trang every hour 8am to 3pm to Phuket every hour 7am to 4pm

083 106 66 06 Mr Markus 075 668 390 Shop

thai & fusion

Sunrise Creek Villa Project

8 cozy air-con & fan

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

Is a Non - Profit organization.

We help keep the Island safe for you by conducting Sterilization & Rabies vaccine programs. We give first aid to injured & abused animals.

DOGGIE WALKING at 5 PM ! !

30 shelter dogs would be truly grateful to get your love & affection.

You can adopt as well!

Volunteers & donations are greatly appreciated and NEEDED. PLEASE HELP US TO CONTINUE THIS WORK www.lantaanimalwelfare.com 084 304 4331, 089 967 5017

Yoga & meditation

Drop- in mindfulness meditation and Astanga yoga, primary series Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Private teaching and retreats available

Ran Gai Sabay

fruit bar, fruit catering & shop for body, spirit and mind

Lanta healthy massage medical Thai massage, baby massage & body treatments Koh Lanta, Klong Dao Beach, behind ChaBa/Picasso

www.theretreatthailand.com

RENT YOUR OWN HOUSE ! private villa & apartment rental

www.visitlanta.com

Story : Pierre-Yves Loriers

REAL ESTATE - Architect Tips

Holiday Villas Dos & Don’ts

How to make sure your home is a success in the rental market

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any people dream of owning a holiday villa in a beautiful tropical area like Krabi. This dream is in fact much more affordable than they may imagine when the potential returns from the rental market are factored into the equation. In a popular tourist destination like Krabi, pool villas are in high demand.

But it is not sufficient simply to buy or build a house and then join a rental program. The success of any villa, ensuring excellent reviews and repeat clientele, is dependent not only on marketing and management, but on the design of the property itself. And creating a villa that is suitable both to be lived in by the owner and also rented out when they are not there can be a tricky business. It involves planning from the design stage onwards, balancing the owner’s long term needs with those of the high end traveler staying only a few nights, and creating a space that is both personal to the owner and appealing to the tourist market. A lot of the requirements are unobtrusive and technical; while others mean that owners may have to accommodate design features that they may not previously have thought of.

Below, we compile some dos and don’ts for each area of the villa, as a useful checklist to bring when consulting your architect or management company.

GROUNDS AND GARDEN DO construct a high perimeter wall around the property: privacy and security are essential for most villa guests. Plant cover can be used to make a more attractive boundary. Walls also help to keep animal intruders such as snakes and stray dogs out of the villa grounds.

DO keep the garden a low maintenance space. Landscape gardeners can advise on the type of plants that will provide flowers and foliage with minimal care.

DO provide lots of covered outdoor spaces, such as salas (gazebos), terraces and outdoor dining areas as guests will spend most of their time outside.

DO install a swimming pool. This is an absolute must for the holiday market. Experience shows that villas with no pool are almost never rented out.

DON’T make a deep swimming pool. Deep pools are technically more difficult and more likely to incur problems with leakage and so on.

A depth of 1 – 1.2 metres is sufficient to allow swimming but is also shallow enough to accommodate play.

DO consider a children’s pool with a proper barrier to the deeper area.

DO provide sufficient outdoor lighting for evening use of the pool and garden, as well as for safety reasons.

DO consider offering a barbecue for guests’ use.

DO provide covered parking, as both the sun and rain in Krabi can damage vehicles.

DÉCOR DO stick to a natural, neutral palette, with splashes of rich colour.

Pastel shades are a no-no for this type of tropical villa.

DON’T clutter the space: in addition to being easier to maintain, there is not so much for guests to break or damage.

DO factor lockable owner storage areas into the house plan, so that you have somewhere to keep personal belongings when you are not there.

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SPECIAL NEEDS DO consider the needs of younger guests. Children may require extra security in the kitchen and around the pool area, as well as high chairs and cots, which should be available on request.

DO make the property wheelchair accessible: avoid interior steps (also easier for cleaning and maintenance); offer wider corridors and doorways; and at least one entrance should be floor level or ramped.

DO offer a bench in a shallow area of the pool for both wheelchair users and older guests to sit on.

KITCHEN DO provide a coffee machine, microwave and water dispenser in addition to the usual stove, fridge and sink: these are the number one visitor requirements.

DO consider providing picnic equipment.

DO provide plastic glasses, plates and cutlery, both for children and for use around the pool.

DON’T think it is necessary to air condition the kitchen or living room areas: if they are designed with high ceiling and large windows, natural ventilation may be sufficient – and more pleasant.

BEDROOMS

TECHNICAL DO install a transformer, which is needed for safe and stable electrical supply. You may not run all air conditioning units at the same time, along with several laptops and other electrical equipment, but guests will.

DO construct a “technical room”, to house all electrical controls, water pumps, pool equipment etc. so that they are easily accessible in case of problems. This can also function as a storage room for garden tools and so on. It should be separate from the rest of house and lockable so that children cannot access it.

DON’T install dimmer switches in any room: they don’t work with energy saving bulbs. You may then wish to consider having alternative soft lighting – lamps etc. – in some rooms.

DO offer a master key or key card system: with so many gates and doors on a single property, it can be hard for guests to keep track, and confusing to find the correct one if they return in the dark.

DO install high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the property; this is now as essential as air conditioning for the international traveler.

DO also offer a network LAN cable in addition to a Wi-Fi network as this can occasionally malfunction.

DO consider providing a mixture of bedding: both doubles and singles, or even bunk beds if space allows.

DO consider adding a sofa bed to accommodate children or extra guests.

DO provide a personal safe in every bedroom, and invest in a more reliable expensive one, that is big enough to fit a laptop and ideally with an interior power socket for charging.

DO provide an iPod dock and DVD player.

DO make sure flashlights are in all bedside drawers in case of power outage.

DO provide extra power sockets in bedrooms for charging electrical equipment.

GUEST COMMUNICATION DO label remote controls and consider having simple written instructions for operating various equipment.

DO consider adding notes about energy saving and environmental protection regarding towel and linen changes.

DO prepare a “house book”, not only with practical information about the property, but personal recommendations for dining and excursions: this is a wonderful way to welcome your guests.

For more information on the comprehensive villa design, construction and management services offered by Ton Company Ltd, please contact 075 695-633 or by email at: Ton@TonCompany.com. www.KrabiArchitect.com - www.TonCompany.com - www.KrabiVilla.com

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Lé Kiri,, spacious boutique pool villas on a secluded unspoiled beach with breathtaking sea view and the understatement of “Sunset”.

A promise of paradise

Had Yao is the longest beach on the most peaceful area in Krabi.

10 minutes drive to Pakasai golf course 20 minutes to Krabi International Airport Onsite management

CONTACTS: Tel: +66 (0) 8 1618 7808, +66 (0) 8 1310 1837 Fax: +66 (0) 7635 6245 Email: ekaraj@lekiri.com, info@lekiri.com Website: www.lekiri.com

THANEE ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW

E-mail: info@thaneelaw.com www.thaneelaw.com

INTERNATIONAL LAW OFFICE STANDARDS YOU CAN TRUST

- Legal advisory - Project management - Company formation - Work permits - Visa and immigration - Business contracts and licenses - Wills and testaments

- Tax and accounting - Real estate expertise - Litigation and dispute resolution - Notary public - Marriages and divorces - Insurances - Mortgages

Ao Nang Exclusive apartments in the center of Ao Nang

lLocation: Ao Nang – Krabi - Thailand l Bedrooms: Studio, 1 and 2 bedroomsl lFeatures: Air-con, lift, terraces, private entrance l Price: From 3,000,000 Thai Bahtl For more information contact:

EN: Thomas +66 (0) 89 9085990 TH: Ton +66 (0) 89 7727858 Web: www.exotiqproperty.com Email: thomas@exotiqproperty.com

INTRODUCING

THE LAI THAI AO NANG’S ONLY LUXURY SERVICED APARTMENTS

STUDIO, 1 BEDROOM, 2 BEDROOM AND PENTHOUSE LUXURY APARTMENTS FOR SALE C E N T R A L L O C AT I O N : WA L K I N G D I S TA N C E TO B E A C H F R O N T S H O P S A N D R E S TA U R A N T S

UNITS INCLUDE: FULLY FURNISHED/KITCHEN INTERNET HALF OLYMPIC POOL

ACTUAL VIEW

24 HOUR SECURITY/CCTV CABLE TV FITNESS CENTER

FOR MORE INFORMATION 075-695091 (TH) 081-3703080 (ENG) w w w. l a i t h a i - r e s o r t . c o m

Text by : Rob Attwater

Construction

Avoiding the Avoidable

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new” - Albert Einstein.

T

his month’s article is based solely upon the many pitfalls that one will face when taking on the task of building their dream house here in Thailand. Please bear in mind that this is my opinion and it is only that, an opinion. The homeowner’s work begins with hiring the contractor or a local building team. Communication is everything. Costly mistakes, poorly thought-out decisions, inadequate planning, failure to pay attention to the details, and inattention to budget can plague the best-intentioned home construction project. Building a home is an incredibly complex process and a number of small mistakes will happen. You can avoid the biggest and costliest mistakes if you do your homework early on, try to discuss aspects with your builder clearly, and always try to respect the people building your home. Even at the most frustrating of times.

BIDDING ON THE PRICE An associate once gave me a piece of advice I will never allow myself to forget regarding doing business in Thailand... He said the following: “Haggle and bargain by all means, it’s expected due to their culture and ways, but never forget that the extent of your bargaining will almost certainly have an immediate affect regarding the quality of the finished product”. This has rung true on various occasions. The Thai contractor, especially the local builder needs jobs; he has a team, which requires on-going work. This means that he almost certainly accept any negotiated price, no matter how low it is just to keep his team busy. This will have an effect on the finished job due to workers not getting paid on time and deadlines being missed due to cash flow problems. These are just a few examples.

Firstly, be sure to carefully select a competent contractor. Almost certainly ask to have a look at examples of their work. Once happy that what they have showed you is work they have actually done or they are doing, hand them your plans and wait until they come back with a breakdown of costs regarding labor and materials. If you really trace down the nightmares involved in building, you will find that a large part of the problem is that people go for the low-bid price. Also remember that when somebody bids something too low, they may have done

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it on purpose and plan to make it up later, or they may have done it accidentally. Either way, they’ll soon be in trouble because they’re losing money. On some level, they may start doing things subconsciously like shaving time and cutting corners. Who wants that?

The more you study and spend time going over the areas stated above the more you will start to understand how things get done. Take a look at the plans of your house and how you would breakdown the overall costing. It is doubtful that you will cover everything but try and give it a go. I won’t digress too much regarding price structure and cost per sqm here in due to the flexibility of the subject. In other words it pays to do your homework. Be frugal but within reason. If after reading this you require any more info to do with typical price breakdowns please contact me and I’ll be happy to assist.

This article was supplied by LYG Construction Krabi, a Development and Construction company based in town. For all your Construction and Home renovation needs contact their English speaking team for your free quote and any advice required.

Visit their web-site www.lygconstructionkrabi.com to view their latest projects.

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The Lumyai Group LTD Development and Construction 1:100

Construction and Renovation Kitchen and Bathroom Re-modelling Auto CAD Structural Design Office Fitting and Refurbishment Seasonal Hotel and Restaurant Modification

For a free quote contact us 075 624 062

086 947 8262

www.lumyaihomes.com

COCONUT BAY Resort & Estates www.coconutbayresort.net

IN AO NANG, KOH LANTA, KRABI TOWN, KLONG MUANG IN YOUR HOTEL ONLINE - IN RETAILS ENQUIRE AT RECEPTION OR CALL 075 664411

4 independent and private plots left stunning views on the sunrise coast natural settings, on a green belt area self enclosed gated community of exclusive owners plots form 1 million baht, houses from 3 million baht land freehold with separate chanote title each plot benefit from the freedom of designing your own house building time 8 to 12 months with progressive payments MARKETED BY

‘Coconut Bay Resort & Estates' is a bespoke boutique resort development that is offering residents and guests a stylish and opulent accommodation in a picturesque beach front location.

The unique tropical properties are located on a sandy stretch of a secluded private beach on Koh Lanta. The properties will compliment the turquoise waters gently lapping the picturesque cliffs enclosing the palm fringed bay.

Established developer. Interest free financing is available. Unique investor program.

EXOTIQ KRABI REAL ESTATE Tel :+66 (0)75 637459 Mob :+66 (0)89 9085990 247/13 Moo5 - Klong Haeng, Ao Nang Krabi 81000 Thailand krabimagazine@gmail.com

Text by : Stefano Gonella

Showcased

Teakwood Furniture

T

here are 3 different species of teak; the most common, called Common Teak, is a variety usually utilized in construction and furniture, floors and other elements. Teakwood is special thanks to some of its unique characteristics that make him highly suitable for carpentry work. As a hardwood, teak is strong and extremely resistant, yet if properly treated it is flexible enough to avoid breakage or deformation. Teakwood best feature seems to be its natural oil.

Teakwood oils make the wood resistant to water, sun, wind, and to most weather conditions. These oils stay in the wood even after cutting and shaping, securing a natural protection for furniture and floors years after assembling.

Teakwood adaptability means it has been used in Asia for centuries in furniture making; it is still being used today in boat making and boat furnishing thanks for its resistance to extreme weather conditions and its being water-proof.

Teak is a variety of hardwood from the southern areas of South East Asia, particularly present in Thailand and nearby Myanmar

Teakwood changes colour with aging; time confers to the wood a grey-silvery gloss. This is a unique feature of teakwood that has gained it popularity in some styles, particularly an ancient style called Dutch Modern that deals with furniture’s from 1950 to 1960. Today teakwood furnishing follows different styles and tendencies and is ever so popular both in outdoor furniture, where wood is subject to extreme weather conditions, and in interiors. Teakwood indoor furnishing satisfies those who want to embellish their house with an ethnic touch, pairing it with modern elements and keeping quality and resistance.

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Furnitures with ethnic features are most suitable for living rooms and terraces as they are in line with nature thanks to their soft colours and noble materials.

One widespread usage of teakwood in Thailand is for popular roots furniture, pieces created using the most varied forms obtained from teak roots. Twisting and irregular bases support imposing wooden tops to create tables and chairs. Benches, seats and garden chairs, outdoor tables, rocking chairs: teakwood furniture that with their natural colors and style between ethnic and natural will give your house a timeless touch of class.

Globe Evolution Co., Ltd. sells teak furniture in Thailand and abroad. To learn more about teak root furniture, contact them on gstefano.gonella.com@gmail.com

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Labor Law General Legal Services Real Estate Business Translation and Notary Public Work Permit Accounting Services www.sutinlawkrabi.com

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The Property Guru

What is a villa worth?

A

n appraisal is a certified appraiser’s estimate of the value of a home or villa at a given point in time. Appraisers consider square footage, construction quality, design, floor plan, neighborhood and availability of transportation, shopping and schools. Appraisers also take plot size, topography, view and landscaping into account, as well as such things as the condition of the home and neighborhood, comparable local sales, any pertinent historical information, sales performance and indices that forecast future value. Most appraisals are relatively inexpensive and generally minutely proportional in terms of the overall purchase price of a property. A comparative market analysis is a Real Estate broker’s or agent’s informal estimate of a home’s market value, based on sales of comparable homes in a neighborhood. You can do your own cost comparison by looking up recent sales of comparable properties. To many, this peace of mind is priceless.

What is the difference between list price, sales price and appraised value?

When all is said and done, a villa or house is worth what someone will pay you for it.

At the end of the day, everything else is purely an estimate of value.

To determine a property’s value, most people turn to either an appraisal or a comparative market analysis

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The list price is a seller’s advertised price, a figure that usually is only a rough estimate of what the seller wants to get. Sellers can price high, low or close to what they hope to get. To judge whether the list price is a fair one, be sure to consult comparable sales prices in the area. The sales price is the amount of money you as a buyer would pay for a property.

The appraisal value is a certified appraiser’s estimate of the worth of a property, and is based on comparable sales, the condition of the property and numerous other factors.

What is the return on new, versus previously owned homes?

Buying into a new-home community or estate may seem riskier than purchasing a house in an established neighborhood, but any increase in home value depends upon the same factors: quality of the neighborhood, growth in the local housing market and the state of the overall economy. Several surveys show that resale homes do have an edge over new homes. Although the figures are a few years old, the information still remains relatively pertinent.

For further tips on real estate searches, our Property Guru can be contacted through krabi@ exotiqproperty.com. Feel free to email him and ask any questions or doubt about real estate in the area.

This article is provided to you by Exotiq Real Estate Brokers. With offices in Krabi, Koh Lanta and other destinations in Bali and Thailand, they offer the largest selection of villas and land for sale in the area, with access to an impressive online database. Visit www.exotiqproperty.com or contact 089 7727858 or 089 9085990 - thomas@exotiqproperty.com for Ao Nang, Krabi and Koh Lanta enquiries.

You are one step away from your dream property in Krabi. It is one phone call...

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www.exotiqproperty.com - krabi@exotiqproperty.com - tel 075 661144 - 089 9085990

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