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FREE COPY February 2010
ISSUE 50
RAILAY VERTICAL
•TRAVEL•CULTURE•AO NANG•LANTA•LEISURE•NATURE•
Editorial
Welcome to Krabi February 2010 – ISSUE 50 EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Thomas Gennaro krabimagazine@gmail.com 089 9085990 ART GROUP Creative Director: Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat [Ton®] tonidesign@gmail.com - 089 7727858 Graphic Designers: Chadaporn Chai-in [Aom] CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Thomas Gennaro – Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat Pamela Huxley - Paul Stretton - Cyril Hilton Jones - Norm Flach Ciaran Tierney – Jeffrey Dietrich The Lanta Retreat – Robby Attwater Vanee Ruchipong – Ville Norppa Roberto Spezzani - Roberto Ridi DISTRIBUTION AO NANG - KRABI - PHUKET Thanyasit Sarunyasat Newspaperdirect Krabi: 075 637459 DISTRIBUTION KOH LANTA - KOH PHI PHI PHUKET - KOH SAMUI - BANGKOK Guava Corporations: 089 9085990
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
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. Krabi Magazine is now in our 5th year of publication. Proud to be the only serious magazine for today’s visitors to Krabi, this publication features articles and reviews from all corners of the province. In our latest issue, our team in Railay attempts at rock climbing for the first time, and enjoy their time! Paul and Pam feel adventurous and manage to reach the peninsula’s ‘hidden’ lagoon. Koh Jum resident Jeff gets a nasty surprise in his mouth; we analyze the health benefit of oil pulling and taste yummy local jackfruit. Do not forget this is Valentine’s month; give lots of present and lots of love. Discover how come a Thai thinks she has got the best job in the world, and follow us on a culinary Indian food feast in Ao Nang. Koh Lanta will amaze you with its beaches, its festivals, its numerous activities and yes, a yoga retreat to chill your body and mind. If you are a diver, do not miss the Lanta event of the year: the Andaman Freediving Challenge. There is so much to read in our real estate section if you are after a property in Krabi. Discover how you can generate an income from your property abroad, let Khun Kae give a touch of Thai hospitality to your home, narrow down your search with Exotiq Real Estate, learn about formwork in Thailand, and follow us as we enter two stunning properties in Ao Nang and Haad Yao. Last but not least, our astrology page. Watch out for our extremely popular Krabi Miniguide and Krabi Maps series that are massively available to visitors to Krabi, 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. Find Krabi Miniguide and Krabi Maps in your hotel lounge, in restaurants and pubs, at airport and boat pier 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. Enjoy the magazine, enjoy our Krabi Maps and Miniguides, and above all enjoy your holiday!
Thomas Gennaro - Executive Editor
Climbing Railay Karsts Cover picture courtesy of: Roberto Ridi
CONTENTS
February 2010, issue 50
12 A Window on Krabi
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Cover Story
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Adventure
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Cultural
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Underwater World
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Health & Living
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Nature Series
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Event
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Highlights of this amazing province: town to temples, beaches to Islands, natural hotspots to cultural places.
Amongst the several available adventure sports, climbing is the one I had never tried‌
If you find yourself on Railay during your trip to Krabi, and you are looking for something to do but don’t fancy spending a day rock climbing, give this a go.
If you are staying in Thailand for a short time, or perhaps you would like to live here permanently, it is a good idea to become familiar with some of the customs and traditions.
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Discover why Khun Punch thinks she has the best job in the world.
Oil Pulling is a purely biological process that eliminates bacteria that cause disease, and gives the chance to your body to rehabilitate.
This month we enter into the dark realm of horror and pain, into the primordial world of Scolopendra.
Thailand is madly in love with Valentine’s Day, which is an excuse for shopping, eating out, gimmicks and, of course, getting married.
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CONTENTS Fruits of Thailand
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Restaurant Review
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Koh Lanta
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The Jackfruit is fairly common here in the Krabi region. You will probably have come across it in your time here but perhaps not realized it.
February 2010, issue 50
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Taj Palace in Ao Nang is a very good place for those who want to dine with a serious array of known and less known Indian dishes.
Get the most out of Koh Lanta. Highlights, maps, reviews and articles: Underwater World: Andaman Freediving Challenge Day Tripper: Lanta Southern Beaches Fact File: Koh Lanta Island Health & Living: Private Retreats Event: Old Town Walking Festival
Real Estate
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Purchasing and making real estate investments made simple with Krabi Magazine. Architect Tips: Much more than just a second home Protagonists: Give your home a touch of Thai hospitality Property Search: Property investment abroad Property Review: Nice Nature Homes Construction: Forming the mould Buyer’s Guide: Exotiq Real Estate Krabi Property Review: Krabi Sunset Exclusive Villas Know the Law: Thai Law
Astroflash
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Divine Astrology is referred to as the Head and Tail of the Dragon. This month, the sign of Aquarius analyzed.
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A window on Krabi
THE ISLANDS
THE CULTURE
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 hideaway that have a unique atmosphere. These islands still have no electricity and no cars and 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.
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, 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.
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 old-age 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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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.
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Klong Muang beach is a further 20km away from Ao Nang; it is the up-market side of Krabi, the place to be if you are after a peaceful holiday. Catering to families and couples, it is here that you really get the so deserved repose, surrounded by pristine nature. 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.
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.
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 mineral-enriched waters falling into rocky ponds.
Cover Story Story by : : Roberto Spezzani Photos by : Roberto Ridi
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Railay, a vertical challenge
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Amongst the several available adventure sports, climbing is the one I had never tried. I had always asked myself if I would be able to win the fear of heights, and to fight that vertigo that takes posses of you when there are no barriers between you and the void.
T
hose who suffer from this condition know what I am talking about. In those moments, when we are up there above the ground, legs shake, strengths abandon us suddenly, a sense of nausea pervades and eventually panic takes control of us. But who said that challenges are provisions for a journey to win fear? Thus, I have accepted Hot Rock Climbing School invitation to face my fears and to attempt at winning them. In this tale, I will not describe the amazing beauty of Railay; we would need an article in itself for this to be accomplished. It suffice to know that a visit to Railay is certain to satisfy those who want to spend an easy chill out day in the company of sand, sea and sun. The crystalline waters are an invitation to snorkel or to dive, the wide beaches to play Frisbee or racquets. The sea breeze offers the opportunity to kite lovers to design evolutions up in the sky, as well as providing a respite from the heat for those who love to sunbathe. The inner cape area reveals surprises in form of holiday treks: caves, underground lakes, flora and fauna galore, and viewpoints that take your breath away. But let’s go back to the climbing story. The ‘warming up wall area’ often gets pretty crowded during the high tourist season in Krabi. It is a massive boulder ending right at the seafront, where beginners like me take the first (vertical) steps, literally. We follow our instructor and pass the groups of climbers attempting the beginners’ wall. My adventure mates are a lovely Italian family hailing from Elba Island, in Tuscany. Roberto and his wife Loredana have accepted the challenge offered by their son Niccolo’, whom thanks to his young age is the most excited amongst us for this rock climbing experience. And he will be the only one to want to repeat the climb twice! Our instructor is from well established and trustworthy Hot Rock Climbing School.
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It is decided that only man would climb today; to the ladies there will be the chance to do rappelling/abseiling on the other side of the mountain. After negotiating 50mt in height through a path in the forest, we reach a viewpoint, a natural terrace high above the Andaman Sea; in front of us tropical islands, behind us vertical limestone mountains. The sloping and natural geology of these cliffs offer climbers the chance to grab hold of solid rock. This, together with the beauty of the landscape and the equatorial climate, makes of Railay a known paradise for climbers all over the world. Our instructor teaches us how to tackle the climb. With a tad bit of justified apprehension, we learn how to correctly wear the harness, how to knot the rope, and how to execute the fundamental movements that will help us proceed up on the cliff. We wear the climbing shoes supplied by the school, and off we go! Niccolo’ cannot wait; he is the first one to climb, and he turns out to be the best one; it comes so naturally for him that he immediately earns the nickname of Spider Man! And then my turn comes… I am to climb to an height of about 15 meters and I begin to remember that I often suffer from vertigos. What will happen if my legs start shaking? If the power fails me? If I start to panic? Well, in life I have always considered that a challenge is the best way to improve oneself, and it is with this bitter certainty that I concentrate on the task using the notions that I have been recently taught. In the past, I jumped with a parachute; how harder can climbing be?
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I start the ascent and I discover how beautiful it feels. The physical commitment to look for the best grab, both with hands and feet, absorbs my mind completely; there is no room for vertigos, my concentration intensifies as I get closer and closer to the target: the top ring. From down below, mates’ encouragement and instructor’s advise reach my ear: “move to the left, put the foot in that fissure, don’t worry if you slip, you are tied up”. I gain courage, and the target gets closer. The last bit is the hardest one: a meter or 2 with a steep counterslope that is a torture, and something inside tells me: “come on, you will not give up now, will you?” I look up and there it is! The top ring is there, for me to grab. I hold on to the rock and turn myself for the first time to look at the panorama. Below my feet a few cm before the rock collapses, but the fear is gone, the sense of vertigo is not there. As my belayer down below gives me rope, I easily descend with confidence, hopping against the rock, loosening the rope in turn before getting back to the ground. Everyone cheers me up and claps. It’s now Roberto’s turn. His ascent is trouble-free, and he will later state that it has been an amazing experience where he has managed to fight off all initial fears. Niccolo’ cannot help it and tests himself on a second climb.
At mid-morning it is time for the second part of the program. We follow the instructor on a short trek until we reach a fissure in the cliff. We walk the upward path inside a cave until we reach a gash in the rock that empties on a high ravine. Loredana at first refuses to attempt it, despite being explained that there is no danger as the harness will hold her body while she descends. Before us, a group of would-be climbers contemplate the emptiness below and think about what to do: descend or retrace their steps. A young boy looks down and desists, waving everyone goodbye and wishing us all good luck as he walks back the path. This is indeed not encouraging for undecided Loredana, but we slowly convince her that she can do it if she puts enough decision on the challenge. I must say the jump is scary indeed, more than 20mt separate us from the ground below. Niccolo’ wants to be the first of course, and Roberto and I follow suit. We then all watch as Loredana wins her fears and tackle the descent with success! The adventure is completed by a well-deserved pit stop at one of the several restaurants in Railay, where we eat yummy Thai dishes. While we comment on our impressions of the morning adventure, it is Niccolo’ who, enthusiastic as ever, asks his daddy: “when shall we return to Krabi?
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ABOUT HOT ROCK CLIMBING SCHOOL Rock climbing is exhilarating, challenging, healthy and a fun activity unlike any other. When approached in the correct way, Rock climbing is also nowhere near as dangerous as many people think. The instructor from Hot Rock Climbing School was more than professional and likeable, he guided us with patience and safety, and this has made the whole experience easy and fun. At Hot Rock Climbing School, they let you climb in many different areas and only in small groups of up to 3 guests on 1 instructor. Small groups mean better safety, more climbing and better instruction. You choose what skills to learn and how fast to move on to new skills or new climbing techniques. I would happily go climbing again, especially under the expert and patient supervision of the staff at Hot Rock Climbing School. Contact them on 075 662245, 086 1207913, 085 6419842 or browse www.railayadventure.com
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Adventure Text by : Paul Stretton Photos by : Paul Stretton & Pamela Huxley
The Lagoon
T
he morning sunshine streaming though our bedroom window at 7am made rash promises of a beautiful day to follow. There was not a breath of air outside - the palm trees and frangipani bushes still as a watercolour as we sipped our coffee and talked about our plans for the day. We decided to make a slight change in the original itinerary, and instead of taking the longtail taxi boat that leaves from Ao Nang, we would take a more adventurous option and get there under our own steam, or rather, sweat, by renting a kayak. 3 years ago when I first came to Ao Nang, I had gone exploring with some friends on the peninsular of Railay - just a short boat ride from the mainland of Ao Nang and Krabi. Somewhere between the picturesque West beach and the not-so East side we had come across, what we thought at the time, was a fairly secret trail to a hidden lagoon. I had not been back there for 3 years, but today seemed like as good a day as any to rediscover it.
The water was calm and still and it took only half an hour for us to paddle our way across from the west end of the beach at Ao Nang, to pull up onto the beautiful white sands of Phra Nang Bay. We had set off around 9, so there were still relatively few people around at this time. We pulled the kayak up onto the beach, well above the high water mark, and set off along the beach to find the little path that leads you from this beach to the East side of the peninsula. I noticed that they now have a handy map of Railay here, with places of interest marked out for your convenience. They had even marked the lagoon trail on it, towards which we headed. The path led us directly beneath the looming, world famous limestone cliffs, where some locals were hawking their wares in the shade. It is remarkably cooler here than out in the open,
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and it is even possible to explore some of the small caves and walkthroughs that millennia of sand and wind had carved into the rock. About halfway along, we reached the starting off point to our hike - which is now easier to spot thanks to a small signpost - not to mention half a dozen people gazing slack-jawed up the side of the rock. There is a wooden shelter on the side of the path for you to gather yourself, take a drink of water, change your footwear into something ‘sensible’, and change your mind, if need be. We managed the first 3 and, taking a deep breath, we started our climb. Now the first time you see this, you would be forgiven for wondering exactly where you are supposed to begin. Yes, it is true that there is a signpost pointing upwards, telling of a viewpoint 200 meters away and the lagoon residing another 100 meters after that - but the sign is halfway up what seems like a wall of tree roots. There is no real path as such, you just grab a root and pull yourself upwards. As the rock here is limestone, it is very porous and has over the years been worn into handholds by the weather. This, along with the many branches and roots, makes it a fairly easy climb. Granted, it’s not easy for everyone, but if you enjoy climbing and hiking, it’s not so bad. There were a few others joining us today - we noticed a French couple below us, and some Swedish boys up ahead - one in bare feet. Please be advised that flip flops and worse, nothing at all, could make the journey a little difficult, as well as painful - a lesson I learned 3 years before... Soon enough, we reached a fork in the ‘path’ - the left way pointed the way to the viewpoint, and the right, to the lagoon. We decided to have a look at the viewpoint first before attacking the descent into the lagoon, and we were not disappointed. The view is fantastic from here, and well worth the climb up. It is possible to see all the way across from Railay west beach to the east side, and everything in between. Especially on a day as clear as this, the blue of the sky and sea was just stunning to take in. We rested here for a few moments, and started back towards the lagoon. After walking through some real Indiana-Jones-style jungle terrain for a while, we soon came to the first of 4 ‘stairsteps’ down to the lagoon. These are vertical sections of rock that
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Nature Trails
need to be climbed down in order to reach the top of the next one, and so on until reaching the lagoon that lies at the bottom of the last one. Thankfully, some considerate and, quite frankly, death-defying person had the foresight to attach some heavy knotted ropes at these sections to help us get to the bottom in one piece! We arrived here to find the group of Swedish boys looking nervously at each other and the bottom of the step, and back again. They guy with the bare feet looked like he was seriously wishing he had stayed on the beach, sipping a cold Chang instead. Pam went first. Now either I had taken a step forward, of the others had all taken a collective step backwards, but I somehow found myself next in line for the job. Peering over the edge, my stomach flipped over as I realized how sheer the drop would be if I slipped. I silently thanked God, Buddha and any other deity within earshot for my decision to wear my trainers this day, and started over the edge. Holding onto the rope and looking carefully for hand and footholds, I was soon at the bottom of the first stage - sweating now from the exertion and adrenaline. Pam and I grinned at each other and headed towards the second stage. The next stages were more of the same, and we came across others coming up as we headed ever downwards exchanging words of advice and encouragement to each other as we passed. We were enjoying ourselves now and looked forward to assessing the next descent and the best route to take to get down. It was no time before we had made it to the bottom and were rewarded with the sight of the lagoon. Now, I have to be honest here, so as not to be hounded by disappointed travellers who make it to this point. The lagoon is muddy. Very muddy. Red, thick, wet mud is everywhere. And when the tide is out, as it was today, there isn’t an awful lot of water, either. So please don’t be expecting a crystal clear pond of water for you to bathe in. It is, however, still a beautiful place to be. The silence is, literally, deafening. You can hear the blood rushing through your ears and every tiny sound is magnified as it reverberates around the enclosing walls. As the lagoon is completely enclosed on all sides, the closest way I can describe it is to compare being in the crater of a volcano, looking up towards the sky. Only the quiet voices of our fellow climbers and the lone call of some unseen bird could be heard cutting through the thick silence. Having a look around the water’s edge, we soon came across dozens of little sculptures made by fellow travellers who had made it here days, months, or even years before us. They took the shape of faces, little figurines, snowmen, animals, and other more ‘interesting’ designs. As the mud here at low tide is very thick, there is nothing easier than scooping up a handful and creating a personal masterpiece to join the others in the unending myriad of nooks and crannies in the rock. After Pam placed her newly born mud-man into his new home in the rock, we started back up the way we came. Strangely, going up the same way looked completely different to coming down, which added to the fun. We soon arrived back at the top and then carefully negotiated the climb back down the tree roots to the place where we started. Sweating, grinning and covered in red mud, we ignored the looks of some who had just watched us come apparently climbing from the top of a gigantic beanstalk, and headed back to the beach for a refreshing swim and a bite to eat. So if you find yourself on Railay during your trip to Krabi, and you are looking for something to do, but don’t fancy spending a day rock climbing - give this a go. Best of all, it’s completely free!
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Cultural Story by : Hilton Jones Photos by : Ville Norppa
Customary Traditions and Words R
espect is very important here, and Thai people respect and welcome any effort to learn about Thai society and social conduct. Many of the common everyday acts of people here are related to spirituality or to the King. For example, when dealing with money Thai people show a great deal of reverence, partly because the notes and coins bear a picture of their King. You can act accordingly by keeping your money tidily in your purse or wallet, with the King’s head facing upwards.
If you are staying in Thailand for a short time, or perhaps you would like to live here permanently, it is a good idea to become familiar with some of the customs and traditions.
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Thai people are modest, and especially modest about their appearance. Public shows of affection are not respected here, and nudity – even partial – is definitely frowned upon. If you need to sunbathe topless, make sure you do it somewhere completely private, not on the beach in front of shops, bars and restaurants. This may seem obvious, but it is always surprising to see how many people walk around town with nothing on but a bikini or a pair of swimming shorts. Please think about how this makes local people feel. Always wear a shirt at least when entering a shop or restaurant - it is a sign of respect and something most people would always do at home. The head is the highest part of the body, and in Thailand it is also the most important part spiritually. Touching someone’s head is considered very impolite, especially if it is someone older than you. Similarly the feet are considered to be the lowest part of the body spiritually, so please try to avoid pointing or moving things around with them. If you are in a crowded area, never step over someone’s legs or body, and never step over food. If you drop a coin on the floor, do not attempt to stop it from rolling away with your foot - every coin in Thailand bears the picture of the King’s head, so this would be a huge insult.
Having fun is important for all of us, but here in Thailand it holds a different significance. Sanuk is the word for fun in Thai. The longer you stay in Thailand the more you will notice that the general attitude and acceptance for life is fun, and the lighthearted and playful demeanor of Thai people is contagious. If something is not fun, like work for example, many people will continue working and wait for the holiday. In Thailand it would be a reason to quit. Thai people believe that everything can be achieved with a smile on your face. Seriousness and conflict are things considered to be unfavorable, and most conflicts can be easily resolved with a smile, or a simple “mai pen rai”. “Mai pen rai” literally means, “it is nothing”, but also can be translated as “no worries”, “never mind”, or “no problem”. Normally, aggressive confrontation will lead to the aggressor being ignored. Addressing a problem with irritation will rarely achieve the results you are looking for - often the problem will become far more complicated and people will be less likely to help you. Try to put the problem in context and perspective, and think about your holiday here – is haggling for a bargain really worth upsetting yourself and others so much? Move to the next shop and try again. The “wai” is the most common greeting gesture in Thailand: similar to a handshake elsewhere in the world, although its meaning is much more sacred. It is the prayer-like pressing together of the palms of the hands, and a bow of the head. It is not just a way of saying hello, but also goodbye and even expressing thanks and respect. The height that you hold the wai is important - chest height reflects equal status, whereas a wai held physically higher reflects your respect for someone of a higher status: for a monk, for example, you should hold your wai so your forehead touches the base of your thumbs. In many situations it is polite to return the wai, though it is not appropriate to wai children or service personnel. If in doubt it is always better to meet the wai with a smile and a nod of your head. Thai people are very understanding of the differences we have in culture, and will be most accommodating to ensure you enjoy your stay. The more we, as guests here, understand and appreciate Thai customs and culture the easier it is to relax and enjoy this amazing country. This way your time will genuinely be worry free. Mai pen rai!!
Underwater World Story and Photos by : Ao Nang Divers
Why did I become a PADI Instructor? Hello, my name’s Punch (Phanne Whitfield) from Phatthalung, in the south of Thailand, and I have the best job in the world!
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ecoming a PADI dive instructor changed my life forever. Krabi, the place I live in, has some of the best diving sites in the whole world. The strange thing I noticed when I first moved here was that very few local people were involved in the diving industry, in fact there was not one Thai dive instructor anywhere in Krabi. Learning to dive was fairly easy, especially with PADI. They were the only people with the open water manual and video in Thai, which made understanding the important stuff easy and fun. After passing my PADI open water diver course, I knew I couldn’t rest until I became a PADI dive instructor and for the last five years I have enjoyed introducing both visitors and local people to the amazing underwater world below Krabi’s waters. PADI have been with me every step of the way. Their regional manager is only a phone call away, seminars and updates are held regularly, and any questions or problems are solved instantly with a phone call or email. Since I became a PADI dive instructor I have certified over 300 divers, I have been involved in several conservation and education projects, I have been part of Reef Check and the post tsunami CHARM project, and I have given presentations on the dive industry at the local technical college in Krabi Town.
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Four years ago I founded Krabi Imaging, a multi-media production company based in Krabi. We specialize in high-definition underwater filming and have been filming and photographing the marine life of South Thailand since 2006. I also work for Ao Nang Divers and have been with them for over three years. This gives me the perfect opportunity to put my PADI education into practice, and to bring the wonderful local underwater world to new visitors. I must thank PADI for making this possible for me and for changing my life forever. Hope to see you underwater sometime soon!
Ad. Ao Nang Divers.pdf
3/26/08
4:35:38 PM
Ao Nang Divers are located 50 meters from the beach, near Phra Nang Inn. Contact them on 075 637 244 or browse www.aonang-divers.com
Health & Living Story by : Vanee Ruchipong
Oil Pulling O
il Pulling was discovered in India several years ago, and used as a simple treatment. Indian native people have practiced it in their day-by-day life without being aware of its miracle. Between 1991 and 1992, Oil Pulling was brought up to a scientific analysis by Indian professor, Dr. Fife Karach. He made biology tests with various types of bacteria and got amazingly positive results. His following announcement during the Conference Seminar of Science Scholars in Russia was that “Oil Pulling heals totally head-aches, bronchitis, tooth pain, thrombosis, eczema, ulcers and diseases of stomach, intestines, heart, blood, kidney, liver, lungs and women’s diseases”. Many trials were arranged and conducted, with exciting surprises being demonstrated. Oil Pulling was finally named Oil Pulling Therapy. The scientific community was astonished.
Likely most people nowadays, I traveled around the World through websites and incidentally found this heading. It got me interested; I read it and… - wow! - I said to myself. I shouldn’t keep this beneficial information just for me, so here I am to share it with you readers.
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Your mouth is a perfect habitat for bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. They live and grow up well under interior heat, humidity and stable temperature in your mouth. It is correctly said that the volume of bacteria in our mouth is higher than the World population. Incredible but true. Bacteria live on the surface of your teeth, between the teeth and gums, on the palate, under the tongue and tongue base. Brushing teeth or washing by gargle is temporarily reducing bacteria that will soon be back, spreading increasingly. All pest and serious diseases excluding genetic disease, emotional disease and disease from injury, generate from the mouth, the natural entrance to the body. Toxic aliments or food that has gone off weaken our immune system. Any wound in our mouth, inflammation of the gums or meat pulp, is a pass way of harmful bacteria that enter the bloodstream easily, and is a cause of many ailments from arthritis to heart disease.
How does oil pulling work? It eliminates bacteria that cause disease and gives the chance to your body to rehabilitate. Oil Pulling is a purely biological process. The majority of oral bacteria that cause disease are protozoa. These cells are covered by oil or fat issue as in normal condition of natural skin cells. Likewise, human beings’ cells are surrounded by a mix of fat. When you mix oil with water, they will automatically spring separate. But if you mix two kinds of oil together, such oils will have osmosis and will merge onto each other. This is the secret of Oil Pulling. When you put oil into the mouth, bacteria will be absorbed into the oil. When you move oil around the oral cavity, hidden bacteria under the gums and teeth crevices or in cranny of the teeth will be absorbed into the oil. After 20 minutes, you should spit the oil, which by then will be a mixture filled with bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. More oral oil movement taken for long spells, means a more absorption of bacteria into the oil. The body will have a good chance to restore, inflammations heal, blood flow stabilizes and tissue damage repaired. Health, eventually, will return to you. What is the right oil suitable? Sunflower oil and sesame oil were mentioned in Indian traditional textbooks. Nevertheless, laboratory tests confirm that any oil can be used. Coconut oil for instance is more useful to the health than any other oil. Coconut oil contains maverick acid by the millions; they react with enzymes in saliva split Monoglyceride from Monolaurin, which is ineffective in killing pathogens. Besides, purified coconut oil is more sterilized and also gives off a nice smell and taste.
How to make Oil Pulling, and when? Do it when your stomach is empty, drinking water or not is unimportant. Put coconut oil into your mouth and keep it there. Slightly move around the oral cavity, pulling and pushing throughout gums and teeth around 15-20 minutes. Once you spit it, you will realize the colour of coconut oil has turned to an opaque yellowish. Rinse your mouth and rink some water. Oil Pulling should be made first thing in the morning during a period of highest amount of oral bacteria. The volume of bacteria is changed during the day: it increases at midday before lunch, decreases after dinner and again increases when you sleep, when bacteria have the opportunity to multiply since there are no defenses in the mouth at that time. The results of Oil Pulling are clearly visible and they are: better oral health, teeth whitening and strengthening, gums looking healthy, and fresh breathing. Also it seems that Oil Pulling will heal illnesses and chronic condition of several types. Good responses of Oil Pulling have been reported on the following illnesses and diseases: dandruff, acne, allergy, sinus, migraine, headache, more snot, bronchitis, asthma, inflammatory skin, psoriasis, back pain, neck pain, arthritis, mouth odor, caries, dental boil, bleeding, gum disease, constipation, gastrointestinal, vaginitis, hemorrhoids, insomnia, chronic fatigue, diabetes, high blood pressure, and problems associated with menstruation. Oil Pulling is the easiest treatment among the most effective natural treatments and body detoxifiers. So, why don’t you start to make Oil Pulling at home? Only one time in 1 day may be equivalent to 1 year longer life expectancy, or more. FOR STEP BY STEP OIL PULLING ADVICE, BROWSE www.oilpulling.com
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Nature Series Story : Jeffrey Dietrich Photos : www.kohjumbeachvillas.com
A mouth full of Scolopendra D
Here on Koh Jum the tropics can leave an impression that last a lifetime. Fortunately most of those impressions are timeless and dreamy; the saturated color of a butterfly’s wing, the eerie call of the nocturnal long-tailed nightjar, the bioluminescence in the sea at night as you dip your paddle in the water, a swarm of swifts flying in a vortex feeding on winged termites as they take flight after the first heavy rains of the monsoon.
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escribing Idyllic landscapes and harmonious nature can be boring though at times. So this month we will enter into the dark realm of horror and pain, into the primordial world of primitive ancient arthropods that lurk in subterranean soils. This month we introduce you to Scolopendra, the local giant centipede called Ta Kap in Thai. Like most centipedes the Scolopendra is found in damp areas under logs and in the soil. They are found everywhere in Thailand and in all of Southeast Asia. In fact Scolopendra is pantropical in their distribution and are more ancient than the onset of continental drift! Scolopendra are nocturnal and appear especially after heavy rains when their burrows fill with water. They are feared for their sting, which is not fatal but described as diabolically painful, and where morphine’s magic proves ineffective. It is therefore best not to walk around on damp nights barefoot without your trusted flashlight. Probably 99.9% of stings from the Scolopendra occur on the feet and hands where the unwary step on or grab them. Rarely they sting in more delicate regions. It does happen though and it is such an episode that I would like to share with you dear reader. For what follows is a true story that happened to yours truly. One early rainy morning after a night of very heavy rain here at Koh Jum Beach Villas I decided to drain our fish pond that was threatening to overflow and cause the escape of all the local native fighting fish that we had just stocked in the pond to control mosquitoes. As we have no drain on the pond I decided to siphon off the excess water using a garden hose that was coiled nearby. Dropping one end of the hose in the pond I extended the other end to a slightly lower elevation and wiped off the dirt. Placing the
hose in my mouth I sucked. And sucked again. This was a rather long hose so I had to draw many times and after sucking for the 6th or 7th time I felt this subtle shift of pressure that told me the water was flowing. I thought to myself, “one more strong suck for good measure and I’ll have it”. So I did. What I didn’t realize with that last fateful suck was that racing in front of the rushing water was 7 inches of a fully mature specimen of Scolopendra in somewhat of a panic trying to escape. It was then that I drew my last breath and sucked 7 inches of Scolopendra fully into my mouth. Together with the sensation of 7 inches of squiggling centipede with their hundreds of little legs tickling my tongue and mouth came two bolts of lightning as this Scolopendra stung me twice, once on my tongue and once on my gums. Here was evolution expressed in its finest. The Scolopendra, sensing itself in the jaws of a predator, reacted in the purest self-defense. All of this took place in 50 milliseconds until my brain registered that something was terribly wrong with my siphoning project and that I had something horrible in my mouth. I then ejected the centipede violently as it flew several meters into the bushes. All those delicate nerves on the tongue and mouth are wonderful for enjoying the sensuous pleasure of a ripe mango or for detecting a fish bone. But at that moment they were all firing their synapses simultaneously and screaming. What followed was several hours of relentless hammering pain, endless streams of saliva flowing from my mouth. It took hours for the pain to subside; the shot from the nurse at the local clinic here on Koh Jum didn’t help much. I gazed out on the sea and salivated for what seemed an eternity. My head was hammering away and I begged to all the gods for release. Only time brought about a slow subsiding of the painful event. Sleep finally rescued me and I woke the same afternoon with the pain gone. So dear reader, be grateful on this sunny glorious day that you are free of pain and that you are forewarned of the ever present Scolopendra lurking at this very moment in the soils under your feet. And don’t suck on garden hoses while you are vacationing here in Thailand. It really SUCKS. WANT TO KNOW MORE? www.scolopendromorpha.com
Event
Valentine’s Day ‘Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies’ - Aristotle ‘Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age’ - Anais Nin
Happy Valentine’s Day! February has long been a month of romance and is known as the Month of Love. By now, most of you should be aware that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner (or already gone, depending on what day you read this article).
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hailand is madly in love with Valentine’s Day. Love is not just in the air in this highly consumerist society - it’s in the shops, bakeries, street stalls, hotels and restaurants as businesses strive to cash in on passion. Valentine’s Day is an excuse for shopping, eating out, gimmicks and, of course, getting married. To Valentine’s Day we associate colors, red being often associated with sex and passion, and pink with love. The first person to send a Valentine card was Esther Howland, a native of Massachusetts, in the 1840s, and nearly 200 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually (with over 50 percent of them purchased in the six days prior to the observance), making Valentine’s Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. Most of us like to send flowers - Thailand uses over three million roses on that day, and the price of the flower has doubled to about 10 baht for a local rose, rising to 1,000 for an imported one – though chocolate, jewels and the heart sticker are popular choices too. Some of you are probably looking forward to Valentine’s Day
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and have already made plans to sweep away your partner. Others will likely scramble something together on the evening of the 13th. With a little advance planning, you can save yourself a lot of stress and ensure a fun and romantic Valentine’s Day, one where you won’t be paying too much for a rush delivery of flowers (if there is any left). It goes without saying, but some restaurants are flooded with reservation requests for that night, so book early at your favorite romantic spot. If you find yourself single on Valentine’s Day, or if you’re in a couple and still prefer to ignore the overzealous florists, jewelers, confectioners and card makers, you can still make the most of the day - or at least get through it with minimal discomfort. Couples can take the low-key approach - a quiet dinner at home, a movie or a concert. And if you’re single, don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a great meal, a funny movie or something else equally comforting and indulgent. However you plan to spend February 14th, Happy Valentine!
Fruits of Thailand Story and photos by : Paul Stretton
Jackfruit T
he Jackfruit looks remarkably similar to the more well-known Durian, and have similar qualities that some might say are an acquired taste! Some have compared the taste of the Jackfruit to that of a cantaloupe, and others say it is more reminiscent of pineapple. If you look up into the trees on your walks around the area, you will most likely see this impressive fruit hanging heavily from their trees. A word of caution should be made here: as the Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, you do not want to be underneath one if it decides to detach itself from its tree and head downwards! The fruit can weigh up to a colossal 36kg, and reach sizes of 90 cm in length!
You will probably have come across this fruit in your time here in Krabi at some point, but perhaps not realized it. The Jackfruit is fairly common here in the Krabi region as it is a native fruit to the whole of the South East Asian Region.
The name ‘Jackfruit’ came from Portuguese explorers who landed in India and called it ‘Jaca’. The trees can bear fruit for around 6 months of the year, and they are seen as a valuable resource by poor, rural people who use the fruit as a substitute for rice, thanks to it’s starchy consistency and sheer quantity. Preparing the fruit is not an easy task, and some experience is necessary in order to accomplish it without reducing the entire lot to a goopy mess or slicing off a finger. A very sharp knife is needed to cut through the tough, spiky outer husk to expose the creamy, pungent flesh that lies beneath. When the jackfruit is opened you will find the round fruits contained in ‘pockets’ in a fibrous interior. The main difficulty in extracting the individual fruits is the sticky white latex produced by the fruit. This latex is identical to the white wood glue you can find in hardware stores, so frequent washing of hands and utensils is necessary. Some people dip the knife in oil when cutting up a jackfruit to stop the resin from clogging the blade of the knife. The flesh of the jackfruit is starchy and fibrous. It provides food energy and is a good source of dietary fiber. The seeds of the fruit are also edible, again providing dietary fiber. They can be prepared by boiling or roasting, or even being ground into flour for baking. In the Krabi region, it is common to find them pre-cut into small portions, washed and packed into small bags, ready to eat straight away. They can be bought at local markets, where you will also be able to see the giant fruits being prepared in front of you. You can also purchase them from the many ’fruit carts’ that roam around the towns - much like the other ‘tuk tuk’ restaurants that sell BBQ chicken and rice. Another popular method of preparing them is to slice them thinly and fry them in hot oil, making a kind of ‘potato chip’ style snack. These can be seen in most supermarkets and local shops, as well as market stalls. So the next time you see this exotic fruit on the shop shelf or market stall, why not give it a try and experience it for yourself.
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Restaurant Review
Indian feast at the Taj Ao Nang is popular for its wide variety of restaurants. Here you can find plenty of Thai food, as well as restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine such as Italian, Scandinavian and Indian. Indian cuisine has been gaining popularity and acceptance amongst foreigners holidaying in Thailand, thus Indian restaurants are extremely popular here, with their number increasing rapidly.
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eing on holiday with other people often makes the choice of restaurant complicated. On a particular day last month, in Ao Nang, I was keen on Italian food but my girlfriend and our friends insisted on Indian food. I love Indian cuisine and I had recently spotted a restaurant I had walked past called Taj Palace; I had stopped to check up oil paintings at a local shop opposite the Pizza Company when a lovely smell coming from the nearby restaurant invaded the air and caught my nostrils. It was tikka masala, of course. I could still remember the smell from my London days. So, that early evening we took a short walk from our hotel, reached the Taj Palace and checked their menu exposed on a stand by the pavement, which turned out to be convenient, tempting and inexpensive. The friendly waiter stood there, we smiled and walked in. We were cordially greeted by the owner, and were seated at a table inside an airy terrace. The a-la-carte menu comprised over 200 Indian specialties, so I left the kind manager chose for us. We started with appetizers: crunchy vegetable samosas delivered in a bed of salad; they broke open in the mouth with lots of taste
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and spices. That was a good start, we thought. The main course was lavish: Chicken Tawa, a northern Indian dish of melt-in-your-mouth boneless chicken first marinated in spices, then fried in gravy sauce. This very versatile dish can also be ordered with lamb, prawns, fish or Indian cheese paneer. Next came Palak Paneer, a delicious combination of fried spinach and Indian cheese. And last were the delicious chicken legs tandoori, all served with saffron rice and garlic naan and washed down with red wine and lassi. Everything was simply delicious. While the food at Taj Palace is rich with flavor, the dishes don’t come drowned in ghee (the clarified butter used in Indian cooking). Taj Palace is a very good place for those who want to dine with a serious array of known and less known Indian dishes, and you can also have a good choice of Thai favourites. They offer a cozy place where to have a tasty, genuine Indian meal accompanied by fast service with a personal touch. In Taj Palace you get a value meal for the price you pay, and they have inexpensive, easy to order set-menus. Dishes were spiced but not too hot; should you require stronger dishes, just order medium spicy. Visit there at least once during your holiday; you might develop a liking for the place. I already have, of course.
Taj Palace, Ao Nang, opposite The Pizza Company. Open daily 11am to 11.30pm, tel. 08 31822165 – free home delivery in Ao Nang available.
DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK
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An amazingly solid selection of more than 40 International beers from Belgium, Germany and the UK.
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Ao Nang • 075 661061
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AO NANG 075695560-1
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 but might appear less stunning. 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 fastdeveloping 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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Underwater World Story by : Ciaran Tierney Photos by : www.blueplanetdivers.net
This photo by Christophe Rouziou
Andaman Freediving Challenge I
t’s the third time the competition has been organised by Blue Planet Divers, who are based on Koh Lanta, and its growing popularity is evident in a list of entrants which includes Freedivers from countries such as Japan, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Norway, and, of course, Thailand.
Enthusiasts from all over the world are on their way to the beautiful island of Koh Lanta this month to take part in the annual Andaman Freediving Challenge, which mixes serious competition with fun social interaction over three days.
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For competition judge and Instructor Richard Wonka, who left Dahab in Egypt to provide Freediving courses on Koh Lanta last year, part of the attraction of the competition is the opportunity it gives Freedivers to challenge the misconceptions some people have about their sport. “Some people think that it is an extreme sport or that it is dangerous, which is way off the mark,” he says. “You don’t have to be fit and young to be an accomplished Freediver. A good friend of mine, an Australian in his late 50s who is quite heavy and has a bit of a beer belly, is an excellent Freediver. Not all of us are into chasing records!”. Richard explains that Freedivers receive specialist training in how to hold their breath for long periods underwater and that many of them are surprised at how long they can last on a single breath once they have completed the course. For scuba divers, this specialist training also helps to improve their air consumption when they return to using scuba equipment. “The main thing about Freediving is that it is in the head. It is about understanding that it is perfectly alright to stop breathing for a certain amount of time underwater. You can learn this through our training courses.”
German native Richard, who is also a PADI scuba Divemaster, loves the greater interaction he enjoys with the marine environment when he Freedives without all his scuba gear. “It is an incredible way of interacting with the fish and marine life,” he says. “Unlike with scuba, you are much quieter and more a part of the marine environment because you don’t blow bubbles or make any noise. With scuba, you are in a bubble of technology. As a Freediver, the fish come up to me, and I’ve enjoyed close encounters with leopard sharks, napoleon wrasse, and octopus here in the Andaman Sea. “As a Freediver I love to just go and take pictures. Some days here it can be so calm and quiet underwater that you become really at peace with where you are. It is almost like meditation and I’ve made Freediving my life. I teach it with my partner, Sarah Whitcher, because we believe it is a beautiful thing.” Richard himself once reached a depth of 58 metres in Dahab and was part of the German team who took part in the World Freediving Championships in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, two years ago. But nowadays he takes a more laid-back approach to the sport and, as a qualified judge with AIDA (Association International de Development de Apnea), he will be keeping a close eye on the competitors in Koh Lanta. Competitions in disciplines such as constant weight, static, and dynamic, will take place in a swimming pool on Koh Lanta as well
as from boats at some of the region’s glorious dive sites. While the competition is intense, the Andaman Freediving Challenge has built up a reputation as a friendly, social event over the last two years. Spectators are welcome to sample the action on boats which will follow the competitors over the three days. Frenchman Laurent Pinci, who founded Blue Planet Divers in 2002, set up the competition with world-renowned Freediver Francois Gautier in 2008, with the beginner and intermediate Freediving enthusiast in mind. A man who can manage four and a half minutes underwater on a single breath himself, Laurent has been delighted by how the competition has taken off – as evident in the number of competitors who are returning to Koh Lanta for the third year in a row. “It doesn’t really matter what level of Freediving you have reached, the main aim of the competition is to let people challenge themselves,” he says. “The competition is conducted seriously, but we like the atmosphere to be very laid-back here on Koh Lanta.”
The Andaman Freediving Challenge takes place on Koh Lanta from February 10 to 12 this year. There were still a small number of places left for entrants at the time of going to press. Check out www.blueplanetdivers.net or www.andamanaidafreedivingchallenge.blogspot.com for further details.
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Day Tripper
Lanta Southern Beaches
All Lanta’s tourist beaches face west, and offer great sunsets...
K
oh Lanta is a fairly long, narrow island with a backbone of forested mountains and a dozen or so pretty nice beaches along its western coast. The pace here is relaxed, much more so than other islands and destinations in Southern Thailand. This month I have decided to check out the beaches on the south section of the island. KLONG NIN BEACH: You may find Klong Nin not as laid back as you expect as it is now pretty well developed over the northern three-quarters, very similar to Long Beach in the north of the island, and as most of the beaches on Lanta with the exception of the southern-most four. Klong Nin is a pretty nice beach, about 2 km long, with good sand, water deep enough at low tide for swimming close to shore, and a few rocky sections covered at high tide. Some nice candle-lit dining tables and bars set up on the sand at night, and a fair bit of accommodation mostly midrange and flash-packer. A discontinuous ribbon of the usual restaurants/bars, travel agents, internet places, laundry services etc lines the inland side of the beach road down to the north end of Klong Nin Bay, where it intensifies into a small shopping area with a couple of ATMs and the office where to order your international newspaper. The turn-off for the road to the east coast is just past this retail cluster, heading north. Heading south, the island gets progressively more hilly, meaning suitable for a stop at most beaches for a swim and a drink rehydration in a beach bar. The first couple of beaches south are pretty similar to Klong Nin, a bit less busy. But the last 4 bays are very nice indeed, sparsely built on, good stretches of sand, nice water and surrounded by steep forested hills.
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BA KANTIANG BAY is indeed very attractive. Mainly midrange/ up-market places there – including Lanta Marine Park View, Pimalai and the brand new The Houben - with great views from the restaurant and the rooms. There is a small township at Ba Kantiang North with a supermarket, ATM, massages and souvenirs shops and gasoline sellers. The road past southern Ba Kantiang has some steep sections. Novice motorcyclists should be very careful here - it is so easy to have an off and damage the bike and yourself. NUI BAY is a real nice beach with a handful of sun-worshippers plus some locals fishing. The sign-posted track down from the main road is not too difficult. KLONG JAK BAY is the next beach and is just as nice, with a few budget and more up-market places, very cool bars, good food and fantastic views. This attracts sunbathers from the resorts further up the beach.
MAI PAI (Bamboo Bay) is the southernmost and is just like some of the best island beaches 20 years ago. It is a slightly curved beach around five hundred meters long, with lovely white sands and clear waters. Swimming is suitable here when the tide is not too deep. The northern part of this beach has rock pools where it’s possible to snorkel and watch the fish. It is surrounded the high national park mountains. This beach is extremely private, and feels cast away from the outside world. There is limited accommodation there mainly with woven-palm walls and thatch roofed bungalows. The road gets even steeper and rougher past Mai Pai beach, where it climbs quite high with superb views and then drops down steeply to the southern tip of the island where the National Park has its headquarters. Mu Koh Lanta National Park was established in 1990 as Thailand’s 62nd national park. There are two beaches in Koh Lanta’s National Park - Had Hin Ngam, a beautiful stone beach, and Tanod or Palm Beach. These two beaches stand on protected land, with no nearby resorts. The surrounding area is rich and diverse with amazing tropical nature, trekking and walking trail-ways and fantastic opportunities for bird and wild life watching. Koh Lanta’s symbol, the lighthouse overlooking the southernmost tip of the island provides a fabulous panoramic view, and the beach is a well-known beauty spot for picnics.
next time you come...
RENT YOUR OWN HOUSE ! private villa & apartment rental
www.visitlanta.com 42
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Lanta PIZZERIA BAJEN STEAKHOUSE
Tel: 081-677 84 95
MiniGo f Nintendo Wii
075-684 309
Phra-Ae Beach - Koh Lanta
www.bajenpizzeria.com
Fact File
Koh Lanta Island
BAN SALADAN KAW KWANG BEACH
KOH LANTA YAI
Passenger Post Office Ferry Car Ferry to Lanta Noi & mainland to Lanta Old Town
KLONG DAO BEACH
FERRY TIMETABLE: to Koh Phi Phi 8am & 1pm to Ao Nang/Railay 8am & 1.30pm to Phuket 1.30pm to Koh Lipe 1.30pm
Minivans to Krabi/Phuket
BUS TIMETABLE: to Krabi every hour 6am to 5pm to Trang every hour 8am to 3pm to Phuket every hour 7am to 4pm MARKETS: Ban Saladan Sunday mornings Lanta Old Town Monday mornings Klong Nin Saturday mornings
PHRA AE LONG BEACH
BUILT AND MARKETED BY
tel. +66 (0)899085990 krabi@exotiqrealestate.com www.exotiqrealestate.com
KLONG KONG BEACH
to Lanta Old Town & eastern islands
SUNRISE CREEK VILLA PROJECT
Oscar Shopping Oscar Apartments MAI KAEW CAVE
KLONG NIN BEACH
LANTA HOSPITAL
BAAN SANG-KA-U
KLONG HIN BEACH
BA KANTIANG BEACH
The Houben Resort Lanta Marine Park Resort Pimalai Resort
AO NUI BEACH KLONG JARK BEACH MAI PAI BEACH
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LANTA OLD TOWN
WATERFALL
Krabi Magazine
LANTA MARINE NATIONAL PARK
GEOGRAPHY The main island is 6km wide and over 30km long, located approximately 70km from Krabi Town. The island has 9 attractive white sandy beaches with splendid scenery; coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty of forest, coral reefs and underwater life. The geography of the island is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches, and rugged tree covered hills. A paved road runs along the beaches from the northern part of the island almost all the way to the southern tip. The last few kilometers leading to the headquarters of the Mu Koh Lanta National Park in the south are quite hilly and aren’t yet paved so can become quite tricky to negotiate if it rains. The landscape is dominated by a series of mountains covered with virgin rainforest.
CLIMATE Weather in the region is tropical - there are only two seasons: the hot season from January to April, and the rainy season from May to December. Temperatures during the year average 25C to 32C (77F to 89.6F) and the yearly rainfall averages 2568.5mm. Unlike in Europe, the rain in this region comes down heavily and quickly over short periods. Weather-wise, the best time to visit Koh Lanta is between the months of November to April when the area’s climate is less hot than usual. During this period the island gets a lot of dry North Easterly winds, so giving dry blue skies and starry nights. Down on the beaches one can enjoy nice sea breezes. From May to October the area gets a lot of rainfall, more on average than the rest of the country. During this period the island gets a lot of moist South Westerly winds, giving a mixture of dry and wet days. The sea stays at a warm 29C all year round. CULTURE Krabi and Koh Lanta are a melting pot of Buddhists, ThaiChinese, Muslims and sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. The area however does not suffer from any religious tension and the folks live in peace and harmony. Most of the folks speak with a thick Southern dialect, which is difficult even for other Thais to understand. With this kind of mixture, Krabi is always celebrating something be it part of Thai Buddhist, ThaiChinese or Thai-Islamic tradition. The unique lifestyle of the Chao-Le (sea-gypsy) in Koh Lanta particularly is well worth a witness, a life-style that has been almost completely unaffected by the booming tourism on the island.
BAN SALADAN - KOH LANTA - 086 2747358
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Health & Living Story & Photos : The Lanta Retreat
W
Private Retreats
hen the world seems to demand too much from you and you can’t take it no more. When you feel unsatisfied about your life and you need to find out why. When you need a powerful tool in your professional life in order to become more focused and thereby more successful. A private retreat might become an alternative for you. To retreat means to withdraw. Withdraw from the outside world to the inside world. You need to go away somewhere, preferably alone. You need to give yourself a period in quietness and introspection. To seek the answers within yourself in order to make the small changes in your existence that will make such a big difference in your quality of life. For one person a retreat can be a fishing trip up in the mountains in solitude for a period of time; for another it can be a trip to Koh Lanta. Retreat is devoting oneself totally to the world within during a period of time, getting the possibility to go deep within through the tools received in the meditation practice. The impact daily meditation and mindfulness practice has in a humans life is indescribable. The Lanta Retreat´s retreat concept is a combination of Astanga yoga for beginners, mindfulness practice and Thai massage. We have to begin with the body before we can conquer the mind. Because it is through the body we become successful in this battle. When we have gained control over the mind, the emotions, and the sensations through our mindfulness practice, we experience true happiness – being in the presence.
This article is provided by Annelie at The Retreat, located in Klong Dao Beach. Contact them for more information on 08 46751094 or check www.theretreatthailand.com
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Event Story by : Norm Flach Photos by : Nattaphat Sunthornpuriwat
Old Town Walking Festival S
ince the arrival of electrical power in 1996, followed by car ferry service, the west side of the island has seen the development of upscale hotels and resorts. The sandy beaches and off shore breezes on the west side attract most of the tourism on the island. However, visitors to Koh Lanta commonly take a trip to the east side to spend some time in Old Town. To encourage this trend, the residents of Old Town are starting a new ritual called “The Old Town Walking Festival”. The plan is to sponsor this event once a month. The main street of Old Town is blocked off to make it traffic free, allowing pedestrians the freedom to saunter down the middle of the street enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival.
Snuggled away on the east coast of Koh Lanta Yai is Old Town, a sleepy fishing village that has seen all of the stages of tourism since the first intrepid backpackers came to the island by boat in the late 1980
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The festival was launched on Saturday and Sunday of December 26 and 27, 2009. We drove across to Old Town on Sunday around 4:00 pm to check it out, and we are delighted that we did. Folks were busy setting up their stalls with everything you could imagine for sale: delicious local recipes at the food stalls, books, sunglasses, beach clothing, jewelry and much more. We started our evening with cold draft beer at “Frogs and Apples”, sitting on a low deck overlooking the ocean with islands and the mainland in the distance. We thank Jessica for the suggestion. Jessica was selling jewelry in front of Frogs and Apples; her friend Tak is the artist who creates the jewelry. They have the “Silver-Jewelry & Café” on the outskirts of Old Town, and Kuhn Tak is one of the local artisans who hope the Walking Festival will catch hold as a monthly tradition.
A slow walk down the strip resulted in the inevitable purchases with friendly bartering. I was delighted to find biographies of Bob Dylan and the Beatles! My wife Lory found a beautiful party dress that cries out, “We’re on vacation!” Fellow Canadians Ludo and Tammy were just starting their shopping and Tammy was thrilled with her new sandals. First time visitors Dany and Laylla from Sydney, Australia were quite taken with the atmosphere and history of Old Town. They loved the old architecture of the village. They also commented on the colorful costumes that the girls were wearing for the traditional dancing. Patrick and Teres from Sweden appreciated the way all the shop owners participate in the festival. The shops and restaurants are gaily decorated and the whole street is adorned with charming red lanterns. They and their children were looking forward to the upcoming Puppet Show! But lets talk about food! Our friends Harry and Jaunice picked out two delicacies from the many choices of the street vendors. One was fried chives, little veggie cakes, which are delicious with soya sauce. The second was a donut in the shape of fluffy tied ribbons, equally delicious. We can also highly recommend the ‘Fresh Restaurant’. Set on a deck over looking the water, the restaurant has an elegant atmosphere, but works for families as well. The Thai dishes that we ordered were delicious, and this is a good restaurant to order a generous glass of wine, red or white! All of the visitors that we talked to enjoyed the festival very much. Our good friend Khun Ying, who owns a souvenir and clothing shop in Old Town, tells us that her business was very good for the two-day event. All in all, we loved the Old Town Walking Festival. We encourage both visitors and locals to participate in this community celebration.
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KOH LANTA YAI NORTH
M
Y
Minivan Station
to Lanta Old Town
Sunday Market Costa Lanta Resort Laguna Beach Club Mike’s Collection Eden Bar&Dining
The Retreat Chaba Bungalows Maneelanta Lanta Island Resort Southern Lanta Resort Gafae Aroy
Phone +66 (0) 75 68 41 24-27 Fax +66 (0) 75 68 41 28
KLONG DAO BEACH
E-mail : info@lantaislandresort.com Website : www.lantaislandresort.com
Resort & Spa
• Room rates between 300-1,600 baht C excluding Christmas & New year holiday– AirM con minivan pick-up from Krabi, Trang and Phuket airport Y • 18 tropical architecture inspired bungalows with CM 2 modern bathrooms on 6,400 mt plot MY • Dive center, free sea kayaks & Wi-Fi internet access CY • Yoga & Spa CMY • Bar and restaurant • Sportive communal activities, volleyball field K • Laundry service, bicycle, motorbike and jeep rental service • Tour agent service: fishing tours, island tours & ticketing service
Thai Orchid Restaurant Lanta Car Rental SK Optik
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 Out to Lunch 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
Andaman Sunflower
Lanta Casuarina Resort Dive & Relax The Irish Embassy
PHRA AE LONG BEACH
White Flower Bajen Sports Hammerby Bar Lanta Castaway Resort Lantanian Center Andaman Sunflower Resort Red Snapper
Long Beach • Koh Lanta Yai Tel. 075 684668 Fax. 075 684900 www.andaman-sunflower.com
Relax Bay Resort
White Flower Apartments Bajen Steakhouse & Nintendo Wii Minigolf Opium Bar Lanta Garden Hill Faim de Loup
Retro Restaurant Lanta Loft
Lanta Sunset Living
ndaman sunflower.indd 1
C
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 Oscar Shopping The Frog Monella
BAN SALADAN
Elephant Trekking
4/23/08 11:42:21 PM
Sunrise Creek Villa Project
to Lanta Old Town & eastern islands
KLONG KONG BEACH FERRY TIMETABLE: to Koh Phi Phi 8am & 1pm to Ao Nang/Railay 8am & 1.30pm to Phuket 1.30pm to Koh Lipe 1.30pm
Chaw Ka Cher Resort
BUILT AND MARKETED BY
Saneh Villas LPH Kirikan LPH Klong Kon Villas
tel. +66 (0)899085990 krabi@exotiqrealestate.com www.exotiqrealestate.com
BUS TIMETABLE: to Krabi every hour 6am to 5pm to Trang every hour 8am to 3pm to Phuket every hour 7am to 4pm
AD Mike lantaTHOMAS.pdf
10/27/08
4:24:50 PM
MARKETS: Ban Saladan Sunday mornings Lanta Old Town Monday mornings Klong Nin Saturday mornings
Enjoy Thai tasty dishes European food Pizza & Pasta Indian food & BBQ Seafood
to south of the island
ar B n ing e d E Din &
KOH LANTA
M
Y
Y
MY
K
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
SPEEDBOAT & FISHING BOAT ALSO AVAILABLE
Fresh coffee and Swedish home-style cooking
A slice of Sweden for your taste buds
Klong Dao Beach, south of the entrance to Southern Lanta Resort
1/2 day sails full day sails overnight trips
Tel : 0811 017440, 0848 418270
www.lantasailing.com
ESCAPE CABIN FEB09+.pdf
1/19/09
2:06:43 PM
... escaping into the nature and seclusion Phra Ae, Koh Lanta TEL: +66 (0)8-4446-8909 FAX: +66 (0)75-684-240
stay@escape-cabins.com www.escape-cabins.com
C
M
Y
CM
Stylishly decorated cozy villas nestled
MY
in a peaceful and private setting
CY
In-room PC, LAN / Wi-Fi internet, satellite
CMY
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TV and DVD player Fine quality Belgian mattresses for your restful night every single day Never crowded swimming pool with panoramic view of lush tropical nature Single to family size, with or without kitchen, daily to monthly Visit our web for availability calendar
Real Estate - Architect Tips Story : Pierre-Yves Loriers
Much more than just a “second home” As more and more people choose Krabi as a place to build a second home, it is natural that they look to cover the costs of their property management, and generate a return on their investment, by offering it as a holiday rental to others who enjoy the area as much as themselves.
V
acation villas hold a certain appeal that even five star resorts cannot match; indeed many discerning travellers choose only to stay in this kind of property. Managed, wellappointed homes can offer all the facilities and services of a high end hotel (and often more!) but with the added luxury of privacy – allowing for total relaxation, knowing you will not have to sit next to that annoying family in the restaurant, or fight for a place on a pool lounger. For the owners, the benefits are also clear: a return of 60% of the nightly rack rate; flexible usage – dates of their visit are simply blocked out on the calendar as requested; plus the knowledge that their property is being professionally managed and cared for in their absence. As tailored holiday experiences become the norm, this segment of the travel market is growing rapidly: a survey by Thailand Property Report in December 2009 reported that “virtually every big villa [in the Andaman region] is rented throughout the peak season, and this is despite of a doubling in supply of finished villas since 2008” – and despite the overall 20% downturn in tourist numbers year on year. But the luxury sector is very particular: it is not sufficient simply to build a large house and swimming pool and put it up for rent. The ideal holiday villa will be designed as a future rental property from the outset. The architects and engineers at Ton Company, a local firm with many years of experience in the design, construction and management of such villas, will for example factor in essential elements such as adequate technology, power supply and owners’ storage facilities, as well as use their knowledge of what “works” for this market at the planning stage – all the while taking into account the owners’ own ideas of what would make their dream home. Construction can then be overseen in full by a dedicated project manager and foreman, with the owners being kept updated on progress via email reports and Skype. Once the villa is completed, the maintenance and marketing of the property can also be managed by the same company, ensuring both strong branding and a continuity of service that will benefit both the owners and the guests in the villa, as the team will literally know the house inside and out. “We feel we really are a ‘one stop shop’,” says Pierre-Yves Loriers, the managing director of Ton Company. “From finding a good plot of land all the way up to changing the sheets on the bed, the customer can deal with a single set of people, which allows us to build a strong relationship and really understand their needs over time.
For more information on the comprehensive villa design, construction and management services offered by Ton Company Ltd, please contact us at (075) 695633 or by email at: Ton@TonCompany.com. www.KrabiArchitect.com - www.TonCompany.com - www.KrabiVilla.com
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Protagonists
Give your home a touch of Thai hospitality A chat with Surinthorn Kunsiri (Kae), Villa Manager at Ton Company Ltd. Surinthorn Kunsiri (Kae) is the Villa Manager for all the properties administered by Ton Company Ltd. Originally from the north of Thailand, she gained customer service experience at a five star resort in Bangkok, before moving to Krabi 4 years ago. Her team of 8 handles all of the rentals, from the first customer enquiries to the care and service provided during their stay. “I take the bookings for all of our properties and, once confirmed, I start to build a relationship with the guests to see if they have any special requirements for their stay. Often they are only looking for some general travel advice; but we have also organised a particular wine to be flown in from Chiang Mai; or a returning customer favourite fruit and tea to be there when she arrives.” “The villa rates include airport transfer by luxury van so when the guests arrive at the property, my staff are there to provide a welcome drink and fruit. I will then introduce everyone, and give them a tour of the house – showing everything from how to work the remote control to the Jacuzzi.” “The guests are given a mobile phone so they can contact me for anything they need – and then they are left in peace! We will only disturb them for cleaning, which can be done at a time of their choice; or if they call us with a request, for example if they would like the free tuk-tuk service to take them down to the beach.” “Some guests also like us to organise breakfast for them, do grocery shopping, or provide a Thai chef to cook them dinner. This we can do, as well as any other service they may need – a massage by the pool, or tailor-made sight-seeing excursion, just like a five star hotel.” “One of the nicest things we have ever done is to organize a surprise birthday event, with all of the guests staying in different villas prior to the party. That was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. I really enjoy my job. I do often get strange requests - and at odd hours - but I like the challenge and most of all, I enjoy making people happy.”
For more information on Ton Company Ltd. management services please contact us during business hours at (075) 695633, Kae@TonCompany.com, www.KrabiVilla.com
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Property Search
Property investment abroad
S
ome people may have the idea of buying property abroad. This can come from many factors but for sure one the reasons to buy a property abroad in an emerging market has to be for an investment. In what way and how fast you can gain benefit from the property you have invested in depends pretty much on what are your ideas with this property. Are you going to use it a few months a year and the rest give it to a management company to rent it out? Or is it a total investment and you want to maximize your returns by renting it all the time, and after a few years sell it and capitalize? Now that you are in amazing Krabi, you can safely consider a property investment in Thailand, since the Krabi area is booming and developments are plenty, and chances to make a good profit are high. You may want to familiarize with the legal ownership structure before you purchase your property, and in this case it is best to be in the hands of a professional that can explain to you all the requirements and ways to go. Then drive around. Look for a place that can give you a feeling of “living in paradise”, one of the great selling point for families. Your investment is not only in the property but in your life too. You will have the chance to spend your wintertime under the sun; escaping to a beautiful country such as Thailand year after year. Keeping your property empty when you are not living there does not give a profit and still there are expenses to be paid. Maximize your returns by renting the property out, and wait to cash in on the property price increase. Your investment in Krabi is more than safe right now, prices still have not reached those of Phuket and the area is well known for its natural features and peaceful pace of life. Thinking that “property makes you money” is quite proper in this case, so what is your plan about property investment in Krabi? Share it with us at info@aonanglivingroom.com
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Property Search
www.aonanglivingroom.com krabi real estate made easy
Marketed by Exotiq Real Estate Agents nattapat@exotiqrealestate.com info@aonanglivingroom.com Tel. TH. 089 7727858, EN. 089 9085990
Property Review
Nice Nature Homes Thai-Balinese villas: affordable
luxury in Ao Nang
N
ice Nature Homes Project in Ao Nang, Krabi, is an exciting project designed to give you the opportunity to own one of 7 Luxury Detached Villas and 12 Luxury Semidetached Villas in tropical paradise. The project is conveniently located close to transport and amenities and is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, only 2 km from beaches and national parks. Phase 1 of this exclusive project consists of 7 detached villas, on plots of approximately 400 sqm each. These villas have been designed to allow for a comfortable living style, offering security and privacy while incorporating plenty of open space. The Thai-Balinese villas are being built and managed by C-Top Company and are being constructed using only the highest quality Grade A materials. The two story villas, with third floor roof terrace, boast an enviable usable living area floor space of 580 sqm. Quality features include four bedrooms + maid (spare bedroom) and four bathrooms. A spacious lounge, living/dining room with kitchen includes granite floors and granite bench tops. A separate entertainment room, private swimming pool and 3 sala (slate floor Gazebos) for enjoying spacious outdoor entertainment and relaxation, are surrounded by landscaped gardens. All living areas have been designed to give an ‘open plan’ feel, incorporating bi-fold doors to the outside areas, allowing ample opportunity to take in cool breezes, ventilation and panoramic views.
C-Top quality features also incorporate the use of granite floor covering in the separate entertainment room, Makha buri (highest quality) wooden floor in master bedroom and en-suite, teak wood doors and windows, and a fully insulated baked clay tile roof over steel roof frame. A private swimming pool with overflow filtration system allows for easy maintenance. Gated driveway for two car parking, combined with underground power and private security provided by C-Top Company for the first three years, all add up to giving you peace of mind as you relax and enjoy your own piece of paradise. A managed, serviced villas concept will be offered to investors who wish to rent out their property and maximize the return potential of their investment. Luxury Detached Villas are priced at 12 million thb, while Luxury Semidetached Villas start from 6 million thb pre-launch price.
Nice Nature Homes is marketed by Ao Nang Living Room. Contact us for further information on 089 7727858. For more details on the project, check www.ctopnaturehomes.com or visit our beach office opposite Best Western Ban Ao Nang Resort, nearby Beach Terrace Hotel. One villa is already completed and can be visited prior to appointment. Please contact us on 089 9085990 or email us at info@aonanglivingroom.com
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Thomas (+66) 089 9085990 : thomas@exotiqrealestate.com Ton (+66) 089 7727858 : Nattapat@exotiqrealestate.com krabi@exotiqrealestate.com
Construction Story by : The Lumyai Group Ld
Forming the Mould T
Formwork (n) – The structure of boards that make up a form for pouring concrete in construction
here must have been a mistake! This must be another example of the famous communication breakdown that I hear people referring to so often. No way on earth could all this neatly stacked, 6’’ to 8’’ face timber be necessary for our Job. It took the best part of the morning just to count the planks and then more arrived. This time it looked as if a young rubber sapling farm had been looted without the owner’s permission. A very high pile of small tree trunks stood in front of me, all of varying length and diameter, bark very much still attached on many. Looking at the calculations alongside the delivery order form though, all that had arrived was accounted for. That was a relief. For many of us, aspects of Thai building methods can seem a little dated and peculiar compared to that of western practices. It is all too common for me and I’m sure for many of you also, to stand watching them work, often wondering what it is they are actually trying to do and wondering - wouldn’t it be easier to do it another way. It can be frustrating to the onlooker at times. What must be taken into account though is the level of training the majority of the laborers’ and skilled tradesman have: very little if any at all. More often than not knowledge is handed down from generation to generation. Certain aspects of construction seem to be overlooked, a couple of these being waste and time management. That aside, once you have been around the way in which they do things here, like many things in Thailand, it begins to feel and seem like the norm. Carrying on, staring at the colossal amount of timber in front of my eyes, waste control certainly did spring to mind, that and concerns for the environment. What would be the use for all this wood after it had served its purpose? Maybe that summer retreat I have been dreaming about, but only in the form of a tree house! Last month we looked into the area of piling, this month it seems only practical that we look
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into the area that is formwork. Formwork or shuttering is the term given to either temporary or permanent moulds into which concrete or similar materials are poured. False work is the term given for the supports of the shuttering. Before we carry on please note that hired Engineered Steel formwork is becoming more widely available these days for use within Thailand. Formwork can be grouped into three main areas: traditional timber formwork (the focus of this article), engineered formwork and reusable plastic formwork. Typically, traditional timber formwork is prepared for use on-site. Built out of timber, plywood or moisture-resistant particleboard, though this practice is both time-consuming for the builder and the timber having a relatively short life span. It is still used extensively where labor costs are cheaper than that of procuring reusable wood. A benefit of using timber is that it’s flexible. Typically beam formwork consists of supports that consist of lumber or young tree trucks, these support rows of stringers assembled roughly half a meter apart, depending on the size of the beam. Between these stringers, joists are positioned approximately 30cm apart onto which the formwork for the beam is placed. The beam formwork of which is commonly used in Thailand is two boards of 6’’ and 8’’ planks nailed together. This varies depending on the beam size. Engineered formwork systems are the other alternative. This formwork is built out of prefabricated modules with a metal frame commonly steel or aluminum. The major advantages of this method are the speed in which it can be put together. Clips or pins hold the sections together and can be constructed in a fraction of the time timber can. Lower life cycle costs (barring major force the frame is almost indestructible) also can be a major benefit. If treated with care and repaired when needed, they can last for up to two thousand uses.
This article was supplied by The Lumyai group Ltd, a Development and Construction company based in Krabi. For all your Construction and Home renovation needs please contact our English speaking team for your free quote and any advice required. Please visit our web-site www.lumyaihomes.com to view our latest project.
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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
Buyer’s Guide
Exotiq Real Estate Krabi A
s the world’s property values continue their downward spiral as a result of the global financial crisis, Krabi continues to buck the trend with demand higher than ever for a piece of the tropical real estate action. Krabi real estate is very much a buoyant cash market with very few mortgages and financing options available, which means no risk of foreclosure or unnecessary fire sales. This has created a solid platform that leads to continued appreciation in financial investment. For a full comprehensive list of the many hundreds of Exotiq property listings please visit www.exotiqrealestate.com Exotiq Real Estate office is proud to introduce their Thai representative, Khun Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat (Ton). After a certificate in architecture, Ton graduated with a degree major in Science and Industrial Education at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang before specializing in his passion, product design & graphic design. He is also an excellent photographer and is the proud creator of many brochures and magazines. Ton has now taken on a new challenge with Exotiq Real Estate Krabi office to compliment his many years of expertise in the local real estate sector. He is a specialist on dealing with local owners and government agencies. Contact Ton on nattapat@exotiqrealestate. com , or on 089 7727858. For all your real estate and legal needs in Krabi, visit Exotiq Real Estate Krabi at the main office located in Klong Haeng, on the way out of Ao Nang 500 mt past the Cobra Show to the left, or drop by in their beach office in Ao Nang, opposite the Italian Restaurant La Luna. Alternatively, contact them on 075 661144, or on 089 7727858 (TH) or 089 9085990 (EN).
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Thomas (+66) 089 9085990 : thomas@exotiqrealestate.com Ton (+66) 089 7727858 : Nattapat@exotiqrealestate.com krabi@exotiqrealestate.com
Attico 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.aonanglivingroom.com Email: aonanglivingroomsales@gmail.com
Property Review
Krabi Sunset Exclusive Villas
Best Beachfront Deal Ever at only 6.9 Millions Baht
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his is your chance to have a second home right on the beach with the best value from Krabi Sunset, developer of some of the finest properties in Krabi. Exclusive Villas is Krabi Sunset’s best deal ever thanks to the exceptional quality of building and design and the proximity to the beach, and it is their best project since 2005. Haad Yao (or Long Beach) is located on the west side of Thailand, on the Andaman Sea, south of Krabi Town, only 25 minutes from Krabi International Airport and 15 minutes from Pakasai Golf Course. This is a beach area that offers you a quiet, peaceful environment, perfect for those who are seeking for real relaxation. Haad Yao (or Long Beach) is several kilometers long (hence the area name), easily accessible by government road, with no beach chairs or street sellers, no massage parlors or pestering souvenir sellers. This is a relatively new and undeveloped travel destination with only a few resorts, local bungalows and restaurants along the beachfront. Often it is only you, the sun and the sea. A fisherman village is nearby, and from Haad Yao you can take a traditional longtail boat to visit charming Koh Si Boya or Koh Jum islands, only minutes away.
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Krabi Sunset Exclusive Villas project offer 8 beautifully designed units with a communal pool; as the name implies, these villas will be private and exclusive, each 95 sqm built unit consisting of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, fully fitted pantry with European branded hood, hob, 2-door refrigerator, laundry, storage, and a large terrace complete with a fish pond. From each of the villas it is only a few steps to the beach, with a direct pathway access. The show house is being constructed and will be ready by May 2010.
Krabi Sunset offers a range of condo apartments and luxury beachfront villas with private pools. The developer is committed to develop Haad Yao into a good community residential area. Putting yourself in their hands will mean growth for your investment thanks to their achievements and experience. Engchuan Enterprise Limited Partnership is the onsite project management firm that makes sure your dream home is build and managed with your convenience and safety in mind: gated access with 24 house on site security, garbage removal, pest control, gardening, housekeeping as well as villa rental program are all part of the services offered by them. The completion of Exclusive Villas project is estimated to be in May 2011.
FACT FILE To reach Haad Yao with private transport, you need to drive towards Nuaklong district, where all business centre are: Tesco Lotus, Big C, Krabi International Airport, pharmacies, Nuaklong Hospital, various Thai banks and big fresh market. Nuaklong District also has a Thai Temple and a Chinese Temple, so there is a mix of local Chinese and Thai food to explore. At the Nuaklong main intersection, turn right and follow the signs to Haad Yao. To rent some of Krabi Sunset Villas and get a feel of the area, you can visit www.krabiholidayrental.com or email: krister@krabisunset.com - There is a restaurant/cafĂŠ inside Krabi Sunset Village for good European and Thai food, fresh brewed coffee and cakes. For more information check www.morannas. com - To contact Krabi Sunset regarding this project, check on www.krabisunset. com or contact info@aonanglivingroom.com - 089 9085990 for viewings.
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www.krabisunset.com
Villas, Homes, Apartments Properties to suit all budgets o Beachfront locations with 180 views Located in Had Yao, 20 min to Krabi Airport
www.aonanglivingroom.com krabi real estate made easy
Marketed by Exotiq Real Estate Agents nattapat@exotiqrealestate.com info@aonanglivingroom.com tel. 089 7727858
Nong Thale River Residence
For Sale
NTL le
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a rS
Fo
Modern minimalistic Villa Ao Nang “baan Will”
Nong Thale River Residence
experience the difference 16 Luxury tropical houses on spacious plots Surrounded by beautiful mountains and a lovely river, just 10 minutes from Ao Nang beach Visit the project site in Nong Thale, on the road to Klong Muang, 350 m. of the junction with the 4034, the road to Krabi
Development
NTL 300
บรีษัท กมล๊อต จำกัต
Klong Muang
info@kamalot-ltd.com
www.kamalot-ltd.com
/
www.globe-investments.com
T. 0818940675
RR
Nong Thale 350 m
Krabi
Kamalot Co. Land Ltd. &
Know the Law Story : Thanee and Associates Law Firm
Thai Law
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he current legal system has its origins during the reign of King Rama V, or King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910), with the abolishment of slavery (1905), establishment of government ministries, enabling of legal representation (1881), abolition of trial by ordeal (1888), codification of early Thai law, enactment of the Thai Penal Code (1908) and the establishment of law schools, overseen by his fourteenth son Prince Rapee Pattanasak the Prince of Ratchaburi (Than-Rapee), in 1897. Than-Rapee is considered the father of the modern Thai legal system, and introduced Thailand to the common law legal system. Thai law was further modernized by reforms made by King Rama IV or King Vajiravudh (1910-1925) who aimed to make Thai law consistent with other legal systems. This included changing from common law to civil law in 1924. King Rama VII or King Prajadhipok (1925-1935) made further reforms, replacing the absolute monarchy with a constitutional monarchy by accepting the first constitution in 1932. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW The Constitution of Thailand is the supreme law of Thailand, which prevails over other laws passed by parliament. The 2007 Constitution of Thailand is the most recent constitution. The Constitutional Court of Thailand has jurisdiction to make rulings over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding political parties.
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CRIMINAL LAW Criminal offences (that can lead to arrest and imprisonment) are enumerated in the Thai Penal Code (or Criminal Code) as well as numerous other statutes. Criminal procedures are outlined in the Criminal Procedure Code. Drug offences are dealt with by several statutes. The Narcotics Act BE 2522 (AD 1979) defines narcotics, classifies them into categories, details offences and outlines punishments. Penalties for producing, importing or exporting narcotics are outlined in sections 65 to 102 (Chapter 12) and include fines, life imprisonment or death. Other narcotics laws include the Psychotropic Substances Act BE 2518 (AD 1975) and the Narcotics Control Act BE 2519 (AD 1976). The offence of Lese majeste is found in the Criminal Code. Article 112 states that “Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished (with) imprisonment of three to fifteen years�.
TREE INTERIOR Co.,Ltd Tel.089-7727858,086-3106299 e-mail : tonidesign@gmail.com, tree_interior@yahoo.co.th
Astroflash by Cyril - psychological astrologer
The sign of Aquarius
For those born in February
“Divine Astrology is the energy of the north and south nodes of the moon, referred to as the Head and Tail of the Dragon”. This formula does not reflect the modern astrology disciplines you may use, study, or practice. For those born on the cusp of any zodiac sign, simply refer to the month of your birth, which reflects the exact constellation of your nativity. Divine Astrology, as practiced by Nostradamus, is the original way at looking and dealing with the stars correctly. “The location of the head and tail of the dragon in your chart in different signs of the zodiac will make you understand the Dragon’s power”.
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he planet Uranus rules the sign of Aquarius and governs the month of February. You are one of the most original people walking on this earth and Aquarius has produced many eccentric people and great inventors. Uranus rules the future and the incredible UFO phenomenon. It commands all celestial knowledge particularly the old science of astrology. You are blessed with curious stars and you attracted to science, research, electronics, psychology, the police force. Aquarius rules aeronautics, avionics, television the Internet and advanced computers. The option to reach fame and fortune is a high probability during the course of your life if you service the world in an advanced and original way. Strong and fixed, you have inherited from the stars an accurate intuition, a tremendous common sense, ingenuity and a powerful will. Planning will become a major contribution for your happiness and success. Yet you must learn to listen to others and participate in conversations with equality. Even when the ideas being presented are not of your own making much knowledge can be learned. Lend your full ear and do not race ahead with only thoughts of what you need to say. Those born in February must also learn to positively direct Uranus’ innovative mental power for the improvement and well being of the world. Acting with eccentricity without forethought is a sure downfall for you. Your idealistic views are legendary and your mission is to promote Universal knowledge and Universal Brotherhood. You will benefit from the opportunity to use the latest of all technological arsenals to fulfill your unselfish wishes for mankind. You can handle the difficulties of life with a smile and transcend setback by using celestial knowledge to your benefit. The women of this sign are original, independent, beautiful, and intellectual and make a good use of their incredible magnetic sexuality to reach their purposes. As a rule, women born in February produce extraordinary intelligent children or twins. You are strongly advised not to eat when upset, in the astromedical aspect those born in February could have an over sensitive stomach.
Cyril is a psychological astrologer; he exercises Nostradamus’ 16th-Century Divine Astrology method. To order your dragon profile with your natal report, forecast & progression report, compatibility report, relocation astrology report or astro-mapping report, please contact Cyril via email at astrobycyril@yahoo.com
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