On the traces of Leonardo Di Caprio and a quest for THE Beach, we stopped in Krabi, Thailand, port of departure for Phi Phi Island. Guess what? We didn't find what we are looking for. Isolation is a definitely lost concept in Thailand.
|
|
We reached Krabi after an entire day of travelling on the back of a mini-van. Surprisingly, Thais seem more disciplined on the road than Malaysians. However, some constants remain: The helmet is non-existant on motorcyclists' head, pedestrians never have priority, and... why sit seven passengers in a 7-passenger mini-van when 12 can fit with a little push? Krabi is a cute small waterfront town with promising restaurants, inviting bars and comfortable guesthouses. As it is the departure point for Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, and other places of interest, it has a lot of souvenir shops and sellers, so if you are looking for THE Beach, it's not here you'll find it! As a famous travel guide mentions, Krabi has excellent beaches of it's own. We headed for AO NANG, the most famous of all. After a-hour wait for a taxi, we finally climbed on a tuktuk in direction of the beach. Twenty minutes later, our biceps bursting with lactic acid from holding tight to the cab, the driver dropped us at Ao Nang beach. Since the beginning of my trip, I had met all kinds of people praising Thailand as if it was Mecca. Well, let me tell you this: Thailand is not SO cheap, people there are not SO friendly, and the food is AS good AS in Malaysia. In other words, I wasn't too impressed with Thailand. That was before stepping on Ao Nang.
|
|
| Favourite spots: |
|
Ao Nang Beach. The water is blue-green as it can only be seen in the Greek Islands. The horizon line is breathtaking, shaped by numerous small rock formations, inspiring and fantomatic refuges. Facing the sea is an immense wall of rock, home of soaring sea eagles. Unfortunately, there is a stain on this ideallic tableau: the strip of sand is polluted with well-done, and sometimes overly-cooked, pieces of white meat drying on beach mats and towels. Tourists are everywhere!!!
|
|
| What's really great: |
|
Hiding from the sun under the large palm trees of The Last Kafe on Ao Nang savouring a cold beer.
|
|
| Accommodations: |
|
There are several cheap yet comfortable guesthouses in Krabi town.
|
|
| Hangouts: |
|
The Last Kafe on Ao Nang, of course!
|
|
| Restaurants: |
|
Restaurants??? Indulge in succulent thai food at the night market along the riverside.
|
|
Published on Tuesday June 1th, 2004
|
|
Publish on Facebook
|
Wed, Jun 02 2004 - 05:02 AM
 by kathmandukitten
| Fantastic report! I agree with you too, Thailand is said by many to be the best place in the world but... well... it's not is it? As you so delicately point out though it DOES have little pockets of beauty that have you vowing to stay there forever! Thanks for you report |
Tue, Jun 01 2004 - 04:22 AM
 by mayaehrsam
I was 3 years ago also in Thailand for half a year and in Krabi i had the same ideas about rhis Island. Kind regards
Maya |
Tue, Jun 01 2004 - 02:57 AM
by britman
Alex Garland (Author of "The Beach") spent six months living in the Philippines. Much of that experience was incorporated into "The Beach," which he purposefully set in Thailand. "That's because Thailand is more of a Mecca for a certain kind of travel, the kind of backpackers in the book," he explained. "I wanted to write a certain kind of book about travel." He was inspired principally by the Ang Thong National Marine Park off Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thiland. Although the actual film included locations around the Phi Phi Islands. Try Koh Samai, Ang Thong, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan for that "Beach" feeling.
Chok Dee Kap - "Good Luck" Britman
|
| Information: |
| Login if you are a member, or sign up for a free membership to rate this report and to earn globo points! |
|
| Indonesia |
|
|
 |
| Malaysia |
|
|
|
| Thailand |
|
|
|
|
