We are going on this trip during the winter months, when it goes to Krabi instead of to the beach bungalows on Koh Pha Ngan (which sound much better and are described much more fully by Im Trav) - the guide books are not flattering about Krabi so we are thinking of booking ourselves in somewhere else for those days.
Has anyone been on the trip including Krabi? What is it really like?
Thanks,
Jo
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
We are also doing this trip during winter (Dec to be precise). I too shared your concerns about Krabi. However, a friend of a friend has visited and said the scenery is stunning, and having seen the photos in the latest version of Lonely Planet, I would have to agree. Hopefully it will live up to our expectations [img]http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for the info. A friend of mine said that Krabi town was very uninspiring, but I guess if we can get away from there into the surrounding areas it will be fine. I hope we are not staying in the town - I really like the idea of the beach bungalows on the other itinerary and apparently there are places close to Krabi where you can stay on the beach - so maybe we can abandon the tour and go and find somewhere better!
Are you on the same tour as us? I don't remember the exact departure date, but we are going to be in Krabi at Christmas.
Jo
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Our tour starts on 5th Dec, so we will be in Krabi around the 8th to 10th Dec. It sounds like you may be going on the next tour. Shame, it would have been nice to get to know someone before going. If I can get to an internet cafe along the way, I will let you know !
Sarah
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Thanks, Sarah - I'll keep an eye out for your message and hope you have a great time!
Jo
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
I'm in Thailand at the mo and having a great time on the Wilderness Adventure, when we hit Krabi Provence were staying in Au Nang a beach resort near Krabi
Martyn Baker
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Hi guys
Could you please let me know how you get on in Krabbi, whether you like it or not and whether you managed to find any beach huts as i too am planning a tour that will go to Krabi rather than Kho Pah Ngan.
Hope you all have an amazing time and that Krabi pleasantly surprises us all!
Thanks
Ciaran
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
hello,
just finished a tour and spent 2 days in Ao Nang, Krabi. It's not the best place (fair bit of construction work going on) but Railey Beach is fab (with good straight off the beach snorkelling) and there are plenty of tours to go and see other places like Phang Nga (James Bond Island), Phi Phi (The Beach) and various other island spotting/snorkelling trips.
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Lee, i'm with you on your reply, I'm in East Railey as I write this, I just jumped on the water taxi and headed over without and accomodation and found somewhere straight awat (By the way anyone staying a little longer check out Railey, I'm lovin every minute of it). I've just watched the best sunset I've seen in a long time down on West Railey
Unfortunatly I go home on Wed
See you all soon
Martyn
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Thanks for all the info everyone. I started this topic a while back and feel much better about it all now. I am currently in Laos and looking forward to getting back to the sea. Might ditch Ao Nang and find somewhere better since we have 3 nights there (thanks for the tip about Railey, Martyn).
Happy travelling
Jo
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Was in Krabi about three weeks ago.
It is currently under heavy construction but there are some nice bars and restaurants. My advice would be to work out ways to get out of Krabi for the day - go sea Kiaking, snorkeling or go visit the local islands. A short walk gets you to one of the other beaches (the main beach acts like a taxi rank for boats).
It's a thousand times more pleasant than Phuket!
Stew
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Krabi is a fine place to spend a few days. The best place to stay is Ao Nang. I suggest the Phra Nang Inn, it is a great hotel right on the beach. I discovered Ao Nang 10 years ago and have been back many times. I am surprised to read disparaging comments about Krabi !!
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Hi Somtam,
When was the last time you was in Ao Nang, I was there at the end of the Wilderness Adventure trip around 21st November and there doiing a bit of construction on the promenade there as Lee & Stew menitoned
Martyn
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Just got back a few days ago from Krabi. Found this to be the only dissapointing part of the wilderness tour. More "farang" the thai people, overpriced shopping (with nothing great to buy anyway, and way too hustle bustle. The raft house area had far more majestic limestone Karsts. Also a dumpy moldy hotel room with a small fan. It is a shame it has changed so much over the years.
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Well, I just got back from this tour. I liked Ao Nang, the town was fun after being out in the wilds of Laos and Cambodia for a few weeks and is a good jumping off point for lots of other activities like diving, kayaking (highly recommended - scenery is stunning) and rock climbing.
I have to admit that I took one look at the ImTrav "beach bungalows" and went and found somewhere better to stay. They were concrete blocks a good walk out of town. The description "beach bungalow" is stretching the imagination of even the keenest marketing person.
But otherwise had a wonderful time there - take it for what it is, a beach resort with beautiful scenery and some fun nightlife, but not so developed that you forget where you are.
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Jo,
Thanks for the advice and forwarning on this detail and for the advice about the cambodian visa on the other forum. You mention that Ao Nang is a great place to go diving, did you see many companies offering diving trips whilst you were there and if so did you see how much they were? as I think that having a few days on a live aboard dive boat could be my preffered option.
Glad to see you had a great time
Dan
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Don't dive myself but yes there were several dive companies offering tours in many languages. Your guide can probably tell you which ones are reputable.
I agree with Jo on the "beach Bungalow", not even close. Im Trav needs to find a different place.
ENJOY
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Thanks for your comments Dan & Cote.
Re the diving, I didn't dive myself but someone else on my tour did, an experienced diver, and he enjoyed it. It cost about US$60 for an afternoon, so not cheap. He saw lots of fish including different varieties of moray eels and a shark. I went snorkelling on the "4 island tour" and saw more fish in that one afternoon than I did in two weeks in the Caribbean. I live in Bermuda so am used to seeing tropical fish, but this was still impressive. So, go for it!
Re: Bangkok to Singapore - Krabi
Thanks for that guys I'll pack my snorkel and mask