Totally relaxed and recharged! 6 days away from this buzzing city, doing absolutely nothing except enjoying! I personally am glad this trip turned out better than expected. Maybe because nothing was planned, and we just did whatever we felt like doing on that day.
We took the noon flight to Krabi (only 1 1/2hr from Singapore), after which, we took a car charter and a speed boat across to our first destination - Koh Lanta.
We manage to book a villa at a discount 50% off (really last minute - only 2 days before our departure!), only costing us $180/night for a 2 bedroom villa. And it all comes with a private pool, huge spacious living and dining room. We all fell in love with it the moment we stepped into our "home". <3
Alanta Villa - only lovely home for the 3 days we spent at Koh Lanta. We initially planned for 2 nights only, but extended another night because of the lovely environment and people there.
2nd day of our trip was spent island hopping. We manage to book for a day trip to Phi Phi island, Monkey Island and another 2 more islands for 1,200baht per pax, which includes hotel pickup and lunch. I thought it was relatively reasonable since lunch was included. Our day started at 8am, only ending at 4pm. So,we still had time to relax and take a nap back at our villa before dinner!
I went into panic mode while trying to fit my snorkelling gear in the water, and so I swam to shore instead of the boat, which was the greatest mistake! Worse of all, I didn't have life jacket on, and I was choking on sea water while trying to breathe through my gear. Took me more than 10 minutes to recover from the shock and struggle to swim back to the boat. Got back to the boat, took off the flippers and headed back into the water for another try. Was amazing how crystal clear the water was!
After 4 days in Koh Lanta, we headed over to Krabi. We decided to stay around Ao Nang beach area, lodging at Areetara Resort. It is located about 10minutes walk from the city town. Reckon it was a good location - near the city centre, yet far enough to be away from the crowd.
What is coming to Thailand without Thai Ice Tea! It was sooo good, we regretted not getting more.
What's good about Krabi, is that there is food everywhere. There's alot of street hawkers located along the roads, selling BBQ food, pancakes, Thai cooked food etc. You will be spoiled for choices! A must try is the thai pancakes - something like our Roti Prata, but with toppings like chocolate, banana etc. I recommend trying the plain pancakes. It is served with sugar and condensed milk. Totally heavenly!
Pad Thai - a basic dish you must have in Thailand!
And of course, the essentials in Thailand - Massage, Manicure and Haircut!
Our 2nd last day was spent at Phrae Nang beach - about 15minutes boat ride from Ao Nang. I personally like this beach alot. White soft sandy beach, crystal clear water and interesting stone caves to swim around. And if you are tall enough, you can actually walk around it! We only paid 200baht for a return trip, and cause there is no time limit, you can go there as early as possible, and catch the last "shuttle" service at 6pm.
Krabi would be a nice place just to relax, slightly better than Phuket, as it's less commercialised. But then of course, except a handful of touristy shops and people trying hard to sell their products. Had a good holiday, now it's time to work hard and prepare for Christmas, New Year and the Lunar New Year!
xoxo,
Jade