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Published: February 21st 2014
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We flew Thai Airways from Chaing Mai to Bangkok and on to Krabi, where we got an airport shuttle to bring us to Ao Nang ($4.50). I couldn’t help but notice that our flight looked as though it was headed to Iraq, at least half the passengers dressed as Muslims. Krabi province is predominantly Muslim, and is one of the last safe places to go as you head south closer to the predominantly Muslim country of Mayalsia. There have been several terrorist bombings in recent years south of here in Thailand. I opted for this area over Phuket after hearing that the partying and crowds were a bit more laid back, and the beaches less crowded.
Ao Nang is a beach town along the eastern coast of Thailand along the Adaman Sea. Krabi Province is famous for its limestone cliffs and karst islands that dot the coastline.
We quickly found a hotel, The Ao Nang Sunset ($30), even though it is high season and the town is small. We were told that there were no accommodations that could be found for under $30 near the beach and would have to go inland a few kms, but I managed to bargain a windowless concrete
cell 150 ft. from the beach in a 5 star hotel and negotiated free breakfast buffets as well. Who stays in their room when they are on the beach in Thailand anyway? Running water to wash the salt off and a mat on the floor are our only requirements.
We dropped our bags and headed directly to the beach and jumped into the water that was at 82 degrees. We swam up and down the beach admiring the craggy limestone cliffs along the coast, and the dozen or so islands of varying sizes in the horizon.
We walked down the beach where the hotels and shops ended and just gave way to jungle. There were dozens of monkeys along the beach digging in the sand, jumping from the rocks and begging from tourists. We saw several monkeys sitting on people’s shoulders, and not acting aggressively. Perhaps tomorrow we will have to return with some bananas, get bit and contract Rabies.
I sought out a traditional Thai massage ($6), which felt similar to the Khmer with its mixture of pleasure and pain as the masseur crawls all over you stretching your legs behind you and over you as they press their knees and elbows
into your pressure points. I realized that in SE Asia I could be massaged for a 10 hr. day for the same price it costs for 1 hour massage at home, I believe we have found our retirement location!
While I was being massaged Dennis sat next door listening to an amazing one man reggae band singing numerous Bob Marley songs and drinking Chang beer. I always find it amusing that no matter what beach you go to in the world there are dreadlocks, Jamaican accents and Bob Marley songs. We stayed up until after midnight, a first for us during this trip!
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Sharon Lee
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What gorgeous beaches and incredibly warm water!! The ladyboys are beautiful - ugh!!!! Have fun, stay safe, can\'t wait til you\'re in the good ole USA! Love, Mombie