Thailand - Week 4
Krabi Province
After the hustle and bustle of the city, we were ready to relax. From Bangkok, we took a short inexpensive flight to the province of Krabi, Thailand where I spent my last week in Thailand.
Positioned on Phra Nang Peninsula on the Adaman Sea, Krabi is home to some of the most beautiful water and beaches in the world. We chose to stay at Railay Village Resort on Railay Beach as it is home to four popular beaches that can be explored by foot. It is also a good place to do a little island hopping by boat from there.
Side note: Railay is only accessible by boat(a real adventure). A long-tail boat taxi from Ao Nang will carry you there. Along the way, you will witness surreal limestone boulders jutting from the sea as you sail through the most beautiful emerald water. Upon arriving, you are greeted with a postcard worthy beach presentation as you wade through the shallow lagoon water to land.
Railay Beach
The picturesque Railay consists of four beach areas: Tonsai Beach(known for rock climbing), Railay West Beach(where you will want to stay), Railay East (known for night life) and the famous Ao Phra Nang Beach. It is also home to the exclusive Rayavadee resort which is perfection if you want to splurge(known to host celebrities). Unlike Phuket, Railay has a laid-back beachy-boho feel and is the perfect spot for relaxing. The villa, pools and spa at Railay Village Resort are very nice and a very affordable price.
Railay Village Resort
If you tire of spa treatments and lounging by the pool or beach, try exploring the peninsula. There are lush tropical jungle trails and interesting caves to explore and many monkeys to watch along the way. Many enjoy rock climbing the craggy limestone cliffs of Tonsai or kayaking around the lagoon. While discovering the caves and hidden spots, definitely spend a day at Phra Nang Beach. Check out Princess Cave and swim under stalactites. If you get hungry, there are food boats dock along the beach area or dine at The Grotto for a special treat.
From Railay, it easy to schedule a day of island hopping by speedboat. There are many secret islands in the area that are only accessible by boat so I highly recommend taking an excursion. My tour included the famous Phi Phi Islands along with Poda, Tup, Chicken and Hong Island. One of the Phi Phi Islands, Ko Phi Pi Le was the location for the Leonardo Di Caprio film, The Beach. You might recognize the location below(a lagoon between the two giant boulders). The emerald- turquoise color of the water is unlike any other I have seen.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” - Jacques Yves Cousteau.
These words were never more true.
As the sunset on my last week in Thailand, I recounted the adventure of a lifetime that I had just taken. It is one that I will never forget. From the mountains to the sea, Thailand offers so many treasure to discover. It was definitely a bucket list destination for me but I would love to return again some day. Until then, sawadee-ka and khaawp kuhn-ka(thank you) Thailand. You left a mark on me that I still carry today.
I hope you have enjoyed taking this journey with me. Thailand is definitely a place where wanderlust dreams come true. What are your bucket list destinations? Where do you plan to go as soon as it is safe to travel? Let’s plan together!
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