Krabi Trip

During the period between January to March 2014, I was so busy with my business trips and wedding preparation to a stage that I can't even remember my fiancée's name anymore.

 

That's when we think that we deserved a break, out of this country.

 

The original plan (including tickets and accommodation) to Bangkok and Hua Hin has been abandoned due to the mass riot in the city center. So, we decided to go slightly further, to Krabi island. (as we think the protestor wouldn't be so free to ride a boat and staging their demonstration over in this island).

 

Even if they come here, I would be well prepared to welcome them over here.



 

(Waiting and waiting, but apparently they never came)

Me and my fiancée always fancy and appreciate the beaches and the sun. As Air Asia has a one hour direct flight to this island, so we think that this would be a better choice. More relax, and yes, the beaches and the sun.

Hotel accommodation will always be the first thing that came to our mind. We really didn't mind small hotels, but since this is considered as our "first honeymoon" trip, we intend to do better.

So after hours and hours of research (and arguments), we finally decided with Mercure Krabi Deevana.

The price isn't cheap to be honest, but we are lucky in the sense that in term of what we are getting for almost RM500 per night stay (with buy 3 free 1 night promotional rate), it is definitely worth the value for money.

From our room, we have the direct access to the swimming pool. It would be perfect for the month of April 2014 when the water rationing was enforced and imagine that if I were to have the pool right next to my bedroom, all I need to di is just putting on my shampoo and jump into it right away.

Unfortunately we can't do that here.

The bedroom was so comfy. I must admit that I have a really good night sleep in this bed that I even considered to carry this bed along with me back to Malaysia.

Unfortunately, we can't do that either.

The outside view of the hotel from our room.

Of course when you come to Krabi, you wouldn't want to miss the island hopping activities. As a rough guide, a trip for entire day to four island can go as low as 750 Bath per head during the low season and 1500 Bath per person during the peak season.

It will also well depend on your negotiation skill. Rule of thumb, 50% discount on whatever they offered. The locals told me an interesting fact. If your price is a definite "No-No", they tend to tell you this - "See you tomorrow". That's when you know you should give in and pay the price.

If you are worried about the transportation, take this.

A small bike like this would probably set you back around 250 Bath per day of usage. But a lot of people didn't know about some facts about renting a bike from the shop.

1. You can actually pass them your driving license instead of your international passport for their safekeeping. Losing a license is OK. But Losing and international travelling passports, it is NOT OK.

2. You can actually ignore the helmet if you think it looks funny on you, but basically not wearing it is OK as according to the locals, the police "just don't do anything". But bear in mind that I is your safety that is the concern. So wear it like I do.

3. If any damages happened on the bike/get stolen, you HAVE TO PAY. It is NOT covered by any forms of insurance. Means if you lose a bike, prepare to fork our 60,000 Bath to replace a new one for them.

Activities in Krabi ranges from water sport, land activity and tour. So on the first day, we went for island hopping.

(Not really...Hopping)

Snorkelling.

 

 

This kind of island hopping trip normally includes transports, snorkelling sets and lunch. Make sure everything is included and written down in the receipts.

 

To be honest, if compared to Boracay island in Phillipines, it is like comparing between a mineral water and "teh tarik". Krabi is the latter.

 

The Krabi "teh tarik".

 



The Boracay one.

 

 

So judge yourself.

 

Definitely will go back to Boracay again one day.

 

 

The town itself where we stay, which is Ao Nang, may not be as lively as Phuket and Boracay. Which is quite a disappointment to be honest.

 

We have nothing much to shop and we ended up doing this.

 

Well, another disappointment as the kart is not well maintained and I have a feeling of riding a fighting bull instead of a Go Kart.

For dining experiences, we can recommend two romantic place to go.

Lae Lay Grill

A restaurant where you can enjoy nice and affordable seafoods and drinks while appreciating the view over the island.

Then its neighbour (Walking distance) from Lae Lay grill would be the Hilltop.

Almost the same concept.

Wine and Dine here would probably cost 2000 Bath for a nice and fulfilling meal. Once in a while wouldn't hurt isn't it.

Note that they did provide transportation from your hotel to the dining place for free of charge. (Of course include the return trip).

All you need to do is just ask your hotel to make a reservation for you and all you need to do is just dress up and wait for the pick up.

Even though you can ride a bike to the place, it is not really recommended as there hill can be steep and come with lots of potholes.

So this pretty much sum up our 4 days 3 night trips. Some of our free time we spent on drinking beers and wine in the pool next to ur bedroom.

Out of 10, let me rate my holiday as a summary. (1-Bad...10-Excellent)

Accommodation: 9.5/10 (Nothing is perfect)
Foods                 : 8/10
Water activities  : 6/10 (Again, should go Boracay)
Town                  : 4/10 (Boring town)

Hope this post can roughly give you, especially the first timers to Krabi a little bit of insight.

Apart from the fact it is a honeymoon trip, I should say Boracay island is much better.

My best bet is I think my wife would agree too!