Thailand KRABI
Chill out
For those who want the offshore attractions of Phuket’s southern tip but the feel of a lower key resort, Krabi is the answer
Mercure Krabi Deevana This brand new hotel from Accor’s mid-range brand is ten minutes’ walk from the beach, shopping and restaurants in Ao Nang. There are 213 guestrooms with balconies, some with direct pool access, a kids’ club and meeting rooms.
www.accorhotels.com
Vogue Resort & Spa Part of OAM hotels, a sister brand to Amari, this 78-room resort at Ao Nang, set within gardens on a hillside, enjoys panoramic views. There’s a spa, choice of restaurants and babysitting service. Three-night packages with perks including dinner and a massage are available until April 15 2012 with 20% discount for extra nights.
www.oamhotels.com
Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton Reserve This relative newcomer was featured as the wedding venue in the film Hangover II. The large property which features stunning villas, is away from the resort centre. A 24-hour butler service is available and various different yoga classes, including by candlelight. Wedding packages can include a
picnic tour to Hong island, ‘his ‘n hers’ spa treatments and a room upgrade.
www.phulaybay.com
Krabi shares Phang Nga bay with Phuket so most of the same limestone islands are offered on day trips. It’s also nearer Koh Lanta, a favourite for a chilled out retreat. Ao Nang is the key departure point
for excursions by longtail boat and is where you’ll find most hotels, restaurants and bars. Most tourists in search of a prettier beach will take a longtail to nearby Railay or spend the day hopping the islands which form a scenic backdrop to the bay. There’s plenty in Krabi for kids and
adults with ants in their pants. There’s kayaking by sea or through mangroves and caves, and forest trails to waterfalls and hot springs. Rock climbers will find Krabi’s limestone cliffs rewarding, though most tourists watch the experts’ feats from their sun lounger. Lesser-known Trang, about an hour
south of Krabi, offers less crowded island hopping in Hat Chao Mai National Park.
Things to do • Hit four or five gorgeous beaches in a day on a boat excursion
• Take a guided kayak tour through mangroves and caves
• Take a day trip to Hong Island and kayak the internal lagoon
• Rock climb the craggy limestone stacks and cliffs. Tham Phranang and Railay beaches are hotspots
• Take an inland excursion to the Buddhist Tiger Cave Temple or forest hot springs
• Twin your Krabi stay with a retreat on Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi
• In November, catch boat races, parades and cultural shows at the Andaman Sea Festival
• See fossilised snail shells on the beach at Susan Hoi
• Hop the lesser-visited islands off Trang. Koh Muk and Koh Kraden are scenic favourites
• Dive the King Carrier wreck and the well-regarded Hin Daeng and Hin Muang sites from Koh Lanta
Where to stay Centara Anda Dhevi Resort Close to Nopparat Thara Beach, this four-star property has 135 rooms and suites, each with private balcony or terrace. The main pool has slides and a swim-up bar and there’s a separate children’s pool. A spa and kids’ club also feature.
www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Clockwise from left: Krabi longtail, fishing with coconut floats (Sheraton); Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton private spa suite
Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, Trang South of Krabi, an hour from its airport, this Anantara is nearer laid- back Trang. Family-friendly, it has a kids’ club and menu and even a children’s turndown service and amenities pack on check-in. It’s situated on Pak Meng beach with views of offshore islands.
www.sikao.anantara.com
Layana Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta This adults-only resort on Koh Lanta has 50 rooms and suites, 44 of them Garden Pavilions. Suites come with garden showers. Excursions and activities include sailing, elephant trekking and Thai boxing matches. Look out for ‘sunshine guarantees’
offering resort credits for rainy days.
www.layanaresort.com
Thailand Travel Guide 2012 27
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