Destination Krabi

Krabi province is located just south of the world-famous Phang Nga Bay in the south of Thailand. Its home to the incomparable Phi Phi Island and offer some of the most spectacular scenery seen anywhere in the world, both in terms of landscapes and seascapes. Nowhere else do stunning rock formations meet spectacular emerald sea as they do in Krabi. It’s the perfect getaway for rock climbers or those wanting to explore the sea caves or hongs.

Recently I was on a trip to Krabi as guest of Radio 107. I had the opportunity or to be more honest was persuaded to indulge in physical activities I would not normally have done. The first afternoon playing team building games on the beach in front of Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort. I still cant believe that I agreed to climb up onto a four foot tall coconut tree trunk, turn my back on the rest of my “team”, fold my arms and fall backwards. But I did, well I had to the rest had done it, equally to their surprise and I couldn’t let the side down.

The next day we went kayaking in the mangrove swamps. My back and handling a paddle just didn’t work, so one of the Sheraton’s activities team agreed to be my driver and did all the rowing for me. This proves that you don’t have to be young and physically fit to enjoy exploring by kayak.

We explore the mangrove swamps of Bhor Tor (Ao Luk). This gave us the chance to see the ancient cave paintings that are preserved in Tham Pee Toh. To beach them we had to paddle or be paddled through the mangrove swamps. A bit like going on a jungle trek by canoe. Many times we would find ourselves stuck in the branches, the challenge was to work out how to navigate your way through.

Kayaking is calm and peaceful, especially when someone else is doing all the work. A chance to get back in touch with nature. It’s not hard to understand why ancient cultures decided to settle here and a visit to Tham Pee Hua Toh (Cave of the Big Headed Ghost) shows visitors how they lived off the mangroves, their story depicted in the cave paintings they left thousands of years ago. These petrography illustrate animals, birds and culture of the time and are a must see. So get paddling or at least someone to do it for you.

Mangroves are a unique habitat, rich in strange forms of wildlife. Long tailed Macaques chatter and scream from the treetops. So of the braver ones use the flotila of canoes and a way to cross the water, jumping one to another as we keep paddling. They are amazingly friendly and didn’t try to steal a thing. As we paddled deeper into the maze of creeks Fiddler Crabs wave as you pass by, and the peculiar Mudskipper hauls out onto the muddy banks and fight their territorial battles.

A note of any birdwatchers, this is the only area in Thailand to see the Mangrove Blue Flycatcher. Even the non-birdwatcher can’t fail but to be impressed by the iridescent flashes of colour as an enormous kingfisher flies by, a stark contrast the striking limestone scenery, pillars in the water.

A half days kayaking is an environmental voyage of a lifetime. Really its very soft adventure tourism and to have a team of experienced English speaking guides to take care of you at all times.

The next day was less stressful as we set off by speedboat to explore some of the islands. Our first stop was Ko Hong, its name in Thai means island of chamber. When we visited it was deserted and we temporarily claimed the beach for a private picnic lunch. Some of our group ventured to explore Ko Hong on sea kayaks we had brought on the boat. They could paddle close to the spectacular cliff walls with an open sky ceiling and a sandy floor under crystal clear water. This is the magic of the Andaman Sea.

Starfish are permanent residents under the surface and a family of eagles nested in the trees above.

Sea kayaks allowed us to move with minimum noise so not to disturb the wildlife. They also could creep into very shallow water and reach places that are inaccessible to larger boats. The water was so clear that I could see all the “spinies” beneath my kayak such as hard coral empire and colourful small fish.