Weekend in Krabi

A short plane ride from Bangkok, Krabi in Thailand attracts visitors from all over the world with its white sand beaches and palm tree lined shores. This is where snorkelers converge to to view exotic sealife and colorful coral reefs, and then hang out at dusk, watching the fishing boats come home. If you aren’t in the water, then you’re exploring the jungles, the most beautiful in Southeast Asia.

Day One

We arrived at night to a beachside bungalow within an easy stroll of town. Though modestly furnished it had everything we needed, including a peaceful waterfront setting.  Our first day we we booked a local guide to take us to the best diving spots. The first stop was a good 45 minute boat ride but once there, we are happy to swim in the warm tropical water.  Though we saw many fish, there was nothing we hadn’t seen before. The second spot, however, near one of the many small islands surrounding Krabi, produced grouper, dories, pufferfish and sea turtles.

Day Two

We played tourist the next day and took a jeep deep into the jungle to an elephant camp. Krabi’s jungles are worth the drive alone, but climbing aboard an elephant added a new dimension to the trip. Our destination was a rustic farm, where a ladder offered access to the boarding platform to our seat. The trainer spoke no English but was thrilled to show off his beloved pet. Elephants play a special role in Thai history and this was our step back in time. Disclaimer: Riding an elephant is controversial and there are elephant sanctuaries which honor these creatures without offering rides on their backs.

Evenings

At night we strolled Krabi town, with its outside fires grilling up the day’s catch. On the weekend, there’s a night market, where you can pick up a Thai trinket, or just hang at your favorite restaurant and sip Thai beer.

Though Krabi is getting crowded it’s still a place to find peace and calm in a sometimes crazy world.

– Rose