The journey begins again. After traveling to the north for a while, it's time to visit a place closer to home. I'll share the beauty of the Andaman Sea in our own country, Krabi. With only 2 days of vacation, Saturday and Sunday, I decided to spend one night in Railay. So, I left Phuket on Friday evening and stayed overnight in Ao Nang. This gave me time to explore Ao Nang properly, as it was my first real visit to Krabi. Krabi... love at first sight in 2 days and 2 nights (Ao Nang-Railay).
Are you ready? Let's travel to Ao Nang, Krabi together!
Note: I have translated the sentence from Thai to English, maintaining a simple and short tone of voice. I have also removed the original HTML structure and markdown.
The first night was booked at Ao Nang Miti Resort. The journey from Phuket to Ao Nang took about 3 hours. We arrived around 8 pm, so we checked in and left our luggage at the resort before heading out for dinner in Ao Nang.
The evening atmosphere of Ao Nang is similar to that of Patong, Phuket.
The market offers a wide variety of goods, including souvenirs, clothing, and marine tourism equipment.
For dinner, we went to "The Beach Seafood & Grill," a restaurant with a lovely seaside ambiance located near Ao Nang. The restaurant is situated along the beachfront of Nopparat Thara Beach. The opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily.
The food is delicious, the atmosphere is great, and the location is perfect. I was very impressed. If you are in Ao Nang and want to eat fusion food, you must come here. It's amazing!
Good morning from Ao Nang on Day 1. View from the balcony.
Today, we plan to visit Khlong Song Tham Pom and then take a long-tail boat to Railay in the evening.
Before embarking on your trip, fuel up with a delicious breakfast at one of the city's hottest new cafes.
The original text describes a trendy cafe called HUB cafe located on the way to Ao Nang in Krabi, Thailand. The cafe boasts a modern loft design surrounded by lush palm trees and mountains. The text highlights the cafe's unique atmosphere, blending modern architecture with the natural environment.
The recommended menu for this season is mango smoothie, very refreshing.
The food menu was delicious, with a fusion style. This time I ordered the "Soft Shell Crab Salad" and a "Burger" with a large piece of hot, fragrant French fries. The shrimp fried rice was also delicious, but I didn't have time to take a picture because I was too hungry.
Facebook: hubcafekrabi, Tel: 091 824 9586
Location: Khao Chong Phli - Ao Nang Road (Romantic Road) ✓ ✓ Open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Two Waters Eco-Tourism
Ban Khao Kram, Mueang District, Krabi Province
The journey from Krabi town takes approximately 23 kilometers along Highway 4 towards Ao Luek district. Upon reaching Ban Tung, follow the sign to turn left and continue for another 5 kilometers until you reach the parking lot. The initial step involves paying an entrance fee of 20 baht for Thai adults. The walking trail consists of an elevated wooden bridge extending 1,200 meters, serving as a nature study path.
The sunlight illuminates the emerald-green water, which is a result of the stream's origin in a limestone mountain. The limestone's calcium carbonate has the ability to trap sediment and suspended particles, causing them to sink to the bottom, resulting in the exceptional clarity of the water. This is truly a remarkable phenomenon.
The "Tha Pom" is a short canal formed by a clear spring that emerges from underground before flowing into the Andaman Sea. Despite its short length, the confluence of this stream with the Andaman Sea creates a unique ecological wonder. The canal experiences the influence of both fresh and saltwater, which alternate throughout the year. This unique characteristic has earned the mouth of the canal the nickname "Khlong Song Nam," meaning "Canal of Two Waters."
There are designated areas for playing in the water, and there is also a service that rents out inflatable rings to tourists.
Lush, cool, with nature and clear, cool streams. A small, fascinating ecosystem at the confluence of fresh and salt water. Enjoy the "Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam" nature trail.
After exploring nature, we drove back along the (Khlong Sai - Khao Thong) road in Krabi, which is located before reaching Ao Thalane. Our destination was "Khao Thong Terrace Restaurant & Bar", where we stopped for lunch before returning to Ao Nang to catch a boat to Railay.
The food is delicious, the seafood is fresh, and the view is amazing. This is the place to be in Ao Thalane Bay, Krabi province.
The Sea View offers a truly relaxing and peaceful experience, with minimal crowds. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of Phang Nga Bay. Don't be surprised, you really can see Phang Nga Bay from here! The owner even pointed out Koh Yao, which is also visible from this spot.
The atmosphere is shady and cool, located at the foot of the mountain near the restaurant. There is also a resort owned by the same owner. As for the food menu, it is inevitable that it will be seafood. I must say that it is very fresh. When you come here, you must order "Squid Stir-fried with Black Soy Sauce" and "Deep-fried Fish Salad". They are very delicious. Unfortunately, I was still full from breakfast, so I didn't order many dishes.
After a satisfying meal, the friendly owner of the restaurant took us to see the villas across the street, as it was our first time visiting. The villas were stunning, with panoramic ocean views from the front. The privacy and romantic atmosphere make them the perfect place to stay. "Kalem Villa" is the name of the villa.
The provided text is already in English. However, I can help you improve its clarity and conciseness. Here's the revised version:
Golden Terrace Restaurant
- Phone: 083 107 4400
- Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Location: ABT Road 2007 (Klong Sai - Khao Thong), Mueang Krabi District (opposite Calen Villa)
Here is the translation of the text:
The journey from Khao Thong to Ao Nang, the starting point for long-tail boat rides offered by the Ao Nang Long-Tail Boat Cooperative, costs 200 baht for a round-trip ticket, or 100 baht per person for a one-way trip.
A long-tail boat can accommodate up to 8 passengers. If you are traveling with a group of friends or family, you can charter a private boat for around 1,200 baht. The journey to Railay Beach takes approximately 15 minutes. From the boat, you can enjoy stunning views of Ao Nang Bay as you make your way to Railay Beach.
Railay Bay is located in Ao Nang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Krabi Province, within the Hat Noppharat Thara National Park. It is a beach with stunning scenery and is currently considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The high cliffs surrounding the beach and the clear blue sky contribute to the breathtaking views. Railay Bay is a popular destination for international tourists. The bay is divided into two sections: Railay West Beach and Railay East Beach. These beaches curve towards each other and are connected by a small walking path. There is also a path that leads up to a lagoon, or enclosed sea, in the middle of the valley.
Upon arriving at the beach, we headed straight to the lobby of Railay Bay Resort. Railay is a peninsula that juts out into the sea, with both a west and east coast. Railay Bay Resort & Spa is one of the few resorts that spans both sides. We checked in on the west side, where the view from the hotel was truly breathtaking.
The hotel's interior walkways are lush and green, which I adore.
Upon arrival at approximately 4:00 PM, we were greeted by the gentle afternoon sun. After checking in, a hotel shuttle transported us to our accommodations. Our rooms were situated on the eastern side of Railay Beach, offering a secluded and tranquil setting. The accommodations resembled individual houses, and we had booked two adjacent rooms with a connecting door. The interiors were adorned with wooden elements, harmonizing seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
The other side of the room is a bathroom with a bathtub for relaxation. There is a set of equipment for sunbathing prepared for you "bag, mat, umbrella" to walk to the beach area.
As the sun began to set, we ventured to the front of the hotel on this side, capturing a photo directly in front of the Railay Restaurant, which sits right on the sandy beach. The cool breeze and pleasant atmosphere were a delight. The bay here is stunning, with shallow waters that allow for extended swimming. The view of Phra Nang Cave at sunset was equally breathtaking.
Adjacent to the restaurant is a swimming pool and spa, complete with a poolside bar.
Sipping a delicious cocktail, we were surprised when tourists suddenly stood up and looked up into the trees. Curious, we followed their gaze and were amazed to see a troop of monkeys. However, the hotel staff informed us that these were not monkeys, but rather "Southern Spectacled Langurs." They explained that these langurs descend from the mountains in the late afternoon to feed on the treetops, but such sightings are quite rare. We were incredibly lucky to have witnessed this spectacle!
As the sun sets, the glow of artificial lights takes over, revealing a majority of European tourists, a stark contrast to the predominantly Chinese crowds in Phuket. Railay offers a small Walking Street for those seeking entertainment. Tour options are available with negotiable prices. A variety of restaurants and bars cater to diverse culinary preferences, including Thai, European, Indian, and dessert options.
Tonight at Railay Beach, I tried "Koh I Noor" Indian Food, which is ranked among the top 10 restaurants in Railay Beach on TripAdvisor. It was my first time trying Indian food, and it was amazing! The food was easy to eat, delicious, and reasonably priced. The staff was a bit confused, but everything went smoothly. It was delicious, and I loved it. I didn't order the food myself, so I don't remember the names of the dishes.
The poolside bar at the hotel is also beautiful at night.
Good morning on the 2nd day at Railay Bay Resort
This morning, I walked from my room to the dining room. It is a beautiful dining room because the view in front is the blue sea. It's been a bright morning since then.
After breakfast, we decided to visit Phra Nang Cave, as we didn't have enough time yesterday. We planned to go before checking out of the hotel. We walked towards the back of the hotel, passing a convenience store, and crossed over to the east side. The tide was low today, exposing a vast stretch of beach. We turned right and headed towards Phra Nang Cave.
The Path to Phra Nang Cave
The path leading to Phra Nang Cave is well-maintained and offers resting spots beneath the cliffs. Along the way, visitors can admire the diverse formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Informative signs about Railay and the area's natural features have been installed by the "Friends of Phra Nang-Railay" group.
Collaboration for Survival
The "Friends of Phra Nang-Railay" group, which comprises local communities, government agencies, businesses, clubs, and countless other stakeholders, has initiated the "Phra Nang-Railay" project to promote sustainable ecotourism. This project aims to ensure the survival of:
- Natural resources: Protecting the delicate ecosystem of the area.
- Local communities and businesses: Ensuring the economic well-being of those who depend on tourism.
- Positive memories: Preserving the positive experiences visitors have at this beautiful location.
- Dreams of future visitors: Allowing everyone the opportunity to experience the picturesque beauty of Phra Nang.
Sustainability can be achieved through understanding and collaboration between the community, businesses, and visitors. This means practicing responsible tourism, living in harmony with nature, and recognizing the interdependence of all stakeholders.
The Enchanting Cliffs of Phra Nang Cave
The cliffs surrounding Phra Nang Cave offer a breathtaking view. Below, the pristine white sand beach meets the turquoise waters, creating a picture of unparalleled beauty. Tourists, particularly foreigners, flock to the "Phra Nang Shrine," where countless phallic offerings, brought by locals and visitors alike, adorn the surrounding area. These offerings are a testament to the legend of Phra Nang Cave, a tale that has captivated generations.
The Legend of Nang Cave (Based on the information sign)
Like many legends, the story of Nang Cave exists in various versions, and its truth remains unverified. One commonly told version goes as follows:
In ancient times, a beautiful woman lived in a palace by the sea, not far from the Shell Cemetery. Her beauty attracted many suitors, but she refused them all. One day, a young man from Koh Kradan Island came to her and declared his love, but she rejected him. The young man then attempted to force her away, but a young man from Koh Panyee Island witnessed the struggle and intervened. The woman agreed to marry the young man from Koh Panyee.
On their wedding day, the young man from Koh Panyee arrived with a dowry, which alerted the other suitors who had desired the woman. They gathered and fought over her, creating chaos. A hermit meditating in a nearby cave heard the commotion and emerged to try and stop them, but no one listened. In anger, he cursed them all to turn to stone.
The beautiful woman became Nang Cave, while the young men became Koh Kradan Island, Poda Island, Hong Island, and Koh Ha Island. The dowry that sank into the sea became the Khao Khanom mountain, resembling a dowry container, in front of Nang Cave. The sticky rice brought for the wedding feast turned into the Shell Cemetery.
The original text describes a beautiful beach scene in Thailand, with white sand, clear water, and mountains in the background. The writer mentions that it is early morning and there are not many tourists yet. They compare the beach to a paradise and express their understanding of why foreign tourists enjoy this place.
Here is the translated text:
Leaving the Phra Nang Cave to capture more images, the fine white sand, the clear blue water, and the majestic mountains left me in awe. It's no wonder foreign tourists adore this place; it truly is a paradise-like beach. Arriving early in the morning, the beach was still relatively empty, as the tour boats had yet to arrive.
Walking back to the point where we passed by, it was the point where we walked up to the Railay View Point and Lagoon. Looking up, hmm... this is almost like climbing a cliff. At first, I thought I wouldn't climb up and decided to stay at the pavilion until the two men who came with me climbed up. They told me that I didn't have to climb up, but I thought that since I was already here, I had to see it for myself at least once. I considered it a test and a practice before I actually climbed a cliff.
After packing up the camera, Pinpai headed towards the View Point and Lagoon. Along the way, there were sections with large ropes tied (it's unclear who tied them) to assist with climbing. Using the ropes definitely made things easier, but it's important to remain cautious at all times. If you plan to visit the View Point and Lagoon, make sure to wear non-slip shoes – it's crucial for safety.
After climbing for some time, we took a few breaks as usual. The section just before reaching the Railay View Point was almost a 90-degree climb. We came across a sign saying that the viewpoint was 50 meters away. Initially, we planned to go to the Lagoon first and then come up to the viewpoint. However, when we stood there looking down at the steep descent to the Lagoon, we realized it was beyond our capabilities. Two foreign women were also standing there, hesitant like us. So, we decided to go to the viewpoint together. Without further delay, we gathered our strength and pushed forward. Finally, we reached the viewpoint.
"Wow... it's truly beautiful. I feel so excited. Seeing the view makes me forget all my fatigue, or maybe I've just completely forgotten about it."With the view from here, you can see Railay East Beach and Railay West Beach. It's truly breathtaking.
After climbing to the viewpoint, we rested in our room and then checked out. In the late morning, when the sun was shining brightly, tourists were sitting, lying down, showering, and playing in the water along the long beach on the west side of Railay. Today was a beautiful day. The sky was clear, the sea was calm, and the water was a deep blue. Then it was time to wait for the long-tailed boat to take us back to Ao Nang.A Heartfelt Thank You to Railay, a Land of Enchantment
This trip to Railay has revealed the captivating charm that this place holds. The allure of towering cliffs, pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking natural landscapes nestled amidst majestic mountains creates an atmosphere of unparalleled beauty and wonder. It's a place that truly captivates the senses and invites exploration.
Join us for a relaxing culinary adventure at How About Chill Out.
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How About Chillout
Monday, November 11, 2024 10:31 AM
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