My heart started pounding as I peeped out of the window as the aircraft made its final descent to Krabi Thailand. Located in the southern province of Thailand’s Andaman seaboard, Krabi is believed to have been the home to Homo sapiens from C 2500 to 35,000 BCE.
In Krabi, I am a guest of the Tup Kaek Beach resort. It is nestled in the quiet neighborhood, away from the bustling center.
My chauffeur drove me through the lush tropical streets, the ride itself was rejuvenating, after a quick check-in process, I was escorted to my luxurious villa with access to a private pool.
First Day In Krabi
As the first light of the sun, I decided to wander through the tropical streets of the island in my rented car.
My first stop was the Tiger Cave Buddha Temple. Locals believe that it is this place where a Tiger used to seek refuge and sleep during the morning sunlight. At times the Tiger used to let out a ferocious roar, people who used to come to the forest to hunt animals heard the roar and started calling the place as Tiger Cave.
Later, the vulnerable Luangpor Jumenean Seeta Settho- chief monk of the Tiger Cave temple led a group of Buddhist monks and nuns to live there. They practiced dharma during 1975 AD.
With the monks and nuns had come to live here the tiger migrated in the direction of Phanom Mountain Range which extends from the adjacent hill. Since that time no one has ever seen the tiger.
Next to the cave stands a 600 meters high hill with a temple on top. The temple has just one stairway of 1237 steps to reach the summit. Some steps are more than a foot high; the climb is at temperatures around 35 degrees upwards, simply hellish. Monkeys do roam around the stairway so it’s vital to be alert.
Two hours of an arduous climb got me to the peak of the mountain where there is the prodigious golden shrine of Lord Buddha and the rewarding sight of the island.
My second stop on the following day was the hot spot for backpackers on the island- Ao Nang Beach.
Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is a hub to embark on an island tour on a long tail boat to Koh Phi Phi Island, Koh Lanta and Rai Leh.
It is the hub for backpacker hostels and tour companies. It is the most lively part of the island. One long stretch of road with a pristine beach on one side and restaurants and shops on the other. It is often packed with cars and tuk-tuks. This is a popular destination on any Thailand Tour Package.
Ao Nang Road
A wide range of restaurants offering charmingly eclectic menus ranging from Indian Cuisine to Local Thai food or Swiss and Italian delicacies can be found here.
My next stop was the most versatile – Krabi town, known for its cultural representation, museums, and Buddhist Vats. At night there is a charming night market close to the promenade next to the piers. The food is nice and cheap. Occasionally, the locals organize shows on a small stage.
Eating In The Night Market
Maharat Soi 10 has an even better market, it’s in the center of town. This market has plenty of cooked food and fresh fruits. You can choose from a menu in just a few places, otherwise, simply point at what you want and enjoy.
There is no alcohol in Maharat Soi 10. There is also a night market in Walking Street, between Vieng Thong Hotel and Vogue Department store. It is open from Friday to Sunday from 17:00-22:00. You can find general items such as handicrafts and clothes or simply savor some local street foods.
Walking Street In Night Market
The covered morning market (the biggest in southern Thailand) on Maharaj Soi 9 (behind the Shell station) is something not to be missed. After 08:00 in the evening, all the action is subsiding. Just at that time, they play The Thai national anthem when everything comes to a standstill.
I felt so wretched to drive back to the airport and leave the paradisiacal place.
