After the Tsunami

Ethan and I went to Krabi in September, approximately 9 months after the Tsunami that struck southern Thailand on 26 Dec 2004. We learnt that much of the beach resorts along Railay Beach were destroyed, as well as those on Phi Phi Island, but otherwise Krabi was relatively "mildly" affected compared to the area of Khao Lak, approximatley 90 km north of Phuket.

Well-known in Krabi is the "Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam", a natural stream with the water source coming from an underground spring. The local authority has contructed a walk-board above the mangrove swamp for visitors to walk around and view the crystal clear water.




We stayed in a 3-star hotel in Krabi town centre, after feasting on fabulous seafood at the beachside. Hotel tariffs were surprisingly cheap: our room which came with air-conditioning, hot water and a mini-fridge cost only 380 baht per room-night (about S$15-16 !!)

The beach was just about 5 minutes from the town centre and there were several eateries offering seafood and local thai food. We ordered prawns, tom-yam kung, chicken, fish, seafood fried rice, and the house speciality: shellfish. Most of the dishes cost around 75-80 baht (S$3 per plate).

Most memorable was the seafood fried rice. It came with a wedge of lemon and the taste was simply yummy. It was wonderful to see Ethan helping himself to his 3rd bowl of fried rice, something never seen before! The dish cost us only 25 baht (about S$1) and was enough for 4 adults.

We next went to Phuket which is about 126 km from Krabi town centre, a 2-1/2 hr ride by mini-van costing Baht 500 for 2 persons.



Phuket town centre is much larger and more developed than Krabi. Real estate prices are also considerably more expensive, even besting Bangkok's in some cases.
We stayed in the Phuket Resortel, a surprisingly well-maintained and clean hotel that cost us Baht 600 (S$24) per room-night.

Touting was fairly widespread. Everywhere we went, we were offered short tours or rides. It seemed the 2004 Tsunami had affected tourist arrivals in 2005, hence the competitive touting. For example, a guy offered us a short tour of Phuket city in his private car for 200 baht, then reduced it to Baht 100 when we declined due to safety considerations as it was nearing dusk. Now, where in the world can you get such a guided tour for only S$4 in an air-con car?

We decided to try steam-boat thai-style at the MK Restaurant. We ordered the seafood special set for Baht 300 (if I recall correctly), a veggie plate, and the house speciality: roast duck and crispy pork for Baht 95 (S$3.80). Wow -- the roast duck was simply divine. And the crispy pork, altho' not the house speciality, was equally excellent.
Ethan showed his preference by finishing the roast duck portion in double-quick time! Overall, an extremely delicious steam-boat meal and value for money.

The streets were lined with yellow flags and buntings, in preparation for the week-long Vegetarian Festival that will kick off next week.
This festival is celebrated throughout the kingdom.

We were delighted to learn that Tiger Airways will commence flights to Krabi from 7 Oct 05. That will certainly spur the devleopment of Krabi as a tourist destination. Perhaps it is time to invest in Krabi real-estate?

Aonang Beach

While Phuket has its Patong Beach, Krabi has beautiful beaches at Aonang and Railay. Aonang is located about 1 hrs' drive north of Krabi Town, while Railay is to the south.

Thara Park

Ethan and I decided to check out the scenic spots in Krabi in November 2005. This was our second trip, as we had spent only a day there in Oct 05 before traveling to Phuket for our flight home. Tiger Airways had commenced scheduled budget flights to Krabi in Oct 05, and we thought it might be time to explore setting up a guest-house for budget travelers in the small southern Thai resort, which is as yet uncluttered and unspoilt by too many tourist or commercial developments.

Like most places of commerce and trade, Krabi town is located at the mouth of the Tha Pom River. It was therefore natural that we first explore Thara Park along the river front, and a short walk from the town center. The sun rises from the sea at the park, presenting striking scenes for a photo-shoot.







Two small hotels are located at the park. They are the Krabi City Seaview Hotel and the Krabi River Hotel.

In 1983 we bought our first car, a 6-month old Honda Civic for S$23,500. We shipped the car to our in-laws living in Chandee, Thailand in 1993 after the vehicle permit (ie COE) had expired. Now, 22 years later, the car has more than proved its mettle and we continued to use the Honda Civic when we were in Krabi!

Maybe the Singapore authorities should consider extending the 10-year tenure of the COE system to 20 years? It is such a waste to scrap 10-year cars under the Singapore COE system.