Day 5, Tuesday 11 October
Exhaustion.......This morning I woke up wondering what hit me yesterday and whether what put me under yesterday will repeat itself today However right now after a good night's sleep I feel fine. The only plausible explanation I can come up with It's that yesterday I was just dehydrated together with some exhaustion after 4 days of intensive activity. The Hop Inn chain doesn't have restaurants but they do try to help out with coffee and a microwave. knowing that we've come prepared and can take breakfast in the room.
As we have no issues to report we can for a change depart reasonably early although our next destination is not that far away probably not much more than two hours so we intend to make the most of what remains of our stay in Krabi and the surrounding area. The first attraction is not that far away and it's not likely to occupy much time.
Wat Kaew Korawaram.......Wat Kaew Korawaram was established from a settlement of about 200 families at Ban Paknam in 1887. It was originally just the dwelling place for monks but as the number of monks increased it was given temple status. Two neem trees can be seen in the temple grounds. They were brought here by a monk who brought them from Phuket 80 years ago and planted them for monks and local people to cure malaria. This temple has a close association with India and on boards around the temple the story of the Buddha from early times is related.
Andaman Cultural Learning Centre.......According to Google Map which I cannot rely on entirely as there tends to be a delay in updating their database, there is a cultural centre nearby. However, we are soon informed that it's now been moved. We soon located it in Maharaj Road. Essentially the Andaman Cultural Learning Centre is a bead and art museum. Neither of these subjects am I familiar with but finding this museum I'm immediately impressed by its facilities and layout. What's quite surprising considering the amount of money it would have cost to build this resource it's free to use.
The cultural centre was built to present the history of Krabi from pre-history to the present through art. The art gallery is housed on three floors in the main building, each hall having the name of one of Thailand's Andaman provinces. I cannot begin to describe what's here as my subject knowledge is less than zero but on entry there is another impressive sectioned hall taking up a whole building and this I can appreciate although a beads museum is a first for me. Beads are produced from glass. We normally think of pre-historic art as cave art but bead production was one of the first forms of decorative art for personal use. The museum contains numerous examples of beads recovered from excavation. The research centre here does an amazing job classifying and dating ancient beads. Each of Thailand's provinces had its own design.
As I move through this gallery I'm lost for words as to the beauty and creativity that the centre has achieved. I only hope that my photographs that will later accompany this blog will do a far better job than I can in conveying such artistic quality that has existed in the human psyche for an awful long time. Attached to this gallery is a workshop where the manufacture of beads can be seen. This is a skilled and delicate process. Finally, there is a gift shop on exit where you can buy related souvenirs from inexpensive objects to beautifully crafted string beads in excess of £100.
Khao Khanab Nam Boat Trip.......I mentioned that I was in Krabi in 2014 so Chao Fah Pier and the Black Crab sculpture area is familiar to me. From the pier if you gaze across Pak Nam Krabi (Krabi estuary) to your left you will notice a small limestone rock mountain known as Khao Khanab Nam. From what information I had, it was certainly an attraction I should have considered but for just two of us it seemed expensive and I turned it down. It was on my wish list for all these years but finally I get a break as a solo traveller from New Zealand also shows an interest. We come to an arrangement which brings the price of the boat to just 300 baht for the two of us. Reaching the iconic limestone cliff takes about 15 minutes and we're soon at the landing platform and to a walkway leading to a cave.
Regarded as the symbol of Krabi, Khao Khanab Nam consists of two mountains that are roughly 100 metres tall, separated by Maenam Krabi and located at the entrance to Krabi City. Khao Khanab Nam has beautiful caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites worth exploring. In addition to natural attractions, a large number of human skeletons have been found here. Entering the cave you just feel you are in a time capsule since there has been human presence here from pre-historic times while fellow companions remind you, you're in the 21st Century. Some 80 years ago other occupants came here. In WWII Japanese forces occupied Krabi and naval vessels were anchored in Krabi harbour. Evidence of there activity has been found in this cave.
Feeling most satisfied that a craving has been met, I find that the trip continues down the estuary, though the mangrove and across to Koh Klang a village cut off by the narrow waterway. No 4-wheeled vehicle are allowed in Koh Klang. The community relies entirely on boats and a number of samlors (3 wheeled vehicles). As this is a round trip there is no need to land at Koh Klang so it's back to Krabi pier. It's just around midday and what I've achieved so far has surpassed all that I managed yesterday. It's time to make tracks to our next destination but there are some three hours to fill before we need to arrive there and I set about checking for other sites. There is one obvious one, Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Temple) but the number of steps required to reach this temple on the summit of a high hill is absolutely out of the question. A better option is to head for the coast. There are a couple of possibilities. The first is Haad Yao Beach but I fear there is little there except for a good view.
Nuea Khlong District.......Arriving at Haad Yao, true enough there is just a small Muslim community here. The beach area though has a couple of restaurants while the beach itself is littered with debris. The community just doesn't have the resources or income to clear it up. However, lunch here proves good value however long we have to wait. Katoon remains a bit sceptical after out wild goose chasing yesterday but I manage to persuade her to head for Leam Kruat next. This location has a pier to service more islands most notably Koh Jum (pronounced 'Koh Jam'). Service is infrequent and few tourists make it here but as I walk to the end of the pier the 'WOW' factor just hits you just being hemmed in by tropical islands.
Now at 3pm I've reached the same stage as yesterday when I just went under. By total contrast the overnight sleep and rehydration has worked wonders and I'm alive and kicking. We head back to the main highway and proceed east towards what has to be our last visit of the day.
Wat Khlong Thom.......Wat Khlong Thom, located in Khlong Thom village on highway 4 is situated near an ancient habitation site and houses a local museum exhibiting artifacts unearthed within the nearby area including beads, ornaments, shards of glass, pottery and seals as well as a large number of tools and utensils. Wrecks of ancient warships uncovered on Khuan Lukpat (a bead mound) and in Khlong Thom canal were dated by archaeologists back to the 7th century. The ancient Khlong Thom community is believed to have been a sea port and a gateway that linked the transpeninsular trade route from west to east via the Sin Pun Canal to the Tapi River and Ban Don Bay in the Gulf of Thailand.
Unfortunately, there are two minuses here that won't make a plus. Sadly, the museum is still closed and hasn't reopened since Covid. Secondly, the site of the ancient settlement lies on private land. Only a small part of the settlement remains within the temple complex.
While we are still in Krabi province some doors are still open but now it's time to complete the transition and head for Koh Lanta less than an hour away.
Lanta Ferry Crossing.......As we turn off highway 4 heading for Koh Lanta, distance wise it should take just 30 minutes but Lanta is an island and we need to take a ferry crossing albeit a short one of 10-15 minutes. This puts our arrival time at 5.30pm, just about right. This ferry crossing complete, there is another canal crossing ahead which when I was here last needed another ferry. I noted then the beginning of construction work and assumed it was for a bridge now completed. For the island we have made no reservations but I had a resort in mind and set up the GPS to reach it.
Within 10 minutes of crossing the bridge we drive straight into Andaman Lanta Resort. With so much accommodation available here this resort was only a suggestion but at only 800 baht with breakfast and due to its fabulous beach location, there is overall approval but book just for the one night.
Andaman Lanta Resort.......Andaman Lanta Resort is dated probably going back to the 80's judging by the decor alone. Here you will not find electronic key cards or flat screen TVs but so far nothing to worry about. Initially I'm only concerned about getting my mobile and power bank charged up after such a busy day. Then there's the matter of dinner but we obtained that on the way here which we can eat in the room. That's good thinking as I have a lot of work to catch up on. Well, with all this going on I've neglected the fact that we have arrived just before dusk. Katoon directs me to take a look outside and I race down stairs to capture a glorious sunset. Then as I look around the setting here is just as you might expect on a glossy travel brochure. This is not the sort of place I'm used to and can count my blessing that I found it. What's more surprising is the lack of customers but as the evening progresses perhaps apart from the after effects of Covid there are early signs as to why. I'm so grateful for several hours of uninterrupted work on my blog but then the internet connection to my laptop cuts out after so long and I get locked out trying to reconnect. It weird. I have in mind to extend my stay here based on what I've seen but this issue has to be resolved in the morning first.
As a conclusion on our 5th day of this tour, this has been my most productive and enjoyable day so far. It has supplemented wonderfully my visit to Krabi province in February 2014. However, back then we covered Lanta Island quite extensively on a motorbike. It remains to be seen how tomorrow will pan out.
Next Page.
Exhaustion.......This morning I woke up wondering what hit me yesterday and whether what put me under yesterday will repeat itself today However right now after a good night's sleep I feel fine. The only plausible explanation I can come up with It's that yesterday I was just dehydrated together with some exhaustion after 4 days of intensive activity. The Hop Inn chain doesn't have restaurants but they do try to help out with coffee and a microwave. knowing that we've come prepared and can take breakfast in the room.
As we have no issues to report we can for a change depart reasonably early although our next destination is not that far away probably not much more than two hours so we intend to make the most of what remains of our stay in Krabi and the surrounding area. The first attraction is not that far away and it's not likely to occupy much time.
Wat Kaew Korawaram.......Wat Kaew Korawaram was established from a settlement of about 200 families at Ban Paknam in 1887. It was originally just the dwelling place for monks but as the number of monks increased it was given temple status. Two neem trees can be seen in the temple grounds. They were brought here by a monk who brought them from Phuket 80 years ago and planted them for monks and local people to cure malaria. This temple has a close association with India and on boards around the temple the story of the Buddha from early times is related.
Andaman Cultural Learning Centre.......According to Google Map which I cannot rely on entirely as there tends to be a delay in updating their database, there is a cultural centre nearby. However, we are soon informed that it's now been moved. We soon located it in Maharaj Road. Essentially the Andaman Cultural Learning Centre is a bead and art museum. Neither of these subjects am I familiar with but finding this museum I'm immediately impressed by its facilities and layout. What's quite surprising considering the amount of money it would have cost to build this resource it's free to use.
The cultural centre was built to present the history of Krabi from pre-history to the present through art. The art gallery is housed on three floors in the main building, each hall having the name of one of Thailand's Andaman provinces. I cannot begin to describe what's here as my subject knowledge is less than zero but on entry there is another impressive sectioned hall taking up a whole building and this I can appreciate although a beads museum is a first for me. Beads are produced from glass. We normally think of pre-historic art as cave art but bead production was one of the first forms of decorative art for personal use. The museum contains numerous examples of beads recovered from excavation. The research centre here does an amazing job classifying and dating ancient beads. Each of Thailand's provinces had its own design.
As I move through this gallery I'm lost for words as to the beauty and creativity that the centre has achieved. I only hope that my photographs that will later accompany this blog will do a far better job than I can in conveying such artistic quality that has existed in the human psyche for an awful long time. Attached to this gallery is a workshop where the manufacture of beads can be seen. This is a skilled and delicate process. Finally, there is a gift shop on exit where you can buy related souvenirs from inexpensive objects to beautifully crafted string beads in excess of £100.
Khao Khanab Nam Boat Trip.......I mentioned that I was in Krabi in 2014 so Chao Fah Pier and the Black Crab sculpture area is familiar to me. From the pier if you gaze across Pak Nam Krabi (Krabi estuary) to your left you will notice a small limestone rock mountain known as Khao Khanab Nam. From what information I had, it was certainly an attraction I should have considered but for just two of us it seemed expensive and I turned it down. It was on my wish list for all these years but finally I get a break as a solo traveller from New Zealand also shows an interest. We come to an arrangement which brings the price of the boat to just 300 baht for the two of us. Reaching the iconic limestone cliff takes about 15 minutes and we're soon at the landing platform and to a walkway leading to a cave.
Regarded as the symbol of Krabi, Khao Khanab Nam consists of two mountains that are roughly 100 metres tall, separated by Maenam Krabi and located at the entrance to Krabi City. Khao Khanab Nam has beautiful caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites worth exploring. In addition to natural attractions, a large number of human skeletons have been found here. Entering the cave you just feel you are in a time capsule since there has been human presence here from pre-historic times while fellow companions remind you, you're in the 21st Century. Some 80 years ago other occupants came here. In WWII Japanese forces occupied Krabi and naval vessels were anchored in Krabi harbour. Evidence of there activity has been found in this cave.
Feeling most satisfied that a craving has been met, I find that the trip continues down the estuary, though the mangrove and across to Koh Klang a village cut off by the narrow waterway. No 4-wheeled vehicle are allowed in Koh Klang. The community relies entirely on boats and a number of samlors (3 wheeled vehicles). As this is a round trip there is no need to land at Koh Klang so it's back to Krabi pier. It's just around midday and what I've achieved so far has surpassed all that I managed yesterday. It's time to make tracks to our next destination but there are some three hours to fill before we need to arrive there and I set about checking for other sites. There is one obvious one, Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Temple) but the number of steps required to reach this temple on the summit of a high hill is absolutely out of the question. A better option is to head for the coast. There are a couple of possibilities. The first is Haad Yao Beach but I fear there is little there except for a good view.
Nuea Khlong District.......Arriving at Haad Yao, true enough there is just a small Muslim community here. The beach area though has a couple of restaurants while the beach itself is littered with debris. The community just doesn't have the resources or income to clear it up. However, lunch here proves good value however long we have to wait. Katoon remains a bit sceptical after out wild goose chasing yesterday but I manage to persuade her to head for Leam Kruat next. This location has a pier to service more islands most notably Koh Jum (pronounced 'Koh Jam'). Service is infrequent and few tourists make it here but as I walk to the end of the pier the 'WOW' factor just hits you just being hemmed in by tropical islands.
Now at 3pm I've reached the same stage as yesterday when I just went under. By total contrast the overnight sleep and rehydration has worked wonders and I'm alive and kicking. We head back to the main highway and proceed east towards what has to be our last visit of the day.
Wat Khlong Thom.......Wat Khlong Thom, located in Khlong Thom village on highway 4 is situated near an ancient habitation site and houses a local museum exhibiting artifacts unearthed within the nearby area including beads, ornaments, shards of glass, pottery and seals as well as a large number of tools and utensils. Wrecks of ancient warships uncovered on Khuan Lukpat (a bead mound) and in Khlong Thom canal were dated by archaeologists back to the 7th century. The ancient Khlong Thom community is believed to have been a sea port and a gateway that linked the transpeninsular trade route from west to east via the Sin Pun Canal to the Tapi River and Ban Don Bay in the Gulf of Thailand.
Unfortunately, there are two minuses here that won't make a plus. Sadly, the museum is still closed and hasn't reopened since Covid. Secondly, the site of the ancient settlement lies on private land. Only a small part of the settlement remains within the temple complex.
While we are still in Krabi province some doors are still open but now it's time to complete the transition and head for Koh Lanta less than an hour away.
Lanta Ferry Crossing.......As we turn off highway 4 heading for Koh Lanta, distance wise it should take just 30 minutes but Lanta is an island and we need to take a ferry crossing albeit a short one of 10-15 minutes. This puts our arrival time at 5.30pm, just about right. This ferry crossing complete, there is another canal crossing ahead which when I was here last needed another ferry. I noted then the beginning of construction work and assumed it was for a bridge now completed. For the island we have made no reservations but I had a resort in mind and set up the GPS to reach it.
Within 10 minutes of crossing the bridge we drive straight into Andaman Lanta Resort. With so much accommodation available here this resort was only a suggestion but at only 800 baht with breakfast and due to its fabulous beach location, there is overall approval but book just for the one night.
Andaman Lanta Resort.......Andaman Lanta Resort is dated probably going back to the 80's judging by the decor alone. Here you will not find electronic key cards or flat screen TVs but so far nothing to worry about. Initially I'm only concerned about getting my mobile and power bank charged up after such a busy day. Then there's the matter of dinner but we obtained that on the way here which we can eat in the room. That's good thinking as I have a lot of work to catch up on. Well, with all this going on I've neglected the fact that we have arrived just before dusk. Katoon directs me to take a look outside and I race down stairs to capture a glorious sunset. Then as I look around the setting here is just as you might expect on a glossy travel brochure. This is not the sort of place I'm used to and can count my blessing that I found it. What's more surprising is the lack of customers but as the evening progresses perhaps apart from the after effects of Covid there are early signs as to why. I'm so grateful for several hours of uninterrupted work on my blog but then the internet connection to my laptop cuts out after so long and I get locked out trying to reconnect. It weird. I have in mind to extend my stay here based on what I've seen but this issue has to be resolved in the morning first.
As a conclusion on our 5th day of this tour, this has been my most productive and enjoyable day so far. It has supplemented wonderfully my visit to Krabi province in February 2014. However, back then we covered Lanta Island quite extensively on a motorbike. It remains to be seen how tomorrow will pan out.
Next Page.
Krabi Province
Government Buildings, Mueang Krabi
Wat Kaew Korawaram, Mueang Krabi
Andaman Cultural and Learning Centre (Beads), Mueang Krabi
Andaman Cultural and Learning Centre (Art), Mueang Krabi
Khao Khanab Nam Boat tour (Cave), Mueang Krabi District
Khao Khanab Nam Boat tour (Khlong Prasong), Mueang Krabi District
Haad Yao (Long Beach), Nuea Khlong District
Leam Kruat, Nuea Khlong District
Wat Khlong Thom, Khlong Thom District
Koh Klang/Koh Lanta Noi Ferry,
Koh Lanta District
Andaman Lanta Resort, Koh Lanta District
Government Buildings, Mueang Krabi
Wat Kaew Korawaram, Mueang Krabi
Andaman Cultural and Learning Centre (Beads), Mueang Krabi
Andaman Cultural and Learning Centre (Art), Mueang Krabi
Khao Khanab Nam Boat tour (Cave), Mueang Krabi District
Khao Khanab Nam Boat tour (Khlong Prasong), Mueang Krabi District
Haad Yao (Long Beach), Nuea Khlong District
Leam Kruat, Nuea Khlong District
Wat Khlong Thom, Khlong Thom District
Koh Klang/Koh Lanta Noi Ferry,
Koh Lanta District
Andaman Lanta Resort, Koh Lanta District