Krabi Offers Tourists Food, Fun, Sea And Shopping

By Ima Aimi Nadia Ibrahim ALOR SETAR (Kedah, Malaysia), June 28 (Bernama) -- Thailand, deemed one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, lures travelers from all over the world. The Discover Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) programme took a group of 15 media practitioners from various agencies in northern state of Kedah and Kuala Lumpur to Krabi, Thailand from May 22 to 24. Starting their journey at 4.00pm from the UUM campus in Sintok, they hopped on a bus to Bukit Kayu Hitam where they crossed the Kedah and Thai Immigration checkpoints before splitting into three groups. They then continued their journey to Ao Nang which took about five hours by van. HALAL FOOD Though some media personnel voiced their concern about the availability of halal food during the drive, their concerns were quickly allayed when tour guide Abdullah Yeepanoh assured them that the majority of food sellers in Krabi were Muslims. Two hours into the journey from Bukit Kayu Hitam, the entourage stopped in Trang for prayers and snacks before resuming the remainder of their drive to Ao Nang which took another two and a half hours. Before checking into Nong Eed Resort, they refueled their tired bodies with a dinner spread comprising of mixed tomyam, chicken cooked in turmeric, vegetables, fish cooked in ginger and a 'Chai' tea at Ruantalay Restaurant. The dishes at the restaurant were similar to that on Malaysian menus, except they used the more spicy 'cili padi' (bird's eye chili). The banana chocolate crepe and coconut ice cream are also highly sought after Thai street food sold by Muslim vendors. Tourists can also try the herbed rice dish and 'khao mok kai', a spiced chicken and rice dish for 50 Baht (US$1.40) or the delightfully creamy mango sticky rice sold for between 20 to 25 Baht (US$0.55 to US$0.70). ISLAND ATTRACTIONS As home to a variety of natural attractions like beautiful caves and island, the group went on island hopping to Phra Nang, Tup, Kai and Poda. The first destination Phra Nang, also known as the Goddess of Love, the rock climbing enthusiasts were spoilt for choice as the place offered 50 routes in the five climbing sections along the beach for only 1,300 Baht (US$36). For those who love the water, snorkeling activities are available on all islands. Each island offers a set of unique experience through a wide and colourful selection of marine life - fish, seaweed and corals. If water activities do not tickle your fancy, take a 30 minute elephant ride through the forest and river at Ao Nang Safari for 450 to 500 Baht (US$12.60 to US$14). Visitors can also enjoy performances by a baby elephant by the name of Malik, as well as rafting for 350 Baht (US$9.80) and flying fox, the safari's latest attraction. SHOPPING HAVEN Heavenly. That would be the best way to describe what tourists feel when they engage in retail therapy in Thailand. Visitors to Krabi usually do not pass up the chance to shop till they drop as the selection of goods and wares are good and of course, cheap. Tourists are spoilt for choice with a myriad of souvenirs available such as clothing, key chains, purses, decorative items and other handicrafts. However, those who come without tour guides need to compare prices as some outlets charge higher, especially those located in the city centre. T-shirts with Krabi wording are favoured by tourists. Kids sizes are sold for between 50 and 80 Baht (US$1.40 to US$2.20) and adult sizes are sold for between 130 and 180 Baht (US$3.60 to US$5), but prices are still negotiable. Meanwhile, key chains and fridge magnets retail for between 50 and 70 Baht (US$1.40 and US$1.95). Vendors usually give a discount if items are purchased in large quantities. Visitors to Krabi can also try their hands on the many outdoor activities meant for them. However, they have to plan their travel ahead because if they arrive during the wet spell and when the winds are strong there is nothing much that they could do. The best time to visit Krabi is between November and March when the air is cool and it is the best time for activities on land and water. However, it is the hospitality of the locals that will impress visitors to Krabi. The ever smiling faces of the locals and their readiness to lend a helping hand to the visitors adds to the allure of Krabi in Thailand. -- BERNAMA