Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day
From 101lifeStyle.com

Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations:

Valentine's Day Romantic Regions:

7.Krabi, Thailand:

When it comes to natural beauty and spectacular scenery, few places in Thailand can rival the southern province of Krabi. Sitting on the coast of the Andaman Sea, Krabi's bays and beaches are among the best anywhere in S.E.Asia, the defining feature of the province are the famous lime rocks jutting out from the water. The beach areas of Ao Nang, Railay and Koh Phi Phi have grown into international tourist destinations, rivalling any resort, anywhere in the world!

Things To Do / See:

A.Explore Krabi Town:
Get your fill of curiosities and tasty food wandering down streets and through markets in Krabi Town, then head for the river walk. A wide footpath extends south from the Chao Fa Pier to Thara Park, where you can meander through a maze of walking trails, read by a pond, run laps, play tennis or football, watch the boat traffic drift by, or test your mastery of the Thai alphabet in the children's statue park.
Visit Longtail boat Khao Kanab Nam, the 100 metre high limestone tower formation that has become the town symbol. Inside is a huge cave that contains stalactites, stalagmites, prehistoric paintings, and once housed significant human skeletal remains.
Wat Sai Thai-Krabi's central temple is the local gathering point for any Buddhist event and houses an impressive reclining Buddha. If there is either a wedding or funeral in the area, this is the scene of a great party.

B.Beaches of Krabi:
Krabi has become famous for the striking beauty of just two or three beaches. The amazing beaches in the shadow of towering rocky cliffs that have come to symb, olise Krabi are the two beaches, Rai Le or Tham Phra Nang. Ao Nang Beach is Krabi's vibrant tourist centre. By road, Ao Nang is just minutes from Krabi Town and Klong Muang Beach and mere seconds to Noppharat Thara Beach. Via the sea, Railay's beaches - including Ton Sai - and a grab bag of small, intimate islands are nearby. Pick a direction and give your waterborne taxi thirty minutes. A world of adventure waits. Lined with limestone cliffs and golden sand, Railay is just a ten minute boat ride from Ao Nang, or 30 minutes from Krabi Town. If you prefer a slower pace of island life, relaxing under palm trees watching glorious sunsets and generally just chilling out and relaxing, then Koh Jum is the place for you! Koh Lanta: As one of Thailand's more spectacular locations, exploring Koh Lanta is a must. Spectacular waterfalls, beautiful bays and off-shore islands offer visitors a look at the natural beauty of Southern Thailand.

C.Outdoor Activities:
Krabi boasts more than 32 dive sites and countless more snorkeling spots. If you are fascinated by life underwater, Krabi offers a rich marine environment, with superb corals, pinnacles, underwater caves and rock formations. Leopard sharks, turtles, and even dolphins are regularly spotted. Two world class dive sites, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang - which at 70m is the deepest drop-off in Thai waters - are a big draw for serious divers. There are also plenty of outdoor sports available, including fishing, golf and mountain biking.

D.Island Hopping:
There are three main groups of islands off Krabi namely Jum, Phi Phi and Lanta, which are also part of this province. Longtail boats that take visitors to these island groups on day trips are readily available at the beaches of Ao Nang and Rai Le.Koh Lanta is a large island in the south of Krabi province is a whole destination within itself. There are many beaches and perhaps 40 bungalow resorts here, and there are also a few up-market resorts, including one small but beautiful 5-star resort, Pimalai Resort and Spa. These famous islands, a part of Krabi province, are also a complete destination, one that made its fame in the world market before Krabi.
The 'Four Islands' - a popular trip from Ao Nang, this day tour takes in Ko Poda, Ko Gai (Chicken Island) and Ko Tub, with its sweeping sandbar, plus the beautiful Phra Nang Bay on Railay peninsula. This beach, inaccessible by road, is considered to be one of the most beautiful strips of sand in the world.
The Hong Islands - Part of the marine National Park, these superb islands can be reached within twenty minutes from Ao Nang by speedboat, or 45 mins by longtail. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Phang Nga Bay, with its countless rocky outcrops, the islands in the Ko Hong group are rightly considered to be among the most beautiful in Krabi province.

E.Krabi River Attractions:
Krabi has its own attractions on the river: kayaking in the mangrove forest passing canyons and caves and visiting local fishing communities are popular options. Kayaking and rafting are great ways to explore Krabi’s dramatic scenery without damaging the environment. Here is a boat port which services fishing trawlers and passenger boats that ply the waters to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. Adjacent the main part of town is a riverbank park, though it is new and the trees are small. A floating restaurant, accessed through this park, is a pleasant place to eat, particularly at sunset or in the evening. The menu is specifically Thai, so ask to take out the chillies if you don’t like things really spicy.

F.Krabi Tours:
The caves in Krabi's most famous landmark: Khao Kanab Nam, the two 'dog-ear'-shaped rocks, visible from Utarakit Road, are also worth a visit. Krabi is rich in such cave monasteries. The most famous, to which almost every Thai tourist to Krabi goes, is Wat Tham Seua. Apart from this large monastery with a walkway through the forest there are many smaller ones. One needs a car to reach these secretive places.The guided Kayak tours on offer take you to three main areas around Ao Luk in the north of the province: Ao Luk is a wonderful escape from the tourist traps. Some spectacular caves and waterfalls offer the chance to swim, snorkel and kayak through the mangroves. Ao Thalane (mangrove and canyons) at the southern tip of Phang Nga Bay; Bor Thor (ancient limestone caves); and Koh Hong (an island with a 'hidden' lagoon at its centre). On Hong Island, the marine life includes brightly-coloured crabs, many tropical fish and birds, and the occasional giant monitor lizard. 75 million year-old Shell Cemetery. This is a good place for those with an interest in archaeology.
A lot of these forest areas are easily accessible, with clear trails to follow. Popular trekking spots in Krabi include the National Park area of Khao Phanom Bencha with its beautiful waterfall at Huay Toh; and Khao Nor Chu Chi's verdant tangle of lowland vines, bamboo and ancient trees, at the heart of which lies the astonishing 'crystal pool'. Treks vary from a short, half-hour-long nature trail, to overnight camping trips to the summit cloud forest of Phanom Bencha mountain.

G.Cultural Krabi:
Andaman Sea Festival-This Festival takes place in November and celebrates the opening of the tourist season in Krabi. Water sport competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are the schedule.
The Setting Adrift of the Chao Le Boats-Takes place on Ko Lanta during the full moon night of the sixth and eleventh lunar months. This is a religious rite performed by Sea Gypsies or "Chao Le" who gather on the beach near Ban Saladan Village. They dance their famous "rong ngeng" round the boats to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature singing and dancing. The reason for the fest is to bring prosperity and happiness to the participants.

H.Health Spas:
Krabi's lush greenery and tropical climate make this the ideal location to indulge in a spa treatment. Most spas in Krabi take full advantage of Krabi's natural assets and are situated outdoors in fragrant gardens with old-style Thai wooden pavilions and inspiring views. Massage, body scrubs, wraps and facials are the most common treatments available and most spas offer herbal steam and jacuzzi facilities as well. Wherever you choose to try it, a traditional Thai massage is a must on any visit to Thailand. Combining ancient Ayurvedic principles with Chinese acupressure and elements of yoga, this interactive massage is a workout for your whole body.
Most recommended spas are Tropical Herbal Spa, Ao Nang 20/1, Moo 2, Ao Nang, +66 (0)7 563 7940; Adora Spa, Krabi Town 1 Tungfah Road, Krabi Town, +66 (0)7 562 002 8-46; Montra Spa, Ao Nang 56/3 Ao Nang, +66 (0)7 563 7950; Pimalai Spa, Koh Lanta 99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Koh Lanta, +66 (0)7 560 7999; Kantawan Spa, Koh Lanta & Krabi Town 189 Maharaj Road, Krabi Town, +66 (0)7 562 3659, (Koh Lanta): 224/1 Saladan, Koh Lanta, +66 (0)7 568 4500-1.
In the south of Krabi province (around 70km from town and near the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve), are nature's own hot-tub jacuzzis. The water here comes from thermal springs, originating deep underground in volcanic chambers. Located in the jungle, this site features naturally hollowed-out 'bathtubs' in the smooth stone, filled to the brim with running spring water at a pleasant 35-40C.
The mineral salts contained in the water are said to ease a number of ailments, including rheumatism, sciatica and skin complaints.
A visit to the Hot Springs would not be complete without a trip the nearby 'Crystal Pool' in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve. Also known as Emerald Pool ('Sa Morakot' in Thai), this is an astonishly-hued natural pool at the centre of the forest, filled with clear spring water - although at ambient temperature. Swimming is possible here.

I.Elephant Camps:
With elephants fast disappearing from the wild in Thailand, the best place to see these fascinating animals up close is in a trekking camp. There are only a few camps in Krabi - such establishments must follow strict guidelines as set by the National Livestock Department regarding the provision of adequate food, water and shade for their animals, as well as proper health care. Trekking tours - usually an hour's ride on the elephant, combined with another sightseeing activity - are bookable through any local agent, or you can visit the camps directly if you don't wish to do the other activities on the itinerary.

J.Romantic Dinner:
A sunset dinner at the beachside seafood restaurants in Ao Nang is fine.But if you wish to avoid crowds head out to Klong Muang to The Beach House, a peaceful spot offering excellent food and fantastic views over the Hong Islands; or take a sunset dinner cruise on a yacht with Krabi Spesialisten Tours. Romantic dining later on in the evening can also be found in The Last Fisherman beach bar, with its nightly barbecue and tables on the sand overlooking the water, or the pretty garden of Ruen Preutsa in Somkiet Buri Resort (both located in Ao Nang), or in the beautifully lit pavilions of Ruen Mai Thai restaurant in Krabi Town.

K.Shopping:
Shopping in Krabi is a pleasurable activity. Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. Certain categories of antiques are restricted such as Buddha Images, and certain others require an export license. Throughout Thailand coloured gemstones such as rubies and sapphires are readily available. Thailand is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing. Rattan and Rosewood furnitures are also famous in Thailand. Arrangements can be made with dealers for overseas shipment. Nielloware unique to Southern Thailand can also be purchased as souvenirs. Pewter ware, Orchids, and silk items are also very famous in Thailand.

How To Get To Krabi, Thailand:

From Bangkok:
By car: From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4 to Chumphon province, then change to Highway No. 41 which passes through Surat Thani province. Then drive onto Highway No. 4035 until you reach Au Luek District and turn to No. 4 again. The total distance is 814 km.
By bus: There are air-conditioned bus services to Krabi leaving the Southern Bus Terminal at Borommaratcha Chonnani Road daily in the evening. The journey takes about 12 hours.
For further details, call the Southern Bus Terminal, 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 1200 (air-con bus) or 0 2434 5557-8 (non air-con bus).
By rail: There is no direct train to Krabi. But you can take a train from Bangkok's Hualamphong Station to Trang or Nakhon Si Thammarat and take a bus or taxi to Krabi.
For Trang, an express train leaves Bangkok daily at 17.05 and reaches Trang at 09.40 and a rapid train leaves daily at 18.20 and arrive at 12.20.
For Nakhon Si Thammarat, a rapid train leaves Bangkok daily at 17.35 and arrives at 10.45 and an express train leaves daily at 19.15 and arrives at 12.00.
For details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4444 (RSVN), 0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701.
By air: Domestic airlines operate daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi. The trip takes 1.20 hours.

From Phuket:
By bus: From Phuket Bus Terminal, there are non air-con and air-con bus services for Krabi many times daily. The trip takes 3-4 hours. For details, contact 0 7621 1480.
By car: Take Route 402 and 4 which passes Takua Thung and Thap Pud districts in Phang-nga and enter Krabi at Au Luek District. The total distance is 185 kilometres.
By air: Domestic airlines offer flight services between Phuket and Krabi.

Travelling to Nearby Provinces:
From Krabi's bus terminal there are bus services, both air-con and non air-con to nearby provinces, i.e. Phuket, Phang-nga, Trang, Hat Yai, Surat Thani (Samui). Many tourist agencies in town provide air-con buses or vans to these provinces.

Krabi, Thailand Hotels:

A.Maritime Park and Spa Resort: Maritime Park and Spa Resort (formerly the Krabi Maritime Hotel) is a four-star resort set amidst 25 acres of meandering waterways, towering limestone rock formations and lush mangrove forests. Only a step to the Krabi River which leads via Krabi Town to the Andaman Sea, with easy access to the many beautiful islands in Krabi Province. Every day is full of dinning temptations at the Maritime Park & Spa Resort. Breakfasts are leisurely, to set the mood for your perfect vacation. Enjoy a succulent seafood dinner overlooking the lagoon, to appreciate South Thailand's traditional cuisine prepared by our master chefs. Any time of day is right for relaxation with cool drinks by the pool, in the Lobby Bar, or Sky Lounge with panoramic views over Krabi.
B.Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi, Thailand: Sits majestically within its own private bay, called Pai Plong Bay. The resort has a direct beach front location of 500 meters in length, with stunning views of verdant limestone formations and an extensive expanse of beautiful pristine white sands lapped by crystal clear waters. The resort is ideally suited for couples and family units alike with an extensive range of room types, facilities, and services.
C.Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi Resort & Spa, Krabi: A short distance from Ao Nang and surrounded by pristine rainforest, Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi is a luxury resort featuring 276 rooms, most with a large balcony facing the ocean and providing views of the limestone islands and stunning sunsets over the Andaman Sea. The hotel boasts three restaurants, five bars, a 7,000m swimming pool, fitness center, Turkish bath, spa, children's playground and conference facilities for up to 350 delegates. Newly built Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi is the perfect hideaway and enjoys a prime setting on Klong Muang Beach in Krabi. The hotel's elegant Colonial and spacious design combines western luxury with an authentic Thai feel.
D.Railay Bay Resort and Spa, Krabi, Railey Beach,Thailand: If we are talking about the private and extraordinary white sand beach in Krabi province. Everyone has to think of “ Railay Beach”. Railay Bay Resort & Spa, is part of exclusive group of resort that have beach front access to the renowned Railay Beach, which is perfectly located in Krabi, a most picturesque province. Here at “Railay Bay Resort & Spa”, you will find that we the only beach resort that has a West to East orientation at Railay Beach. Our guests enjoy an ethereal sunset while dining at our Railay Restaurant. When you enter your room, your first impression will be an appreciation of the spaciousness of the interior’s unique design, which includes a beautiful tropical garden in the private exterior shower area. In addition to, your large private balcony will let you enjoy the balmy sea breezes floating above the unspoiled Andaman Sea. You will know that you arrived at your home away from home.
E.Pakasai Resort, Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand: Pakasai Resort, overlooking the azure waters of the Andaman Sea in South Thailand's vacation paradise of Krabi, is an escapist gem. Nestled into a hillside surrounded by lush tropical gardens beside the Noppharat Thara National Park, this unique and exclusive resort offers homely comfort, personalised service and every facility for an enchanting holiday in tune with nature. For health and beauty, Adora Spa, operated by the sister hotel, the Maritime Park & Spa Resort, welcomes guests from Pakasai Resort. Stress and tensions melt away under the skilled fingers of specialists trained in the arts of traditional Thai massage, while a range of health and beauty treatments featuring herbal and aroma therapies, pamper the body and rejuvenate the spirit. Be close to nature at Adora Spa.

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