The Andaman Trio: Krabi, Koh Lanta And Koh PHi PHi
Islands on the eastern side of Thailand are the home of untouched beauty.
Krabi/Ao Nang
Krabi and Ao Nang flow from one to another, with Ao Nang being most popular with backpackers.
What To See
The Tiger Cave Temple
The Tiger Cave Temple, a short drive from Ao Nang, is home to a magical golden hilltop Buddha. Be warned however; the 1,300 step climb up to the top is not to be taken lightly, especially clad in temple-appropriate clothing. Although we did conquer the climb in Birks, trainers would have been a better option.
After a few breaks, we made it to the top! The views were incredible, dramatic cliffs dropped down into farmland as far as the eye could see. The Buddha watching over from above was utterly majestic, along with the giant golden bell.
But, it was well worth the hike (and pain). Once we had made the descent the shakes began, and rehydrating with a fresh Thai mango passionfruit smoothie was a must (can you tell I am obsessed with Thai mangos?!)
Watch out for the monkeys - my friend bought an ice cream and a monkey nicked it straight out of her hand, opened the packet and ate it in front of her!
Railay Beach
A day trip by longtail boat to Railay Beach is a must. Think long white beaches, volleyball and dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea.
Where to Eat
Ao Nang Night Market
Ao Nang Night Market is home to dozens of food stalls, each offering something different. From sushi to American corn dogs to traditional Thai spring rolls and even classic British baked potatoes and French crêpes. If you’re in a group it’s great to share lots of different bits and bobs.
Compete with clothes stalls, jewelry stalls and tremendous tourist tat it’s a perfect wholesome night out.
Where To Stay
Ao Nang is far more tourist-focused than Krabi, it is super walkable and social, which is great for backpackers. There is also a direct longtail boats from Ao Nang to Railay Beach and back.
We stayed at Sea Beach Hostel, this was one of my favourite hostels in all of Thailand. Massive beds, nice bathrooms (for a hostel), a pool and a short walk to the beach. If I could have extended my stay, I would have! The only downfall was that the hostel restaurant was a bit spenny, but there are plenty of other options along the main street, so wasn’t a bother.
Koh Lanta
Now, this is truly the unspoilt Thai island experience. Instead of taxis, it’s open-sided pick up trucks, there’s one main road from the beach to the Old Town. And wait for it - no 7-Eleven!! It’s a true island escape.
What To Do
Following The Giants
Koh Lanta is home to one of the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in all of Thailand. We visited Following Giants for a half-day visit whilst we were here. And it was nothing short of magical.
We learnt all about the history of elephants in Thailand, at first they were used for agriculture, war and transportation due to their immense strength - sort of in the way that we used to use horses, however, as other means of transport became useful, elephants were no longer needed for manual labour and became a means of entertainment and tourism, from riding elephants to ‘bathing’ them. Whilst this has only been the case for about 50 years, in such a short time the abuse of elephants is rampant, dangerous and upsetting. Following Giants aims to rescue as many elephants from being used for unethical tourism purposes and allow them to wander freely living in a safe and natural environment.
Clad in our wellies and began the 2 hour jungle walk with our hilarious guide, in search of elephants to follow. The whole ethos of Following Giants is that the tourists follow where the elephants go, they lead the way, not the tourists. Only their Mahouts (carers) are permitted to touch the elephants. We met 5 female elephants and 2 male elephants, including Kaidam who was only 28, which is very young for an elephant. Our guide was hilarious and she taught us so much about these precious ellies.
The Old Town
On the other side of the island to Long Beach, Koh Lanta Old Town is as picturesque as can be. Beginning in Lanta Cafe for breakfast with a sea view is a great start. Then it’s onto the shops - the artisan chopstick shop is one that can’t we missed. Your name can be painted onto some ornate, one of a kind chopsticks for as little as £1. Souvenirs can be found in all the other shops dotted along the street, I picked up some hand painted postcards and a painted fan for the heat! A great haul overall, and some perfect journal additions.
Sunset On Long Beach
Aptly named, Long Beach, was our local beach whilst on Koh Lanta. This sunset was impeccable, and the thunderstorm surprisingly made it all the better.
Swimming in the sea during sunset is of course wonderful, but throw in a full on thunderstorm in the mix and it gives way to a core memory I will hold onto for life. A sense of freedom fell over us and nothing else mattered except having fun and enjoying the moment we were in.
Where To Eat
The Backyard Cafe
Serving totally customisable smoothie bowls and coffees in a calming oasis is the ideal way to start your day, and The Backyard Cafe is THE place for that! A fresh brekkie can make all the difference.
The Mango Stall
My Thai mango obsession will never end, and it really came into full swing on Koh Lanta. On the road from Long Beach to the main road past The Pearl restaurant sits an unnamed food stall serving the freshest, sweetest, juiciest mango for only 40 THB (90p). I think I ate a box of this fresh cut mango every day for 4 days. If I could bring one thing back from Thailand in endless supply, it would be their mangoes.
Koh Phi Phi
The home of Leonardo DiCaprio and the famous Reggae Bar. There are no cars on Koh Phi Phi, so wheelbarrows are the only means of ‘taxi’ for heavy bags!
Where To Explore
Island Hopping Day TRips
A tour of the nearby bays and islands has to be done, especially here! Our tour included tops at Monkey Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, Shark Rock, Viking Cave and finally at the bioluminescent cave.
Monkey Bay is the home to dozens monkeys who are extremely naughty, and like a magpie love anything that sparkles, so hold onto your jewelry as they are known to rip earrings clean out!
Pileh Lagoon can only be entered at high tide and feels like you're inside a huge volcano crater.
Maya Bay is well know globally for being the site used in Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach - wow, just wow, it is absolutely stunning. Its turquoise waters are off-limits for swimming, as it’s now a protected shark breeding ground.
Shark Rock, aptly named, is home to blacktip reef sharks. Doning a snorkel and having a search for these harmless sharks is a must. I was lucky enough to see on!
Viking Cave is another protected site; it is one of the few places in the worlds where the birds nests are harvested for birds nest soup, prized in ancient Chinese medicine and insanely expensive. One bowl can cost from £50!!
Once the sun had set, we headed into the a cave to see the bioluminescent algae. They are clearest when you move your hands and it looked like sparks were flying from our fingertips!
Where To Eat
Patcharee
For an endless menu, Patcharee is the place for you. We came twice and it was delicious and our meals fueled us up right through to dinner! It is on the more expensive side for breakfasts in Thailand.
Budget Backpacking Advice: Buy your morning coffee from 7-Eleven to save money and drink it on the way to brekkie!
Where To Drink
Reggae Bar
Infamous for their amateur Maui Thai fights in where backpackers battle it out to win free buckets, Reggae Bar has been a part of the fabric of Koh Phi Phi forever.
If you’re after guaranteed entertainment and a touch of rowdiness this is the spot to hit up.
The Irish Pub
Signing and dancing is a must for any girls night, and Phi Phi’s Irish Pub, The Dubliner, is perfect. It’s casual, it’s fun, it’s cheap, it’s social and there’s a pool table - so what’s not to love.
Slinky’s
Set right on the beach, Slinky’s is the place to be for some neon-clad chaos. Right in the center of everything is a mechanical bull. Ride it for longer than 120 seconds and you get a free bucket, seems easy, right?
If you’re feeling adventurous they have another possibly more simple offer; ride the bull without your whole outfit on, and you also get a free bucket, no matter how long you last on there! Wild…
Speak Soon,
Bella xxx
