Krabi beach holiday
I just got back from a remarkable vacation. My husband and I went to Krabi. There is so much to do there. You can be a beach bum, kayak, beach hop, hike and eat to your heart’s desire! We did all of the above.
We did two nights on Ao Nang then we beach hopped over on a long tail boat to Tonsai Beach. The boat ride was only fifteen minutes and the views were alluring. We saw huge cliffs surrounded by crystal clear blue waters. The pounding waves crashed against the cliffs and we could hear the sea breaking around us. It was music to my soul and I was dancing with excitement. The boat came to a stop and we hopped off the boat into knee high water carrying our luggage on our shoulders. We looked like we were performing a circus act! None of that mattered because we were in paradise.
As we were walking to our resort we were greeted by monkeys but they weren’t monkeys that we had seen before. They had black fur with white around their eyes. I found out these monkeys are called the Spectacled Langur. We were feet away from them and they just went about their monkey business eating their leaves. I could tell right away that these monkeys were used to seeing humans and we were going to see many more of them later.
Once we checked in and got settled we went exploring. There is so much to do! We took a hike over the cliff to Railay Beach. The beach had the softest sand I had ever felt. It wasn’t crowded and once you get your feet into the water you won’t want to leave. The ocean water felt warm, like bathwater. If you ever go to Krabi you must make it a point to check out Railay Beach. You won’t be disappointed. You can sunbathe, swim, kayak, hike and eat till your full. We did all of
the above.
Our time at the beach ended when a storm came rolling in. When it started raining everyone quickly left the beach and headed back to their resorts. We were the only ones still out and about. The rain didn’t dampen our vacation. We packed up our stuff and went to find Phranang Cave. We figured it’d be a great opportunity to find it and have the cave to ourselves.
While we walked to the cave we passed a sign that read lagoon and viewpoint. We were confused, where was the path to the viewpoint? We looked up and all we could see where sharp rocks proceeding up a steep mountain. There was a rope hanging down from the top that looked like it had been bolted down on a rock. No way could that be the way to the viewpoint. To our surprise, it was. A sign was clearly posted that read “CAUTION This trail is strenuous, muddy, and slippery when wet. Not recommended after rain.” Since it was clearly raining we decided that we would hike that trail the next day if it was better weather. So on we went to find Phranang Cave.
Once we exited a small pathway we were on Phranang Beach and sitting right in front of us was the beautiful cave. The rain had let up and we as we walked to the cave I had to detour because I noticed from the corner of my eye a very unusual shrine. The shrine had phallic symbols carved from wood stacked as high as four feet. The phallic sculpture is known as a “lingam” in Thailand. Locals believe the lingam can create fertility and prosperity for the entire world if left at the cave of the Phranang. I didn’t see any locals at the time at the shrine but I did read that fisherman stop here to give offerings at this shrine.
To get to Phranang cave you have to wade through the water to the limestone cliffs. Once you are there it’s breathtaking being inside a cave in the ocean. We followed the clay mud paths that led us to the opening on the other side of the cliff. You could easily sit here for hours and watch the ocean and the long tail boats go by. We climbed up the rocks to get a good view of Phranang Beach.
The next day we put on our hiking gear to go to the Railay viewpoint and princess lagoon. I was nervous because I hadn’t rock climbed before. My husband assured me he will be there to help me so that put me at ease. Once we got there and got started it came natural. I was climbing up the steep mountain very carefully and having loads of fun! It was challenging and we got very muddy but that made the experience even better. We read reviews to not climb in flip flops and not to climb in good clothes because you will get clay mud on you. The reviews were spot on as you can tell from our pictures.
The climb to the lagoon was the most challenging because after you climb up the steep mountain you have to climb down the other side to get to the lagoon. You have to climb down another set of rocks and down three bamboo ladders. There is also a mud pit, most likely from all the rain, that you can’t dodge and your feet will be so muddy. I tried extremely hard to balance on a log and not fall in but the log was slippery and there I went! Luckily, the lagoon was only three bamboo ladders away and I washed off. The lagoon was serene and it was a nice reward for such a strenuous climb.
I absolutely love being in nature and experiencing new adventures. We loved visiting Krabi and overall had a wonderful trip. We got to see Tonsai beach, Phranang Beach, Phranang Cave, princess lagoon, and Railay Beach! We brought home some unforgettable memories and not to mention a great tan.
