I decided my third times to Thailand to see the beaches, islands and go diving.
As we started our date late and it was also because of weekend, there was no more buses to Phuket, so we decided to go to Ao Nang Krabi from Bangkok Bus station and book a hotel near Ao Nang beach
Thailand South beaches is so crowded with lots of tourists compared with peaceful mountain and waterfal view in the North. I even dont think I was in Thailand but an international places.
When we reached Krabi, I think it was a better option to visit than Phuket.
A budget but experienced option is to do a combination of booking tour and self-visit by buying long tail boat tickets
From beach side, it is easy for us to get a return boat ticket to Railey beach where we could swim, walk to a cave and enjoy sunset.
The day after we took a tour near the hotel depart at 1pm to some islands. The boat sailed to some islands with white beach sand, green and clear water. At each place, we stop for swimming, relaxing by the beach. Barbecue dinner also included in the tour service.
The most impressive about night tour is to see the glowing microorganisim in the sea water at night. When you move in the water, the tiny creatures shine. And it surely creates you an amazing feeling to swim in dark see with only glowing beauty.
The cost of tour depends on how you choose the boat: wooden boat, big boat or small boat, food and drink because the islands is mostly the same. The tips is you can choose from any booth ticket, and choose the affordable for yourself.
As these beach cities are so much busy with tourist, so boat trip and van need to be booked from 1-2 days in advance. We actually by a combo ticket and get discount from a Malaysian Muslim girl selling tour/ticket at a small booth walking distance from our hotel. We are really satisfy with the service offer include LomPraya Express Boat ticket to Koh Pha Ngan.
The same as Krabi, Koh Pha Ngan is not as expensive as Koh Phi Phi or Koh Samui relating to accomodation and food. And the best thing that it is not as crowded as other islands. We rented a bike and choose a budget resort at 500B take us 20 mins ride
I decided to book 2 dives the next day to Sail Rock - one of the best dive site in the world.
Go diving more! as I remember a quote: “We dive not to escaple life, but for life not to escape us”