Krabi 3 - Thailand Solo! - Emerald Pool

( This series continues to record a solo trip to Thailand's famous resort area - Krabi. Part one is HERE. Part 2 is HERE. )

On my second day in Krabi, I enjoyed a full day tour to some of the most famous sights in the province. In the morning, I completed a tour of Tiger Cave Temple (here), climbing up the steep cliff face to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

After that, a Chinese mother and daughter agreed to take my photo at the temple's entrance. In exchange, I took several photos for them too. That's how solo traveling works -- you help each other. ^_^

Photos: 
Tigers guard the entrance, me at the temple, lunch!
(bottom row) 
Hot spring waterfall

After finishing up at the temple, our guide drove us to a local restaurant close to our next site -- Namtok Ron (literally translated as: "warm waterfall"). We took a break for lunch, which was a buffet affair, with various dishes placed on a long table for all to enjoy. It was very Thai-style -- healthy, spicy and never ending plates of food!

Namtok Ron is famous for its hot spring water. In Japan, hot springs are a sort of religious experience; people of all ages enjoy long soaks in hot baths, with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. The water is usually clear, or milky in color, and the hot springs are very clean. They are even used as form of therapy for those having cancer treatments, or other health aliments.

In Krabi, many were disappointed with the appearance of the hot springs themselves; the color was a chocolate brown and very muddy. We guessed during the rainy season, this was the typical appearance. Needless to say, many in our group did not bother soaking and instead (author included) chose to dip our feet in the warm waters only.

Photo: 
A better view of the Namtok Ron taking during the dry season (courtesy of Michael Holland)

If you really want to enjoy the warm, natural waterfall, I would recommend visiting during the dry season, or on a day when there is little rain. Unfortunately, I traveled smack in the midst of the rainy season and so the waterfall was a brown mess, with strong currents. Most in our group did not even try to sit or walk down the waterfall (which is a common activity).

Our guide took us to our final destination -- the Emerald Pool. This natural, turquoise pond, deep in a national forest, is a must-see when in Krabi. Luckily, the sun popped out and I could enjoy a cool swim under sunny skies. A kind lady from Denmark agreed to watch my things and take some photos while I swam around. ^_^

Photos:
Cutenekko at the Emerald Pool, park sign pointing the way, view of the entire pool.
(bottom row)
Cutenekko swimming, a hiking trail near the pool.

My boobs -- all padding. ^o^ Every swimsuit in Asia has padding....

One thing must be mentioned: there are sharp, very slippery, rocks surrounding the Emerald Pool. Visitors are recommended to wear non-slip water shoes, or flip-flops.

The tour van dropped me off at my hotel in the late afternoon; I decided to treat myself to an early dinner. I dropped into this restaurant near my hotel -- the Green Pepper, and splurged on shrimp, a strawberry smoothie and ice cream -- topped with raisins (!) I chatted with the manager who gave me a discount -- common during the rainy season. Everything on the menu was 30% off. Woo!

Photos:
View from my table, ice cream sundae - Thai-style
(bottom row)
pineapple shrimp, smoothie

Check back again soon. I'll post another tour I took to various outlying islands surrounding Krabi. The photos are amazing!

See you again and happy travels! ^_^

Information:

Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool Tour --

There are many tour companies on the island. Just walk around to get the best deal. Cost is 750 ~ 1,000 baht ($22 ~ $30) per person, lunch included. Tour departs from 9 AM. Finish at 4PM. 

Krabi 2 - Thailand Solo! - Tiger Cave Temple

As mentioned in my last post, I was originally supposed to enjoy several days in Krabi with a friend, who backed out suddenly. Rather than waste the trip, I went alone; the result was quite fun.

On my second day in Krabi I booked a day tour to a cliffside spot which offered the best views of the resort area -- Tiger Cave Temple. Also known as Wat Tham Suea, this temple is considered to be highly sacred and famous for ....(secret to be revealed later!)

I started the day with my usual -- a big breakfast. Despite the free buffet breakfast at the hotel, I was the only customer(!) Rainy season in Krabi is deliciously quiet.

A van picked me up and drove us 20 or so minutes to our first stop of the day -- the temple. I was impressed by the highly decorated gates and massive gong at the temple's entrance.

Photos: Apasari Hotel breakfast / decorative gate / one massive gong



The temple is famous for tiger paw prints etched in the concrete of a cave at this site; but I wasn't here for that. I was eager to challenge the temple's other famous point (secret revealed!) -- it's massive stair climb up a steep cliff. A sign at the bottom of the staircase read simply: "1,237 steps to top mountain." Being an avid hiker, I couldn't resist this challenge. I began my climb, noting the painted numbers in blood red reminding climbers of the number of stairs reached.

Photos: A deity with a donation box/ 333 steps so far! / The warning sign at the start of the climb/ Made it! / The never ending staircase...

After approximately 30 minutes of climbing, I reached the summit, a staggering 1,260 steps later (that initial sign lied!!). At the top, there was a welcome water fountain; I was parched from the steep climb!

Photos: Drinking fountain / Various gongs/ View / Guardians 

After guzzling down several glasses of the cold, fresh water, I walked around, noting how eerily quiet the summit was. I came across a string of gongs, all various sizes and rang them triumphantly. The sound signaled my arrival to Krabi, it seemed. A sign prompted me to remove my shoes before walking around the main holy site here -- I snapped a photo of the misty view to show how high I had climbed.


A great, grand statue of Buddha peered down at visitors who succeeded in the tough trek up the cliffside. It was an amazing sight. I stayed here for a while -- again, as the only visitor -- later, a monk came out and said, "Hello, you are alone?" I nodded, and he seemed amazed at my bravery. The weather at the top was wet and cold, with strong winds. Despite that, I stayed to offer prayers and snap a few more photos.

Buddha at Tiger Cave Temple, the view & starting the great climb down: 



On the long way down, I passed several more brave climbers, donning rain coats. They panted,  "How much further to the top?" I encouraged all the climbers to keep going as the reward at the top was worth all the pain. ^_^

Once back at the bottom, I took a rest and snapped this photo below, of some cute cherubs. I love hidden displays of art, so this was a pleasant find.

Check in again soon. I have more photos to share of this temple, plus a beautiful swimming hole on Krabi. Enjoy traveling!


Information:

Tiger Cave Temple wiki is HERE. Trip Advisor is HERE. 
The temple is about 3 kilometers from Krabi town. 

If you do climb, be warned: it's very steep and tough. Start early in the day, or go in the early evening, when temperatures are much cooler.  There is only 1 toilet along the climb, and no toilets at the summit. 

The summit is 600 meters (2,000 feet). 
The Buddha statue is 278 meters tall. 

Entrance is free, but donations are strongly welcomed. 

Travel tip (from some other travelers I met): Don't book a tour online. Wait until you get to Krabi, and book local. You'll save 300 baht or so. 

Krabi - Thailand Solo!

Originally, I was supposed to visit Krabi with a friend. At the last minute, my friend backed out. Angry at first, I decided to not bother with the stress and go alone. After all, I spoke some Thai, I had lived in the country for two years; traveling solo might be a blessing in disguise.

I made sure to take my usual travel partner of course,  Mr. Elephant (on my bag). I could feel his happiness immediately upon arriving at the Don Muang airport -- Thailand was his birth country, after all. Our flight left too early in the morning, so I caught breakfast at the airport, and let Elephant soak in the warm temperatures and atmosphere.

Photos: Me & my travel partner - a very happy, Mr. Elephant / Don Muang Domestic Terminal / 

My breakfast.

A one hour flight later, I arrived in Krabi, in the midst of rainy season, and promptly got soaked in the downpour while walking to my hotel. No matter, the room was very cosy and dry...

Photos: The room's canopy bed, bath, balcony view, lobby and Mr. Elephant, on his own day bed. 

I chose to stay near Ao Nang beach, which was listed on the internet as one of the best destinations for 2015. My hotel was a small one, called Apasari Krabi. It's not a fancy place, but the cost was cheap, included breakfast and the beach was only a 5 minute walk away. 

Don't be scared to visit Thailand during the rainy season (June ~ October). Prices are half what you would pay during the high season, plus the restaurants, beaches and tourist areas are almost empty. It's a great time to travel -- just bring a good raincoat with a hood as the rain tends to start and stop all day. 

Due to my early arrival, I snuck across the hotel lobby to a Muslim restaurant to enjoy some sweets. I forgot the name of this dish, but it was similar to deep fried bread, coated with strawberry jam. 

Krabi is home to a small Muslim population; not surprisingly, you will see ladies in headscarves. Krabi is popular not only with Europeans escaping the cold winter season, but also with Muslim tourists from Indonesia and Malaysia. If you are a fan of Halal food, this is the place for you. ^_^

I wanted to explore the Ao Nang beach area. From my hotel's road, I ventured right, parallel to the beach until I came across a really nice cafe, called Doi Chaang. Perched directly across from the beach, the cafe offered great views and peace and quiet -- I was their only customer! 

Photos: shop sign, inside, my latte, outside view 

I have almost stopped visiting cafes in Japan due to the high cost. Most of my coffee comes from decaffeinated instant stuff made at home. This cafe was a little "splurge". I really liked the various themes inside. 

Owls which gave a "Harry Potter" vibe:

A circular, Chinese inspired bookshelf:

I think if you had a great, thick book, you could really waste your day away here. Doi Chaang sells coffee at various locations in Asia. You can visit their site below to find shops, even order online.

The following morning, I ventured up a very steep cliff to visit a famous temple. Come back and visit again to see that amazing spot.


Information: 

Air Asia flies from Tokyo ~ Krabi (via Bangkok). Price from Tokyo one-way: ¥20,000 ($200). 

Apasari Krabi hotel is located near Ao Nang beach, Krabi, Thailand. Price off season: About $30 a night for the room. Pool & breakfast included. 


Useful sites: 

Air Asia  ** Special promotion on now -- one-way from Tokyo to BKK for only $129!! 

Apasari Krabi 

Doi Chaang Coffee Thailand