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 

Amphawa Market - Thailand

Last September, I discovered some news that was too good to pass up: Air Asia offered a direct flight from Tokyo to Bangkok for only ¥15,000 ($150). I managed to book within the first week of their flights starting up, and so, was able to get a small discount.

I headed to Thailand with the purpose to explore a resort area I had previously never been -- Krabi.
But before catching that connecting flight, I spent a day to explore a floating market that is popular with Thais, but not as famous among tourists: Amphawa.

Also known as the Amphawa Floating Market, people can meander along the river boardwalk exploring various food, clothing and snack stalls. It's a great place to observe Thais enjoying their weekends, and to sample local delicacies.

Various scenes from Amphawa: vendors, the river, boats, and small statues.

Hoping in a shared van from Victory Monument (cost ¥70 ~ 100 Baht one way = $3), I spent about 1.5 hours zipping along the highway to this market.

When I lived in Bangkok, I visited this market twice before with a group of friends. This time, it was nice to explore quietly on my own, take photos and eat, of course!

I found one young man selling an interesting dessert -- coconut ice cream, complete with toppings, served up in a husked out coconut shell. It was big and delicious!

 Top two photos: the coconut vendor / my coconut ice cream topped with everything! 

Three photos above: An inside side market / cat or dog paw prints / colorful lanterns 

Amphawa Market is open only on weekends and crowded with Thais. That said, there are some English signs and most vendors speak a little English, so it's possible to go without a tour group.

Also, other bloggers have mentioned the market is best after 5PM -- if you can stay overnight in the area, so do. At night, you can rent a songtao (long boat) and view the fireflies via a canal tour.

Upper Photos: A lover's retreat, cutenekko in front of a welcome sign

Bottom: Deep in the market, locks left by couples, a statue outside a cafe

Two of my favorite things in Amphawa -- sweets and drinks -- are a great deal. While walking, I sipped on ice coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, even lemongrass juice. Most light snacks and drinks cost 20 ~ 60 baht or so (60 cents ~ $1.20). 

I think this market is best for travelers who enjoy a laid-back, slow style. Allow yourself at least 3 hours for a quick exploration, 5 or more to explore everything. 

Information:

Amphawa Floating Market is open on weekends, morning until late at night. 

Access: 

• Van from Victory Monument in Bangkok (BTS Victory Monument, walk to van stand). 
• Travel time: approximately 1.5 hours. 
• Vans will depart when they have enough passengers. I waited an hour for the van to fill up.
• Cost: 70 ~ 100 baht one way.

If you wish to see the fireflies, you can rent a long boat (about 600 baht = $18). The canal tour + fireflies lasts 1.5 ~ 2 hours.

Useful sites: 

Bangkok Magazine article on Amphawa Floating Market 

Trip Advisor's site on taking vans from Victory Monument to various cities in Thailand. 

Yamato Antique Flea Market

Every month, on the third Saturday, a city which borders both Kanagawa and Tokyo prefectures, hosts a large flea market in the city center, across from the train station. I have been once or twice before; this time, I brought my camera and snapped lots of photos.

Flea markets are quite popular with both Japanese and expats living in the country. The most popular items are old kimono and obi (a highly decorated waist sash wore with the kimono). If you buy a new kimono, the price is often over $2,000! These slightly used, but still lovely kimonos sell between ¥1,000 ~ ¥5,000 ($10 ~ 50), hence their popularity.

However, I love art and objects, so my camera aimed for these. I hope you enjoy the photos.^_^

Left to right, top to bottom:
Hello Kitty hand luggage, ceramic pot, a very happy bear head, cast iron lanterns.

I love unique things and this hand-made purse caught my eye. It was made from wood, shaped in a small rectangle and when opened, revealed a simple enclosure.

In the square in front of the train station, a small stage was set up for musicians to perform. This man played acoustic guitar quite well. While I was standing and listening to the music, a very drunk, old Japanese man stumbled up to me and said "Hello! Where are you from?" and (seriously, I am not lying here) "Would you marry me?" After escaping, I wondered why blonde girls in Japan attract the worst kind of attention. ?? 

                                 

                                              Photo taken just before I was accosted by the drunk, desperate-to-marry guy

The day was about to get weirder, as I walked though the rows of stalls, I found some truly bizarre things for sale. Here is the best of the weird:

A monk talking to ... a frog. 

The piece above was incredibly heavy too. Made of cast iron, I believe, the price tag underneath said $250. The size was smaller than my hand. I wanted to know if this piece was cast as a representation of some famous Japanese folk tale, but the vendor was not very talkative. 

 A huge wooden and very phallic, statue.

I went by this piece several times and each time, onlookers were crowding around it, commenting "Scary!" and "It's huge!". It looks to be of Polynesian origin; I would guess a fertility God of some kind? I couldn't stop staring at the alien headed penis. The price tag said ¥80,000 or $800. No one bought it. 

The last item wasn't strange, but I liked it very much. I love bright colors, which is a warm relief from the many dark suits and clothes I see Japanese women wearing. This bag caught my eye. I loved all the stitching and wondered, from which country did this come? Eastern Europe? India? Thailand? I couldn't put my finger on it, which perhaps added to its appeal.

I really regret not buying this. It's cool. 

Many English language newspapers publish details regarding flea markets in the Tokyo and Kanagawa areas. Please join many locals and expats, seeking their next treasure.

Information: 

Access:
Yamato Antique Flea Market is held every 3rd Saturday of the month, rain or shine.
Open 06.00 ~ 16.00. 
Next event is Saturday, January 17, 2015 (today!!) 

From Yokohama: Take the Sotetsu train going towards Ebina. Get off at Yamato Station. (20 minutes)

From Tokyo: Take the Odakyu train going to Odawara. Get off at Yamato Station. (1 hour from Shinjuku) 

Useful websites: 

List of Flea Markets in Tokyo & Vicinity (via Japan Tourism Office) 

Yamato Promenade Antique Flea Market (information is a little dated) 

Flea Market Calendar (Japanese)