1 While Bangkok is touted as a buzzing t1) So, I recently got to explore Ko Phi Phi, Koh Poda and Koh Lanta. Ko Phi Phi is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and it stays true to what people say about this place. There are parties happening round the clock here and if you’re into it, this is the place to be. I’m not a party person and the island had some secluded spots away from the crowd and partying that showed what beauty our planet has to offer!
Koh Poda — Since I was staying in Ao Nang, this was a few kilometers off. It has some exquisite coral reefs and I managed to do some kayaking and snorkelling!
Koh Lanta - This is undoubtedly a very accessible point for tourists so expecting a lot of typical tourists is understood. However, I went on a boat ride where they took us under some caves that brush the top of your head and showed us the Phang Nga bay where one can find the famous James Bond Island. This is where the classic The Man With The Golden Gun movie was shot. There are several stores here that sell accessories but I recommend not buying from their slightly overpriced stores. You’d find better looking stuff at a much cheaper rate on the mainland.
2 Boiled meat, boiled in fish oil most times, is one of the signature foods. And if you’re not used to it, the smell can put you off. Especially in the market areas. I ended up eating a lot of Thai rice with basil chicken, mango sticky rice (very popular and tasty), and their ramen options (even though these weren’t great). Food was sort of a problem for me, to be honest!
3 As I rode back from a hot water spring a little on the outskirts of Krabi, I found a lot of localites walking around on one particular street and loud music playing from somewhere. I happened to follow them and realised that I was in the middle of the Krabi Weekend Market. This is open only on the weekends and only at night. The items are dirt cheap! The best part was shopping: I managed to find jeans shorts for 50 BHT (Rs 100), t-shirts between 50-100 BHT, and cool watches for 200 BHT. Best place to listen to Thais singing English songs too!
4 Most touristy thing to do was to go on the boat tour where they take you to the James bond island, have you kayak under caves, and jump into the water. It’s the easiest way to explore this side. Going to Emerald pool (hot spring), fire show in Ko Phi Phi, and shopping in Weekend market are some of the most touristy things you can do
5 Travel tip: .1) People going from India, I would suggest you to carry less Thai currency from here and exchange directly in the airport only after you reach as they do not deduct any extra amount for each currency. Also, convert USD to Thai, not INR. It may not even be accepted here. Plus, you get more THB for USD. More money, more shopping!
2) “Loth rakha noi, dai mai krap”, which means give me discount please comes in handy while here.
3) Key to not get lost in the city/country that you are not familiar with is to simply be polite to the locals and they’ll do anything to help you. As much as they do not speak English, they always try to help as long as you are nice and respectful.
4) Say NO to Tuk-Tuk rides. They charge a bomb — sometimes more than taxis — and please do not ask them for any directions. They’ll follow you and pester you by saying that they would drop you to the place.
