An independent girl’s guide to an easy and fabulous beach getaway in Ao Nang, Krabi!
Words and Photography: Irvin Hanni
Cool as cucumber. That’s what I would call this charming getaway nestled in the southern part of Thailand. Blessed with beautiful shores and modern amenities, yet without the crowded commercial developments other more popular islands contain (whose names I shall not mention), Krabi was a true holiday destination, away from all the over-publicized ‘ultimate island getaways’. The beaches, the food, the atmosphere—it’s all goooooood.
Being the free-spirited gal that I am, the thought of committing to a holiday package that’s been planned from the word go was a little bit inflexible for my fabulous lifestyle. I believed that the ‘free & easy’ element is what makes travelling so much fun! Still, it’s always good to be prepared…so this one’s for the girls (and guys too!) who are looking to enjoy the sun, sea, sand and more at this beautiful paradiso–free and independent style, baby!
1. Research, research, research
So important that I said it thrice – it is the most important part before any trip and yet taken so lightly by many. One with aspirations to be a free and independent traveller should make research their priority! Case in point: while there are perks of being a girl with inbred skills to haggle for the best prices, it’s still always good to know what you’re going to be living in. For example, I like my holidays with style yet keep my wallet closed tight, and so I’ll look for good budget accommodations with my kind of facilities – bike rental, clean bath, massage, etc. For a more extensive guide, then download the free AirAsia Islands & Beaches Travel Guide (www.airasia.com/awesomeislands). IT’S FREE!
One of the best ways to sightsee around Ao Nang and mainland Krabi is by renting a motorcycle. For about 250 Baht for 24 hours, you save yourself the pain of walking on foot or haggling for the best price for a tuk-tuk ride.
2. Pack for the waters!
Yes, it’s the most basic rule of all and yet I still have friends who pack their stilettos…for a beach holiday! Make sure you pack smart, and don’t forget your handbag hanger for convenience too! The weather in southern Thailand is pretty sunny all year round, so even though you visit during the monsoon season (Nov-Mar), you’re still going to get some pretty good tanning action. So pack wisely—shorts and tank tops, dresses and flip-flops will do just fine. Trust me honey, you can still look sexy with a bikini top, a lovely sarong and bare feet. For the guys, you can even bend it like Beckham and wear a sarong to the beach. 200 bonus man points if you do that.
Bright tie-dyed tees and ankle bracelets are my ultimate beach holiday must-packs.
3. Camera set, action, go!
A photograph is worth a thousand words, and I couldn’t agree more. I love my gadgets—my micro four third camera, my GoPro, my Instax and yet I still managed to max out my iPhone’s photo storage capacity. Why? Because Krabi is such a beautiful place, with much to see and snap! I like to capture the moments that count, especially so when in a distant land. Speaking of which, check out the cute inflated puffer fish below that got me 52 likes on my Instagram picture. If puffer fishes are not available, a cute hunk on the beach with his perfect tan will do just as well.
Hey look guys, see me huff and puff up! *snap *snap *click * flash*click
OMG, isn’t this the prettiest cat in Koh Lanta or what?
I was lucky to capture this ‘tender’ moment of a nun and her high-strung Siamese cat who was trying his darnest to run around the Tiger Cave Temple.
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