Top 5 Things in Koh Phi Phi

Posted on December 11, 2010 by Bare Travel

1 . Visit ‘The Beach’
Made famous by the classic film ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo Di Caprio, the extraordinary Maya Bay on the west side of Phi Phi Ley is world famous for its exquisite beach and truly picture postcard perfect scenery of jungle covered cliffs. The coral and the huge submerged boulders near the must of the bay are excellent for snorkeling and diving. Best to visit early though, befor it gets too crowded with sightseers.

2 . Enjoy the sunset at Phi Phi View Point
Some of Koh Phi Phi ‘s most memorable views can be seen at the View Point. The classic dumbbell shape of Phi Phi don Village, squeezed between Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum and framed by towering cliffs, is a picture taken and used on more postcards and posters of Thailand than any where else. Thus an early evening pilgrimage, leaving the valley from 4.30pm to slowly stroll the 25-50 minutes to the top, comes highly recommended. Also, if you are an early bird by nature, the trip can be made at dawn to watch the glorious sunrise bathe the cliffs in brilliant sunlight.

3 . Go fishing
Phi Phi is a greate place for those interested in deep sea fishing. Anglers should be aware though that they can’t take their catch home to cook as fishing around Phi Phi operates on a ‘catch-and-release’ policy. That said,it’s still a lot of fun to pitch your wits and strength against a black marlin or a sailfish and there’s no lack of them in the Andaman Sea. You can charter a boat with friends or hire a longtail. Sak Fishing half-day trips offer both morning and afternoon trips for anglers every day.

4 . Rock climbing
For a sport that combines a physical challenge with great views, rock climbing is hard to beat, especially on picturesque Phi Phi. For beginners and skilled climbers alike, Phi Phi offers plenty of places to enjoy this activity with over 20 routes to choose from in the Tonsai Tower area. Try the Cat Climbing Shop in Tonsai, where you can get all the equipment you need, as well as qualified guides and instructors.

5 . Take a Thai cooking class
Thai food is gaining popularity around the world but getting hold of the ingredients to cook to yourself is not always an easy task. Pum Cooking School in Central Tonsai will teach you how to cook authentic Thai favourites, as well as how to use and store the herbs and spices correctly. There are three daily sessions at 11:00am, 4.00pm and at 6.00pm and you can choose from 90-minute, three-hour and four-hour classes or longer.

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Go Jump off a Cliff

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Bare Travel

Tonsai Beach, in Krabi, is one the five main destinations for deep water solo mountain climbing in Southern Thailand, the others being Ko Phi Phi, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Hong, Ko Lao Loang.

DEEP water soloing is a pure form of climbing practiced on seaside cliffs at high tide. It relies solely upon water at the base of the climb to protect climbers from injury when free falling from the generally high, difficult routes.

This exciting sport has been popular since the mid to late 1990s, but actually originated in the late 1980s on the traditional rock climbing routes on the coasts of Dorset and Devon, UK. Trips are now offered in France, parts of Ireland, Sardinia, Majorca, Spain, and Greece.

Here in Southern Thailand, there are five deep water solo destinations: Ko Phi Phi, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Hong, Ko Llao Liang, and Tonsai Beach.

Basecamp Tonsai, next to Railey in Krabi province, is the pioneer company for deep water soloing trips in southern Thailand. They try rock climbing problems from as low as Grade 8a.

You don’t have to be a rock climbing pro to make a deep water solo splash:  “A part from climbers of all ages who come from all over the world, we also run deep water solo trips with school groups from Singapore, so anyone who knows how to swim and is reasonably fit can try,” said Elke Schmitz, proprietor of Basecamp Tonsai.

When asked if it hurts when you fall, Elke explained: “It depends on how high you are and the position of your body when its hits the water surface. From under 10 meters, a human body can pretty much fall into the water in any position without harm. Nevertheless, you should always try to hit the water upright, press your legs together (especially if you’re a guy) and keep your arms close to your body.” In case there are any problems, Basecamp Tonsai is equipped with a first aid kit and rescue-trained boat driver.

All deep water soloing trips include an English-speaking guide,kayak transportation between the climbing rock and the boat, old climbing shoes, chalk, liquid chalk and chalk bags, lunch in reusable boxes, and drinking water. You need to bring swim wear, sun lotion, and dry clothes for the ride back. The trips are environment-friendly, so please don’t take any plastic bottles,chip bags, candy wrappers, or any other non-biodegradable products with you.

Basecamp Tonsai also runs sunset trips at half moon twice each month. The boat leaves at around 2pm and they spend 4 to 5 hours deep water soloing before giving climbers time to relax on the deserted beach of Chicken Island with food and a sunset drink. There’s also a great fire show after dark. Contact the shops for exact dates of these excursions.

Basecamp Tonsai grew out of We’s Climbing School and has been offering professional climbing instructions on the famous limestone cliffs over the Andaman sea since 1996.

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Talay Waek, Krabi

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Bare Travel

Closing eyes listening sound of coastal waves, feeling sea breeze lightly blowing over the face, breathing of freshness… It’s fascinating and passionate to sea lovers.

Krabi is renowned as very beautiful beaches and attraction places such as Ao Nang, Talay Waek (Split Ocean), etc, bring in visitors from around the world. Besides, there are lots of good restaurants and excellent accommodations for selection from all ranks of budget.

Our schedule trip starts in the morning by taking a speed boat directly to Phra Nang Cave where internally has plenty of stacked stalactite and stalagmite rocks. Phra Nang commands an enviable location on the tip of the headland looking out on the emerald expanse of the Andaman Sea.

However, some local people visiting Phra Nang aren’t just there to admire the surroundings. They are there to make offerings to Phra Nang herself, the Princess Goddess who is believed to reside in the cave underneath the cliff at one end of the beach. Phra Nang is a sacred place for local people, where should be treated with respect by anybody visiting there. Besides, Phra Nang Cave has beautiful beach connected by the neighboring Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, Nam Mao Beach but each beach unable to reach each other by vehicles due to barrier cliff. We must hire a boat from Ao Nang only.

Ao Nang is not far from another cluster of islands which are Koh Kai, Koh Mor, Koh Poda, the island (Koh) was named due to difference of its form of limestone and mountain such as Koh Kai (Chicken Island) got its name from a bizarre rock formation which resembles the head of a chicken.

Now it’s turn to visit Talay Waek (meaning of split ocean), one of Thailand’s unseen highlights. At the lowest tide of the day, tourists can see the appearance of powdery white sandy beach which links three islands together, KohKai, Koh Mor, and Koh Tap (we can walk on the beach across from Koh Kai to Koh Tap). However, it will disappear at high tide.

Next turn is Koh Poda where we can have a short trip for nice lunch and snorkeling. The island has strange form of its feature; various names called for this island depending on how it is looked like by individual view such as Ax figure or maybe chicken. Its crystal clear water and beautiful coral reefs serve as a good swimming and skin-diving area. Walking along a whit sandy beach is enjoyable or a short sleep on the beach also sounds relaxing.

Before the sunset, it’s time to go back to the pier at Nopparattara Beach and being collected a hotel driver.

Travel to beautiful beaches and admire magnificent nature is such worthwhile. However, be reminded to well prepare for a trip such as sun protection cream, sunglasses, slippers, towel, swimming suits and especially no jeans!

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Railay Bay

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Bare Travel

For those who love adventure excursion like rock climbing, we recommend Railay Beach, Krabi where is not so far away from Phuket, only 2 hours by drive and parking the car at Ao Nammao pier which provides daily boat service with reasonable rates from morning until late evening.

If you wish your journey filled with excitement, catch a long tail boat provided as alternative for the short 20 minutes direct from Krabi. Railay is a popular spot for rock climbers. Consequently visitors here mostly are foreigners who plan in particular for climbing activity; some may come for learning and some just for fun.

Railay is devided 2 sides; East and West. West Railay is the most popular beach in the area, lined with mid-range resorts for relaxation and East Railay is centerd for rock climbing shops. The both sides are connected each other by paths through the large resorts or by trails through thin jungle cover. It’s nice to take a stroll along the beach in early morning appreciating its beautiful beaches and quiet relaxing atmosphere. A bit not far there located another beach called Ao Phra Nang; also renowned as beautiful beach for swimming.

Boat service provides hourly departure trip if you don’t expect to stay overnight here.

Railay is not famous among Thais but foreigners from all over the world especially Europe. It’s pity if Thais will not have opportunity to witness its spectacular beauty and serenity of Andaman. I think we should have tourism promotion and publicize about Railay to also attract tourists within the country.

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Stunning Islands with Stunning Rock Formations

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Bare Travel

Thailand’s beaches are renowned for its unsurpassable beauty especially the Andaman Sea which is home to many exotic,sculptural isles dotting the deep blue ocean. The famous Phi Phi Island earns its name when a western photographer took a photo of the land connecting the Phi Phi Don and named its “PP” after the Island’s geography that looks like two letters “P” with its back against each other. The photo won the first prize and Phi Phi Island’s name has become a sensation for globe trotters ever since.

When Phi Phi was featured as a main location in a Hollywood movie, more tourists from all over the place travelled a thousand miles to withness its exotic beauty. Take a parasail ride to enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the Phi Phi.

Nearby the Krabi shore is other four small islands popular among tourists from Ao Nang Beach (aka ‘Pattaya’ of Krabi) as a snorkeling site. We call it “Four Islands Trip” which includes Ko Gai (the island’s shape is similar to a chicken), Ko Yawasum, Ko Tub (parting sea) and Ko Pada with its signature scenery of a small isle in the shape of a sailing boat scattering in the middle of the sea.

In the north of Krabi sea lies a small bay separating Phang Nga’s Koh Yao and inland Krabi. The bay offers a majestic view of Pa Ko — which means ‘forest of islands’ for the landscape is dotted with dozens of limestone isles. This picturesque scenery can be seen and admired from the shore or your room in a quality resort which is plentiful around Krabi shore or Ko Yao Noi.

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Andaman Beach Resort

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Bare Travel

The Andaman Beach Resort is created in archetypal bungalow-style on the admirable island of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand – aloof a few accomplish from the accepted bars, beating centres, and accessibility stores.

As with best backdrop on the island, guests accept accessible admission to all of the attractions Phi Phi has to offer, and this more resort appearance abundant amenities such as a pond pool, absolute admission to the admirable beach, an Internet cafe, adulatory cafe breakfast, a beating room, and island tours.

The auberge is abutting to Phi Phi school, and aural accessible ability of the confined and shops while still actual in a quiet area, abandoned from the late-night revelers on their way home from such confined as Hippies and Tiger.

Guest suites are able with air conditioning, tiled floors, clandestine bathrooms, abstracted bedrooms, terraces, and accessory TV.

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Exploring the Waterways in Phi Phi Island

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Bare Travel

What can we see in Phi Phi ?

Apart from the dramatic limestone karst scenery, you can expect to see lots of wildlife and different plants and flowers. Several species of birdseagles, kingfishers, little herons and occasionally hornbills – can be spotted, as well as monkeys, in particular the crab-eating macaque, which inhabits the mangrove forest near the coat.

On the islands, the marine life includes brightly-coloured crabs, many tropical fish, coral, and the occasional giant monitor lizard. Sightings are never guaranteed, of course, but your chances of seeing something are better when you go.
Is there a good time to go?
The sea kayak trips still go out in the rain. Only in the worst of storms or bad sea conditions will the trips be cancelled. In fact, a rainy or misty day often offers the most intriguing views of the landscape and these can be the best times to view wildlife.

Sunny days, while good for your tan, can make for hot paddling. If you think you might suffer from heat exhaustion, try a sunset paddling phi phi tour, which departs in the relative cool of the late afternoon.

How much will it cost me?
Around 800 baht for a half day trip and from 1400-1800 baht for a full day, depending on the destination. All trips,even half days, include lunch, fruit and drinks, a dry bag and a guide. You will need to bring your own sunscreen, mosquito repellent and a hat, if it’s sunny and don’t forget your camera.

Kayaks for rent are usually available directly on the Phi Phi beach. They cost around 150 baht an hour, with deals for half day and full day rental.

Where do i Book?
For a tour, book in your hotel, tour agent, or directly in one of the kayak shops. Kayaks for rent are usually available directly on the phi phi beach.

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Sea Kayaking On Phi Phi Island

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Bare Travel

The Kayaking trips here tend to follow the same routes as the traditional boat tours. Indeed, most of the day is spent on a traditional boat, with short kayaking stops on Phi Phi Island (in addition to the usual snorkeling breaks) around the various bays and more interesting parts of the coastline. For a different sort of trip, try the kayak ‘sunset tour’, which leaves from Loh Dalum Bay on Phi Phi Don and circles the coast – which at this time is blissfully cool in the afternoon shade of the limestone cliffs. The paddling route goes via Monkey Bay; the’Tiger’s mouth’ lagoon; and ends up at the beach at Wang Long, the most westerly part of the phi phi island. Here a good sunset, framed the sheer cliffs, is made truely memorable. Paddling back in the semi-darkness, however, is not for all. If none of these sounds temping, you are always free to do-it-yourself and rent a kayak by the hour from Loh Dalum Bay. This can be a good way to reach the secluded beach around the corner, or a good water-based exercise. Bear in mind, though, the sights will not be nearly as interesting as on a guided tour.

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Scuba Diving

Posted on December 18, 2010 by Bare Travel

My Scuba at Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok in Phi Phi

Phi Phi is one of the fantastic places for scuba diving as it has rich of marine animals and environment. I have completed my open water class and my first real experience is Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok and they were so fantastic for me.

To diving at these 2 places is Staghorn Reef and wall diving. The depth at Bida Nai and Bida Nok are 5-30 meters. These places are good for beginner – intermediate so it is also good for me.

The Bida Nai is about 1 kilometer on south of Phi Phi Leh and it is like a neighbor of Bida Nok as it is only 1 kilometer away. They are limestone cliff islets and both of them together are considered as Phi Phi best diving site.

My guide showed me a gap in the rocks. I could see the bearded scorpion fish camouflaged on the bottom. I also saw the seahorses, harlequin ghost pipefish, and boxer shrimps, and many more.

I also saw Fantasy Reef with lots of lionfish. During diving, I saw sleeping leopard sharks and reef sharks.

Once we moved to Bida Nok, it is also great dive site. There are most beautiful corel and rock formations. The Bida Nok is best sit to see sea snaked and hawksbill turtles. The cliffs are covered with soft corals and anemones of variety colors.

When I look closely to the crevices, I saw the moray eels and again, lots of lionfish, bearded scorpion fish, and parrotfish. You can easily see Leopard sharks here.

These 2 sites are available for diving for all year round. It was great experience for me and of course that I must return for trying more diving site in Phi Phi. Hope my blog can give some good information to anyone who is interested to have same fantastic experience as I did.

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Snorkeling

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Bare Travel

WHILE diving is not for everyone, snorkeling is a great way for people of all ages and physical abilities to get interested what goes on below the surface of the water. If you’re never done it before, don a life jacket first so you can relax while you get used to breathing through your mouth. When you get the hang of it, all you’ll need is a few lazy strokes from time to time as you float freely, looking down.

In the water, if you’re lucky, you’ll see a spectacular marine show being played out, with a cast of thousands, vivid colors and astonishing backdrops. While Krabi still offers possibly the best snorkeling in Thailand, with its shallow reefs fringing the bases of the limestone rocks, heavy traffic to the most popular sites around Ao Nang and Ko Phi Phi means they are only a shadow of their former glory. The reefs in Ko Poda and Maya Bay will take decades to recover, if they ever do. Feeding fish with bread – another common practice on tour boats -only adds to the mess.

There are however, plenty of untouched sites,which can easily be visited independently, by renting a longtail boat,it is also possible to go as a snorkeler on a drive school boat, which means you will get to see reefs that most non-drivers never see.

The best place for snorkeling in Krabi is undoubtedly Ko Rok. Its remoteness – around on hour away from the coast of Ko Lanta – means the stunning banks of coral are as pristine as ever. Around the mainland coast, Ko Yawasam, Ko See, Ko Ha and ko Daeng (all rock islands with no beaches) are the best spots – ask your longtail boatman to moor nearby, then swim out to the reefs. Around Ko Phi Phi, steer clear of the Maya Bay crowds and head to Monkey Bay (Ao Ling) or near Loh Mudee Beach.There’re also the reef in front of Long Beach, where the early morning ‘ snorkeling with sharks’ tours go.

Wherever you go, remember the sunscreen – being in the water will make you oblivious to the hot sun on your back. A half hour snorkeling stop is enough to do quite severe damage to unprotected skin.

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Surrounded by Krabi

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Bare Travel

Surrounded by Krabi‘s soaring limestone cliffs and the sea, Aonang Villa Resort encompasses all the good things about Krabi: harmony, space, simplicity and warm hospitality.

Accommodation: The 156 rooms are spacious and airy, with cool, elegant, simple and comfortable interiors designed in a contemporary Thai fashion with touches of wood, silk and cotton. Each room is equipped with a private balcony and cable TV.

Facilities/Services: The resort offers two large free-from swimming pools, a spacious lounge area,a children’s play area and gift shop, as well as car rental facilities. There is also a spa offering a full range of treatments as well as a laundry and babysitting service. Also on-site are a tailor’s shop and florist.

Dining: Open to the cooling onshore breezes and surrounded by tropical gardens, all the resort’s food and beverage outlets offer a wide range of cuisine options, from fresh seafood to delicious local Thai cuisine and International favourites.

Meetings: The resort’s comfortable modern conference rooms can easily accommodate up to 220 guests in the Cholatee Room and 60 guests each in the Tonsai and Sai Natee Rooms. All rooms are fully equipped with the latest AV technology

Rate: THB 3,000-25,000

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