Readme before you journey
I spent three days exploring Krabi on my own, without joining a tour group.
ONE DAY CHILL Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, DIY, No Tour Required
Traveling independently allows for a relaxed and leisurely pace, free from time constraints and the pressure of keeping others waiting. This freedom to explore at one's own pace enhances the overall enjoyment of the experience.
Let's try a different travel experience by joining a tour group. What will be different?
We have already booked a hotel tour called "One Day Krabi Tour 4 Islands, Talay Waek, Chicken Island, Poda Island, Railay Phra Nang Beach" by speedboat.
The tour participants were also guests at the hotel where we were staying. Depending on which package each person wanted to experience, once everyone had arrived, our guide checked our names, distributed diving masks, and provided an introduction to the places we would be visiting. We then set off for the pier.
We embarked on our journey aboard a spacious speedboat. Upon arrival, our guide instructed us to remove our shoes and place them in the provided black bags. Footwear was deemed unnecessary for this particular excursion.
The first destination was **"Phra Nang Cave Beach, Railay"**.
Our tour group was small, with only 20 people. The guide was attentive and ensured everyone wore a life jacket when boarding the boat, following safety regulations.
Our speedboat attempted to dock at the front of Phra Nang Beach. However, due to strong waves and winds, our guide prioritized the safety of the tourists and opted to dock at Railay West instead. We then hiked across the hill to reach Phra Nang Beach. Although this route was slower and more circuitous, it ensured our safety.
Phra Nang Beach is extremely crowded today.
The water remains crystal clear.
Yesterday, we visited Railay Beach and spent the entire day there, capturing every angle of the beach. You can check out our photos here: ONE DAY CHILL Railay Beach, Phra Nang Cave Beach - Independent Travel, No Tour Required.
The tour's main attraction is "Chicken Island," a limestone island eroded by wind and rain into a shape resembling a chicken's head. The resemblance is so striking that visitors instantly recognize it upon arrival.
At Chicken Island, there wasn't much to see. Our tour guide simply steered the boat towards the island's headland, and we took turns taking photos. And that was it! Our tour of the second island was complete.
The speedboat took us to the third island, "Koh Poda".
Poda Island boasts pristine white sand beaches visible from afar. Our guide allowed us to swim, take photos, and enjoy lunch on this beautiful island.
Before reaching the island, our guide took us snorkeling near Koh Poda. It seemed to be the only snorkeling spot in the area, located on the northern side of the island. An orange buoy marked the designated snorkeling area, with boats anchored outside the buoy.
Poda Island is more suitable for swimming, strolling, taking photos, and relaxing than for scuba diving and coral viewing. Especially if you have previously dived in the southern sea with beautiful coral reefs, you will be disappointed. The coral reefs here are scarce and not very beautiful. The more you look, the sadder you will feel.
The pristine white sand beach contrasts beautifully with the turquoise waters and azure sky. The bright sunshine accentuates the fluffy white clouds, creating a breathtaking scene.
After a satisfying lunch, there was a brief window for leisure and a quick dip in the water before our time ran out. The guide called us back to the boat, and honestly, it wasn't enough. I desperately wanted to stay longer, but alas, being part of a tour group meant adhering to a strict schedule. With a large group, we had to be mindful of everyone's time, so we promptly boarded the boat and set sail for the next island.
Our final stop for today's tour is the "Talay Waek", also known as the "Split Sea".
The Talay Waek is a group of three islands connected by a sandbar. These islands are Ko Tap, Ko Mo, and Ko Kai. When the tide is low, the sandbar emerges, allowing visitors to walk between the islands. However, the low tide time varies each day and depends on the lunar cycle. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a tour guide to ensure arrival at the Talay Waek during low tide.
The "Talay Waek" (Separated Sea) is a highlight of Krabi's marine tourism. Almost every Krabi tour program includes this location, making it a popular destination.
When we visited, the water level was still high, and the sandbar was not yet visible. However, it was possible to walk on the sandbar.
The water level has been steadily decreasing over time. It has now reached my knees, and it will only be a matter of time before it drops even further.
However, the time allocated by the guide was insufficient for us to witness the emergence of the sandbar. Our time expired, and we were summoned back to the boat.
Joining a tour group has its drawbacks, one of the biggest being...
Why do we come to Talay Waek?
To see it break through, right?
May I choose?
The tour is over.
Returning to shore by boat, filled with regret.
If I had the choice, I would never have chosen this kind of tour. This "One Day Trip" was simply a way for the tour operator to fulfill their obligations and sell their dream of visiting four islands. While we did visit the promised locations, the rushed pace left me feeling disappointed. We followed their itinerary, but there was hardly any time to truly appreciate the beauty of each place.
If given the chance, I would choose to visit these four islands by chartering a private boat. This would allow me to spend as much time as I want at each location, especially with a large group. Chartering a boat would likely be more cost-effective and eliminate the need to wait for or be delayed by others.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, the beauty of the Thai sea truly exceeded my expectations. The view from the surface was breathtaking, and I can only imagine the underwater scenery that once existed.
Krabi 4 Islands Tour: A Popular Choice for Larger Groups
For groups of more than three people, consider chartering a private boat instead of opting for a speedboat tour to explore the stunning islands of Krabi. While the journey may be slower, it allows for a more immersive experience, enabling you to fully appreciate the surrounding natural beauty at your own pace. This option is particularly appealing for those who prefer a more relaxed and leisurely approach to sightseeing.
"San Dee is happy, and the readers are happy too."
SandyHappy
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:21 AM
