Hi,
I am thinking about going to Phuket and Krabi area to relax (and possible to do a few rock climbs and hikes).
Has anyone been to Thailand around this time of the year? I am wondering whether it'll be too crowded with tourists etc? I don't mind paying the doubled airfare etc.
EDIT: Do please let me know if you can recommend me some where else :)
Either I have made a spelling mistake or both names refer to the same area!
PS. Edited.
KRABI IS AWESOME !!!!
Don't get bugged as much as you do in Phuket
You can safely hire a scooter to get around
Do check weather as I think that Krabi may have higher rainfall now although BKK IS enjoying the cooler and dryer " winter or cool season "
Krabi town is a very laid back place for it's size. Has an excellent night market and a chilled out vibe. Ao nang is the stark opposite, wild nights out yet some of the most wonderful islands within a short boat trip! Excellent rock climbing in the area as well.
I highly recommend tiger cave temple 12 Km from Krabi, from memory there is around 1300 fairly large steps up (A trip the monks make several times a day)! The views are amazing and worth every step.
Phuket old town is often overlooked. It has some really nice hikes and a boutique rum distillery that is just stunning, funky art and some old school bars with live bands.
Talking to locals the numbers have been down tourist wise. You can expect to pay around 1000 Bhat in Krabi town and 160O Bhat in Ao nang per night for a guest house/low-mid hotel. Of course dorms will always be cheaper.
Thanks a lot for you reply.
I guess it shouldn't be difficult to find hotels? I am thinking getting a room for the first night or two before I go, and then find places as I move around.
I haven't travelled much so I have no idea how it would be like. :)
That's exactly what we done, 2 nights to find our feet and then cruised around. Most locals are friendly and charming although the odd one may try to 'extort money' lol. Certain pockets of Phuket can get busy hotel wise but overall it's fairly chilled.
The whole area is surrounded by water so long boats are a cheap fun way to get around and great for meeting fellow travelers:)
1300 Large steps !!
But well worth the climb !
2600 after coming back down and an 8KM walk back to the hotel. Slept well that night!
I am planning to do the tiger cave.
:)
Thailand is overrated and overdone, if you are into hikes and rocks maybe look at KK
Did you mean Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia?
At this time, it'll be crowded. Lots of chavvy/schoolies types around southern Thailand for the NYE full moon.
Krabi Beach. Beautiful to look at, painful to walk on.
yeah, I heard. :)
Weather warm to hot all year round except for North (ie Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai etc) where it is getting cool now but still comfortable. I love the rain in Thailand and so it has never been a problem for me. Always lots of dry days, but when it rains it pours. Rarely rains more than an hour or 2 duration in a day.
Karbi, is that near Krabi?