Claes Johansson Asia 2008

Krabi Jan 28, 2008

28 January

I left Bangkok at noon and arrived to Krabi in late afternoon.

29 January

Took a 40 minutes boat-ride with a long-tail boat out to Railey Beach. Compare with, how it was 18 years ago at Railey beach and now. That the place have changed, was I fully aware about. But, so much. What once was an area, full of local and homemade entrepreneurs has now been taken over by big resorts and a non-paying guest like me are not accepted to the area. I was shown to special path ways between the beaches. It was much better before. The beaches, mountains and the whole surrounding's are still so nice and beautiful as I remember it. But with this resorts the whole backpacker feeling are completely gone. This resorts give me the same feeling and charm as the tax-free area at the Souvarnabhumi Airport. Here I probably never go again.

30 January

Today I have been doing some eco-tourism. I traveled about 40-50 km north of Krabi. I spend the afternoon at Than Bokkarani National Park. Walked around a 2 km round-trip in a jungle with many small waterfalls.

31 January

An other day with some eco-tourism. This time I explored the mangrove forest and some limestone caves along the Krabi river. I also visited a fish farm. I was shown som odd fish species. Finally I visited the Tiger Cave temple, builded inside a limestone cave.

Later in the evening a couple of Norwegians draged me into a karaoke bar. Very much a thai spot. I took just one photo in there. After that, my camera became very popular among people and was circulated a lot. I shaw a selection of those photos, which I have not taken.

1 February

Day tour to Phi Phi Island. Compare with, when I visited Phi Phi 18 years ago and now. Of course the whole Island have changed. The Ton Sai village as I remember it, was a village built of bamboo, has now concrete buildings. The resorts and bungalow areas are updated. After all it was not that bad as I expected.

Claes