Thailand IV: Krabi – A Short Stop on the Way to Beaches - VIDEO

The town was a pleasant surprise to me and I really recommend everybody to spend there at least one day. It seems unbelievably friendly. Should you, as I did, be captivated by its peaceful atmosphere, you wouldn’t want to leave.

Together with a girl I met in a bus, we found a room for nice price of 200 bahts per person. Mere 5 minutes away from the main road. I love this about travelling. I would pay at least 270 in a hostel… We set off to the town to explore it and have something tasty for a meal. Fortunately, this is no problem in Thailand. Adjacent to the main road we found a market. After walking its narrow streets we sat down at one of the stall. There we had 10 meals to choose from.

Thai cuisine is among world’s best. Street barbecue, ramen soups, fried rice, endless meat or veggie mixes, or delicious pancakes. Me, as a vegetarian, don’t like it as much as Indian cuisine. “Carnivals” however, love it. As I eat fish and other sea fruits, I soon found my new favorites.

The bay where Krabi lays is lined with mangrove on the other side. Just bit against the current there are majestic limestone cliffs. Many people set off there on boats on the river, or just to crusie the bay. For us a walk around harbor was enough. Then we returned back to the city to try one of small local cafes. I was pleasantly surprised, mostly by extremely friendly staff. “Where do you come from? Do you like Thailand?” I wish it was same in the Czech Republic.

Krabi in the night has two night markets. One is set in the city center, the other near the port. We chose the latter for dinner. It is more lively there. Locals eat with tourists, cooks try to make the best meal, nobody cares you have to sometimes communicate by showing pictures. Aromas pour from everywhere, whether its grilled meat, sweety marinades, or sauces. Without Changu, Singhy or Lea it just wouldn’t be the way it should. Thai beer is far from being as good as Czech. After a hot day I was, however, really looking forward to drink it.

Toward day’s end we were pleased to see a Buddhist ritual – a man in trans, drumming, and fireworks. I couldn’t find out what the ceremony was all about. Perhaps it was a ritual of coming to manhood. They went through couple of tests the last one being about sitting on a heavily spiked chair. No tricks with high density of spikes. It really hurt as I had tried it myself later. Those who were more courageous had a friend sit on them.

Next day in the morning, I stopped by at local white temple. Right there a wedding took place. Should I ever get married I will have a Buddhist monk in orange habit as my wedding priest. Pity we couldn’t make photos inside. The ceremony was really beautiful. There wer many flowers, colored ribbons, and laugh...

Krabi Town is on the same level for me pro mě řadí po bok Chiang Rai a Chiang Mai. Should I ever return to Thailand, I will gladly visit the place again. The city relatively small offers the atmosphere I like. Unlike towns in the north, it is only a bit to beaches from Krabi.

Text/photo/video: Matouš Vinš

Music: Ketsa, The Freak Fandango Orchestra