Part I – Colors of Krabi

” What will you do in Thailand, it is a place where men go to enjoy” thank you sex tourism, this is the opinion an average Indian male has of Thailand. Sex tourism apart,Thailand is a country with a rich and varied culture. The north of Thailand is very different from the south and the untouched pristine island beaches of Thailand are a treat for the eyes and the soul. The food of Thailand is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. Also who wouldn’t want to go to a country that has mangoes all year around.

Krabi is approximately 2 and a half hours from Phuket by bus. You could also fly or catch a speed boat. Krabi is white sand beaches, tall rock mountains and forests with a town enveloped in between. Driving around the town you will notice tall ladders leaning against tall rock mountains, these ladders are used by locals to collect bird nests which is a delicacy in these parts. Located about 28kms from the city is the Green Lakes National Parks and Marine Reserves which is a favorite among the locals. This national park has 8 natural lakes each with amazing rich color.

As you enter the national park and walk on the boarded bridge that snakes through the national park, you will glimpse bright emerald color. It is like being exported to the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz. The Emerald Pool is a natural pool with bright emerald color. The good news is that you can swim in these pools to your hearts content among small fishes that will go flitting between your toes. Continue walking and you will reach a stream which is mustard yellow in color due to the different mineral concentrations. The water is clear, fresh and inviting.

The boardwalk continues deep into the forest of ever green trees and you can hear, sometimes see different birds and small animals. Swimming is not allowed in some lakes but looking at these bright bursts of color in the midst of thick green foliage is incentive enough. One such lake is the Blue Pool which is the brightest blue color, it is almost psychedelic. Mostly locals and school children on excursions visit here. There is one small restaurant outside the national park that sells local fare along with chips and soft drinks. A little further away from the National Park there is a hot spring with a small waterfall and a pool with warm water which is just right for a dip. Take a few changes of clothes if you are going with kids because there is a lot of swimming to be done.

Getting back to town you can relax in one of the quaint bistros near the beach, while chowing down Pad Thai noodles with sticky rice and mango as dessert. Stay with me for some Thai cooking in Part 2 of Feeling Krabi.