Krabi Adventures: Our Near Death Experience

Date of travel: 8-11 March 2014
Location: Krabi, Thailand
Occasion: My 25th Birthday! Yay!

If you've read my previous post about Krabi, you'd know this is not my first time there. In fact, it is my THIRD time in Krabi. I love how the streets are so clean (as compared to other parts of Thailand), its pretty quiet (as compared to Phuket) and THAI FOOD!

I will not go into details like where I stayed at (the same place) or what I ate (the same things), but I would like to tell my story of how my friends and I almost drowned.

Unlike my 2nd trip, we went white water rafting and 1 hour of ATV ride. Now, this is not my first time rafting. I did it during my first trip to Krabi and once more in Bali (down a mini waterfall no less!). Of course, it is not those hardcore ones you see in Nat Geo Adventure or what, this is just a guided rafting experience (probably half or a third of the thrill as those on Nat Geo) led and controlled by two highly skilled Thai Rafters.

My bf brought along his Polariod Action Camera and although the video is super shaky (no thanks so his lousy filming) and super low quality (cos my computer kept crashing when I tried to edit the HD clips!), I hope you're able to see our fun and what we did!

In Singapore/Asia, we're experiencing a 'drought' and it hasn't rained in 1.5 months. I'm pretty sure Krabi is experiencing the same thing. For white water rafting, someone somewhere up the river is collecting all the water in a dam and releasing it according to a time schedule, and people wait till those time to raft down the river. My theory is that because it was the dry season, the dam is not collecting enough water as expected, the current and water flow is slower than usual. Also, due to the high peak season, there's actually a lot of rafts on the river! About twice as much as the first time round!

White Water Rafting in Krabi!

Anyhow, If you watched the clip, at one point at 1:46, you can see how jam packed the whole river is. We had to climb out the raft several times, push the raft past some rocks and continue our way.

There were 5 of us on the raft, excluding the two Thai Raft Guides. We met this Filipino American and he too, experienced the same thing as us.

To cut the story short, we were basically stuck between a rock and other rafts, probably due to the high number of rafts on the river, and the weak current/flow of the river water. This other raft comes charging at us at high speed and knocks into the side of our raft. Naturally, the raft flipped sideways.

The last thing I saw was Russell's shorts. Yes. The bright blue one with flowers!

I immediately panicked in the water, trying desperately to resurface. I've seen enough Nat Geo & Discovery & whatever nonsense to know that it's no joke to be thrown into a river with strong currents. I remember during the previous rafting sessions, the guides were saying that if you fall into the water, just stop fighting the current and try to float on your back (because you're wearing a life vest) till you're able to swim to the river bank. I tried to. Really, I tried.

I then realized something or someone was on me. When I stretched out my arms, I couldn't even break the water surface! I decided there and then that I wasn't going to die that day. I used all my strength to push that thing/person away, steady and shoved my feet into the ground and used my entire body strength to push myself up. The river wasn't deep. I was just stuck.

I managed to push that thing/person away. Than I realized to my horror, there was something else on top of me. It was the capsized raft.

River jam packed with rafters!

Again, I shoved my feet into the rocks and tried desperately to shove the raft away. I think at that point, someone saw the raft moving (or I succeeded in shoving the raft away) because the guide and tourists from another nearby raft grabbed onto my life vest and pulled me up their raft.

While I was gasping for air and getting my bearings, I turned to look at my saviors. The guide looked calm, while the group of Russian girls on board looked totally freaked out. They probably looked more scared than I actually was. They kept asking if I was ok, kept holding onto my arm and kept asking me to hold on to the rope on their raft.

I looked around and with a sigh of relief, I saw all my friends alive and on other rafts and the river bank. Again, the first person I saw was Russell (thanks to his bright blue shorts) on the river bank, than Yuyi who was behind me on the same raft, than the other guy (who's name I forgot! Sorry!), and finally, Gilbert who was on another raft meters away!

After we got back to our hotel, we were talking about the incident and let me recount my friend's experiences to the best of my abilities.

White Water Rafting

Yuyi:
Hers was pretty straightforward and less scary. I think she was one of the first ones to get pulled out of the water. She said that after she fell into the water, she just froze. Naturally, she floated up (I think face forward though) and she got pulled up onto the same raft as I did.

Gilbert:
Now, his story was pretty scary and amazing at the same time. He said after he fell into the water, he was also caught under the raft, just like I did. He kept floating upwards, but he couldn't surface. After pushing and kicking, he manged to get out under one raft, resurface for a second, and he was under the next raft again. He said he didn't know how long he was under, or how may rafts he was stuck under, but it felt like forever. After a while when he resurfaced, a rafter pulled him up their raft. Apparently, he said that the first thing he looked for was sadly, not me, his girlfriend of 7 years. It was his slippers. Which was also locked in the lockers back on shore. When he finally realized that we didn't even bring our slippers along, he started looking for us. That explains why he was so far away.

Russell:
I think Russ's story was pretty simple too. As I've mentioned, the last thing I saw was his shorts flying towards my face (thank God, no broken nose). So I think that the thing/person on top of me may or may not be him. If I am not wrong, he said he was near the surface and he just swam towards the river bank.

Although it was totally not the guide's fault, I mean, they can't really control if another person steers their raft towards us right? They kept apologizing and and even helped us apply medication to our wounds once we were back to base. I nearly cried when he applied the alcohol to my wounds.

I got a long and big wound on my lower back from scraping the rocks and my foot had a  big graze from the rocks too. It was only the next day I found an angry bruise on my right thigh. Gilbert said he was still holding onto the ore when he fell into the water and it pulled his shoulder because it was yanked in a different direction. Yikes!

I was actually very surprised the camera made it out alive too. I guess when the raft flipped, the camera flew in between my body and my life vest and got lodged there. Thank God I clipped it to my vest.

ATV!

After all that ordeal, we went back for lunch and finally to the ATV! Apprently, they only have 3 ATVs for us to play and wanted to separate us into two groups. But because I was so tired and drained from the rafting experience, I just told them that I didn't mind being just the pillion and entertained myself by filming and taking pictures!

So I hopped onto Gilbert's ATV, and off we went! We did a small loop around the base camp to familiarize ourselves to the ATV. When we finally did leave the base, we went down this slope which was pretty scary. At the end of the slope, was this barb wire fence with rubber tires lining the side of the dirt road. Because Gilbert's right shoulder was injured, he didn't had the strength to steer left (by pushing it using his right arm), we kindda crashed into the fence.

That wasn't the bad part. The bad part was that the ATV continued moving and the front right wheel of the ATV went up the 'curb'. Gilbert managed to jump off, while I just... fell off.

ATV

I know, I am a klutz. I would love to tell you about the story of how I fell off a snow mobile in Hokkaido, but that's a story for another time.

My Dad called me a watermelon. :(

The fence we crashed into.

Gilbert said he managed to stop the ATV, turned around expecting to see me on the ATV, but I wasn't there. This time he panicked when he saw me on the ground. He said that most people would injure their palms or hands because they would break their fall by sticking our their arms. That is actually also how people break their arms. But he said I fell nicely and was in a fetal position, rocking....?

What do you mean rocking? I still have no idea until today.

But anyway, my ass hurt cos that was where it broke the fall. That actually resulted in a smiley face bruise on my ass cheek. My elbow and ankle was cut and bleeding, but I was gung-ho. I didn't care.

I just dusted myself off, and I just walked over to Russell's ATV and rode with him. HAHAHA. That made Gilbert super guilty. But hey! I managed to weasel out lots of pancakes from him!

Snorkeling! 

What an adventure just for one day! The next day, we went snorkeling! Just imagine what all the salt water would do to my injured and bleeding body. I just tried to snorkel once, endured the pain, than tried again, trying to stick my elbow and ankle out of the water, than I gave up and just went up the beach to take a nap. I was sleeping so soundly, I was even dreaming. Imagine the feeling of waking from a deep slumber on the beach! LOVEEEE IT!

Double dating in Krabi!

After reading my experiences with White Water Rafting, please do not deter from trying it out yourself! No doubt, there will be some risk and danger involved, but that is also where the thrill comes from. The guides will do their very best to keep you safe. After all, your safety is of utmost importance to them and their business. Trust me. It is worth a try!

Graduation Trip Part 2: Krabi

Date of Travel: 14 Aug 2012 - 17 Aug 2012

After 4 days and 3 nights in hectic and ever busy Bangkok, we headed for Krabi to just relax the rest of our vacation away.

Click here to access my itinerary for Bangkok & Krabi! As you know, I did not strictly follow my itinerary, and I just did what we all throught was suitable and convenient, and that's how travel should be! Flexible and convenient!

DAY 4

Phra Nang Inn

Phra Nang Inn

Address: 119 Mu 2 Ao Nang, Krabi 81000, Thailand 
Map for Phra Nang Inn
Tel: +66 7 563 71303
Website: http://www.phrananghotels.com/phrananginn/index.html

We arrived at Krabi Domestic Airport at about 4pm. I arranged with the hotel for airport transfer. Phra Nang Inn offers airport transfer at 300 bhat per person for shared van, or 800 bhat for a private van. Since there were 6 of us, obviously I took the private van! It was spacious enough with all the luggages at the back. 

Phra Nang Airport Transfer!

Phra Nang Inn Reception & Rooms

Anyway, 1 of our friend flew in from Singapore and met us in Krabi, making the total group to about 7 persons. When we checked in however, they insisted the odd person had to pay an extra of about 1,800 bhat total for 3 nights as they will put in an extra bed for her. We also insisted that we don't need an extra bed and we can share the bedding just nice. They refused to barge and we relented anyway. :(

I've stayed at this hotel previously and stayed at the Deluxe rooms. This time round, we stayed at the Superior rooms. I must say that the Deluxe rooms are more spacious (even though the Deluxe rooms doesn't have a bathtub and the Superior room does.) The Deluxe room has a makeshift sofa which can be turned into a bed by just changing the covers into bed sheets. My friend still shared the bed with us in the end, because the bed looks rather dirty and it's right at the corner.

The reason(s) why we stayed here the previous time, and also this time round was because the resort is just a stone's throw away from Ao Nang beach (literally). It's so near I can roll across the small pavement and I'm on the beach! The staff are polite and friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!

Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant

Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant

Address: 98 Moo.3 Ao Nang, Muang Krabi 81000, Thailand
Map for Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant
Tel: +66 7 563 8128
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wang-Sai-Seafood/184961214850554
Opens:  Mon - Tue: 11:00 - 22:00; Wed - Sat: 13:00 - 22:00; Sun: 09:00 - 00:00
Price: About 2800bhat for 7 persons.

After we checked in, settled down and rested for a little, we took a tut tut over to Wang Sai. It's actually walking distance from Phra Nang Inn, but it was such a hot and humid day and we were tired from traveling. We paid 40 bhat per person for the tut tut over.

Beautiful sunset by the beach!

So beautiful!

Wang Sai not only sells seafood and other mouth water dishes, the view of the sun set and the beach is such a beautiful sight! Though at certain positions located in the restaurants, the glare from the sun can be rather irritating, but it's worth the wait to look at the sun set!

Menu for Wang Sai

Wang Sai have a variety of dishes for you to choose from, all rather affordable. However, the previous visit about a year ago, and this visit, we were unable to eat Mud Crabs. It was always sold out (or rather, they just don't carry it), but they served flower crabs instead. Personally, I don't really fancy flower crabs because it's just so small and not juicy and meaty enough. But we had to satisfy our cravings for crabs, so we just ordered 1kg steamed and 1kg BBQ flower crabs.

Dinner at Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant.

For dinner, we had Tom Yum soup, Sitr fried Morning Glory, Omelette with onions, 2kg of Crabs, Prawns, Steamed Fish, and the very awesome Fried Chicken with Salted Egg. You MUST try the Chicken with Salted Egg as it's very different from what the normal Thais used to serve in their restaurant. It's naturally salty and with the chicken, it's to-die-for.

Happy people!

Sukhothai Massage & Beauty Salon 

Sukhothai Massage & Beauty Salon

Location: Just opposite Phra Nang Inn
Opens: 9am - 11pm
Price: Thai Massage (1hr) - 200 bhat; Foot Massage/Reflexology (1 hr) - 250 bhat; Hair braiding - 200 bhat for 4 strands.

We came here everyday for either foot massage or Thai massage. I even braided 1 side of my hair! Depending on who is providing you your massage, the quality varies. Sadly to say, they do not practice quality control. Amanda's masseur was following Shining's masseur and even missed out on her left arm! But other than that, they were all friendly people and provided good foot reflexology and massages.

Hair Braids!

DAY 5 

Ao Nang Orchid Resort & Speed Boat
Address: 141 Moo 2 Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi 81000 Thailand
Tel: +66 7563 7116
Website: aonangorchid-speedboat.com
Price: 600 bhat per person (negotiable if you have a big group and depending on seasonality)

We took the 4 ISLANDS package and booked through a local tour agency along the beach the day before. The 4 Islands package includes Tup Island, Chicken Island, Poda Island and Phranang Cave. On the morning of the tour, we were picked up at about 8.45am and we headed a short 5 mins drive to the pier.

Waiting by the pier.

As usual, we went to sit by the front of the boat where we could enjoy all the sun and beautiful scenery.

We sat at the front of the boat.

First stop, we went to Phranang Cave. Now, locals usually come and visit this temple in a cave for fertility and children. We just wandered around and at the entrance of the cave as obviously, we don't want any children yet. On this beach, there are several cliff walls where rock climbers enthusiast would love to climb! The guides would climb and set up the course for you, and all you have to do is just climb!

Phranang Cave

We headed to Chicken Island for snorkeling. I must say, the waters around the Islands of this package is MUCH MUCH clearer as compared to the waters around the Phi Phi Island package I went for the year before. We used Dong's Olympus camera where it's waterproof and proved to be very handy!

Snorkeling.

We than went to Tup Islands which are well known for their sandbanks linking the islands together. We had packed lunch there as well. The lunch provided had minced chicken with long beans and chili, egg and cucumbers.

Tup Islands

The final stop was on Poda Island. It's a quiet beach with several drink stalls selling cold beer and ice cream. We didn't stop for any ice cream or beer but just headed straight to the waters! We were splashing around and enjoying ourselves when several tourists made a lot of commotion and ran out of the waters. We looked at them quizzically and they shouted at us to get out of the water as well. Apparently, a lone jellyfish was floating our way. It was the size of my head no less. No wonder everyone freaked out!

Poda Island

After Poda Island, we headed back for Ao Nang beach. :( I felt that this package was so much better in terms of quality of the waters and beaches as well as there are not a lot of tourists around, so we could have our own spot on the beach and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Jeseao Restaurant and Pizzeria
Address: 273 Moo 2 Tambol Ao-nang, Muang, Krabi 81000
Map for Jeseao Restaurant and Pizzeria
Tel: +66 8181 21082, +66 7569 5497
Price: 2,420 bhat for 7 persons

Jeseao Restaurant and Pizzeria

Just like any other restaurants, there's a man at the entrance of the restaurant trying to persuade tourists to dine inside. Since we've been there before as well, we decided to dine there for tonight. The pizza are all going at 150 bhat and cocktails at 100 bhat! The pizza is thin crust, my favorite type of pizza, and there's a WIDE selection of pizza to choose from. The pizza is tasty and though I felt that they could have put a little bit more ingredients onto the pizza, we couldn't ask for more with the price of the pizza being 150 bhat!

Street Food

YOU HAVE TO TRY THE STREET FOOD ALONG THE ROADS.

Street food/road side stalls.

Almost everyday, we'll buy a chicken leg or pancake or fruit shake or chicken meat on stick... OR ALL. Coming all the way to Krabi (or even Bangkok), you have to try their local flavors and delights. The BBQ chicken fillet and leg are just too juicy to be missed. The pancake is something similar to roti prata (in Singapore), but instead of the savory or salty taste, this roti prata is sweet and spreading Nutella and bananas on it - HEAVENLY!

DAY 6

True Leisure Tour and Travel

Price: 450 bhat per person ( for group of 5. I believe the price could go lower.)

We booked a half day tour in the morning for kayaking at Ao Thalene. It is about 30 mins drive from Ao Nang beach. So, as per usual, the transport arrived at 8.30am picked us up, and dropped us at the pier for kayaking.

Kayaking!

The entire route is about 7km, kayaking through mangrove, cliffs and the sea. The 2 of us are considered beginner kayak-ers with 3 of them never kayaking before. I wasn't too worried as I knew we were kayaking through mangroves and there won't be any current or waves in mangroves. We kayaked over mangrove roots, under caves, between trees and even under monkeys!

Kayaking in mangroves.

Kayaking in Mangrove is just 1/3 of the journey. The other 2/3 consisted of kayaking between cliffs/canyons and in the open sea. I have never kayaked in mangrove before and this was such an excellent educational trip! I learnt more about how the mangrove sustained itself as well as the sea.

Kayaking between canyons and in the open sea.

Jamai Restaurant

Location: Opposite Phra Nang Inn

Jamai Restaurant

We came here for lunch and ordered Phad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, Fishcake (which was damn spicy), minced meat chicken and some other chicken dish. This is a very cozy place to dine because it's rather cramped and small. A few Muslim ladies were cooking our dishes and the kitchen is a rather open concept where you can see and know what is going on. We ordered pancakes for dessert as well.

Potjawan Thai and Seafood Restaurant

Location: Mid point between Wang Sai and Phra Nang Inn. 

Potjawan Restaurant

Had dinner at this restaurant which is mid way between Wang Sai and Phra Nang Inn. I must say, the food here is cheaper and MUCT BETTER than Wang Sai. They have mud crabs for one. We ordered Vimicelli Crabs, Butter Crabs, Morning Glory, Garlic Prawns, Coconut soup, Tomyum Soup and TWO pineapple fried rice, just because it was soooooo tasty!

It's easy to find this restaurant as you walk towards Wang Sai, you'll notice a few open concept restaurants up several steps on the right. There are about 2-3 restaurants there, and this restaurant is on the extreme left.

END

I've come to the end of the Krabi post and I will update this post over the next few days, adding in what may have slipped my mind or improving the quality of the post. It was a fun and exciting trip and I thoroughly enjoyed myself immensely.

Till next time..

Bye bye Krabi!