The perfect laid-back holiday – Krabi, Thailand

The best holidays are not the ones where you went to the most popular places or the most expensive ones; it’s those trips where you shared happy memories with your family, friends and loved ones with good food, great views and lots of love. Thailand is a very popular tourist destination famed for the gorgeous sunny islands and crystal blue waves. The country is brimmed with visitors no matter what time of the year so it can be hard to find a secluded, less busy spot for you to truly have that intimate experience. No worries – Krabi, Thailand is not a mainstream destination, but it still is one of the most beautiful places in the country. This guide aims to give a few tips about the best attractions and activities there.

Where to stay?

The most important part of any vacation is finding accommodation. You must be able to relax and enjoy a happy, safe time with your family. Luckily for you, there are many Ao Nang hotels that fit every kind of budget and offer amazing amenities such as swimming pools, spas and even diving excursions. If you want to splurge a little and treat yourselves to a fancy villa experience, resorts such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort is a good option to consider.

Image via Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort 

Getting to Krabi

It is super easy to get to Krabi as there is an International Airport there. However, if you’re arriving from another part of Thailand such as Phuket you can travel here by bus, and it only takes a few hours. There are also ferry services easily available to and from Krabi. Once you arrive at Krabi you can easily get to all your activities as there are many transport options available. If you’re only going to Krabi for one day, the most fun and quick way to get here is to catch a speedboat from Phuket.

The beauty of Krabi

Nicknamed the “Emerald of the Andaman” Krabi is a haven of natural beauty and breathtakingly fresh views. The unspoiled and secluded beaches are surrounded by tall limestone rocks and there are many caves, waterfalls and unique rock formations all along the graceful coastline. If you’ve read Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Krabi is very much like that gorgeous island Pi and Richard Parker wound up in; the only difference is that Krabi doesn’t eat you at night.

Things to do here

Most people come here to relax and enjoy a peaceful stay exploring the beautiful beaches and natural beauty. But there are great activities for tourists that are based on eco-tourism concepts. The most common and exciting excursion anyone can try is snorkelling. You can book a snorkelling day trip ahead of time and spend an entire day exploring the reefs, fish and Krabi’s diverse marine life in the offshore islands.

Adventure Experiences in Sri Lanka

Adventure lovers will be in their element in Sri Lanka as the island nation offers many exciting outdoor experiences for active visitors that are sure to captivate and delight.

Image credit- Unsplash,achinthya dinoli,CC0

Climbing Adam’s Peak

A unique adventure experience in Sri Lanka would be ascending the sacred mountain known as Adam’s Peak and catching the sunrise from its summit; there are several available trails by which to access this mountain featuring different levels of difficulty. To learn more about such places to visit in Sri Lanka, check specialist travel websites like Truly Sri Lanka.

Bicycle tours & water sports

Another appealing adventure excursion in Sri Lanka would be embarking on a bicycle tour in the environs of the town of Bentota along lanes that are flat, quiet and shaded. Bentota also happens to be a hub for water sports and you can take part in everything from jet-skiing and banana boating to water-skiing and surfing.

White water rafting

Drawing adrenaline junkies from around the world, white water rafting in Sri Lanka is not to be missed. You can experience this exhilarating activity along the Kelani River in the area known as Kitulgala set amidst stunning natural beauty. Some excursions will additionally include jungle trekking and visiting hidden rock pools too.

The hill country

There are plenty of thrilling adventures in the hill country of Sri Lanka. Here, you can go mountain biking and hiking amidst picturesque surroundings and mist-shrouded mountains such as the Knuckles Mountain Range. Other destinations like Nuwara Eliya and Ella are popular too and feature tea plantations to explore as well.

Deep-sea fishing

A deep-sea fishing excursion would be another exciting adventure experience that you could enjoy in Sri Lanka. Your fishing trip will take you into the expanses of the Indian Ocean where you could cast for the likes of tuna, snappers, barracuda, groupers, wahoo and so on; this is sure to be an absorbing escapade worth trying!

An Essential Krabi Travel Guide – Coastal Charm and Exciting Escapades Await

The province of Krab in southern Thailand offers the perfect getaway full of beachside bliss and thrilling adventures and here are some insights into this enchanting destination.

Best Time to Visit

There’s something to do here year-round; that said, the cool season (November to February) which is the peak season offers the best weather, though rates will be higher. The hot season (March to May) is when temperatures pick up and you will get occasional downpours too. The rainy season (June to October) brings showers though not all the time and you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine along with lower rates.

Where to Stay

The main town and Ao Nang Beach are two places you can stay at though, to escape the crowds, consider a Koh Lanta-based coastal hideaway at a Krabi resort; pool villa options are on offer here at properties like the SHA Extra+ certified Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort that features a private beach along with diverse dining, a spa and kids’ club.

Image via Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort 

Top Beaches

Krabi is an excellent destination for some beach hopping with several idyllic shorelines to visit. Ao Nang Beach is a tourist hotspot, while Railay Beach set amidst limestone cliffs isn’t to be missed either. Equally enthralling are the Laem Kho Kwang and Phra Ae beaches on Koh Lanta where you can soak up the sun and catch magical sunsets.

Things to Do

Intrepid travellers have much to enjoy as well; one can make the ascent up 1,237 steps to the Tiger Cave Temple, explore Mu Koh Lanta National Park and visit the Klong Thom Hot Springs and Emerald Pool. You can also embark on island-hopping excursions to places like the Phi Phi Islands and Four Islands and go diving, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing too.

Canoeing In Phuket – Row Your Boat

Do you have a spirit of adventure and are you very keen on water sports? Make sure you hop on board a canoe on your next Thai adventure. Read on to uncover the top canoeing spots in Phuket for an incredibly fun vacation.

How To?

While the logistical aspect of organising water sports can seem daunting, certain Phuket resorts take away the hassle of organising the excursions. Hotels such as Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas can take care of the logistics so all that’s left to do is to make a splash and have a whale of a time!

Phi Phi Island

Number one of the long lists of the best places to canoe in Phuket is Phi Phi Island. A breath-taking and an exotic island like no other, row your canoe on the placid waters to marvel at the limestone formations and caves. You’ll want to take along a waterproof camera to document your adventure!

James Bond Island

If you’re a fan of Agent 007, you’ll recognise this island in a heartbeat from the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”. The island became so popular after the movie, it was eventually re-named the “James Bond Island”. Come and explore the shallows surrounding this gorgeous isle before diving into its waters.

Image by Max Liew from Pixabay

Phang Nga Bay

If you’ve never explored the waters of a bay by canoe, this is the place to do it! With a myriad of interesting limestone karsts, sea rocks and multiple islands to navigate around, make sure you canoe your way around Phang Nga Bay for a water-logged adventure of a lifetime.

Bentota, A Heaven for Water Sport Enthusiasts

Bentota is one of the most mesmerising beaches in Sri Lanka for various reasons: As a holiday paradise for travellers, Bentota offers a spectacular beach with amazing palm trees and crystal-clear water for an array of water sports activities like wakeboarding, jet-skiing, snorkelling, surfing, banana boating, and many more. Apart from being the ideal location for a peaceful getaway, this coastal town is home to sacred Buddhist temples, a turtle hatchery, beautiful landscapes, and many more.

Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing
Jet Skiing – Image by dimitrisvetsikas1969 via Pixabay

This is one of the most popular water-based activities in Bentota. Many visitors who travel to Bentota usually hire a jet ski and glide through waves. Jet Skiing is an exciting activity you can experience at properties like Cinnamon Bentota Beach, one of the luxury 5-star hotels in Bentota.

Windsurfing

Bentota is the perfect paradise for windsurfers to have a fantastic time with the ideal atmosphere to cruise through crystal clear waters next to a pristine sandy beach. You can either hire or bring your equipment such as the board, sail, and rig, and even take advantage of the windsurfing classes Bentota offers!

Banana Boating

This is ideal for families and friends who want to share a thrilling adventure in Bentota. As a super fun and easy activity, Banana Boating guarantees an exhilarating time as you sit astride the inflatable Banana-shaped boat that gets pulled along the water by a speed boat. Get ready to bounce along crashing waves!

Wakeboarding

If you are an adrenaline junkie, wakeboarding in Bentota is perfect for you. Prepare to ride a wakeboard towed behind a motorboat at the speed of 30-40 km/h and witness the marvellous Bentota sea while gliding above the water.

 

 

Luxury Travel Guide to Bangkok – For an Unforgettable Holiday

Bangkok is an incredible luxury destination for locals and tourists alike! Whether you’ve been here before or you’re visiting it again, peruse this travel guide to make the most of your holiday!

When to Visit?

While it is a wonderful city to visit at any time of the year, the months of September and October are known to be wetter on account of the monsoon rains. Due to the spells of sunshine and dry weather, the months from December to March are the best time to visit.

Where to Stay?

Whether you’re travelling on a budget or have more discerning taste, there’s a perfect Siam hotel in Bangkok for you! From hostels to more luxurious escapes such as Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel Bangkok has an excellent choice of accommodation.

Image via Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

What to Expect?

In a nutshell, a flurry of activity! Bangkok is a busy exciting city that is filled to the brim with so much life. While the locals are friendly make a note to be mindful of their religious beliefs and dress conservatively if you are exploring any temples.

Luxurious Activities

If you wish, you can charter a helicopter to see Bangkok from the skies or else take a cruise on the river running through the city. You can also stay in the most incredible suites and treat yourself to a cookery class by a master chef!

Why You Need to Experience the Krabi Hot Springs – Rejuvenating & Revitalising Waters

While Jacuzzis offer a relaxing soak, to truly unwind, nothing beats natural hot springs in the middle of a forest which is what awaits in Krabi!

What to Expect

Known as the Klong Thom Hot Springs, these natural thermal springs are heated by volcanic chambers to ideal temperatures of around 35 – 42°C. Easy to reach from SHA Extra+ certified properties like Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, the hot springs form small baths as the waters cascade to the stream below amidst a tranquil rainforest.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Therapeutic Healing

Those staying at Ao Nang beach hotels can easily plan excursions to this site which is more than just a great place to unwind; the waters contain natural mineral salts which locals believe can help to cure various ailments from sciatica to rheumatism. While such claims may have not been proven scientifically, it nevertheless adds to hot spring’s allure!

Planning a Visit

The Klong Thom Hot Springs are within the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve which is around an hour away from Ao Nang. You can visit as part of a tour excursion, hire a taxi or rent a car to get to this site which is generally open from 07:00am to 06:00pm; apart from swimwear, remember to bring a towel and flip-flops / sandals too.

Additional Experiences

The hot springs are within easy reach of two other attractions in Krabi that can be visited on your excursion. Within the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is the gorgeous Emerald Pool where one can also enjoy a refreshing dip; nearby, is the equally enchanting Blue Lagoon and though you can’t swim here, it’s worth taking in.

Try these exciting water sports in Maldives

Home to pristine beaches, the Maldives is the ideal location for water sports enthusiasts too. Here are some of these activities you can try out.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is a fan favourite and easy to enjoy at resorts like Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives where you can explore the beauty of the Maldivian sea. From a wide variety of fish to colourful corals, snorkelling enables you to have a rewarding underwater escapade and the best thing is, no prior experience is needed.

Surfing

 

Surfing
Surfing – Image by Pexels via Pixabay

If you are based at a surf resort in Maldives, you can also look forward to thrilling rides on the waves. Ideally, stay at a property in the North Male Atoll that offers access to key surfing hotspots like Pasta Point and other world-class waves, where from March to October, you can experience the best conditions.

Wakeboarding

Want to glide on water? If yes, wakeboarding is just for you. Step onto your wakeboard, hold onto a line attached to a specially designed boat and ride the waves in style with plenty of speed too! If you are into extreme water sports, consider wakeboarding to have an exhilarating time.

Kayaking

This is a fantastic way to enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding ocean. Kayaking allows you to view the coastline from a different perspective — all you need are a kayak and a double-bladed oar. Considered a top water sports activity in the Maldives, kayaking is not only peaceful but also provides a good cardio workout.

Jet-Skiing

If you want to take part in an electrifying adventure, consider jet-skiing. Get on a powerful jet-propelled watercraft and glide across the sea at high speed! Ideal for adrenaline junkies, jet-skiing is considered an energetic activity to engage in – alone or with a partner.

Banana Boating

Banana boating is a fun activity you can take part in with a group of friends or your family. For people who seek excitement and entertainment, this is a must-do activity in the Maldives. As the name suggests, the banana-shaped and often yellow-coloured boat / water sled can accommodate up to 10 people and is speedily pulled by a speedboat through the foamy blue waters.

 

 

Khao Lak Thailand Travel Guide – The Perfect Thai Isle

Do you want to visit Thailand’s most peaceful island? Then Khao Lak is the place for you! Read on to find out more about this hidden gem.

What Can I Expect?

Ample opportunities for peace, rest and a spot of fun too! With sandy beaches and the glittering blue Andaman Sea, Khao Lak remains unspoiled and less urbanised. Due to this, you don’t have to worry about sharing the beach with too many others!

Where Can I Stay?

Despite being a well-kept secret, there are some incredible resorts and accommodation options here. Some of the best hotels in Khao Lak include resorts such as AVANI+ Khao Lak Resort which offer wonderful stays whether you’re travelling solo, in pairs or with the entire family!

Image via AVANI+ Khao Lak Resort

When Should I Go?’

The best time on this island is between November and April when there’s ample sunshine and little to no rain! While rates are cheaper between May and October on account of the monsoon, the sea is choppy so it’s not advisable to go swimming or do any water sports.

What Can I Do?

Apart from relaxing on a beach and soaking in the sun’s rays, there’s plenty to do in Khao Lak. With exciting nature trails and some sunken ships to explore, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make some amazing memories on your Khao Lak adventure.

Best attractions in Doha

The capital of Qatar, Doha attracts visitors from across the world on a daily basis. If you’re planning a trip to the city, then here are some of the star attractions to explore while there.

Islamic Art

An architectural gem, the Museum of Islamic Art is hands down one of the best places to visit in the city. Here you will be able to take in an extensive collection of artworks, metal work, ceramics and textiles that span over 1400 years!

The Corniche

 The corniche
The corniche | Image via wiki media commons Alex Sergeev (www.asergeev.com), West Bay district of Doha seen from the corniche at night, CC BY-SA 3.0

There is no doubt that The Corniche is one of Doha’s best-loved attractions. The waterfront promenade hugs Doha Bay for over seven kilometers. Consider heading there for a relaxing stroll or better yet to catch a sunset. The entrance is free, and the Corniche can be reached easily from hotels such as Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli with ease.

The Gate Mall

Offering a luxurious shopping experience, the Gate Mall is definitely a great place to visit. The mall is home to numerous designer brands, high-end restaurants, cute cafes and many a spa in Doha, Qatar.

Barzan Towers

The Barzan Towers is located in Muhammed, Qatar, and is considered to be a must-visit tourist attraction in Doha. It’s a great place to take in stunning views of the city. No entry fee is required.