2004

December
November

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My mind drifted into a state of peace during that one hour of ministration. It was just what I needed. Energy restored, sipping a cup of hot tea with a gentle breeze blowing in my face, I decided to stroll on Ao nang Beach where Krabi Resort occupies seven hectares of land.

Caucasian tourists had colonised the beach. Many were mesmerised by the fine white sand; some snorkelled the clear, emerald water, captivated by the schools of small fish. The tourists were mostly from Belgium, Poland, Holland and France.

Krabi Resort is the only hotel here that has an exclusive beach front on which Thai-styled wooden bungalows stood. Through word of mouth, Krabi’s white sandy coast and emerald sea have become a mecca for tourists who, once they have seen the place for themselves, return again and again to the Jewel of the Andaman Sea.

Krabi Resort general manager Seth Salicupt said Krabi, a southern province on Thailand’s Andaman seaboard, has more than 100 strangely-shaped islands.

“The islands and coastlines of the Andaman region were sculpted by a cataclysmic geological history. There are various rock formations that make up the region’s unique scenery, and they never fail to fascinate tourists,” he said.

He pointed out the curious round boulders, some as big as houses, which lie in the sea as though they were collected and later abandoned in careless heaps by a giant.

“Krabi is for those who long for adventure, rock climbing, snorkelling and other water sport,” he said.

You can ride the wind and waves with a sail or surf-board, or camp out on the beaches and cruise the lagoons in canoes.

Some Europeans are so enchanted by the scenery, they choose to get married in Krabi. According to Seth, weddings are becoming increasing popular, and many companies offer tourists the weddings of their dreams. Traditional Thai wedding ceremonies are very much in demand, it would seem.

“Thailand is becoming the choice destination for wedding and honeymoon vacations after the Bahamas and Fiji. Most couples choose the natural surroundings for their big day with elephants and a radiant sunset in which to toast the champagne,” he said.

Tourism Authority of Thailand – Krabi tourism co-ordination centre chief Napasorn Kakai said tourist arrivals to Krabi touched 1.7 million this year, with 60% of them Europeans and 40% from Asian countries.

“Our annual revenue from tourism for Krabi alone is US$250mil (RM950mil). We feel there is much more potential to market Krabi as a place for leisure and honeymoon packages,” she said.

Napasorn expects to see an influx of tourist from Feb 2006 onwards with the opening of the Krabi International Airport.

“It is going to be our main artery into Krabi. Our airport will be able to accommodate an airbus. So, you see, we are pushing ahead to bring in the tourist dollars and at the same time let people enjoy a quality vacation.”

Napasorn added that in the first week of November, Tiger Air will begin direct flights from Singapore to Krabi, and from Scandinavia to Krabi.

“We are also aggressively marketing our destinations to Russians. It is going to be a new area but the potential is great. Our tour agents have been advised to pick up the Russian language to cater to them,” she said.

“Thailand’s tourism campaign slogan is Happiness on Earth, and we strongly feel that a person will have a good time on Earth, and the best place to be is in Thailand.

“In order for tourism in Krabi to move forward, we have come out with a 130-page booklet. It is a tourist’s companion as it helps a person know the attractions available and how to travel here. Written in Thai, English and Mandarin, it has been successful in encouraging backpackers to go around Krabi with minimum hiccups.”

Napasorn said those who enjoy water sports should come to Krabi this Dec 17 for the Krabi Festival for the water sport competitions, cultural shows and general fun.

“We expect 13 million people, including foreigners and locals, to participate or just be there to enjoy the fun.”