Kayaking is not only a sports activity, but a unique means to explore local mangrove forests. [PHOTO BY YANG WANLI/CHINA DAILY]
Tranquil paradise of Krabi offers stunning wonders, invigorating sports and rejuvenating retreats.
If there is a destination in Thailand that can meet diversified wellness demands from the young and old alike, it would surely be Krabi on the west coast of southern Thailand.
The province has some of the world's most beautiful coral reef vistas and is famed for its scenic views and breathtaking beaches and islands. Krabi attracts travelers for its natural wonders such as hot springs, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life.
Apart from traditional sea activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, there are many outdoor options for sports lovers and adventurers, such as trekking and bird watching, while its limestone cliffs draw rock-climbing enthusiasts from around the world.
Kayaking is one option that sits at the top of the list of outdoor sports in Krabi. Because the provincial capital of Krabi town is surrounded by streams and sea, the best way to explore the place might well be by paddling a kayak amid the dense jungles, crystal clear waters and isolated islands.
Whether to explore mysterious sea caves or the mangrove forest, a kayak will make your trip to Krabi more unique and there are several well-known kayaking routes.
The route in Ao Thalane — a small, local fishing village about 30 kilometers from Krabi town — is one of the most special. Sitting at the mouth of the Nai Sa river, the village is located next to a wide area of mangroves, caves and towering limestone cliffs.
The scenery at Ao Thalane is remarkable and kayaking allows travelers to get up close to the rock formations. Going across the river, the kayaking adventure takes in mangroves and river streams that lead between cliffs and underground caves.
The Ao Thalane area is covered with hundreds of mangroves, whose roots sit above water at low tide to create an eerie labyrinth of jungle scenery. If you are lucky enough you may spot monkeys, lizards and several bird species.
Krabi Province is creating a diversified travel experience that integrates outdoor activities, leisure, wellness and dining. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Moreover, when you kayak around Ao Thalane, you will encounter a collection of ancient caves that date back thousands of years. Some areas of the limestone cliffs are even said to have ancient carvings.
After soaking up the sporty options, trying healthy food and experiencing the local lifestyle is just as impressive.
On Klang Island — a community in the heart of Krabi town that promotes eco-friendly, sustainable and wellness tourism — travelers can taste a special kind of honey produced by stingless bees. The honey, which tastes different from mass-produced examples, can also be made into natural soaps.
In the village, sampling the fresh local seafood should be at the top of your list. At Krachang Baan Ma-Ying restaurant, seasonal seafood purchased daily from local fishers is well worth trying.
The restaurant also provides a batik workshop, teaching the traditional technique of dyeing fabrics based on melted wax. Using just basic colors and water, tourists can try their hand at designing and painting their own batik designs on a cotton sheet.
For those who want to visit the mountains after all of the water-based activities, having a local healthy lunch at the Khaothong Terrace restaurant will bring you unforgettable memories.
Sitting on top of Khaothong Hill, you can enjoy a view of one of the trendiest places in the social media world. You can take in the beauty of small and large islands in Phang Nga Bay from high above while enjoying a drink to cool down.
The breathtaking view, together with the freshness of the tropical fruit drinks, will make the trip a truly relaxing experience. This is one of the best places in Krabi to have a private moment and enjoy the sunset.
There are abundant choices for where to stay in Krabi, from cozy homestays to luxury hotels. Among them, the newly built Varana Hotel Krabi is an environmentally friendly hotel.
It offers an unforgettable wellness experience to guests seeking a holiday destination with various options to rebalance themselves.
The heart of Varana is the "Wellcation Experience" — a fulfilling holiday experience derived from wholesome meals, sound sleep, fun excursions and sustainable tourism that values the natural resources and communities.
"The name Varana itself conveys its respect for nature, an equilibrium in the triangle of vana (forest in Thai), nava (water) and nara (humans)," said Chonchaya Nanthavisai, head of the hotel's business department. "So, the hotel is designed to reflect the concept."
She said that has translated into a sustainable design in the construction and decoration of the hotel.
"For example, we use a highly efficient air-conditioning system that can save energy by up to 40 percent compared to an ordinary one. Through a heat exchange system, the heat from the air conditioner is then used for heating water in the hotel," she said.
For water sports lovers, the hotel offers four swimming pools, one of which is Krabi's first Olympic-size swimming pool in a hotel. Moreover, Varana is connected by a small trail to a private beach in Tubkaak Bay, which only takes three minutes to walk.
Sustainable tourism
The hotel's sustainable tourism concept extends to the quality of its food options. The restaurant offers nutritious meals made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as fruits and vegetables sourced only from organic farms to ensure they are chemical-free.
"The spa services are the highlight at Varana, where our ancestral heritage of Thai medicine is infused with other Eastern folk wisdom," Chonchaya said.
The hotel's FAA Spa offers a "massage under the sky" in a room with a roof window where customers can see the stars.
The spa also offers high-quality treatments, through which customers can indulge in a Thai herbal steam to unlock healing potential.
"Beyond the physical benefits, Thai herbal steam has a positive impact on your emotional well-being. The soothing steam, combined with the aromatic properties of the herbs, creates a calming and uplifting ambience," Chonchaya said.
"It helps to reduce stress and elevate mood, leaving you with a sense of tranquility and inner peace."
