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Last Updated: Sep 14th, 2008 - 02:45:41 |
Krabi in Thailand is fast emerging as the most sought-after holiday destination in the country. Judging by its rapid growth and rising tourist numbers, this seems one of the new islands earmarked for greatness, says Lekha J. Shankar.
Ever since the film The Beach hit world audiences, the lush, luscious islands of Krabi have become one of the biggest attractions in this `Land of Smiles'. Among the newest of these is Koh Lanta in the southern-most tip of Krabi. There are new roads and resorts, colourful shops and markets, accommodation of every range. But what's fascinating is that there are still somnambulant nooks and undiscovered territories.
Using a safari van for those bumpy roads, we are quite amused to see tanned tourists sitting on the side-seats of quaint motorcycle taxis, while others whiz through the roads in hired motorcycles. Cars are not so common, as this is an island for the person who loves to spend time outdoors. Walking, camping, mountain biking and elephant trekking are popular. Then, there are canoeing, snorkelling, diving in the neighbouring islands of Koh Rok, Koh Moh and Bamboo Island.
For the person intending to remain indoors the rainforest mountains and aquamarine waters provide the perfect atmosphere for rest and relaxation. Koh Lanta is about two hours by road from Krabi and Trang and an hour by boat from the nearest island Koh Ngai. The island is divided into two parts Lanta Noi and Lanta Hai, the latter has most of the touristy bays and beaches. One can drive by car to Koh Lanta and use the car-ferries through the Ban Hua Hin Pier and Lanta Noi Pier.
We first land in the vibrant village of Saladang with its bustling food and souvenir outlets, tour and travel companies, bars and Internet cafes. Our guide for the day is Wichit Yala, who runs his own jeep rental company and energetically drives us through the 27-km beach-line of Koh Lanta from Saladang in the North to the National Park in the south, as well as the Phra Beach and Khlong Dao Beach on the eastern and western sides.
The drive is rough but charismatic. We splash through streams and pools, bump through rough mountain paths and beach paths. The first thing we notice about Koh Lanta's landscape is that it is not uniformly green like Krabi's other luscious islands. In fact, it is dry and wild in many places.
It is only the National Park, which is lush and commands a great view of the Andaman Sea. The park attracts many campers and commands a stunning view of the sky and seascape. Thanks to the long drive to the park, we have no time to do the two-hour Elephant Trek through the jungles or the rough trek through the Mai Kaeo Caves, which have become popular with tourists. Wichit drives us through the Gypsy Village, where it is fascinating to see the dark-skinned, curly haired Gypsy tribes who live in crowded caravans and still follow many old traditions such as building ceremonial boats to propitiate the sea goddess etc. We are told that many of them are employed in the tourism industry. We pass through a long and varied range of cottages, cabanas, bungalows, guest houses, including several new constructions. There are also tents and thatched accommodation. The rates range from 100-2,000 Baht per night.
We see several posters of full moon parties and music-dance festivals. There is an array of quaint, all-wood bars, coffee houses and eateries. Reggae House is the most popular. There are also the Shark's Pub, Apache Bar and others. We eat at the Khao Yai restaurant, famed for its astounding view of the entire Koh Lanta seascape, with its bays, beaches, mango groves and rubber plantations.
We pass through the new Pimalai luxury resort that has changed the profile of the tourists coming to Koh Lanta. The resort's 100 acres boast of a luxurious spa and library, bars and restaurants, flowing streams and infinity pool. The spacious rooms, lined with rich teak and glass, cost between 8,000 and 14,000 Baht.
Finally, we reach our destination the highly talked-about Sri Lanta Resort. As we check into the Thorani Reception area, we spy in the distance a gleaming, black-tiled pool fed by a high `natural' wall of water, surrounded by silky white beaches and seas.
On the other side are a series of unique thatched villas in the middle of the mountainside. The 49 Thai-style villas have been painstakingly built with natural materials, local handwork, and an impressive minimalist design. But there is no compromise on the luxuries and each villa has a TV, CD and DVD systems. The columns are made with palm wood from Surat Thani, roofs with straw from Lampang, wall-coverings with mat-materials from Chang Mai.
We notice that the villas, halls, mountain paths all have unique Buddhist and Sanskrit names. The exotic wood-and-thatch restaurant is called Surya Chandra, the swimming pool is called Anodana, the art-shop is called Saraswati Gallery, the massage-hut is called Daksha Hut. The mountain paths are named after Buddhism's Five Sacred Directions. There are yoga and meditation sessions. In our sublimal room at the very top of the mountain we are surrounded by sky, sea and splendid foliage. Our all-wood balcony has a massage-sala and wooden tub. A bubble bath under the moon? That's why the honeymooners love the resort. Even the toilet is open-air. As we walk down the mountain path, we pass an all-wood library-cum-seminar room with low seating and high range of books.
We walk down the two-km-long white beach in front of the resort and are fascinated by the varied sights local fishermen, kids playing volleyball on the beach and the sun-bathing tourists. There's warmth and camraderie all around.
As we sip the Sri Lanta special cocktail of Bacardi and Malibu rum, tuck into tangy Hommok Talle and fried Groupa Fish, hear the splash of the waves all around, we feel ourselves drifting into a beatific slumber.
Back in our room, we sink into the thick cushions on the ground and turn on the DVD, with Vivaldi in the background. Outside the moon is glimmering against the swaying sea and the mountains. A perfect setting for a wonderful holiday.
© Copyright by kolantamagazine.com
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