Krabi: Leisure Island

As our speedboat raced on the water, the hulking mossy shapes of the limestone formations far out in the ocean started to loom larger. As they came into clear view, I spotted rock climbers clinging to the cliff face or precariously dangling on ropes high above water. A few karsts are barren and rocky, but most are covered in thick forests that make for popular hiking trails.

Krabi attracts a diverse cross-section of international tourists, evidenced by my group of fellow passengers on the speedboat—a family of four from Norway, a mother–daughter duo from China and a newly married couple from Malaysia. As we passed Viking Island, the tour guide pointed to ghostly shipwrecks drifting near the island and informed the be­mused family from Norway, “You people, you left this here.”

Krabi’s reputation for a family-friendly destination stems from its multitude of out­door activities for grown-ups and children alike, the most popular of which are diving and snorkelling. The best location for these is the Phi Phi islands, another day-long excursion. This group of six islands is sur­rounded with gorgeous corals. Boats moor in the ocean and schools of gaily coloured fish flock to feed on breadcrumbs, darting past you in a whirl of glimmering fins and scales. A must visit is the crescent-shaped Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach was filmed. I can vouchsafe that the movie’s cinematographer didn’t do justice to its powder-white sands and natural splendour. Nearby Phileh lagoon is another peaceful haven of breathtaking wonder, where time seems to stand still.

After an exhilarating but tiring day, I was glad to return to the Holiday Inn Resort that is wonderfully located at the centre of Ao Nang’s pretty beachfront. The excellent thing about the resort is that it brings the outdoors right to your doorstep, without missing a beat. The song of the waves carries to your bedroom window and lush, land­scaped lawns match the local flora. There is direct entry to the endless pools from your private balcony, which might not be the same as a beach, but you can wade your way to the bar and that is never a bad thing.

The resort hosts daylong activities to keep children entertained and evenings make way for live music and barbeque dinners.

The Holiday Inn pulls off a rare feat by enticing you to lounge in the hotel when picture postcard vistas are framed perma­nently in your windows and you can taste the salty sea breeze on your skin. You can enjoy Krabi snorkelling, rock-climbing, splashing around in the brilliant blue wa­ters... or simply lounging in your balcony.

The information

Location 123 Moo3, Ao Nang Beach, Muang, Krabi, Thailand

Accommodation 173 rooms and suites, including Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Garden and Pool Rooms, Family Suites, Kids Suites, Penthouse Suites

Tariff Approx. THB 5,000 (Superior and Garden Room), THB 5,000 (Pool View), THB 8,000 (Deluxe Room), THB 10,000 (Kids and Family Suites), TBH 11,000 (Penthouse Suites)

CONTACT +66-75-810888, holidayinnkrabi.com