Krabi - Sea, sun, and white sand.

Koh Lanta was very charming. However, soon after Thai Airways started with direct flights to Krabi, the tourist arrivals went up at an alarming speed. And especially so after somebody decided to put tarmac on Koh Lanta’s main road.


I liked it more 10 years ago when one needed to drive a pick-up to reach the wonderful beaches on the middle and southern portions of the island.


The most beautiful beaches in Krabi are the ones reached from Ao Nang by long-tail boat, but nowadays these beaches can get quite crowded in the high season.


It is amazing to ponder that 20 years ago, mainland Krabi was not a part of anybody’s itinerary. Backpackers complained bitterly if they missed the ferry to Koh Phi Phi and had to spend a night in boring Ao Nang.


For years now, McDonald’s, Irish pubs, and bar beers are among what Ao Nang has to offer. Today, there are probably more tailors in Ao Nang than on Saville Row. These tailors – although born in Burma – speak Swedish to entice Scandinavian sun-seekers to buy suits made in nearby sweatshops.


Long live mass tourism.

One reason I'm annoyed is of course also that there in the good old days weren't entry fees for going to places like the hot spring and the Emerald Pond. Now, these destinations have become national park areas and entry fees are charged.