Joanna James
One of Thailand's most beloved islands, Krabi should ideally be a part of your trip to Thailand. These handy travel hints will keep you well prepared.
Eating local will drastically save you money. But if you can't handle it every day for all the meals, you can interspace it with western meals as well. Generally, for a full day of eating out, it may cost you around 20-23 USD, it includes drinks, snacks and meals. Thai food is ridiculously delicious, fresh, cheap and gives decent size portions. So, you won't be going hungry even on a tight budget. Plus, the range of fresh fruit is also enticing for anyone who wants a break from all the curry and spice. Most resorts in Krabi and those in Ao Nang, beach resort properties such as the Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort will provide a range of cuisine options as well.
Thailand and most of the islands is not very popular on cashless transactions. So, your debit and credit card won't be much of a use in most places. So, keep a decent amount of cash with you at all times. In some places like hotels, there is a 3% surcharge for card payments. ATM's will allow you to withdraw cash, but know that the fees also doesn't come cheap. There is a fee of 220 baht that is around 6 $ per withdrawal. AEON machines, however, is a tad cheaper at 150 baht that is 4$, but they are rare and not easy to come by. Your best bet is to withdraw as much as you need and store it in your hotel safe.
To avoid massive roaming costs, get a local tourist sim card. The internet is very good and they can be conveniently purchased at any 7-11 shop, at the airport and stores of the network operator. You can buy a tourist sim for under 20$, that would be around 599 Bhat. You can get up to 8 GB of data which lasts for two weeks. An 8-day option would cost you 299 Baht that is 12 $. When getting a sim card, make sure to take your passport or ID card as it is mandatory for registration.
Don't drink water off the tap. Make sure the water you are drinking is either boiled or treated. Bottled water is the other option, and sadly you may have to buy a few on certain occasions. Try to refill your bottles as much as possible, to minimize the effects it has on the environment. Also, take your water bottles and get restaurants and hotels to fill them up before heading out. It cuts out plastic bottle usage drastically.
Getting around Krabi is easy. The main centre of the island is small, just so that most places can be reached by walking. When you want to venture further off, then you can try the buses, tuk-tuks and taxis. Or for more independence, rent a scooter, that way you can discover the island at your own pace. Stick to the basic safety precautions such as speed control, and helmets at all times. Rental prices can cost around 200 Baht per day that is about 8$.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
