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Krabi Looks Forward to a Breath of Fresh Care

A brand new, state-of-the art, private Krabi hospital is nearing completion and due to welcome its first patients in 2012.

Lucky Krabi residents will soon be able to take advantage of superior health care facilities, when the long-awaited Krabi Nakharin International Hospital finally opens its doors in the second quarter of 2012.

This much needed international hospital will offer cutting-edge medical treatment and, with one hundred beds in its modern, six story building, the capability to house a large number of inpatients. Visiting hours should prove stress free too, thanks to a generous provision of on-site parking, for up to one hundred cars. Although subject to some initial delays, the construction of the sleek, new building (which is being project managed by well known Thai developers, Krabinakharin Ltd), is now in the final stages. Located on Pisalpop Road at T.Paknum, Krabi, it is destined to become a prominent and familiar Krabi landmark.

Krabi Airlines to Start Non-Stop Flights Oslo-Krabi in December 2011

According to Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, Krabi Airport will get a new service from December.

Krabi Airline has started to sell tickets for a brand new route from the airport to Krabi and Bangkok. First departure is set for December.

Every Wednesday and Saturday at 22.20, a jumbo jet Boeing 747-400 will be taking off from Oslo and fly non-stop to Krabi in southern Thailand. From there, the plane will continue to the old Don Muang airport in Bangkok before returning to Oslo's Gardermoen airport. Tickets will be sold at one fare for all seats on economy class, and one price for all on business class.

In the peak season, tickets on economy class will cost around 10,000 NOK including all taxes and fees.

The start of the new route has been postponed several times . First it was to be on 5 April this year. Later, June was mentioned. The date 30 August has also been posted on the company's website. Then 1 November was promised as the ultimate date for the start up. Now it is December.

Krabi Airline is a newly established Thai airline, and initially it will operate the routes from Oslo and Munich. Former employees of Thai Airways is in the management of the company.

Speedboat ferry service: Ao Nang - Phi Phi Island

A new ferry service by speedboat is in operation between Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi, cutting the journey time to 50 minutes.

The service is run by Ao Nang Orchid Travel, and departs from Ao Nang at 11.30am, with the return journey from Koh Phi Phi at 2.30pm. Tickets widely available from any agent on the beach front.

Note: speedboat travel is very bumpy and is thus not suitable for very young children, older people, or anyone with previous back problems.

Helmet crackdown campaign on motorbike drivers and passenger

Police across Krabi are preparing to strictly enforce the existing safety helmet laws from 1st March.

The new thing is that they now will fine every motorcycle rider and passenger without  a  crash helmet, before it was only the driver whom was fined.
If caught without wearing a helmet, you will have to pay a fine of 500 baht.

Thailand has launched a campaign to promote “100 percent crash helmet use” among motorcyclists to ensure road safety.

The decision came after the Cabinet, during its meeting on 4 January 2011, agreed to announce 2011 as the year of campaigning for all motorcyclists to wear crash helmets.

Don´t forget it is for your own safety to wear a helmet, no god or spirits will protect you while riding a motorbike, only a helmet.

This Week end Krabi Andaman Festival 12-14 november

This Festival takes place in November and celebrates the opening of the tourist season in Krabi. Water sport competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are the schedule.

The activities each day have different charms that should not be missed. The activities on the first day are at Baan Koh Klang, on Prasong Canal. The fishing village is now inviting people to come and see their traditional lifestyle.
Activities on the second day are at Ao Thalane, home to one of the lushest mangrove forests in Krabi. On the third day, activities will be held at Rai Ley Beach, renowned for its romantic feel. Couples always come here to [stage] marriage proposals and single people come to ask for luck in love from the goddess Phra Nang.
Held in conjunction with the main festival will be the Krabi Food Festival, at Lan Pudam in Krabi Town from Friday through Tuesday next week.
From Thursday through Saturday there will be live stage performances on Maharaj Rd Soi 8, the “walking street” in the heart of Krabi Town.
Please check the schedule for the main three-day festival on this link.

The Walking Street

Last year, during the month of January, a new market set up shop every weekend in the centre of Krabi town. Initially, the market was a temporary fixture; however, it was such a success during its first month that residents voted to give it a regular slot each weekend. The market, now known as ‘Krabi Walking Street’, is held in the streets behind the town’s main department store, Vogue, each weekend. The market differs from the town’s other night markets, placing more emphasis on the sale of handicrafts, high quality food and nightly entertainment.

A large stage is the focal point, with various acts providing entertainment each weekend. Performances take place amongst the vendors too, such as break dancing, acoustic sessions and traditional dance. A central seating area allows shoppers to enjoy their goodies while soaking up the lively atmosphere of the market. Visitors on the lookout for souvenirs will find a wide selection available at very reasonable prices, including wooden handicrafts, jewellery and clothing.

Krabi Walking Street is open from 17:00 until 22:00 from Friday to Sunday.

TEXT SOURCE : http://www.blogs.1stopkrabi.com/2010/02/08/krabi-walking-street/

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing in southern Thailand offers routes of world class quality for both beginners and expert climbers. Climbers of all abilities will have an unbelievable time!
The rock climbing, from single- to multi-pitch routes, is mostly right off the beach. Climbers can also climb on islands scattered throughout Phra Nang bay which are not included in any guide book.
After a day of climbing, you can stroll to your resort pool or the beach for a dip, then perhaps get a relaxation or sports massage. We at Andaman Adventures offer expert guidance to select the most appropriate destinations, crags and routes for your ability.
The classic Thai climbing experience is changing. The tradition of spending weeks or months climbing on Railay and Tonsai is coming to an end.
We recommend that when climbers climb Railay/Tonsai, they take a short boat-ride and stay in Ao Nang. Railay/Tonsai  still has the most amazing climbing in Thailand and should not be missed, the problems there are to do with the accommodation and restaurants, not the crags, which are as superb as ever.

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