Today we had a second experience of our new favourite airline, Air Asia (what other airline provides shuttle buses to the airport for 1.5p?). This time the destination was Krabi in Thailand. We had been advised to check out Railays beach and so didn’t even stop to give Krabi a cursory glance as we jumped on a bus to Ao Nang, the jumping off point to Railays beach.
As it turned out Ao Nang is a bit of a tourist hot-spot and so was filled with ‘farangs’ (white people). We might not get to experience true, authentic Thai culture just yet but the competition for tourist money meant that we can stay in relative luxury and eat like kings for bargain prices, already we’re thinking we’re going to like Thailand.
By the time we had our beach clobber on and were ready to catch a boat to Railays it was getting late so we were considering delaying our trip until tomorrow. Watching the daytrippers return and have to exit their boats half way out to sea and come back soaked sealed the deal.
So we found ourselves walking along Ao Nang beach looking for a shady spot to settle in with our books. Before we could reach that spot we met ‘Oi’ a friendly Thai massuese who was keen to give us massages. I didn’t need much persuading and for 2 quid who could refuse. Some pineapple on lolly sticks secured the deal and I left Si to his pineapple and book while I indulged in a little R and R. One hour and one glorious massage later I rejoined Si on the beach feeling like a new woman with all my stresses and strains eased away! I’m feeling an obligation to do my bit for the Thai economy by having one of these every day…