Wanderhoney.com

Back in 2019, I went on one of those spontaneous trips where I booked a ticket in the morning, packed my bag, and headed to the airport before lunch. The trip, however, took an unexpected turn. It led me all the way to Chiang Mai—and eventually, back to Malaysia much earlier than planned. I won’t go into the details of what happened, but as for the experience itself—it was full of moments that mattered. It reminded me how quickly plans can change, how strangers can become temporary lifelines, and how even the shortest trips can leave the deepest impressions.

If you’re here for travel insights, personal stories, and maybe a little inspiration to take that leap (even if things don’t go perfectly), then keep reading.

---

✅ A Last-Minute Flight to Krabi

I woke up that morning with a sudden urge to go on a trip. I grabbed my phone and checked the flight app, and there it was: a one-way ticket to Krabi for only RM73.53. Without a second thought, I booked it. It was around 9:30 AM. My flight was scheduled to depart at 4:15 PM Malaysian time and land at 4:40 PM local time in Thailand.

Okay. No plan, no checklist. Just me, my backpack, and a sense of freedom.

After I booked the ticket, I quickly got ready. I tossed my essentials into my backpack, grabbed whatever Thai baht I still had at home, and brought some ringgit with the plan to exchange it once I arrived. There wasn’t even time to swing by a money changer. It was go-time. I asked my best friend to drop me off at the airport.

---

✅ My Arrival and the Kindness of Strangers

Krabi Airport was easy to navigate—very straightforward, no stress. I tried getting a Grab ride but didn’t have much luck. While I stood there trying to figure out my next move, a man approached me. He was gathering passengers for a shared van to Ao Nang. At that moment, I didn’t really have a choice, so I agreed.

Turns out, using a shared van is actually a lot more convenient. There were plenty of kiosks at the arrival hall offering this service. Much more affordable than booking a private ride—and honestly, a lot more fun.

The man was from Indonesia, and surprisingly easy to talk to. We chatted throughout the ride like we’d known each other for ages. I even made a few new friends from Australia and Singapore. One thing I love about travelling—it has a way of connecting people who would’ve never crossed paths otherwise.

We talked about having dinner together and maybe exploring Krabi as a group, but sadly, I couldn’t make it. I already had other plans lined up. Still, that ride reminded me how warm and spontaneous travel connections can be.

---

✅ Where I Stayed: Red Ginger Chic Resort

I stayed at Red Ginger Chic Resort, located right in Ao Nang. And honestly, I really liked it. 

From the outside, it looked like any other resort, but once I stepped into my room, I knew I had made the right choice. The space was generously sized, with clean, modern Japanese decor and a cozy king-sized bed that instantly made me want to collapse after a long day. Right next to the bed was a large mirror, perfect for getting ready (or, let’s be honest, taking travel selfies). The bathroom was well-equipped too, with basic toiletries provided, which is always a plus.

The setup reminded me a bit of Cameron Highlands Resort—only this was much more budget-friendly. The only thing I didn’t like much was the lighting in the room. It was a little too dim and made it harder to see clearly when getting ready.

 

One of my favorite things about the resort was the swimming pool. It was quiet, and most of the time, there weren’t many people using it. That gave me the chance to enjoy swimming at my own pace and even build more confidence in the water.

If I had to be honest about one downside, it would be the breakfast. It lacked variety and was the same every morning—fried rice or noodles with a few sides. Not the most appealing, especially if you’re staying for more than a night or two.

But overall, I had a lovely stay. The room was clean, the vibe was nice, and it was quite close to everything—shops, food places, and even tour counters were all just a short walk away.

---

✅ Things I Managed to Do in Krabi

Even though my trip was short, I still got to experience a few gems that Krabi is known for. Here’s what I managed to squeeze in:

📍 Island-Hopping Tour to Phi Phi Islands

One of the highlights of my Krabi stay was joining a day tour to the Phi Phi Islands. I booked the tour through a local travel counter near my hotel in Ao Nang. There are plenty of them along the main street, and you can easily compare prices or ask for a quick rundown of what’s included.

We left in the morning by speedboat, which is the fastest and most popular way to get around the islands. The ride itself was fun, though a bit bumpy.

Our first stop was:

• Monkey Beach – Just like the name says, the beach is home to a bunch of wild monkeys. They’re cute and fun to watch, but be careful with your bags and food—they’re curious and can be sneaky!

• Viking Cave – We didn’t stop here, but the boat slowed down to let us see this historic spot. It’s famous for ancient paintings on the walls and for being a site where locals harvest birds’ nests—used in traditional Chinese medicine.

• Pileh Lagoon – This was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. A lagoon surrounded by high limestone cliffs, with emerald green water so clear you could see the bottom. We swam here for a while, and it was pure magic.

• Maya Bay – This is the beach made famous by the movie The Beach. At the time I visited, it was still closed to tourists for environmental recovery, so we admired it from the boat. It looked surreal even from a distance.

• Phi Phi Don – This is the main island where we stopped and had time to explore. The vibe here is relaxed, with small cafes, beach bars, and souvenir stalls. It’s also a good chance to stretch your legs and grab an iced coconut drink!

Just a heads-up—wear your swimsuit under your clothes to save time, and bring sunscreen, a waterproof bag, and flip-flops you don’t mind getting wet. A towel and a dry shirt definitely come in handy too.

---

📍 An Afternoon at Railay Beach

The next day, I visited Railay Beach, which is often named one of the best beaches in Thailand—and now I know why.

From Ao Nang, I took a short tuk-tuk ride to the pier, then hopped on a longtail boat. Boats leave regularly and only depart when they have enough passengers, so it’s best to go earlier in the day. The ride took about 10–15 minutes, and the views along the way were beautiful.

Once we arrived, there was a short walk through a narrow, scenic path surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Then, like a scene from a postcard, the beach appeared—soft white sand, calm blue water, and this peaceful, laid-back energy that makes you forget time exists.

I spent hours swimming, sunbathing, and just enjoying the stillness. It was exactly the kind of quiet beauty I needed. 

Tip: Pack sunscreen, lots of water, and maybe even a light beach mat or sarong. There are a few places nearby where you can grab drinks or snacks, but it’s not as developed as Ao Nang, which makes it special.

---

📍 Wandering at Ao Nang Night Market

That evening, I explored the Ao Nang night market, a cozy open-air space with food stalls, souvenirs, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s not massive, but it’s a great place to try local food and just soak in the vibe.

After eating, I wandered through the nearby shops, looking for souvenirs. Prices were reasonable, and most sellers were friendly and open to light bargaining.

Tip: Bring small change, stay hydrated, and take your time. This is a great spot to wind down your evening, try new food, and grab a few souvenirs before calling it a night.

---

✅ From Krabi to Chiang Mai

My journey didn’t end here, though. It took an unexpected turn that led me to Chiang Mai—a whole new side of Thailand, just waiting to be explored. Read part II [here]

This trip was far from perfect, and maybe that’s why it stands out so clearly in my memory. There were highs and lows, a few curveballs I never saw coming, and some beautiful surprises I didn’t know I needed. If Krabi taught me anything, it’s that travel isn’t just about ticking off places—it’s about the connections you make, the kindness of strangers when you need it most, and the little moments that stay with you long after you’re home.

Until Then. 

X, Hani. 

---

Coffee helps me write. Support helps me shine 🥰

• 
• 
• 
• 
•