Day 13: KL to Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

My last morning in Malaysia consisted of breakfast at PappaRich, where I ordered steamed bread with kaya.

Goodbye rainy Malaysia

KowFu drove me to KL LCCT for my AirAsia flight to Krabi. It took 45 minutes or so. I was confused by the airport...entered the baggage drop area and had my carryon bag scanned even though I did not need to be there. The procedure for carry on luggage here was different from when I flew AirAsia from Singapore to Penang. Before, my luggage needed to be verified to be close to 7kg to qualify as carry on. Now, I just walked directly to the gate.

It was pouring while I was waiting, and the passengers actually had to walk outside on the tarmac to board the plane. They gave us umbrellas though.

Met some nice Chinese Malaysian travelers on the plane who are my age. They gave me their info in case I want some company.

After the shaky and nauseating plane ride, I took the airport shuttle to Ao Nang. I was afraid I would have trouble finding the shuttle, but it was literally outside of the airport. Just crossed the street. 150 THB for a 45 min ride directly to my hotel.

The first thing I notice about Ao Nang: TOURISTS. So. Many. Tourists. A lot of Europeans. It is a huge contrast from my time in Malaysia, where I spent my time in small towns and areas where locals frequent, and where I stood out as a tourist.

Main street in Ao Nang.  Oh look, more tourists.

My hotel is in a good location, which is the primary reason I booked it. However, I will not choose to book with them again in the future. While it serves its purpose, there are little ants in the room. They must be getting in through cracks near the sink. I went on a crazy repellant spraying frenzy and thoroughly covered the bed. I don't want anymore bites. I already have 14 mosquito bites from the trip so far. Also, since the hotel is right on the main street, that guarantees it to be subject to the noises of the street. The loud bass from music at night, for instance.

I also accidentally closed the in-room safe before setting the password, so I tried to have an employee come up and open it for me. Originally they said 10 min, but then changed it to 30. I waited until after 40 min to ask again, and the response was "Yea ok" followed by hanging up. No one showed after 10 more min, so I just told them nevermind for the time being. So, I essentially waited around an hour for help.

After eventually making it outside, I looked for tour groups. I had read good reviews online of Starlight Tour and Travel, so I made it my first stop. A ladyboy! Amie was very helpful actually. I looked at other prices, but got the best one through Starlight, negotiating the Phi Phi Islands tour down to 950 Thb. I also made reservations for SmartCook cooking school tomorrow morning/afternoon, for 1100 Thb.

Longtails at Ao Nang beach

Chose to eat at Tandoori Night's a few shops down from the hotel. 199 Thb for nan, butter chicken, rice, beverage. That's only around $6 USD. How great. The chicken was very good actually, and the nan fresh and hot.

How could I finish the evening without a massage? I went to Let's Sea Let's Relax, also nearby, for a 60 min hand and foot massage. 300 Thb ($9 USD), although I think this is considered more expensive in Ao Nang. The shop was clean and had a relaxing ambiance though, so I guess you pay for that. The masseuse cracked my back in such a funny-looking way. We were both laughing about it. More massage please!