Thailand - Krabi

Deciding to skip the more touristy Phuket, we instead stayed across the bay in Krabi. We were more than pleased with the relaxed atmosphere and limestone mountain scenery. Here's a quick summary of what we did, some advice, fun facts, and some of our favorite pictures.

• Huai Waterfalls hike
• Klong Muang beach
• Sheraton pool
• Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour
• Wat Thamseau temple climb
• Favorite meal: Khow Soy Restaurant and Ton Ma Yom Thai Restaurant

Things to know if you visit

• Renting a car is definitely worth it if you have a couple of people to split the cost. The airport, Huai waterfalls, and Wat Thamseau are really far from most of the hotels.
• A lot of restaurants close between 2-5pm, so plan your lunch time accordingly.
• Our hotel charged about 300 THB extra per person for booking the speedboat tour compared to if you just call the company yourself for the same package (Koh Phi Phi Tours).
• The Wat Thamseau is a serious climb. The 1200+ steps are not regular stair sizes (at times much larger). Bring plenty of water (we drank about 1 liter per person) and wear athletic clothing.
• If you end up going to Khow Soy, make sure to get the hand made ice cream desert. Its sweet sticky rice with sliced mangoes on top and a side of coconut + passion fruit ice-cream. Just amazeballs. 

Fun facts

• There was a gang of Indians at our Sheraton. We're talking like 25-30 friends and family members who invaded the pool at once, with old uncles challenging each other to fastest laps (a lot of them not making it to the other side), kids diving in front of the no-diving sign, and general Indian loudness. Basically, we're saying that our Georgia Tech circle would be welcome here :)
• The Chinese tourists have conquered Maya Bay. Seriously, look at the picture below. According to our guide, this bay was empty two years ago before the Chinese found out about it.
• The speedboats do not have restrooms. So there's an added incentive to get into the water at the beach and snorkeling stops. 
• Do not mess with the monkeys at Wat Thamseau. Monkeys stole a water bottle from a group of friends in front of us, figured out how to open the cap and drained it. They also then swiped at/scratched one of the guys. So maybe get that tetanus booster before coming.

Summary of Pictures

Dense forest hiking for a fabled waterfall

Familymoon 2015!

Mohit's chakras (Avatar reference)

Sunset by the Sheraton beach

First stop on speedboat tour, now begins the Thailand we've been waiting for

Speedboat action spray

You have no idea how hard it was to get this shot

Leo D's beach (Maya Bay) violating fire code capacities

How many speedboats can you fit into a bay? Answer:42

Ko Phi Phi Ley - party island

Fate's favorite dish from Krabi, Tom Yam/Tom Kha/Tom whatever seafood soup #tamarind

Driving around Krabi

It seems cool until you have to climb it

So obliviously happy in the beginning for 1,237 steps

We'll take this as a reward for the steps

Breaking rules - shorts in temples

So.hot.the.floor.