Krabi Sports

The province of Krabi in southern Thailand is well known for its spectacular diving and superior rock climbing opportunities, but sports enthusiasts have a whole host of other activities to choose from on a holiday in Krabi.
On Land
Famous in particular for its crystal clear waters, you should not, however, overlook the sports activities that can be enjoyed on Krabi’s dramatic landscape of limestone cliffs and verdant rainforests.
Golf
Those who enjoy a quiet round of golf can visit Krabi’s conveniently located Golf Course in Neua Klong. Golf is a popular sport with the many expats living in Krabi, and provides a welcome break for tourists who want a change of scenery and some gentle exercise, away from the crowded beaches of Ao Nang and other Krabi resorts. There is also a driving range for a chance to practice your swing in Krabi Town and golfers who want to take the sport to another level, can make the two hour drive to the world class golf course in Phuket.
Trekking
The lush rainforests in Krabi offer the perfect environment for a leisurely stroll or a more energetic walk, as the tree canopy provides much needed shade and there are many natural swimming holes in which to cool off. The National Park in Huay Toh has some superb trails that take in tropical birds and picturesque waterfalls, while there is an abundance of exciting hiking routes in Khao Phra-Bang Khram nature reserve, Tharnbok Khoranee National Park and down by the beautiful Tha Pom mangrove river.
Fitness
If you enjoy a vigorous jog along the picture perfect beaches of Krabi, then you may also want to make use of the fantastic sport and fitness facilities available in most of the quality Krabi hotels and resorts. Many of the mid-range and top-end hotels include amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, gyms and spa and fitness centres where you can relax with a traditional Thai massage after all that exertion! If you are staying in budget accommodation, try out the public gyms in Krabi Town and Ao Nang.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbers flock from around the world to test their nerves on the challenging cliffs that make up the iconic Krabi landscape. There are several rock climbing schools in Krabi, that offer courses catering from beginners to the experienced climber. You can also rent climbing equipment and a qualified guide to accompany to get the most out of your climbing expedition.
Water Sports
Diving and Snorkeling
Krabi’s diverse marine environment draws both divers and snorkelers from all over the world. They are keen to explore the famously clear and shallow waters simply brimming with sea life and flourishing coral reefs. There are more than 40 scuba diving schools in Krabi, offering courses at all levels and you can even take a four day PADI Open Water Diver course during your stay.
Divers and snorkelers can expect to catch glimpses of whale and leopard sharks, turtles and dolphins, along with a staggering variety of colourful tropical fish.
Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking is the ideal way to explore the stunning tropical islands that Krabi is renowned for. Opting for a kayaking tour from one of the many companies that offer this service, is the easiest way to visit the intriguing sea caves and hidden lagoons that dot the Krabi coastline.
Fishing
Nothing beats the thrill of catching a giant snapper on the glorious waters of the Andaman sea! Take a day excursion which includes a personal guide who can take you to the best fishing spots in Krabi, or charter your own private boat. Because the waters of the Andaman are literally teeming with fish, a catch is almost certain. Once back on the dry land of your Krabi beach resort, you can amaze friends with your trophy fish or stories of the ‘one that got away’!
Spectator Sports
The people of Krabi are passionate about Thai Boxing and Takraw (a bit like beach volleyball, but played with the feet). Find out what all the fuss is about and go and watch a competition – these exciting spectator sports will be the icing on the cake of your Krabi holiday!
Travelkrabi.com is now offering special packages and services for Krabi hotels and luxury Krabi resorts for the tourists.

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Thailand Property Market – An Investors Dream

Investors are extremely optimistic about the property market in Thailand, which is remarkably buoyant considering the current global economic situation. There are two chief reasons for this - one is related directly to the Thai population, of which approximately one third is aged between twenty-four and forty-four, an ideal demographic for a healthy domestic housing market. The second is that, although foreign speculation is steadily growing, Thai real estate is still a relatively untapped market with enormous potential. Thai property offers investors exceptional value for money, with an opportunity to make solid financial returns. In addition, the standard of Thai property is extraordinarily high, with talented Thai architects and reputable construction companies able to design and build beautiful, world class residential and commercial buildings that still retain a distinctly Thai appearance. Many offer comprehensive, end-to-end construction services which make buying property in Thailand less stressful and altogether more attractive.

And as Thailand seems to be recovering from recent political uncertainty, the demand for Thai real estate looks likely to increase.

Foreigners in particular, are quickly discovering that Thailand is not only a great place to invest their hard earned cash, but also an excellent place in which to live or retire. Tourists to Thailand often become so captivated with their Thai holiday resort that they decide to build or buy their own luxury Thai villa. They are lured by the terrific Thai climate, the great standard of living and outdoor lifestyle, the outstanding facilities and infrastructure and the friendliness of Thai locals. Many regard a move to Thailand as a complete lifestyle change and look at their new Thai villa as somewhere to enjoy living either now or in retirement, perhaps renting it out on the Thai holiday rental market in the meantime.

And the face of foreign investors is beginning to change, which is partly due to a shift in the distribution of global wealth. Investors and indeed, holiday makers are just as likely to come from China, Russia or the Middle East as from the UK or the US.

The Thai property market continues to flourish in the country's capital Bangkok, where mid-range property is outperforming all other sectors. Foreigners tend to invest in areas that are expected to develop, such as those served by planned extensions to the modern sky train transportation system. Thon Buri is especially popular with expats as there are fewer high rise buildings and less pollution than in other parts of Bangkok. Bang Na is another boom area, probably because it boasts a good number of international schools. Overall, the population in these suburban areas has increased by a dramatic 30 percent in the last ten years.

Traditional Thai holiday resorts such as Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Krabi are also becoming property hot spots. These resorts manage to combine sophisticated facilities and a relaxed, healthy, lifestyle in an ideal tropical climate, which appeals to those looking to escape the rat race or cold weather. There is rapid property development in these sought after tourist areas and Thai construction companies are building not only Thai holiday resorts and hotels, but also high profile residential schemes such as the Royal Krabi Marina project in Krabi. This exciting new development will offer top quality, beachfront condominium properties at an attractive price, only 20 minutes from Krabi airport with its international terminal.

Investors are calling ever more loudly on regulators to scrap some of the antiquated Thai property laws that are still capable of deterring all but the most tenacious of foreign investors. Thailand does not allow freehold ownership of land by non-natives, although there are a number of ways to get around this and legitimately purchase property in the country. If restrictions are lifted, then real estate in Thailand is likely to become an even better proposition than it already is, making now the perfect time to buy - remember, the early bird catches the worm!

Travelkrabi.com is now offering special packages and services for Krabi hotels and luxury Krabi resorts for the tourists.

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Krabi Tourism Boom - 2011 the Busiest Year Ever!

Just like its close neighbour Phuket, Krabi is enjoying a massive boom in tourism which looks set to continue until the end of 2011 and beyond. The sudden surge in tourist numbers is providing a welcome economic boost for the myriad of Krabi hotels and resorts, from budget backpacker hostels in Railay Beach to the luxury resorts in Ao Nang, who are all witnessing a huge growth in occupancy rates.
Tourists have been flocking to Krabi for many years, but this year they appear to be arriving in ever increasing numbers, keen to explore the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the exhilarating sporting and leisure activates on offer in this beautiful province. So what is the reason for this sudden influx of tourists to Krabi in 2011, particularly during such a challenging global economy?

Well, tourism is on the increase in Thailand overall, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projecting that revenue from both international and domestic tourism will reach 1 trillion baht and that the total number of international visitors will surpass 15 million in 2011. TAT has been focusing on promoting Thailand as the destination of choice for new niche tourist markets such as female and wellness travellers and their sustained campaigns and marketing activities seem to be paying off, luring more tourists to Thailand than ever before.

Krabi is more than capable of satisfying the demands of these modern tourists and is fast developing a strong reputation for top quality eco tourism, in addition to its traditional holiday market. Tourists with new, disposable income from many of the developing countries such as China, South Korea and Russia are also discovering Krabi, adding to its army of devoted fans from Europe, the US and Australia.

This year, the months of January and February alone saw a substantial increase in Krabi villa and hotel bookings, partly attributed to the poor winter in Europe, Chinese New Year and half term holidays. Tourists desperate to escape the bleak economic downturn and dismal weather in their own countries are turning to the beautiful Krabi climate and the outstanding value for money that Krabi holidays offer, for a much needed vacation. So much so, that many resorts and hotels in Krabi are complaining that flights to Krabi are over booked and insufficient to cater for the increase in demand.

A number of projects designed to improve passenger numbers at Phuket international airport should have a positive, knock-on effect for Krabi resorts and hotels – a long term expansion project is due to begin in 2012 and complete in 2014. Krabi International Airport itself will benefit from a new and regular, non-stop service from both Oslo and Munich to Krabi, which will begin in December 2011 and provide much, needed extra capacity.

To cope with the dramatic swell in tourist numbers, Krabi construction companies are busy with a number of new high profile projects that will significantly improve the number of quality hotels and resorts in the region. Both the Mercure Krabi Deevana in Ao Nang and the Beyond Resort Krabi in Klong Muang are scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2011. The Centara Grand Lanta Island resort in Koh Lanta will begin welcoming its first customers in 2012 and the Ibis Krabi Ao Nang is expected to open its doors in 2013.

Whatever the future holds, Krabi is well on course to achieving record tourism figures simply because it is flexible and willing enough to adapt and offer its world famous hospitality to an ever changing and fickle holiday market.

Travelkrabi.com is now offering special packages and services for Krabi hotels and luxury Krabi resorts for the tourists.

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Krabi Wedding - 7 Weddings In Krabi Hotels

There is a growing trend for couples to get married on holiday – some just fall in the love with romance of it all and make a spur of the moment decision to get hitched. Others plan their wedding abroad in advance, attracted to the idea of an intimate and cost effective wedding that doesn’t sacrifice on style and is still guaranteed to be a day to remember. Even with flights and accommodation taken into consideration, a wedding in a country like Thailand for example, can work out a lot cheaper than the average wedding in the West.

If you are looking for a particularly romantic or exotic location for your dream wedding, then you will not be disappointed with the beautiful province of Krabi in southern Thailand. Krabi features some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, with landscapes that could have been taken straight out of a Hollywood love scene. In fact, one of its stunning islands Ko Phi Phi Leh, was the set for the famous blockbuster ‘The Beach’. What finer backdrop for your wedding, than with the sun setting over emerald green waters with the added drama of Krabi’s iconic limestone cliffs in the distance? One thing is for sure, your wedding photos will be truly spectacular!

And there is good news – It is not as complicated to get married in Krabi as you might think. Some of the Krabi hotels and resorts in and around the main tourist areas such as Ao Nang and Railay beach, even provide comprehensive wedding packages. This all inclusive service includes Krabi holiday accommodation for you and your guests, a wedding venue, music, hair and make-up, flower arrangements, the wedding cake, photographers and most importantly, an official to conduct the ceremony. They will also take care of all the legal formalities, so that your marriage is recognized in your home country. If you wish to have an official Thai marriage registration, then you must contact the Thai embassy and complete a whole stack of paperwork, which is why most couples find it more convenient to simply register their wedding back home and hold the ceremony alone in Krabi. After you have tied the knot they will treat you and your guests to the renowned Krabi hospitality and mouth watering Thai cuisine at a sensational wedding reception held at your hotel or another venue of your choice. The Centara Grand Beach krabi hotels & Villas near Ao Nang, The Railay Bay Resort and Spa on Railay Beach and the Koh Lanta Pimalai situated on its own stunning island, all offer this increasingly popular service.

You can choose from many different wedding styles too, such as a traditional Krabi wedding, a themed wedding or if you really want the western style white wedding, that can also be arranged.
It is also possible to have your wedding outfits made by one of the numerous world class tailors in Krabi. Alternatively, you can rent traditional Thai wedding costumes to make your wedding photos really colourful and unique. Either way, it leaves your luggage free for all your beach wear, which you are bound to need if you plan to spend your honeymoon enjoying Krabi’s amazing beaches!

Don’t forget it is better to avoid the monsoon season if you want to be certain of a sunny wedding day. For guaranteed sunshine plan your wedding in advance, as accommodation is in high demand in peak season. That may seem slightly less romantic than a last minute wedding, but the lovely Krabi weather at this time of year wills more than make up for it!

Travelkrabi.com is now offering special packages and services for Krabi hotels and luxury Krabi resorts for the tourists.

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