Krabi

Krabi is a southern province on Thailand's Andaman coast with perhaps the country's oldest history of continued settlement. After dating stone tools, ancient pictures, beads, pottery, and skeletal remains found in the province's many cliffs and caves, it is thought that Krabi has been home to homo sapiens since the period 25,000 - 35,000 B.C. In recorded times it was called the 'Ban Thai Samor'. In c. 1200 A.D., Krabi was tributary to the Kingdom of Ligor, a city on the Kra Peninsula's east coast better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat.The local people, like Thai people in general, are friendly, generous, and gracious hosts. They welcome visitors and residents alike to experience the Thai culture and beautiful, natural environment.

Ao Nang
The Island TEFL Training Centre is located in busy, vibrant Ao Nang.  Ao Nang is situated on the South coast of Krabi province, a 30 minute drive from the airport, and about twenty minutes from Krabi town.  Ralay beach (just 15 minutes by longboat from Ao nang)is considered one of the best beaches in Thailand and is the perfect place to unwind after a day in the classroom!

Formally Ao Phra Nang ("Princess Bay") although everybody uses the short form, Ao Nang is the most 'Westernised' beach in Krabi. It was originally a backpacker hotspot but now it is moving slowly upmarket as the airport brings in higher flyers. There is a good range of cheap accommodation,  good restaurants, easy transport, and helpful tour agencies ready to cater to your every whim, making it a good base for exploring Krabi.

VISAS
US, UK, Ireland, Australian, Canadian, & New Zealand citizens are among those who may enter as tourists. Visas are not required for travel by these Passport holders for periods of 30 days or less (an extension of up to 7 days is possible). For periods longer than 30 days a visa must be obtained in advance.

All visitors to Thailand are required to carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival date. A 60-day tourist visa can be obtained from a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country before travelling, and may be extended at the discretion of the Immigration Office. You need to enter Thailand within 90 days of the visa being issued, otherwise it will be invalid. Before travelling to Thailand, visit the Thai embassy in your country or ask your travel agent for advice.  We suggest that trainees undertaking Package A, the 4-week TEFL course only option, acquire a 60-day Tourist Visa, to ensure that you have plenty of time to complete the course without the need to pay for an extension or to do a border run.

Trainees choosing package B, which includes a volunteer placement, can apply for a 3-month Non-Immigrant O Visa from a Thai embassy or consulate.  We are happy to supply a letter of sponsorship, outlining the details of your course and volunteer placement to assist with your application.

Krabi has its own Immigration Office, where you can get advice on visa extensions, if required, once here.  They cannot issue visas from this office, but can issue extensions.
Please note: the maximum stay in Thailand on consecutive 30-day entry visas is now 90 days.

VOLUNTEERING/TEACHING CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK
It is now a requirement in most countries for teachers and/or volunteers working with children to have a current Criminal Records Check, obtained from their home country.  This measure is in place to protect children from possible threats to their safety, and has been mandatory in western countries for quite some time.  Therefore, we will not place volunteers in schools until a
check has been obtained and made available.  All information will be handled with the strictest confidence.

The criminal records check goes by many different names; what you’re looking for is an official document that records any convictions on your criminal record.  Please be aware that the process can take some time, so it’s best to apply as early as possible.

Once you’ve obtained your Criminal Records Check, take it with you when you move overseas. It’s one of those important documents you should always be able to lay your hands on. You’ll need to have the original with you; it’s not one of the documents you can carry in digital format.

Information for NZ, Australia, the UK and the USA

In NZ, you can get a copy of your Criminal Record from the Ministry of Justice by contacting the Privacy Unit of the Ministry of Justice in Wellington.

In the USA, you can get a ‘Criminal Record Check’ from the local police. This will only cover the state in which you live, so if you’ve lived in a number of different states in recent time, then you should apply to the local police in those states as well.

In the UK, you can apply for a ‘Subject Access – Conviction History," which is a record of any convictions you have, from your local police station. This is a document that you can obtain yourself under the privacy laws. Your other option, if you are currently employed, is to ask your employer to request a Criminal Records Bureau check, which involves a more rigorous search of your record.

In Australia, the Australian Federal Police in Canberra can issue a ‘National Police Clearance Certificate’ which covers all states and territories except Queensland. If you live in Queensland, you’ll need to contact the Queensland Police Service directly.

Residents of other countries will need to check with their local police to seek advice on this process.

BANKS / ATMS
There are numerous banks, ATMs and money exchanges in the Ao Nang area, if you need to change money, travellers’ cheques, or access money.  Many travellers experience problems accessing money through ATMs when travelling overseas.  The problems are most often associated with their own bank back in their home country, which tend to have automated fraud triggers in place.  Many travellers find that their card has been blocked by the bank without warning.
Our advice is to notify your bank, before travelling, that you will be using your card overseas.  For those who are intending to be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to set a family member up as power of attorney with the bank.  That way, the person nominated is able to attend to any possible banking issues on your behalf.  It’s much easier to have banking issues resolved if you can physically go to the bank concerned.  Overseas calls, recorded telephone systems, and non-caring bank staff can make it very difficult and expensive to sort out problems when you are overseas!

LOCAL FACILITIES
Pharmacies:  there are many available (open till late) for any pharmaceutical needs you may have.
Internet Cafes:  the Ao Nang area has quite a few internet cafes which stay open till late, offering ADSL high speed connection and long distance phone call service.  (Please note: internet/computer/phone access is not available at the training centre.)
Supermarkets:  Krabi boasts a Tesco Lotus complex, as well as a Makro Cash & Carry, and a Big C store, catering to your every need.  There are also many small mini marts and 7 Elevens dotted around the Ao Nang area.
Stationery:  Tesco offers a wide selection of stationery items, which you may want to purchase for your lesson preparation.  There are also some small shops in the Ao Nang, offering a good selection of items.  (Please note:  some stationery items are available for use at the training centre, i.e. markers, pens, glue sticks, coloured paper, etc., but each individual has their own needs in this area, so you may want to budget a small amount for additional materials.)

DRESS CODE
The dress code for in-class sessions at the training centre is ‘casual and comfortable’.  A pool is available for those wishing to take a dip during the lunch breaks, so bring your swimmers and a towel if that’s your wish!

When conducting teaching practices in schools and resorts/businesses, the dress code is as follows:

• Males:        -  long pants
-  business shirt (can be short-sleeved) or polo shirt
-  socks and covered shoes
-  a tie is not necessary

• Females:    -  long pants or skirt to below knee length
- blouse/shirt which covers the shoulders and midriff - polo shirts are    fine (no plunging necklines)
-  sandals are ok, but no flip-flops

• General:    -  tattoos should be covered, where possible
-  piercings should be removed whilst teaching

In general Thai teachers dress very conservatively.  As guests in their schools it’s important that we adhere to this dress code in order not to offend.

GETTING HERE
Air
Krabi International Airport (KBV) is about 10 km from the city limits, 15km from city centre.
To/from Bangkok
•    Thai Airways, Air Asia  operate daily direct flights to/from Bangkok.
To/from Koh Samui
•    Bangkok Airways, operate flights to Koh Samui.
To/from Phuket
•    Destination Air Shuttle , Thailand's only Seaplane service also routinely flies in and out of Krabi (Au Nang) from Phuket and to  numerous outer islands.
To/from outside Thailand
•    Air Asia  has daily flights to/from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
•    Tiger Airways  flies to/from Singapore 4 times a week.

Train
Krabi does not have a railway station. Most travellers head to Surat Thani and transfer onto buses to Krabi from there. For budget travellers, there is an overnight train from Bangkok to Suratthani. Sleeping cars are comfortable so you'll get a good nights sleep. You can buy a ticket from just about any travel agent in Bangkok, the ferry and connecting bus tickets are included in the price if you ask.  Tickets costs around GBP£14 or USD$25.  Please be aware that this is a rather long journey - around 16 hours in all - so allow plenty of time to settle in Ao Nang before your course begins.

ACCOMMODATION
Sub Sang Dao Resort is located in Ao Nang, close to Ao Nang beach and Nopharat Thara beach where there are many  tourist attractions. The resort is villa style with comfortable, fully furnished rooms.  There are nine villas in the resort which allows for plenty of privacy for the guests. 
 
Sub Sang Dao Resort is only 1 kilometer away from Nopharat Thara and Ao Nang beach which are easy to get to.  The resort has a shuttle bus service. There is bus service to the beach at 9:00 am and bus service back to the resort at 18:00 pm.  If you would like to rent a motor cycle, car, or taxi service the resort also provides these services. 
The facilities at Sub Sang Dao Resort   are excellent. The rooms include:  air-con, cable TV, hot water bath and shower, a private balcony, and a fridge.  The rooms can accommodate 2 people if sharing is required. 

HEALTH & SAFETY
Health care is surprisingly good in Thailand and many medical staff in the major cities and tourist destinations have been trained in western countries. Dentists and specialist doctors are skilled (and very good value). Vaccinations are not necessary for Thailand. It is a good idea to consult your doctor as to his/her recommendations on anti-malaria pills, although only a few of the most remote border areas are considered malaria zones by local health authorities. It normally takes a couple of days to acclimatise to the heat and humidity of Thailand. It is advisable to not over-exert yourself for the first few days and make sure that you drink plenty of fluids, and avoid being out in the midday sun. It is best to wear light, loose clothing, preferably cotton. Perspiration trapped beneath the skin can cause an itchy rash called prickly heat. You can buy a talcum powder for this that contains a very good cooling agent.
Thailand is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia and the risk of being a victim of crime is very low. The most common form of crime against tourists is theft, usually by stealth rather than violence, so visitors should take care to secure their personal possessions at all times. In more remote areas, the risk of muggings and robberies does exist, but again is very low.
There are three main hospitals in Krabi: Krabi Hospital, Koh Lanta Hospital and Ao Lak Hospital. Besides those, there are plenty of clinics and pharmacies scattered all over the place.
We strongly recommend that you arrange medical insurance cover before travelling.  Consult your travel agent before leaving.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Island TEFL’s 4-week course runs from Monday to Friday, with evenings and weekends free (apart from some occasional study).  This gives you plenty of time to take advantage of what you can do and see in Ao Nang and the surrounding islands.  Ao Nang has something for everyone, and it all can be enjoyed on a limited budget!

DIVING   SNORKELLING   KAYAKING   HIKING

Diving from Ao Nang Beach
This area consists of a group of 7 main islands dotted around Koh Poda - Koh Ha, Koh Si, Koh Yawabon, Koh Dor, Koh Talu, G.K. Island and Koh Yawasam. Local marine life that you'll see when you're diving in Krabi is both diverse and prolific with over 200 species of fish and 80 species of coral catalogued. The region lies within the Hat Nopparat- Mu Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park.
Rock climbing is the one activity that has made Krabi world famous and there are more than a dozen schools offering beginner to advanced courses. The limestone cliffs and faces on the many karst formations in the area are covered in first class routes, with more 600 identified and ‘bolted’ ranging from beginner 5a to extreme 8c. Getting started isn’t difficult and it can be enjoyed by all. Experts can team up with local guides for equipment use and an introduction to the routes.

Sea kayaking is another key activity in Krabi. Kayaking is popular because it’s an ideal way to  explore the many small karst islands jutting out of the coastline. It's easy to get close to the caves and lagoons within them. Often kayaks can go where others can’t and there are several companies offering daily tours.

Walkers will find Krabi’s cool, green interior a boon for trekking. The National Park at Huay Toh has some particularly good trails, leading through the forest and up to a seven-tiered waterfall. There are also nature trails at Khao Phra-Bang Khram nature reserve, Tharnbok Khoranee National Park and along Tha Pom mangrove river. All of these park areas have delightful, clean swimming holes, so you can take a refreshing dip after your exercise.

SWIMMING   WATER SPORTS   RELAXATION
Krabi is one of the most beautiful places to earn our new teaching qualification. In Krabi sun and fun are unavoidable!  Krabi province is renowned for its white sandy beaches, high cliff faced landscape, and cool, blue waters.
Sailing is a relaxing and fun way to see more of the striking Andaman coast.  There are many different boats that take visitors around the region. Dragon Heart is an impressive 63ft Pinisi style boat that tours the famous Phi Phi Island and boasts of a quality experience at affordable prices. Read, sunbathe, or relax with a cool drink while sampling delicious Thai food prepared onboard.

ACTION ACTIVITIES
If you’re the type of person who needs an adrenaline rush now and then, or you just want to get your blood pumping, Samui has many action/adventure activities to offer.  Bungee jumping and canopy riding will give you an exhilarating view of the island, whilst paint-ball, go-carting, frisbee golf, and mountain biking will release some tension!  Samui has its own Thai Boxing Stadium with fight nights twice a week. If you want to become more than just a spectator you can take a Thai Boxing course – a great way to keep fit and learn a new skill.


MORE LAID-BACK ACTIVITIES
Not all of us are into adrenaline, and Krabi province certainly has lots to offer to those who like a more “laid-back” experience. 

Golf can be played on Krabi’s single course at the Pakasai Country Club. This is located around 35km from the beach areas and 10km from the airport, in the Neua Klong District. A few companies offer golf package tours. They often stop off at other places of interest or at the driving range in Krabi Town along the way. A round here comes to about 1000 baht which inludes green and caddy fees, and equipment hire.  For serious golfers the world-class greens of Phuket are a short, two-hour drive away

Big game fishing is another popular activity in Krabi. Your guides and boat captain will be local villagers who know the best places fish. A catch is so assured, that the companies even advertise their tours as ‘No Fish, No Pay!’. Day excursions are the norm, but you can also charter a boat to go out before dawn, or at night. Of course, you can keep whatever you catch and many local restaurants will be happy to grill your fresh barracuda, or giant white snapper for a small charge.
Thai massage is  one of the best passive activities in Krabi. You cand  indulge in a treatment at one of the many local spas. These tend to be set outdoors in tropical gardens, where you can delight your senses with beautiful sights, sounds, and fragrances while your body is thoroughly pampered.

SHOPPING
Shopping in Ao Nang is not as intense or diverse as in Bangkok or Phuket. But then again everything in Ao Nang is more laid back and less in-your-face (except for some pesky tailors of course) than the norm for Thai beach holiday destinations. 
There are countless stores selling copied T-shirts, flip-flops, beach hats, and fake brand-name goods such as diving Rolexes that you shouldn’t wear in the shower and Levi’s with a short life expectancy. Depending on your home country you should be wary of buying fake brand-name bags and fashion accessories as customs are cracking down on illegal copies.
Except for fixed-prices shops such as opticians, supermarkets and name-brand shops haggling is part of the whole shopping experience here and shop owners will size you up and try to figure out how much you can afford. You’ll see that starting prices drop drastically once you show that you know how much an item is worth.

NIGHTLIFE
If you’re looking for a mad night scene that encompasses partying until dawn then Ao Nang is not necessarily the best place to head to.  If a mid-range, mellow groove is your thing then you’ve come to exactly the right place.
Ao Nang’s main esplanade is dominated by shops and restaurants. The best places to look for nightlife are at out of they way venues which can be found down alleyways or at the southern end of the beach.
Ralay in high season is quite the place to be, with beach fire dancing, full moon, half moon and black moon parties, impromptu get-togethers, and bars with organized live music, Thai boxing and drinks specials.
 There’s quite a difference between what goes on in  West Ralay and East Ralay.  If lazing around on Thai cushions, listening to ambient music, or the inescapable Bob Marley is your thing then East Ralay is for you. While West Ralay has more of a beach appreciation scene – logical if you consider how beautiful this beach is with a full moon rising over the breathtaking surrounding limestone cliffs.

CULTURE
Krabi's population includes Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Moken sea Gypsies and around 42%  Muslims, which form a majority in the rural areas. Krabi however, has been little affected by the Muslim militant insurgency that has plagued other southern provinces of Thailand since 2003 and its population lives in peace and harmony. Outside of the provincial town, the rural folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand.
Traditionally Krabi's inhabitants were mainly engaged in works related to agriculture.  The province is rich in rubber, palm, oil, and oranges. In recent years tourism has become an important source of income.

Events and Festivals
Owing to the varied ethnic and religious backgrounds present in Krabi, the local people are always celebrating some religious festival. Whether part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese, or Thai-Islamic tradition. Visitors can also enjoy the annual boat-launching ceremonies of the sea gypsies and various long-tail boat races.
•    Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival (งานกระบี่เบิกฟ้าอันดามัน) This is annually held in November to inaugurate the province’s tourist season. Water sports competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are the schedule.
•    Laanta Lanta Festival (เทศกาลลานตา ลันตา) The festival is usually held in March every year at the Old Community in Ko Lanta called Lanta Old Town, which has a very old history of more than 100 years. Ancient Chinese style houses can still be seen here. In this festival tourists can see more of  the traditional culture. Things such as previously unseen ceremonial demonstrations, southern local performances, folk games, and water sports competitions. People can also enjoy  the tastes from the many food booths which are provided by prestigious hotels on the island.
•    Sat Duean Sip Festival or Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month (งานประเพณีสารทเดือนสิบ) This is the southern traditional merit making occasion to honour one's ancestors. Food offerings such as Khanom La, Khanom Chohu, Khanom Phong, Khanom Ba, and Khanom Kong or Khai Pla, are made offer to Buddhist monks.
•    Chak Phra Festival (งานประเพณีชักพระ) This was originally a waterborne procession where Buddha images were put on elaborately decorated pulpits on boats and pulled along the river. This has now been replaced by a land procession. The festival formerly included a performance of traditional boat songs.  Unfortunately, the traditional waterborne songs have since disappeared.
•    Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival (ประเพณีลอยเรือชาวเล) This old ritualistic tradition takes place on Ko Lanta during the full moon of the sixth and eleventh month in the lunar calendar. This is a religious rite performed by the sea gypsies of Ko Lanta, as well as, from other neighbouring areas, who gather on the beach near Sala Dan Village. They dance their famous "rong ngeng" round the boats of misfortune to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature singing and dancing. This festival is expected to bring prosperity and happiness to the participants.

Folk Entertainment
Like Pa (ลิเกป่า) An adapted play, Like Pa follows the adventures of an Indian merchant from Calcutta who married a local girl named Yayi. The story is then followed by other plays. Like Pa is accompanied by the music of folk instruments such as drums, cymbals, and gongs. The lyrics are a mixture of the traditional Manora and Buranyawa songs. With its long history of popularity in Krabi, Like Pa performers are abundant here. It is believed that the play originated in this province. Many companies are still performing this dramatic art such as Mr. Truek Plodrit who won a cultural award.
Shadow Plays (หนังตะลุง) This is an Indian influence. There are many shadow play or nang talung companies in Krabi.
Manora (มโนราห์) The performance is native to southern Thailand, which truly reflects its traditional culture.
Rong Ngeng (รองเง็ง) and Phleng Tanyong (เพลงตันหยง) A Malaysian adaptation, which is of Portuguese origin, rong ngeng is a traditional folk dance and music customarily performed in noble houses. It was later performed by the locals with Thai lyrics called phleng tanyong.
   
Art
Even though it is Malay in origin, the art of batik has embedded itself within the local culture.

Traditional Cuisine / Food
In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian, and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen), and chicken birayani.

As for Krabi, seafood is obviously what most tourists long for when visiting a coastal province like Krabi. In this connection, the wing shell (หอยชักตีน) is Krabi’s most famous dish. In addition, stirred fried Spotted Babylon (หอยหวาน) is found in mangrove forests with chilies and basil; it is also famous.
Many foreign tourists regard Krabi Town as having one of the best food Night Markets in Thailand.