It isn’t a straight 120m climb, there are parts that must be climbed and other walked: the maximim climb height is about 10.

Amateurs beware: a couple of years ago, one base jumper died due to a loosy rock.

Here are some photos of Ao Nang beach which is the gateway (by longtail boat only) to some of the most incredible beach of Thailand, namely: Son Tai Beach and Railay Beach.

The VIP bus (35S$ + 5$ if reservation one day before) trip from Singapore to Hat Yai takes 15 hours and is ok with reclining seats. You might get a better seat at a higher price.

A free bottle of water is given at derparture and the bus stops at the border between Singapore and Nalaysia then once in Malaysia for dinner (accepts Singapore dollars). Try the hot corn with butter in a paper cup, delicious.

The journey continues until the Thai border and then Hat Yai in the south of Thailand.

Arriving Hat Yai (not at the main bus station), a motorcycle taxi to the bus station (a couple of km from there) will cost you 20 baths.

The taxi driver will take you to an agency and not to the bus station. This is because they have commissions from tour agencies. Don’t buy your ticket at anangency as it will cost you more than the real price. Go directly to the bus terminal, get in the bus and pay the conductor which has a metallic cylinder and will ask you for the right price.

Price for Hat Yai - Krabi (5 hour by local bus) = 169 baths. I met some people who paid 500 baths for the same journey!!

Before arriving in Krabi, you can admire the dramatic Kartsts formations towering up from the plains.

First discovered in the late 80s, it offers more than 500 bolted routes on amazing 120m high limestone cliffs.

Fantastic views of paradise sand beaches, lush jungle and the blue Andaman Sea rewards intrepid climbers.

With a hippy atmosphere and the cheaper accomodations than Railay Beach, it’s the perfect spot for backpackers and travellers to chill out.

Can you climb rhis?

The name Thailand, meaning ‘land of the free,’ attracts more visitors than any other country in south-east Asia.

Thailand is especially appealing to a tourist from the west because the Country is a harmonious blend of the modern and the traditional without compromising either.

Indeed, in Thailand, tourism as an industry earns more foreign exchange than any other with the result that it is one of the most visitor-friendly states in the world. Add to that the natural welcoming nature of an average Thai and you have a perfect holiday package.

Fact File

Thailand lies in the centre of Southeast Asia and shares its land bound boundaries with Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia while its location makes it a natural gateway to India and China.

The country is divided into 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and also the seat of Thailand’s Royal Family.

The population of Thailand, of over 62 million citizens, is of basically Thai descent but there are other communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere.

The temperatures in Thailand vary from 28° C. to 35° C. with humidity of around 75% to 80 %. Thai is the official language of the Country but people understand the rudiments of English and Chinese as well as Hindi. About 95% people practice Buddhism and it is the main religion of Thailand.

Top tourist attractions

Thailand is a tourist’s paradise. From natural wonders to historical monuments to shopping malls to places of worship, Thailand seems to have it all. Then again, even though its own cuisine has universal appeal, Thailand has enough eating places with its restaurants serving a variety of international food to please the most exacting palate.

Some places that deserve a mention are:

• The tropical island of Phuket known as the ‘Pearl of the South’ is Thailand’s largest and best known island.
• Thailand has 48 national parks, many of which are easily accessible to tourists.
• Pattaya: This is an extremely popular beach resort of Thailand which attracts over one million visitors every year to sample the sun, sand and sports facilities.