Krabi paradise

Switch off your electronic devices and spend a laid-back weekend soaking in Krabi's natural beauty. Soak up the sun as you cruise in a speed boat on blue-green waters among many tropical islands.

Walk on the beach during sunset after a barbecued seafood feast and sip on mocktails after a day of exploring the cultural heritage of the area.

This is what a media group from Singapore experienced during a three-day retreat, courtesy of AirAsia and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

After a short taxi drive, a boat and tuk-tuk ride, we reached Islanda Eco-Village Resort (above) in Koh Klang Village. It was not the paradise of white sand beaches I had expected, but it was certainly a paradise of nature's creative beauty, pristine mangroves and a tranquil setting.

For dinner, we were treated to a barbecued and steamed seafood platter of prawns, blue crabs, white snapper fish and gong gong, a shellfish available only in Krabi.

After a peaceful night's rest, we headed out to explore the charming Koh Klang Village and see the farming activities. Some 70 per cent of the people living in the village are involved in agriculture.

Our first stop was the Patah Otop Shop, where we tried our hand at batik painting with 80-year-old Prajim who has been sharing her skills with tourists for more than 10 years.

To experience the thrill of rice-farming (far left), we stopped by an organic rice farm and got our hands dirty.

We followed this with a meeting with second-generation boat-maker Somboon Munkha who showed us some interesting boat models. It was then time for lunch and we headed to the Ma Ying Restaurant where we got to touch puffer fish, feed giant catfish and then feast on some tasty mud crabs.

We spent three nights in Krabi and more about our trip will be featured in subsequent issues of tabla!

My journey was made pleasant by AirAsia's Premium Seats Service, which entitles you to express baggage, express check-in and express boarding. This also gets you seats with extra leg room to make the journey more comfortable.

Guests can pre-book this service from $15 per seat. This applies to all flights on AirAsia. You can take advantage of AirAsia's last minute flight deals from $5 (base fare) and take off to Langkawi, Krabi, Bandung and many more exciting destinations.

Must Dos in Krabi

Stay over at a simple Thai village house.

Learn how long-tailed fishing boat models are made.

Do your own batik painting and get to buy it.

Eat black pepper mud crabs.

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