Krabi Town

12th February 

This morning I walked along the river to reach the Mangrove walk - which is a short walk (526m) into the edge of the Mangrove forest - there is a large conservation area of Mangrove forest - 16000 hectares - which is an important environmental area, serving as a nursery ground for aquatic species and providing habitat & food for marine animals and plants. 

It reduces CO2, prevents coastal erosion, traps sediments & pollutants and maintains the balance of coastal ecosystems. It also provides a natural barrier against a tsunami. 

You had to walk along the river to reach it. 

It was a fascinating 'nest' of tree roots and swamp

I spotted a beautiful blue King Fisher.

And a Stork-billed kingfisher, who was diving into the water for fish.

Here is a better, Internet photo

It was interesting to learn about the different root systems that draw in oxygen & nutrients for the trees and help with stability.

Views from the observation tower:

Walking back along the river, I watched a man fishing from a boat. Despite the water looking so brown & muddy, you could see fish swimming in it.

There is a large Black Crab sculpture along the river front.

Despite the name and references to crabs, Krabi actually gets its name from a legend that ancient swords were unearthed here before the city was founded. 'Krabi' comes from the Thai word for 'Sword'.

I had to check out of Leisure hostel 

and move to another 5 minutes away - as I couldn't extend for all the days I wanted there. Shame as I liked it.

I had a walk to the park where there was some local activities going on and some very bad singing.

I bought some fried chicken from a food stall and then walked around the town, marvelling at all the shops etc.

I visited the White Buddhist temple, which had more beautiful paintings inside.

Some are quite violent scenes & remind me of the opening credits to White Lotus. 

If you zoom in on the picture below, you'll see what I mean.

There were lots of Cockerells and chickens around the grounds of the temple complex that seemed happy & well looked after.

My new Hostel - it was supposed to be a female dorm and I guess when two men were shown in and an Italian girl was questioning it, I got annoyed a little & pointed it out to the owner/manager. 

He said the booking agents advertised it wrong, and later I felt guilty about complaining. It was the sheer principle of it, I suppose as I don't really mind mixed dorms. 

I had a chat with the guy in the morning & all was well. 

The night market (with slightly better singing):

and dinner.