ESCAPE TO NATURE

Well aware that Easter holiday could become a disaster holiday, I had to find a getaway for my 2 wild boys.

Tokyo is not really the place-to-be when my boys are out of school for 2 weeks. My boys have plenty too much energy to waste each day. My friend Bobby called me and said that him and his wife Tina were going to Thailand in these remote islands of Krabi together with an other couple whom I know as well.

When we arrived in Krabi, which lies in the Southern Thailand, the air felt noticeably fresh as I could barely breathe in Tokyo for a week due to the pollen allergy that was burning my nose and my eyes to a point of no return. Also, there was an other charming point about Krabi. It was not overrun by tourists, and I got glimpses of the “authentic” local life.

After checking into our hotel, we dropped our city-clothes and jumped into our swimsuits and ran to the beach. The shores of Krabi, which front the Andaman Sea, are actually made-up of finely pounded shells and coral, white sandy beaches everywhere. We could find whole shells and corals like a beautiful mosaic-like pattern.
Natural-art at its best!

Island hopping, the way to go…… The next day we rented a speed-boat and went on to discover islands and natural caves. Our driver was going toward where we pointed, stopped and let us swim and play in the water, until we had enough and asked to move to another location. I loved the freedom that we got by doing our own adventure instead of following a tour-group. I am not good at following others, I like to decide where I go and when I come back….

Krabi is known for its limestone cliffs that are formed by geological processes that have been going on for millions of years. Thanks to these wonderful creations we could find our own private idyllic spot away from others and we snorkeled with the boys looking at the wonders that are located under the surface.

Geological formations also gave rise to the famed Koh Phi Phi Islands, which have been projected on the silver screen most notably in the movie The Beach with Leonardo di Caprio. A paradise or a sand, sun and sea divine experience. Colorful caves were the highlight of my trip, limestone formations have also given way to limestone caves. The mix of colors on the walls of these caves looks like a giant watercolor palette. Again this captures the essence of Krabi’s natural beauty.

Elephant ride in the jungle, it was HOT! terribly hot….Lorraine bought lots of bananas and fed the elephants with Luca and Noa.

Below, we all jumped, it is called the flying eagle. It was very long and exciting to fly above the river.

My friend Bobby, forgot to remove his money from his back pocket of his swimsuit and jumped in the water… we had to dry the bills in the sun, and hold it with stones so the money would not fly with the wind. Evening having a drink at the hotel.


With Luca, playing with a small monkey, it ended up biting me hard!


Fish Spa, having a pedicure…. small fishes come to eat the dead skin on your feet and leave them quite soft at the end. But the first feeling is really weird, you should try it if you go to southern Asia.



ATV driving in the jungle must have been one of my favorite. I hurt my hand at the hand bumping against a tree after loosing control of it in a curve.
Fun but be careful if you try it.


Although there are no large rivers in Krabi, nearby Phang Nga province is a good place to enjoy this eco-friendly adventure sport. Most rafting trips take place on the Khlong Song Phraek stream in the Ton Paritwat Wildlife Sanctuary, not far from Phang Nga Town. This stream is quite narrow with a few boulders. A lot of fun if you do not mind getting wet!