Railay (also spelled as Rai Leh) is just around the corner from Ao Nang and Krabi town, but is protected by impenetrable cliffs. This completely cuts the peninsula off from the mainland. The only way to get to Railay was by long-tail boats. It was also mentioned that developments - in the form of coconuts palms and lush gardens are neatly tucked away. Though it is true, I also noticed new developments - in cramped and remote corners. I wondered if the current resorts in Railay are even profitable, considering the slow pace of life - where shops close at 5pm - and limited access to this area - where boats return to mainland at 6pm.
Even finding directions in this non-tourist friendly place was difficult. Eventually, after getting lost and asking 2 locals, we managed to locate Diamond Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nai). It costs 40 baht (S$1.60) per person - for a walk on wooden boardwalks through a series of illuminated caverns full of beautiful limestone formations. It was interesting to marvel at the wonders - e.g. how Railay was separated from Mainland by such limestone formations, how such limestone formations exist amidst beautiful beaches or how such caves appear for us to appreciate them.
Diamond Cave is also known as Inner Princess Cave. Through whatever I could understand from their poorly written A4 posters, legend has it that a family met with some crisis and summoned Praya-Nahk, the Great Serpent of the Sea. He heard their prayers and rose to the surface, granting them their wish for a baby girl. However, the serpent had a condition that the girl - who was called Princess - had to marry his son. Years later, the promise was broken and that led to the formation of these caves.
Even finding directions in this non-tourist friendly place was difficult. Eventually, after getting lost and asking 2 locals, we managed to locate Diamond Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nai). It costs 40 baht (S$1.60) per person - for a walk on wooden boardwalks through a series of illuminated caverns full of beautiful limestone formations. It was interesting to marvel at the wonders - e.g. how Railay was separated from Mainland by such limestone formations, how such limestone formations exist amidst beautiful beaches or how such caves appear for us to appreciate them.
Diamond Cave is also known as Inner Princess Cave. Through whatever I could understand from their poorly written A4 posters, legend has it that a family met with some crisis and summoned Praya-Nahk, the Great Serpent of the Sea. He heard their prayers and rose to the surface, granting them their wish for a baby girl. However, the serpent had a condition that the girl - who was called Princess - had to marry his son. Years later, the promise was broken and that led to the formation of these caves.
I only wished that these caves could be (i) more tourist-friendly by having English posters & directional sighs, and (ii) more photography-friendly by having more lights at prominent locations to allow us to enjoy the nature's beautiful piece of work. Would 'Praya-Nahk' be able to grant these wishes?
No comments:
Post a Comment