Koh Hong island - Top article
Pearl of the Andaman Sea - The dream comes true
 I was finally swimming in a pool of comforting balmy emerald water, and I realized my daydreaming had finally come true. I was in Koh Ladin, renamed Paradise Island by the locals - perhaps a bit cliché but certainly appropriate. It was only the first stop of the Krabi Spesialisten day-tour on the longtail boat Queen of Ao Nang, just one of the many offered in the breathtaking Krabi Province. Koh Hong Archipelago is, according to many travel guides, the pearl of the Andaman Sea. Amongst the main attractions there are secluded coves that lead to hidden caves, bird-nest gathering sites, sea turtles, beds of staghorn corals, soft corals, flying fox, giant fruit bats, alluring beaches and coves marked by ancient and contemporary inhabitants, the Chao Lay or Sea Gypsies. Not taking the time to visit this archipelago could be compared as going to Rome and not paying a visit to Michelangelo Sistine Chapel and the Coliseum...
The archipelago
A hint of the Hong Islands, one of the many archipelagos situated at the heart of the Andaman Sea, is the perfect starting point to sun, sand and some serious beach time. I shared idyllic comments with the rest of the tourists on the boat as we navigated along many differently shaped but similarly green lavished, limestone islets. On approaching Koh Ladin, the visual sensation awakened other senses. I refreshed myself with some juicy pineapple, and eventually merged into the emerald green waters and swum in the surrounding scenery.
On the beach, some locals were initiating wood fires to cook meals for the upcoming visitors. The area opposite their shacks was furnished with rustic wooden stools and dining tables, with hammocks hanging from palm trees. The enchanting corners of the bay created an atmosphere of primitive décor which matched the well-preserved environment.
 I chatted with Kob, Ton and Moo, our crew for the day. Kob, the navigator, inspired security with his grave look, revealing himself as a reserved but skilful sailor; Ton, the onboard general assistant, is a nice young lad who is training to become a tour guide and seemed more than happy to practice his English with me; Moo, the mature tour guide, revealed himself as the solid-foundation of this Krabi Spesialisten tour, communicating both in English and German languages. They confirmed the popular belief that Thai people are extremely charismatic.
The second destination of the day was Koh Pak Bia Island, which was chosen for our private picnic and swim. In fact, we were the only survivors there, and we were served a solid lunch box, together with sparkling drinks and local fruits. Due to the high tide we were forced to move on to our third and most important destination: Koh Hong.
Koh Hong Island
 One of the main attractions of Koh Hong is the Clat Lagoon, a hidden chamber [hong in Thai means room] accessible through a relatively narrow entrance within two high cliffs. Young mangroves dotted the sea floor. I marvelled at the natural landscape of this Marine National Park, a never-ending array of topographic conformations.
As the boat approached Koh Hong front bay, we were struck by the sudden sight of the main beach; a row of longtail and speed boats where anchored along the main shore, while other boats where coming and going, making the atmosphere vibrant. A mix of Thai and International tourists, boat-crews and rangers of the Than Bok Khorani Marine National Park roamed the beach area, headquarters of the park.
The anchored longtail boats somehow reminded me vaguely of Venetian Gondolas; the harbour burst with life and colours. I strolled on and bumped into various amenities: an information point with an operator behind a kiosk selling drinks; next to it, big wooden dining tables and benches were shaded by the abundant vegetation.
 Further inside, on the edge of the thick hilly forest that served as the beaches natural background, multifaceted boards informed on various subjects –flora and fauna to be found in the archipelago, track maps, and the result of recent evaluation by the Pollution Control Department of the five stars localities in Thailand. This was based on environmental quality, and it included, needless to say, a long list of Krabi Province beaches and the Koh Hong archipelago itself.
Eventually, I equipped myself with snorkel and mask, joining many snorkelers and bathers. What miracles nature is capable of, I contemplated as I observed various species of fish that cruised fearless amongst us. Some were black and yellow striped; others were rainbow coloured, a mix of light blue and turquoise irregular strokes and patches. When I took a dive to the sea floor I thought I was victim of some sort of pleasant mirage, and I regretted my poor knowledge on the subject of marine fauna. Still, I realized that snorkelling goes beyond that, what mattered was seeing as much as I could.
Back on the boat, I engaged in a conversation with one of the guests. We exchanged positive comments of the tour and welcomed the arrival of Ton carrying a tray of craftily cut slices of pineapple. For me it was a dream come true and I had to thank the crew, who with their personal touch contributed a great deal to create the perfect tour. On the way back to Ao Nang, we were all extremely silent and contemplative, still marvelling at the extreme beauty of those places which, all around, relayed upon us; virtual postcards of the beautiful Koh Hong archipelago in the Krabi Province.
A small anecdote
After I finished my abundant westernised lunch box, I returned to the boat to retrieve my camera and I was overwhelmed by the smell of Thai food that the crew was sharing; as they welcomed me in the conversation, I dared to joke about the unfairness of not serving Thai food for the tourists. They promptly excused themselves pointing out that it was real Thai food, extremely spicy. I tasted a bit and had no other choice but to smile and agree.
About Krabi Spesialisten and Thailand Travelling
 Captained by Managing Director Ingeborg Kristensen, Krabi Spesialisten (and its Thailand Travelling branch) is a well-renowned company founded in Krabi in 2003 under experienced Norwegian management. They offer top-of-the-line hotels and tailor-made excursions for unforgettable holiday memories. Krabi Spesialisten is also the one and only wedding and events planner in the Ao Nang area.
All employees of Krabi-Spesialisten and Thailand Travelling have long and substantial experience in the hotel and travel industry and they all have an excellent command of English, German, Scandinavian and Thai. Their office is located across the street from Krabi Thai Village Resort. Contact them on 075 638097/8, 08 19797895 or 081 9797462, or visit their websites, www.krabi-spesialisten.com and www.thailand-travelling.com
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Koh Hong