Railay Beach, Krabi

There is always a reason why the beaten path is so well traveled;  Thailand is a perfect example. When we told friends that we were headed to Krabi, we either got one of two reactions. 1) Ew, Why? or 2) Go straight to Railay Beach. With such consistent reviews, we booked into a resort and headed directly for Railay. Thailand hotspots are always great; they're comfortable, clean and convenient. The food is great, and the cocktail list is extensive.

We left our condo at the ridiculous hour of 4am, but it was all worth it when we found ourselves waiting for a longtailed boat, drinking our lattes beside the Andaman Sea by 8am. As we rounded the shores of Krabi we were in awe of the limestone formations and cliffs jutting up through the sea. It was a picture-perfect, all-too-Thai tourist moment. Again, there's a reason why these places are inundated with tourists (unless you are touring during the rainy season, which I highly recommend).

As it was low-season, we managed to snag a beauty of a bungalow in a nice resort for a decent price (although it seems that we are always willing to spend a bit more on accommodations when we are away for just a few days). For the next four days we were lucky enough to dip in the pool when the emerald green sea was just a bit too tepid, sip on cocktails, and finally got to catch a Muay Thai fight.

Usually we are hard-up to find the odd Canadian rambling around KL amongst crowds of Australians and Brits, but it was Canadian night at Railay Beach. As it was a **slightly younger crowd of travelers, we sat back and watched the pre-fight entertainment including girls and guys volunteering their bras and boxers in exchange for free beers, and an amateur boxing match which concluded with (and I could not make this up) one of the Canadians exclaiming 'It's like I'm wearing a fuckin' parka in here, eh?' There couldn't have been a moment where I was more proudly Canadian. 

 Oh, except for being Canadian in Malaysia right now in light of the au naturel Canucks who are moving mountains (check out the National Post's article). Not caring to take a stance on either side of the debate, I will say this; However oblivious, stereotypical or tacky things can get (we too have had our time to shine), I can say that the Canadians we have run into abroad have, at the very least been harmless, void of ill-intentions and always up for a good time (however misguided that maybe). And for the bad-seeds out there, have some regard for the cultures you've traveled across the world to experience- Just as in retrospect it wasn't cool to peroxide your hair in high school, this too shall pass, Slim Shady. You will return to the real-world and realize you looked and were acting like a tool. Try to save the streaking for the Jays home-opener, eh?

I've digressed... So after a few days of Thai curries and a healthy dose of Canadian-isms, Railay Beach held up to its recommendations. Its got all the great bits there is to love about Thailand compacted into a scenic little peninsula...just enough distance for a cheeky naked mile ;)