PHUKET: Krabi is coming, and Phuket remains the best example of what not to do for the destination that has what the holiday island wants.
What does Krabi have that Phuket wants? Beaches free from loungers and vendors, no jet-skis, and a spacious airport capable of dealing with passengers in comfort.
And now Krabi has AirAsia, too.
The popular carrier is adding its first Bangkok-Krabi daily service from November 25, with direct Singapore-Krabi daily flights beginning the same day.
From December 15, AirAsia will be offering a daily Krabi-Chiang Mai service.
Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijeveld says the fresh links are in response to rising travel demand among local and international tourists.
The Malaysian sister brand already operates two daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Krabi.
For those who wish to escape the crowds of Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga have plenty to offer - and without the rip-offs and scams that are now tarnishing the Phuket brand.
Tourism industry officials in Krabi are using the Phuket ''role model'' to good effect, telling prospective visitors that Krabi is nothing like the troubled holiday island.
About one million travellers have passed through the Krabi airport so far this year, about one tenth the number who have used Phuket's overcrowded international facility.
What does Krabi have that Phuket wants? Beaches free from loungers and vendors, no jet-skis, and a spacious airport capable of dealing with passengers in comfort.
And now Krabi has AirAsia, too.
The popular carrier is adding its first Bangkok-Krabi daily service from November 25, with direct Singapore-Krabi daily flights beginning the same day.
From December 15, AirAsia will be offering a daily Krabi-Chiang Mai service.
Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijeveld says the fresh links are in response to rising travel demand among local and international tourists.
The Malaysian sister brand already operates two daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Krabi.
For those who wish to escape the crowds of Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga have plenty to offer - and without the rip-offs and scams that are now tarnishing the Phuket brand.
Tourism industry officials in Krabi are using the Phuket ''role model'' to good effect, telling prospective visitors that Krabi is nothing like the troubled holiday island.
About one million travellers have passed through the Krabi airport so far this year, about one tenth the number who have used Phuket's overcrowded international facility.
