A perfect place for shore leave

PHUKET: Sailing smoothly through its second year of operations, the Krabi River Marina (KRM) recently added a second restaurant to its portfolio – a small yet significant indicator of the continuous growth in Phang Nga Bay’s marine leisure industry.

One of the main selling points of the newly opened Terrace pub and restaurant, KRM’s second eatery after the Marina Villa, will be live music and rejuvenating refreshments in a coastal and riverside atmosphere.

“Our targets include yachties making a brief shore-stop before continuing on their exploration of Phang Nga Bay,” explained Witya Techasopapan of Thai Water Craft LP, the developer of KRM.

“That’s the main difference with us and other local marinas. We’re more oriented towards temporary docking for yachts, who may need to refill on supplies, or just take a rest, but don’t plan to stay more than a day or two.”

KRM offers protected berths for boats measuring up to 80 feet in length with a maximum draft of three meters at low tide. All in, the 6,000 square-meter docking area provides berths for 40 to 45 boats, depending on the size.

The marina is ideally located along the Krabi River, just a few minutes drive to the center of town – about a kilometer, or a 20-minute boat-ride from Phang Nga Bay proper.

Convenient access to the marina is available 24 hours a day, especially at night thanks to the illuminated navigation channel. There are no tidal restrictions and the water is calm all year round.

The vista from the berths is very picturesque with unspoiled natural bush, traditional fishing villages and mountain views. Aside from a 7-11 on site, other supermarkets for re-provisioning, as well as the local market, are also within walking distance.

Private transportation or land-based tour services are available from the marina office. Car hire and motorbike hire can be arranged, as well as taxis to Krabi airport or bus station if required.

Marina facilities include boat refueling and repair services, laundry service, 220 volts shore plug-in power, water connections, hot showers and other amenities such as WiFi internet for marina guests, a clubhouse and about 10 private shops in total.

The Terrace licensed restaurant serves both Thai and western food at very reasonable prices, with an extensive cocktail menu and happy-hour from 5 to 6pm.

“We offer a secure place for locals and foreigners on a chartered or personal boats, who plan to stay a day or two, or longer.

“We also cater to weddings, organizations, tourists and foreigners who are staying in or visiting Krabi, Phuket and nearby provinces.

“In front of the marina is the expansive Thara public park, where clients can run, walk, cycle and can feel like they’re in their own home without a bunch of big buildings surrounding them,” he said.

Asked about the investment, Mr Wityanan said that his firm has put about 70 million baht into the project, not including land costs.

“As this is part of Thara Park, the land is owned by the King.”

Thai Water Craft also operate a number of jetty-service businesses in Phuket, namely off Cape Panwa and Surin Beach, among others.

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