Khao San Road was backpacker land. Almost all the buildings had been converted into guest-houses, there were long-distance telephone booths with air-con, the cafes showed brand-new Hollywood films on video, and you couldn't walk ten feet without passing a bootleg-tape stall. The main function of the street was as a decompression chamber for those about to leave or enter Thailand, a halfway house between East and West. (p.1)

Marijuana Field: After two hours of walking we found ourselves at the bottom of a particularly steep stretch of slope. We virtually had to climb it, pulling ourselves up on the tough fern stems to keep us from slipping down on the mud and dead leaves. Etienne was the first to get to the top and he disappeared over the ridge, then reappeared a few seconds later, beckoning enthusiastically. (p.77)

 
Krabi in Southern Thailand

This small fishing town, the capital of beautiful Krabi province, has an important role as the ferry embarkation points for islands such as Ko Lanta to the south, Ko Phi Phi to the southwest, and the beaches around Ao Nang to the west. Set on the banks of the Krabi Estuary, the town takes its name from a sword, or krabi, allegedly discovered nearby. It is surrounded by towering limestone outcrops, similar to those in Phangnga Bay (where the famous James Bond island is situated), which have become the symbol of Krabi province. To the east the town is flanked by mangrove-lined shorelines. These outcrops and mangroves can be toured by renting a long-tailed boat (see picture).

The weather for Southern Thailand today

FILM LOCATIONS: The film crew shot the movie on two roads in Krabi city: Prachacheun Road and Maharaj Road. These were used as Bangkok's Khao San Road. A nearby private field was used as the marijuana field on the island. We also have some behind-the-scenes photos for you of Leonardo DiCaprio sitting near the Reclining Buddha and in a tuk-tuk taxi. Please note that these links take you to our main Beach web site and will open in a new window.

Movie Stills - Click here for stills from the movie which shows scenes that were shot in and around Krabi.

Getting there and Away: From Bangkok take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi.

Links: The following are links for further information about this province. They include many beautiful photographs:

Two excellent books about Thailand which we have used many times are Lonely Planet for Thailand by Joe Cummings (a visitor to this web site) and Eyewitness Travel Guide. You can order your copy today at amazon.com at a special discounted price by clicking on the book covers. Follow the link for reviews and prices. Click here for more books on Thailand.

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