I had tried to book the Krabi Sands in the past but the airport siege stopped us going so I was keen to go there this time. Klong Muang and the hotel were both as expected from info I'd seen online but it is pretty sparse so I hope my detail will be of help to others.
The area of Klong Muang is quiet with little to see except scenery, but we like that. We did discover the hard way that if you turn right out of the hotel there is very little to find except some scruffy local businesses and the vast Sofitel hotel. If you turn left there are a few bars and restaurants and a little further along a very small village. We only found that on the last day.
Same goes for the beach. Don't go to the right of the KS hotel turn left and walk along to beach where you will find 2 bars (one right on the sand called Little Jamaica) and further along a nice stretch of beach. The views from the beach across to the limestone stacks are gorgeous. We ventured up to Tubkaek beach (about 7 kms) because of its reputation but we were not impressed. It is indeed a nice beach with nice views but there are 3 hotels and that's it. Only worth perhaps an hour or so. I tried snorkelling but nothing of any interest and we were there for 4 hours. Klong Muang was just as good.
As for the hotel, Krabi Sands has nice rooms, is very quiet and the pool and gardens are lovely. Just hope there are no noisy guests. A group of Asians arrived on our last day and the peace was shattered. The other thing is that as with many Thai places the staff's children are allowed to use the pool. On our first full day we had to complain about a toddler shrieking and screaming first thing in the morning. This went on for about half an hour before we complained . The child was supervised but they don't keep them quiet! We'll put up with quite a lot but this was ridiculous and spoilt the relaxation for everyone.
The very attractive pool could be cleaner. It seemed that the algae attached to the tiles is not being successfully cleaned off although there is a pool cleaner around in the mornings - perhaps the filtration isn't good enough. Also the British owner appeared to be absent and it was noticeable as there was little management control. Worst thing was the dogs and cats in the restaurant. Their notes talk about experience in the catering trade yet the animals wandered around the restaurant scratching. They were quite smelly too. At least we didn't see the owner and it is a very small place. Wife and child was there though. Also must mention the sunbeds. They were bamboo and fitted in with the surrounds but only one of them had any adjustment so for those who like to sit up and read a bit uncomfortable.
The restaurant is across the road. We had no issue with that but it was quite expensive and had little charm or character. The beer was way overpriced. So after the first night we ate and drank directly next door for half the price. For example large bottle of Chang in the hotel was 150baht. In Jos's Kitchen next door it was 75baht. The food at Jos's was fine (you could say not as good as the hotel but it was half the price). The advantage was that Jos has very good English and is very flexible so you can tell him exactly what you want. His wife Jun(e) is a character. They occupy the back of a funny little complex of shop units. I think they run all of them obo others because they seemed to be the only people around. A bit odd but very 'local'!
A taxi down to Ao Nang from there was 400 bahts. Not too bad as it's a bit of a way (about 12-15 minute drive). I thought there was a coastal road and hoped for a tuk tuk but not practical because there is no coast road.
We enjoyed our couple of days as we were straight off the plane and just wanted to chill out but I wouldn't recommend it for more than a couple of nights.
- Krabi Sands Hotel
