Hi, I'm Lee, and alongside my wife Lek and our 2 beloved rescue dogs, Hattie and Lucky, we are the proud owners of Karst Aways, Krabi Kayak Tour. My journey in Krabi began at the end of 2008, with a 3- month voluntary stint aimed at restoring mangrove forests ravaged by shrimp farming. Initially I had little interest in mangrove work, but the allure of the diving side of the project really intrigued me enough to put up with it. However, as I spent more time in the mangroves, I discovered the opportunity to find a place of peacefulness and biodiversity, leading to a change of perspective. when the opportunity arose to extend my stay and join the team permanently, I eagerly seized it, setting the stage for my first encounter with Lek.
Lek, originally from Burriram in Northeast Thailand, ventured to Krabi aged 18 to pursue opportunities in tourism, starting with basic cleaning jobs on the remote island of Koh Jam. After a few years, Lek moved to Ao Nang and with a lot of hard work, gradually transitioned to positions such as divemaster and eventually crossing paths with me.
Our shared love for Krabi, the people, the wildlife and natural beauty, blossomed into a deep connection, culminating in our marriage in 2014.
In 2012 we relocated to a small fishing village, 15km from Ao Nang, where our passion for nature and kayaking flourished. My purchase of a kayak marked the beginning of our exploration of the regions waterways. Despite the absence of internet connection and its various useful tools, such as maps, I meticulously mapped the area the old fashioned way, compass, paper and a pencil. This led to the discovery of the most awe inspiring sight I have ever seen, the breathtaking canyon. I really couldn't believe a place like this could still exist in the modern world, a place so natural and unspoilt by humans.
Why don't people come here early in the morning? Why do all the tours arrive at the same time?
It was at this point I knew something had to be done. I wanted other people to see this place as I was privileged enough to see it.
My disillusionment with mass tourism was sparked in 1998 during a lackluster excursion I booked in Jamaica, where overcrowding and artificiality marred the experience. Determined to offer something different, Lek and I identified flaws in the industry and set out to prioritize customer experience and authenticity. We crafted a unique route through Ao Thalane's picturesque landscape, finding the best spots to see a wide variety of Krabi's true wildlife, untainted by any mass tourism.
We are able to do this whilst still enjoying every highlight the region has to offer. We coupled this exclusive route with flexible start times to ensure optimal tide conditions and as much space as possible for our guests. Our commitment to providing experience stems from our belief that kayaking offers not just health benefits but also gives us the mental space to truly unwind.
Looking ahead, the future holds exciting prospects for us. Building our reputation to it's current standing has been a journey marked by dedication and passion. Our primary focus has always been on prioritizing the enjoyment of our guests and delivering exceptional service, while also sidestepping unnecessary costs associated with intermediaries, such as tour operators and booking apps.
As we look to the future we envision expanding our offerings with new tours.
while maintaining our steadfast commitment to small-group experiences, we're exploring opportunities to diversify into other sectors of the tourism industry. These ventures require meticulous planning and attention to detail, ensuring that each new tour reflects the quality and authenticity that defies our brand. Central to our vision is a team that shares our values and embodies our commitment to excellence. With these principles guiding us, we're excited to continue growing and providing unforgettable and authentic, small-group experiences for all our guests.
