When Ken and Pat were here three years ago, the Hotel stood alone, with just bare, dusty road to either side, but now it's presence has spawned a whole ecosystem of shops, restaurants, tailors, taxi services and whatever else you could want.

But our time is up, and it's off back to Krabi International Airport (and now that the new airport is open, Willard finds he can say that without sniggering, as it really looks like an international airport now!) via the Avis shuttle bus - the most cost effective option if you are travelling alone (or just with a bear) - private transfers work out better for couples.

Willard is happy to find a proper "Royal Silk" Business Class check-in in the new airport, with stylish seating whilst you wait.

And whilst it's not much of a lounge (a sectioned off area of the upstairs cafeteria) it is still more of a lounge than the old airport had! Comfy chairs and the option of (one) drink from the bar makes the wait a little easier.

As boarding time approaches, Willard completes security (quickly, as only the business class passengers are left at this point) and marvels at the new Airport - it's not the plane, you understand, it's the fact that there's an airbridge! Last time here, he had heard, it was steps and a walk to the terminal! Krabi Airport is definitely coming on, once they get the lifts and escalators working it will be (nearly) perfect!