Breaking the journey in Bangkok for a night each way is an option but then you spend even less time doing what you came to do. Two weeks is the most you can be away for therefore it's precious time, time you don't want to spend driving from Phuket to Koh Lanta, and a boat will take even longer.

A small beach viewed from the sky

The perfect solution: It's now possible to take a seaplane from Phuket Airport directly to your resort and enjoy spectacular views on the 25 minute flight before landing on the sea right in front of your resort! It costs less than you'd think and the extra day of holiday you gain is priceless. All of that aside, there can't be a more decadent way of announcing your arrival – think 007. Imagine swooping down from the sky before stepping off the plane with all around watching you, wondering who you are. It's even likely to be the highlight of your trip.

Since February 2007 Destination Air have been running regular seaplane flights from Phuket Airport to around 20 destinations from Khao Lak to Koh Lanta and beyond. I was invited along on a daytrip to Krabi to give a first hand account of their service. I have been lucky enough to hover above and land on tropical islands aboard a helicopter, which was most enjoyable - so needless to say that I was really looking forward to this assignment.

The Equipment

The Cessna 208 and its pilot

A wave of excitement ran through me when I saw the planes on the runway for the first time, they are small indeed. One of the first things I noticed was that the view from inside the cabin is far better than an ordinary jetliner, with much larger windows you can see everything around you easily. The quick but thorough safety briefing was carried out by the Captain. The engine started without any noise or vibration, with the engine came the air conditioning – very nice, along with the white leather padding throughout cabin, these were luxuries that I really wasn't expecting. Quickly we were off towards the runway. I imagined the kids in the terminal building watching the comings and goings on the airfield pointing out our little plane to their parents asking “can we go on that one Mummy?”. At 10.40 I was in Phuket, my arrival time in Krabi was now the main point of order.

In-flight

A few meters above the Andaman Sea

Take off was much the same as any plane however once in the air being able to see all around was great, the large windows make such a difference. I also noticed the aircraft moving around with the wind a little which was fun. I was expecting the engine to be very noisy and the whole aircraft to vibrate with its rotations but the opposite was true, the ride was remarkably smooth.

Right after take off, I could clearly see in great detail the coral reef at the northern end of Nai Yang Beach. Views of Phang Nga Bay were breathtaking which is to be expected of an area of such outstanding natural beauty, if I'm fortunate enough to experience this again I hope aerial views of Koh Phi Phi are thrown in. I could talk about the amazing panoramas all day even though it was a little hazy, but the photos tell the story far better.

Splash Landing

Just landed

It really was spectacular in the true sense of the word. At 10.55 Ao Nang Bay could be seen ahead, we stooped down and announced our arrival with the horn to the boats below carrying tourists to and from Railey Beach. We got lower and lower until we just brushed the water, as we slowed our draft became deeper and so we slowed some more until we were no longer and aircraft but a sea going vessel. As the engines are revved in reverse to reduce speed the aircraft kind of sits back in the water a little. Our smooth landing at 10.57 in Ao Nang put me in the elite group of people who have travelled from Phuket to Krabi in less than 20 minutes, for a journey that usually takes at least 2 ½ hours.

I'm a Celebrity

At Central Krabi Bay Resort

The plane effortlessly glided through the water towards the floating pier at Central Krabi Bay Resort, our destination. As we disembarked the attention of all who'd seen our landing was focussed upon us, I got the feeling that most were expecting a Hollywood celebrity. Whilst stepping off the plane to such a beautiful place, I was sure I wasn't the only one feeling elated.

Once off the place everyone examines our faces to see if they recognise us, as they think they should. The Central Krabi Bay resort is very very impressive, a 10 minute walk to Ao Nang but set in its own bay surrounded by jungle studded 300m high cliffs which make it unreachable by car (photos here). Most rooms have spectacular sunset views of the sun disappearing into the sea and many rooms feature a jacuzzi on the balcony.

Water Takeoff

Krabi coast from above

When we got the call to say that our plane had left Phuket we made our way back towards the floating pier. I'm as intrigued as all the other onlookers watching the landing from the ground. I can only describe the sea take-off as like a horse galloping through water, it doesn't seem possible but then it happens. Waterskiing across the waves slowly to start with then getting faster and faster until we're planing at speed then skipping across the water even faster. Finally we gain height and we're away, be there in 20 minutes I think to myself.

Overall the ride was less 'Indiana Jones' than the child in me hoped but I guess that's a good thing as many will be less enthusiastic than I. With all the glamour aside (obviously very difficult darling) it's not very different to a jetliner which is great news for nervous fliers. Helicopters are much more fun, something to do with the changing centre of gravity I suspect.

Check-in is no later than 30 minutes before your flight and with a maximum of 8 passengers there's no waiting around. Your luggage allowance is 20kg with excess baggage charged at just 100 baht per kg. Security is a priority for this airline as CEO, Captain Nithit Kesangam, an ex Royal Thai Airforce fighter pilot, told me “we will not fly with any luggage that hasn't been scanned, even hand luggage, if you don't want your luggage to be scanned then we don't want you as our passenger”.

How to get there

Phuket Seaplane Phuket-Krabi Roundtrip - 15,000 Baht
	Destination Air provide seaplane service in the Andaman Sea. Come fly with us and enjoy, we will take you to the fun places to be. Destinations: Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Racha, Trang. Morning and afternoon flights. Read more...

Photos of the trip