Long-tail boats draw tourists to southern Thailand

By Daniel Allen, for CNN
1 minute read
Published 8:47 PM EDT, Sun April 17, 2016
Riding the waves at a top speed of around 15 knots, long-tail boats can carry up to 20 passengers. Not a luxurious mode of transport, they're still seaworthy and give a surprisingly smooth ride, even in rough weather.<br />
Local workhorse —
Riding the waves at a top speed of around 15 knots, long-tail boats can carry up to 20 passengers. Not a luxurious mode of transport, they're still seaworthy and give a surprisingly smooth ride, even in rough weather.
Daniel Allen Photography
While long-tail boats of all descriptions ply the waters of the Andaman Sea today, they share one common characteristic -- a propeller fixed to the end of a long pole, driven by a huge, noisy engine (typically transplanted from some kind of agricultural or four wheel drive vehicle). This "tail," lifted and lowered by a strong-armed boatman, propels and steers the craft.<br />
Agricultural design —
While long-tail boats of all descriptions ply the waters of the Andaman Sea today, they share one common characteristic -- a propeller fixed to the end of a long pole, driven by a huge, noisy engine (typically transplanted from some kind of agricultural or four wheel drive vehicle). This "tail," lifted and lowered by a strong-armed boatman, propels and steers the craft.
Daniel Allen Photography
Krong Rua village lies at the heart of Krabi's long-tail boat building industry. Here, about 30 kilometers southeast of Krabi Town, small teams labor in palm-fringed, goat-filled yards and impromptu workshops. Away from the Andaman's tourist-filled beaches and bustling harbors, their handiwork is seen by few but used by thousands each day.
Down at the yard —
Krong Rua village lies at the heart of Krabi's long-tail boat building industry. Here, about 30 kilometers southeast of Krabi Town, small teams labor in palm-fringed, goat-filled yards and impromptu workshops. Away from the Andaman's tourist-filled beaches and bustling harbors, their handiwork is seen by few but used by thousands each day.
Daniel Allen Photography
Bundit Kunpoh has a reputation for producing some of the finest long-tails in the Krabi region. "I started learning to make boats from my father when I was 10 years old," he says. "I took a bachelor's degree in community development in Phuket but decided I wanted to use the skills he gave me to keep the traditional boat-building industry alive. Seeing my finished work on the water makes me proud. Proud to be my father's son and proud to be Thai."
Master craftsman —
Bundit Kunpoh has a reputation for producing some of the finest long-tails in the Krabi region. "I started learning to make boats from my father when I was 10 years old," he says. "I took a bachelor's degree in community development in Phuket but decided I wanted to use the skills he gave me to keep the traditional boat-building industry alive. Seeing my finished work on the water makes me proud. Proud to be my father's son and proud to be Thai."
Daniel Allen Photography
Across Southeast Asia, traditional boat building can be traced back to the days when Arabian and Indian merchants would ply the region's coastal waters. The building process usually begins with the keel, followed by the bow, the stern and then the outer planks. This framework is held together by string and wire, before the "ribs" of the boat are added last. Everything is then fixed together with nails, nuts, bolts and epoxy glue.
Time-honored design —
Across Southeast Asia, traditional boat building can be traced back to the days when Arabian and Indian merchants would ply the region's coastal waters. The building process usually begins with the keel, followed by the bow, the stern and then the outer planks. This framework is held together by string and wire, before the "ribs" of the boat are added last. Everything is then fixed together with nails, nuts, bolts and epoxy glue.
Daniel Allen Photography
A boat such as this will typically take up to two months to build if worked on by three or four people. When it comes to long-tail construction the hardwoods of choice are merawan and meranti.
Wooden wonder —
A boat such as this will typically take up to two months to build if worked on by three or four people. When it comes to long-tail construction the hardwoods of choice are merawan and meranti.
Daniel Allen Photography