Krabi Islands
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are by far the main
attraction to Krabi, and are widely considered to be
amongst the most beautiful places in the world.
There are six islands altogether: Phi
Phi Don, Phi Phi Ley, Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Yung, and
Phai; each of which offers some of the most unique topography
on this planet. Of these six islands, Phi Phi Don and
Phi Phi Ley are the largest, and most well known.
Phi Phi Don
This is the largest of the Phi Phi islands,
and offers some of the most arresting scenery available
anywhere in the world. Phi Phi Don is comprised of two
main sections, peculiarly connected by a narrow strip
of glittering white sand. It was here, in the center,
where the first settlement of Ton Sai was established.
Since that time, Phi Phi Don has earned
a reputation as one of the most alluring sights in the
region, offering spectacular beaches, gleaming, turquoise
seas, and remarkable landscapes. This reputation, however,
has not come without a cost.
Phi Phi Ley
The second largest of the Phi Phi Island
chain, Phi Phi Ley is extremely beautiful, and pristine.
Day trips to Phi Phi Ley are available,
and one of the biggest attractions is Phaya Naak Cave,
or Viking Cave, which has some bonafide prehistoric
carvings.
Another attraction to Phi Phi Ley are
the nests of the edible-nest swiftlet, which fetch up
to US $2000 per kilogram. Armed guards stand watch over
these nests, to protect them against poachers. Overnight
stays on Phi Phi Ley are forbidden.
Lanta Island
Although less scenic than some other areas
in the province, Koh Lanta is perhaps the most idyllic
area available in Krabi.
While lacking the towering karsts, Lanta
offers travelers something that is growing increasingly
difficult to find on Phi Phi or Pranang: peace and quiet.
With over 19 pristine, tree-lined beaches,
remarkably friendly residents, and inexpensive accommodations,
Lanta Island is the perfect place to go for a serene,
relaxing vacation.
Hong Island
This island is located at the edge of
the Than Bokkhorani National Park, and is accessible
via boat from Ao Pranang. The trip takes about an hour,
but is well worth it, as Hong Island is home to a beautiful
sandy beach, and some wonderful deep and shallow water
coral deposits.
In addition, Koh Hong has several caves
that are home to the edible-nest swiftlet, whose nests
are valued at over US$2000 per kg.
Yung Island, Phi Phi Ley
This small island in the Phi Phi chain
is a few km north of Phi Phi Don, and has two small
beach areas. Much like Phi Phi Don, and Phi Phi Ley,
Yung Island offers visitors some fabulous scenery, both
underwater and above.
Day trips are available to Yung Island
from Phi Phi Don, and feature brilliant views of pristine
coral fields.
Phai Island, Phi Phi Ley
This is another small, deserted island
in the Phi Phi chain that can be visited during the
day by boat.
Phai Island offers some tremendously attractive
scenery, and also has exceptional coral specimens.
However, like Yung Island, this pristine
island is uninhabited, and has no accommodation.
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