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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