Krabi
Attractions - Top Sightseeing and things to see
Island
Krabi offers the adventurous traveller not just
beautiful beaches and clear green seas, but numerous islands, large
and small, for exploring or even living like Robinson Crusoe for a
while.
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Phi Phi Islands |
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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.
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Phi Phi Don |
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 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.
 In
recent years Phi Phi Don has experienced a tremendous amount
of growth, and is no longer the pristine island that it was
just ten years ago. This is not to say, however, that there
is no longer anything to see on Phi Phi Don. Regardless of
the commercial expansion, Phi Phi Don still remains one of
the most magnificent places in the region.
The upside to the recent development of Phi
Phi Don is that it is now able to offer a more complete
range of services. A virtually unlimited number of
recreational activities are now offered for the tourist and
the traveler. Phi Phi Don also offers some very good
game-fishing, and sea kayaks are obtainable for a reasonable
fee. Phi Phi Don can be reached by boat from the Chao Fah
Bridge in Krabi, for about 150 baht. The trip typically
takes about 2 hours.
Beaches - Phi Phi Don: Hat Yao, Hat Lanti ,
Hat Hin Khom, Hat Hin Khao, Ton Sai, Hat Laem Tong
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Phi Phi Ley |
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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.
Another attraction to Phi Phi Ley is the
abundance of coral reefs, which make for some extraordinary
Scuba diving and snorkeling. Recently, the motion picture
The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed on Phi Phi
Ley, giving viewers a mere glimpse of the truly breathtaking
scenery this island has to offer.
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Yung Island, Phi Phi Ley |
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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.
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Phai Island, Phi Phi Ley |
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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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Lanta Island |
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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.
A section of the southern portion of the
island was recently made into a national marine park, and
further south is a large community of sea gypsies.
How to get there: Passenger boats to Lanta
cost 150 baht and can be taken from the Chao Fah pier,
Krabi. Lanta can also be reached by a combination of
minibus/ferry. Minibuses to Bo Muang leave from in front of
the TAT sub-office in Krabi, and cost 40 baht. Ferries from
Bo Muang to Lanta Island leave at 12.30 and 2.00 pm, for
another 40 baht. Ferries can also be taken to the new port
at Saladan, which is more developed, for 50 baht. This ferry
leaves Bo Muang at 1.30 pm. Beaches, Lanta Island: Klong
Dao, Phra Ae, Klong Koang, Klong Nin, Kantiang,
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Hong Island |
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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.
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