Krabi’s main attractions are the numerous and yet unspoiled beaches nearby that offer a wealth of snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. The most important is Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, better known as Phi-Phi Island, due west and south of Phuket Town. The park contains extensive mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands, and two islands of outstanding physical yet contrasting beauty which have become the symbol of the perfect tropical island. The boat ride to Phi Phi Lea and Phi Phi Don from Krabi Town’s Chao Fah Bridge Pier, at the right time of year, November to April, is a pleasant journey and can take anything from an hour and a quarter to three hours depending on the size of boat taken. The rest of the year conditions in the Andaman Sea can be choppy and the weather can cause involuntary changes of travel plans while at sea.
Phi Phi Lea covers an area of just six square kilometer and is characterized by rugged, steep and lightly vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden bays concealing small pristine beaches and calm clear water whose colour is a kaleidoscope of greens and blues. Its Viking Caves gets its name from the ancient murals depicting Viking-like sailing vessels. The caves are home to sea swallows whose nests are much sort after for the Chinese delicacy Birds Nest Soup.
Two kilometers north is the larger Phi Phi Don covering an area of 28 square kilometers. The island is famed for its palm fringed white sand beaches protected by the mountain masses. Beach side bungalows and chalets are available. The area immediately adjacent to a Muslim fishing village contains bars with live music; restaurants specializing in western and Thai cuisine; cabarets; souvenir shops; dive shops and charter boat operators offering game fishing and day trips to Ko Paid (Bamboo Island) a half an hour boat ride from Phi Phi Don and claimed by many locals to be one of the most beautiful and unspoiled, uninhabited islands in the area.
Yachtmen and scuba divers that can discover and enjoy peaceful anchorage, tranquility and privacy in various locations favouring the Phi Phi group of islands. It has become the start and finishing point for Phuket’s prestigious King’s Cup yacht race each December. And was recently the location for the film “The Beach” staring Leonardo di Caprio.
