 Krabi
Attractions - Top Sightseeing and things to see
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
|
