Introduction

The spectacular Phi Phi Islands, Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don, soon to be made famous by Di Caprio's movie, "The Beach", are both idyllic and easily accessible from the mainland. Boats leave regularly from both Krabi and Phuket. Of the two islands, only Phi Phi Don is inhabited.

Phi Phi Le is only six square kilometres in area and is predominantly made up of sheer cliffs, with a number of caves and hidden coves. One of the most interesting is the Viking Cave, which features wall paintings, dating back over 400 years, that resemble Viking long boats.

The cave also contains the sea-swift nests, of birds-nest soup fame. The island is uninhabited, mainly because of these priceless birds nests, but many boats from Phi Phi Don regularly take the short jaunt over to visit the cave and the island's secluded beaches.

Phi Phi Don, 2 km to the north is the larger of the two at 28 square kilometres.

All accommodation is on this island, based mainly around Ton Sai Bay, where the incoming boats dock. The bay is a long curving stretch of white sandy beach, wedged between two limestone peaks. Phi Phi Don has an abundance of fine tropical beaches along its southern and eastern shores, with plenty of limestone karsts offering spectacular views over the islands.

The island is still inhabited by Chao Lay (sea gypsies), mainly on the western, unspoiled reaches of the island

Places to Visit

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is actually a group of 52 islands, of which only twelve are inhabited. The largest are Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Klong. The islands are located in the south of Krabi province and can be reached from Krabi town by driving 50 kilometres south, on Highway 4, to Ban Huai Nam Khao. Then turning right on Highway 4206 for a further 27 kilometres to Ban Hua Hin.

Koh Lanta Yai, the largest of the group, has fine beaches practically all along its western coast. The beaches offer a beautiful view over the surrounding islands in the Andaman and of spectacular sunsets. Offshore is home to magnificent coral, especially at Khaw Kwang (Deer Neck) on the north-western tip of the island.

Accommodation is limited to simple bungalow-style complexes, most of which are situated in the northern part of the island around the popular beach at Khlong Dao. For those really wanting a more secluded spot, a few bungalows are available at Hat Klong Nin and Ao Khlong Jaak.

For diving enthusiasts, dive operators are located in Sala Dan. All offer standard PADI courses, day trips, overnight diving and camping packages to the nearby islands. Amongst the most popular sites are Hin Bida, a favourite sleeping spot for leopard sharks and Hin Daeng, a 45-m submerged rock home to barracuda, reef sharks and the rarer whale sharks.

For non-divers there is very little to do on the island, apart from the sheer relaxation of the beach and hiking along the cliff top ridges; truly a great place for those who want to enjoy peace and tranquillity. In 1990 the Thai government recognised the beauty and serenity of the island, by designating a part of the south as a National Park.

The inhabitants are a mixture of Thai Muslims and Chao Lae. To the south east of the island is a sea gypsy community at Sangka-U, whose residents have continued to live the same lifestyle for many generations.