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Krabi's main attractions are the numerous as 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.
Yachtsmen and scuba divers that can discover and enjoy peaceful
anchorage, tranquility and privacy in various locations favour 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.
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