As for sandy beaches, East Hat Railay has relatively little to offer, but is within walking distance of both West Hat Railay, and Hat Tham Phranang, which offer some of the best beaches anywhere. Both East and West Hat Railay can be reached by boat from Krabi's Chao Fah Bridge. These boats cost 50 baht per person, and typically take about 45 minutes.

However, outside of the months between November and April, these boats usually do not go all the way around to West Hat Railay, because of unfavorable sea conditions. During this period, you must get off the boat at East Hat Railay, and then walk to your final destination.

Hat Pranang is a long, beautiful stretch of beach, located just south of Hat Noppharat Thara. This stretch of beach is rapidly developing, however, it still remains quite stunning. In addition to the broad, white-sand beach, Hat Pranang has clean, clear water and a backdrop of striking limestone islands and cliffs. There are a total of 83 small islands in the bay, and they can be explored by boat trips arranged by many of the guesthouses. Unlike Hat Noppharat Thara, Hat Pranang is a full service beach offering a wide variety of recreational water sports. This entire area offers excellent Scuba diving, with both reefs and a wide variety of marine wildlife.

Ao Nang is located approximately 6 kilometers from Hat Noppharat Thara and 20 kilometers from the town of Krabi. A large bay with scenic beaches and 83 small islands, Ao Nang has several famous beaches which include East Rai Le, West Rai Le and Tham Phra Nang (cave) which stretches to the foot of a prominent limestone range. A boat from Ao Nang Village can be hired for sightseeing excursions around Ao Nang, Hat Tham Phra Nang and Hat Nam Mao, all of which are only accessible by foot. Other offshore isles such as Ko Poda, Ko Kai, Ko Mo and Ko Thap, are popular destinations that can be reached by a rented boat from Ao Nang. An abundance of colorful coral reefs and lovely cartoon fishes make these islands ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Ao Nang has recently emerged as a 5-star tourist attraction due to its numerous 4-5 star hotels and boutique resorts complete with facilities such as diving shops and rental boats. Popular activities include sightseeing by canoe along the beachfront and paddling tours by inflatable canoes or kayaks of the coast and its mangrove forests, islands and semi-submerged caves.

Located 6 kilometers from Ao Nang is a famous 3-kilometer long white sandy beach lined with dense casuarinas and coconut groves. The beach, paved with tiny seashells, was formerly called "Hat Khlong Haeng", which means dried canal beach by locals, because the canal dries up during low tide and the area turns into a long beach. Situated 18 kilometers north-west of Krabi, Hat Noppharat Thara is in fact part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and is the location of the Park headquarters. This Park covers a large area both onshore and offshore and. Reservations for accommodations on the beach should be made in advance at the Forestry Department in Bangkok, contact tel. (02) 5797223, 5795734, or at Hat Noppharat Thara National Park, P.O. Box 23, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000, tel. (075) 6347436.

Ferry services to Ko Phi Phi are provided from this beach all year round. This beach can be reached by songthaew from the city at the rate of 20 baht and to travel further to Ao Nang, it will cost an additional 10 baht.

Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi Islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. In addition, the islands are famous as the location where the movie "The Beach" featuring Leonardo Di Caprio was shot. The islands, together with the nearby Noppharat Thara Beach, a total area of 390 square kilometers, were recently established as a national park.

Phi Phi Islands are located just 40 kilometers away from both Krabi and Phuket. Thus, despite the fact that both Noppharat Thara Beach and Phi Phi administratively are a part of Krabi Province, most tourists think that Ko Phi Phi is part of Phuket Province.

The islands and the coastal hills are composed mainly of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in Phang-Nga Province. The main characteristics of these mountains and islands are their steep cliffs, large caves and dwarf trees growing out of the rock crevices, like those in Phang-Nga Bay.

The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don, the larger islet to the north, is well known for its fine beaches and coral formations. Above average tourist facilities and accommodations are available along two beautiful curved bays, namely Ton Sai Bay and Lodalam Bay. Several shops at Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkeling trips around the island or the nearby islands - Ko Phi Phi Le, Ko Yung and Ko Mai Phai.

About 2 kilometers to the south is Phi Phi Le. Contrary to Phi Phi Don, this islet is uninhabited as there is no beach area as the island descends abruptly into the sea on all sides and it is prohibited by the administrative body. The main attraction is a large cave about 3.2 square kilometers in size known as Viking Cave derived from one of the numerous drawings on the wall which resembles a Viking ship. The cave has a 10 to 15-metre high ceiling which contains many ledges inhabited by thousands of swallows, thus a bird's nest collection demonstration is a regular feature of guided tours.

Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi Phi Islands scenic coves are favorite snorkeling places while the sea around the islands, especially the southern part, which are deep and full of coral formations are popular diving spots. With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi Phi is a paradise in the Andaman Sea. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is from November to April, when the sea is calm.

Ko Yung, an island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don, has a stone beach on the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. In addition, the island is teeming with diverse colorful coral reefs. Ko Phai, another island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko Yung, has spectacular beaches in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs comprised mainly of antler corals stretches from the north to the south of the island.

Getting to Ko Phi Phi

Phi Phi Islands which are equidistant to Phuket and Krabi Provinces can be reached by boat.

From Krabi

Chao Fa Pier: Passenger boats leave Chao Fa Pier twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The trip takes about 2.30 hours.

Ao Nang: There is one express boat trip leaving daily at 9 p.m. taking 40 min.

From Phuket

Many tour companies in Phuket organize one-day trips to Phi Phi Islands. Tickets can be obtained from any hotel.