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 - Koh Phi Phi Le, Koh Yung and Koh 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.
Koh Yung, an island to the north of Koh 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. Koh Phai, another island to the north of Koh Phi Phi Don and not far from Koh 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 Koh Phi Phi - Phi Phi Islands which are equidistant to Phuket and Krabi Provinces can be reached by boat.
Lanta National Park - Covering an area of 152 square kilometers, the Park is comprised of many different-sized islands, some of which are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs such as Koh Ha, Koh Rok and Koh Hai. The Parks main island is Koh Lanta Yai, where both the Headquarters and National Park Office are located. The island itself is generally rugged and mountainous with gravelly and sandy beaches to the south. The most suitable time to visit Koh Lanta is from November to April. For more information please contact Mu Koh Lanta National Park, No.5, Tambon Koh Lanta Yai, Amphoe Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150, Tel. 0-7562-9018-9.
Travel to Koh Lanta - Boat departs from downtown Krabi to Koh Lanta Yai daily. The journey takes 2.5 hours.
Mu Koh Hong - Mu Koh Hong consists of a group of limestone islands including Koh Lao or Koh Sa Ka, Koh Lao Riam, Koh Pakka, Koh Lao La Ding and Koh Hong or Koh Lao Li Pe which is the biggest island to the south. The attractions on these islands include fine beaches, shallow and deep-water coral reefs and various kinds of fish while popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sea-canoeing and nature studies on the 400-meter hiking trail around Koh Hong. Mu Koh Hong is located at the edge of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, and is accessible by a 1-hour boat trip from Ao Nang. The park entrance fee is 200 baht per person with an additional fee of 20 baht per person for camping on the island.
