Just across Phangna Bay In the shadow of renowned Phuket island Lies another southern Thai Jewel , The Peaceful and relatively un-spoilt paradise of Krabi.

Known as the "Emerald of the Andaman" from the brilliants hues of its offshore waters, Krabi's attractions are its beautiful white beaches , myriad small islands dotted along its coast and the fabled Phi Phi island group, a mica for sun worshippers and divers.

Krabi's charm is its tranquility and lack of serious development. The town is un-spoilt and low rise, meandering along the banks of the Krabi river. Its people, a mixture of Buddhists and Muslims, speak odd dialects, are courteous and friendly. Bungalows predominate on the beaches, rather than up market resorts, and tourism is friendly and person able.

Its slow growth is probably due to a lack of direct access. Visitors from Bangkok. 800 km. to the north, can fly into Phuket and take a 3-hour boat trip across the bay . Alternatively take the night train too Nakhon Si Thammarat, and connect by bus or taxi. Air-conditioned coaches from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal make the overnight journey in 14 hours.

Once there, tourists head straight for Nang Bay , and its wondrous beaches of Noppharat Thara , Phra Nang and Raile , lined with coconut trees, looking for all the world like a stretch of forest in the sea. Here are the resorts and bungalows, as well as the starting point for exploring the islands , cliffs and caves nearby.

For instance, take a 15-minute boat ride to the nearby Cape Phra Nang, where hidden powdery white beaches face up to towering cliffs that attract climbers from around the world . Here the mystical Phra Nang Cave ( translated as Princess Cave) , Full of stalactites and stalagmites, lures local fishermen who leave carved wooden phallic symbols before heading out to sea.

Offshore and archipelago of 38 small islands beckon visitors who want to explore and dive, Local fisherman can rehired to take you out on a voyage of discovery to place like Poda, Thap and Lamdung islands.

One favorites adventure for the more energetic is to rent environmentally friendly sea canoes to tour the islands either by yourself or with guides. Made of rubber, they don't pollute the environment and enable you to explore the ocean caves and rock formations. Just make sure you don't run into any hidden rocks . as it is a long swim back to shore.

In the middle of Phangna Bay is the famed Phi Phi Island group. A ferry from Chao Fah Pier in Krabi town makes the 2 - hour trip daily. You can stay on the islands or return on the evening ferry.

The larger island of Phi Phi Don is also the most spectacular. Its Cliff-line twin bays lie back to back, separated by a strip of coconut groves like a green mirror dividing the sea. The waters are crystal clear, great for swimming. The bays and dotted with resort and bungalows. While we are offer divers many opportunities to explore the startling coral reefs that surround the island. On the other side of the island is fishing villages.

Central Thailand
· Bangkok
· Ayuthaya
· Kanchanaburi

Northern Thailand
· Chiang Mai
· Chiang Rai
· Mae Hong Son
· Lampang
· Lamphun
· Sukhothai
· Hilltribes People

East & West Coast
· Pattaya
· Rayong
· Hua Hin
· Koh Samed Island
· Koh Chang Island

Southern Thailand
· Phuket Island
· Samui Island
· Phi Phi Island
· Krabi
· Phang Nga
· Koh Tao
· Koh Phagnan
· Koh Lanta
· Khao Lak

North Easthern
· Khao Yai
· Khao Phra Viharn
· Ubon Ratchathani
· Nakhon Phanom