Phi Phi Island, Krabi

Known as the 'jewels of the Andaman Sea ', the six islands in the Ko Phi Phi group are Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Bamboo Island , Yung Island , Bida Nok and Bida Nai. The first is the only one inhabited; the rest can be visited on organised day trips from the mainland, or from Phi Phi Don itself.

Despite the island’s unceasing popularity - thanks in part to its starring role in the blockbuster movie The Beach - a visit should be a top priority on any Krabi holiday. In a province filled with amazing and dramatic scenery, Phi Phi is even more amazing and more dramatic! Picture towering green cliffs, rising up from a glittering turquoise sea, and endless white sandy bays dotted along the shore, and you begin to have some idea of what awaits you here. But even after seeing the photos, the reality never fails to blow people away.

Phi Phi Leh Island , the most beautiful of the six, is shaped like a piece from a jigsaw puzzle, with sheer walls concealing hidden lagoons, and the stunning Maya Bay - which has the Hollywood seal of approval, thanks to the film.

Bamboo and Yung Islands also boast some fantastic beaches; while Bida Nok and Nai are little more than large rocks, used mainly by divers, who say the underwater scenery here is among the most beautiful in Krabi. All around the Phi Phi Islands , marine life is abundant and snorkelling stops will be a feature of any tour. Visibility here is excellent - up to 20 metres - and the variety of coral and fish you will see is amazing.

If you wish to stay in Phi Phi to take full advantage of what the islands have to offer, this is possible in one of the many hotels and resorts on the largest island of Phi Phi Don.

As most people are aware, this island was devastated in the December 2004 tsunami. The densely-populated, thin strip of land between its famous twin bays was completely wiped out, and around 700 people - Thais and foreigners - lost their lives in the disaster that occurred on Boxing Day morning, at the peak of the tourist season.