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Lying on the coast
of Krabi, the twin phi-phi islands, made famous
as the location for the movie 'The Beach', more
than match the scenic wonder of the mainland.
The larger, Phi Phi
Don island, is shaped like a lopsided butterfly with a
thin strand joining the two wings, the left side
is a sheer scrub-covered cliff soaring hundreds
of feet above the sea, while the right-hand span
is formed of a jungle-clad spine flanked on
either side by palm-fringed beaches. The centre
of the island and main access point, Tonsai Bay,
has been considerably developed in recent years,
sprouting a cluster of bungalow accommodation,
restaurants and souvenir shops.
The smaller Phi Phi
Le island, however, is different in every way,
uninhabited and more rugged. Aside from its
exceptional beauty, its attraction lies in its
ability to surprise. A survey by boat leads to
serendipitous discoveries of idyllic coves,
secret little spots that widen out from
half-hidden openings into sizable bays,
indescribably beautiful expanses of shallow,
placid turquoise water walled in by high cliffs.
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