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.