Richelieu Rock is, it is generally agreed, a world class dive site. The submerged rock whose tips are just visible at low tide, is l8 kilometres east of Ko Surin and home to the widest diversity of sea life. It is the playground for schools of whale sharks which are so friendly they often pose for photographs.

Krabi and its 1S0 nearby islands share the characteristic beauty of stunning limestone cliffs. Originally a refuge for visitors wanting to get to an unspoiled seaside paradise, Krabi is today well-served by hotels,shopping facilities and restaurants, and yet retains its natural charms.

Krabi is also a centre for sports. The cliffs of Hat Tham Phra Nang and Hat Rai Leh East offer almost unlimited climbing opportunities for any level, and instruction and tours can be arranged at practically any hotel orguesthouse. Sea-canoe expeditions around uninhabited islands, hidden lagoons and tidal caves are just aseasily arranged, as well as diving trips to submarine tunnels and coral reefs.

Around Krabi, Phra Nang Beach is considered by many to bethe most beautiful on the Andaman coast. Backed by steep limestone cliffs, a gleaming white beach faces two rocky inlets rearing up from a turquoise sea. Inside the cliff is Phra Nang Cave and a tidal lagoon that can be reached by a brisk rockclimb.

Phra Nang and neighbouring Rai Ley Beach are located on an isthmus accessible by longtail boat from Krabi town. A little further away from the town, Hat Noppharat Thara is a long sandy beach, popular with Thais, which is part of a national marine park of the samename. At low tide it is possible to walk out to some of the islands in the bay South of Krabi is the island of Lanta, with a laid-back beachscene of unique character, and breathtaking unspoiled beaches.

Famous for its breathtaking beaches and relaxed pace of life, Phi Phi islands have attracted a uniquebeach-cum-diving community from all over the world. The Phi Phi islands are part of the Hat Noppharat Thara Marine National Park. Their closeness to prime dive sites and profusion of respected dive shops make the islands one of the most popular diving destinations in Thailand.

Other popular activities include swimming and snorkelling over the coral reefs that surround the islands.The group consists of Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Phai Island (BambooIsland) and Yung lsland (MosquitoIsland). The area is distinguished by soaring limestone cliffs, the crumbly rock carved by the elements into fantastic shapes. These extend underwater to the sea bed, forming a natural network of caves and caverns. Characteristic undersea life includes long sea whips, giant orange sea fans,black corals as well as the more usual varieties, and species of tropical fish unique to the immediate area.