Being so close to Phuket was bound to have its effect sooner or later. The island's mainland neighbor, Krabi has been developed over the last 10 years or so into an international resort that will soon rival the big island. Krabi's popularity is mainly due to its combination of fantastic limestone cliffs which march right down to sparkling white sandy beaches. Of course, there's also the clear waters filled with spectacular corals as well.

Map of Krabi Province

Most of the new development is in three areas: The Nang Bay coast of the mainland west of Krabi town, which includes the isolated peninsula of Railay; Lanta Yai island; and Phi Phi Don. Although the Phi Phi islands have been an alternative to Phuket for years - long before Leonardo Di Caprio discovered 'The Beach' - the mainland and Lanta have been developed only since the late 90s.