Had Noppharat Thara Marine National Park

Krabi Province has its share of national marine parks and Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi is the 47th marine park of Thailand. It includes Noppharat Thara Beach and Ao Phra Nang Bay on the mainland and also another 80 small islands including Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Koh Poda and Koh Gai, easily reachable from Ao Phra Bay, are another two offering clear calm waters around their shores, great for snorkeling. In total, the park covers 388 square kilometers and stretches from Nappharat Thara Beach in Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands.

The area is typically characterized by high limestone cliffs and rocks, towering out of the water creating large caves and crevasses. These are signature features of the area drawing many to stay at Krabi resorts. Mammals, birds, tropical fish species and reptiles all form part of the animal wildlife to be found here. Leaf coral, thorn coral and tree coral are some of the coral group found here. Vegetation is mainly rain forest higher up in the mountains and mangrove in the low areas. Mangroves include red mangroves, white beans, black beans and samae.

Here, the rainy season starts from May and lasts till October. Temperatures during this time is still warm and comfortable. Diving during this time may not be the best due to underwater visibility not being all that good. November to April sees little rain and higher temperatures, sometimes as high as 37 degrees Celcius and calm clear water with visibility often exceeding 30 meters. As said, the park is also home to the Phi Islands. Phi Phi Don, being the main or bigger of the islands, is where the accommodation is found and also the only one with permanent residents.

Tonsai Bay is the commercial center of the islands and several diving schools and operators are found here. Just two kilometers south is Phi Phi Le. The island is uninhabitable, but home to many lovely beaches and bays, including the famous Maya bay. You will remember this from the movie, "The Beach". Viking cave, a 3 kilometer square cave is also found here and is a major tourist attraction. You can reach the cave with a kayak and explore at your own time and leisure. Alternatively, many tourist boats stop here for sight seeing. The name is given to the cave since it is believed that pirates used to come here for rest and shelter.

Other islands in the Phi Phi group include Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Koh Yung and Mai Pai. Bida Nok must be the best dive site in the area offering glimpses of Lion Fish, Hawksbill Turtles, Leopard Sharks and Whale Sharks. Not to far from Bida Nok is Bida Nai, also renowned as a spectacular diving site. Koh Pai has the most beautiful beaches while Koh Yung has the loveliest coral reefs to explore.