Krabi Holidays

On south Thailand's west coast, Krabi's a great launching pad to true island escapes. Jump on a speedboat to the jungle-hearted mini archipelago that forms Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park – you'll get a prime view of beaches so white they almost glow. Koh Phi Phi Don is party central, while Koh Phi Phi Leh flaunts coral reefs glimmering in glassy waters.

Vital for coastal Thailand's native ecosystem, thick mangrove forests lace the Andaman coastline. Ask one of the longtail boatmen by the town's piers to steer you down the Krabi estuary. It's a fine way to visit riverside caves, crane your neck at towering limestone outcrops and admire the gnarled mangrove roots that emerge from the river's muddy banks.

A quick 15-minute boat ride from Ao Nang lands you on the jutting-out area of Railay. Rock-climbers share the cliffs with mischievous monkeys, and the south-west headland's got one of Thailand's most beautiful beaches. There's a hiking trail through the jungle that leads to a hidden lagoon, too.