Krabi is both the name of the idyllic province of outstanding beauty on the Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand and its provincial capital. The province covers an area of 4,707 square kilometers and is some 814kms south of Bangkok. Now Krabi International Airport has opened and both Thai Airways International and PB Air operating direct flights from Bangkok. Opening of the airport has made Krabi more accessible and it is now firmly on the International Tourist Map. Locally known as the location of the Graveyard of Shells (fossil beds near the sea) Krabi also has nice beaches and an interesting botanical garden. The beaches in Krabi (Raylee Beach, Aonang Beach) are crowded in winter as are the beautiful nearby Phi Phi Islands (Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh) located about 40 mi/60 km off the coast that are currently (and unfortunately) being overdeveloped for tourism. Easily accessible by boat from Krabi the Phi Phis have almost deserted white-sand beaches and green cliffs jutting from the water.Krabi is beginning to accommodate more visitors each year raising fears that it will be another Phuket.