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Phi Phi Islands are charming
small twin islands located
in the Andaman Sea, the south of Thailand at
an equal distance from both Krabi and Phuket, about 40
kilometers. Made up of six small and large isles, the
main features are sheer limestone cliff and rock. Some
offer beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The best time
for a visit is between November and April.
The superb scenery of the islands includes high hills
with jutting cliffs surrounded by marvelous beaches and
emerald sea, hiding underneath a bank of coral reefs and
colorful marine life. The geography picturesque here is
very unique and never seen anywhere in Thailand.
Known as the 'jewels of the Andaman Sea', the six
islands in the Koh Phi Phi group are Phi Phi Don, Phi
Phi Leh, Bamboo Island, Yung Island, Bida Nok and Bida
Nai. The first is the only one that is inhabited; the
rest can be visited on organised day trips from the
mainland, or from Phi Phi Don itself. Blessed with
outstanding natural beauty, Phi Phi is Krabi’s beloved
island treasure. Towering forest-capped cliffs rise from
a sparkling turquoise sea, and white sandy arcs trace
their rugged coastline. It’s a scene found on brochures
and websites promoting Thailand as a holiday
destination.
There are no car traffics, no air pollutions, no
hustle-bustle of city life. Just peaceful slow life
welcomes you there. Holiday on the island is so relaxing
and refreshing that you can be energized back home.
Phi Phi Leh Island, considered the most beautiful of the
six, is shaped like a piece from a jigsaw puzzle. Sheer
walls conceal hidden lagoons, and the stunning Maya Bay
has the Hollywood seal of approval, after serving as the
stunning backdrop for the blockbuster movie, ‘The
Beach’. Bamboo and Yung Islands also boast some
fantastic beaches; while Bida Nok and Nai are little
more than large rocks, used mainly by divers. All around
the Phi Phi Islands, marine life is abundant and
snorkelling stops should be top of the agenda on any
tour. Visibility here is excellent - up to 20 metres -
and the variety of coral and fish you will see is
amazing.
Stay overnight in Phi Phi to take full advantage of what
this group of islands has to offer. There are resorts to
suit every budget and preference; however there are
fewer hotels located right on the beach since the
tsunami. The most opulent choices are found on quieter
beaches around the coast, while the cheapest rooms are
in the busy centre of Ton Sai Village.
While the days here may be sleepy and laidback, at night
the island lets it’s hair down for a wild party.
Beachside bars and clubs hold regular parties with DJs,
fire shows and vast quantities of alcohol for their
mainly young clientele. There are also a few civilised
corners of Ton Sai village, for those who prefer a quiet
drink, as well as some top class European and Thai
restaurants, and the ubiquitous internet café and
souvenir shop.
Daytime activities include trips to the islands,
sea-kayaking, rock climbing and, of course, diving. The
majority of the dive sites in Krabi are located in or
near the Phi Phi Islands and there are many dive schools
that can organise trips and courses here. There are also
several water sports available on the beach in Lohdalum
Bay, including parasailing, banana-boat rides and
pedalos.
The short hike up to the viewpoint behind Ton Sai
village, which affords a breathtaking view over the twin
bays of Ton Sai and Lohdalum, is also recommended;
however it’s best to go early in the morning or at
sunset to avoid the heat.
Phi Phi Don is accessible by daily passenger ferries
from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta and Phuket. The
islands lie around 45kms from the mainland to the west
(Phuket) and east (Krabi) and journey time is around 1.5
hours. The ferry stops at the main pier in the village
of Ton Sai, where the majority of the resorts, shops and
restaurants are concentrated. From here, it is possible
to take a longtail boat to the more remote beaches to
the north and west of the island, where there are also a
few resorts
Phi Phi Don is a purpose-built holiday centre; prior to
the development of its tourist infrastructure there was
little happening on the island and without tourism there
would indeed be no industry at all. Visitors come here
for the very fact that there are no busy roads, no giant
supermarkets, no malls or large-scale entertainment
centres.
 If a quiet, lazy beach holiday in tranquil, scenic
settings gets your thumbs up, then Phi Phi is definitely
the place for you. It offers a mix of expensive primely
placed hotels and cheaper guesthouses, with a small
village of tourist services. However, it is popular and
at the height of the season it heaves under the weight
of daytrippers. Fortunately there are two sweeping
beaches/bays, Ton Sai and Lo Dalam which are 100m apart
and offer plenty of room for everyone. The rest of the
island is mostly steep karst hills
It’s not all about soaking up the sun or paddling in the
sea however, visitors wanting to see something of the
surrounding area can take day trips to neighbouring
island and mainland destinations such asPhi Phi Ley,
Krabi, and Phuket. Alternatively, local companies offer
some fantastic diving opportunities in the crystal clear
Andaman waters with both beginners and accomplished
divers catered for. Phi Phi Ley is a particular treat
with its paradise like beach protected by national park
status, and was featured in the Hollywood Blockbuster
The Beach.
Phi Phi Don is reached primarily by regular ferries or
private boat trips from Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta,
however air shuttles are also now available from Phuket
and provide a speedy and convenient, although more
expensive alternative, to the boat.
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