Phi Phi Islands

Lying off the coast of Krabi, The twin Phi Phi islands, made famous as the location for the movie "The Beach", more than match the scenic wonder of the mainland.

Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi Islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. The islands, together with the nearby Noppharat Thara Beach, a total area of 390 square kilometers, were recently established as a national park.

The larger, Phi Phi Don, is shaped like a lopsided butterfly with a thin strand joining the two 'wings', the left side is a sheer scrub-covered cliff soaring hundreds of feet above the sea, while the right-hand span is formed by a jungle -clad spine flanked on either side by palm-fringed beach. the center of the island and main access point, Tonsai Bay, has been considerably developed in recent years, sprouting a cluster of bungalow accommodation, restaurants and souvenir shops.

The smaller, Phi Phi Le island, is different in every ways, uninhabited and more rugged. Aside from its exceptional beauty, the attraction lies in its ability to surprise. A survey by boat leads to serendipitous discoveries of picturesque coves, secret little spots that widen out from half-hidden opening into sizable bays, indescribably beautiful expanses of shallow, placid turquoise water walled in by high cliffs.

Phi Phi Islands are located just 40 kilometers away from both Krabi and Phuket. Thus, despite the fact that both Noppharat Thara Beach and Phi Phi administratively are a part of Krabi Province, most tourists think that Koh Phi Phi is part of Phuket Province.

Interesting in Phi Phi Islands

Koh Phi Phi Don - This island covers an area about 28 square kilometres. Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam, the twin bays, are the eminent attractions with their curving white sandy beaches. For accommodation and cuisines, tourists can find at Ao Ton Sai which travellers can walk from this bay uphill to the view spot which the visibility of the twin bays is normally excellent. Beside Ao Ton Sai, there are also other attractive beaches and bays around the island.

Other accommodation is also available at Hat Laem Hin, Hat Yao, and Ao Lo Bakao. At the northern end of the island is Laem Tong, well-known for its underwater natural beauty with lodging available. A huddle of fisherman’s huts is located here. Previously, most of them have migrated from Koh Li Pe of Tarutao National Park, Satun province. A day trip by boat or snorkelling spectacular coral shallows around. Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le are the reccommendation.

Koh Phi Phi Le- With its area of only 6.6 square kilometers, limestone mountains and sheer cliffs plunging hundreds of meters to the sea surround this islet. The deepest point on the south of the island is just about 34 meters and the average deep is 20 meters. Ko Phi Phi Le presents superb scenic bays; for instance, Ao Pi Le, Ao Maya, and Ao Lo Sa Ma. There is also the large cave called Tham Viking which is situated on the northeast of the island.The cave was renamed Tham Phaya Nak or Naga Serpent Cave by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej because of a stone resembling the mythical creature, which His Majesty saw when he was here in 1972.

The cave is considered sacred to locals who come here to collect swallow nests. Inside the eastern and southern parts of the cave, there are ancient rock paintings of elephants and several types of watercrafts, including a European sailboat, an Arabian sailboat, a sampan, a Chinese junk, a water-wheel sailing boat, and a steamboat.  This can be infered the paintings were the works of sea merchants or pirates because the study of west-to-east ship routes indicates that this area may have been a stopover for boats seeking shelter from storms, transferring cargo or making repairs.

Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi Phi Islands scenic coves are favorite snorkeling places. Furthermore, the sea around the islands, particularly the southern part, are popular diving spots because of the deep and full of coral formations. If Phuket can be called as the pearl of Andaman, the Phi Phi will be known as the paradise of Andaman cause of its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is from November to April, when the sea is calm.

Koh Yung- one of the attractions which is located on the north of Koh Phi Phi Don, has a stone beach on the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. In addition, the island is teeming with diverse colorful coral reefs. Koh Phai, another island to the north of Koh Phi Phi Don and not far from Koh Yung, has spectacular beaches in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs comprised mainly of antler corals stretches from the north to the south of the island.

Koh Mai Phai - Koh Mai Phai is located on the north of Koh Phi Phi Don and not far from Koh Yung. Surprised beaches are on the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs with staghorn corals, in particular, stretches from north to south of the island.

How to get there

It is accessible from both Krabi and Phuket. From Krabi, board the Song Thaeo service from the provincial town of Krabi to Pak Khlong Chilat Pier. From the pier, there are ferries that depart for Koh Phi Phi twice daily at 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. On return, the ferries leave Koh Phi Phi at 9.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. The 2-hour trip costs 350 baht per person. For further details, contact Phi Phi family Co., Ltd., Tel. +66 7561 2463. Chao Ko Co., Ltd., Tel. +66 7563 1823. Andaman Wave Master Co., Ltd., offers a ferry service from Pak Khlong Chilat Pier twice daily at 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. (200 baht). For further details, contact A D V Co., Ltd., on Khao San Road, Tel. +66 2281 1463 - 5 or Andaman Wave Master Co., Ltd., Tel. +66 7563 0471.
 
Alternatively, a one-day trip on a speedboat is available at Ao Nang. Departure time is 9.00 a.m. On return, it reaches Ao Nang at 5.00 p.m. Contact Ao Nang Travel and Tour Co., Ltd. for more information, Tel. +66 7563 7152 - 3. The trip costs 1,200 baht per person with lunch included.

Accommodation in Phi Phi Islands

Remarks: 
Boat fares are subject to change without notice.
Admission to Phi Phi Islands and other attractions in the Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu ko Phi Phi National Park :  Adult 400 baht, Child 200 baht

Visitors travelling from Phuket can contact tour operators in Phuket’s provincial city for a one-day trip to Ko Phi Phi (boat fares are subject to change without notice, please contact tour operators directly for more details.) 

On arrival to Ao Ton Sai in Ko Phi Phi Don, trips to the surrounding islands can be made in a long-tail boat.

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