Koh Phi Phi Krabi

Koh Phi Phi don

The Phi Phi Islands consist of two small islands, south of Phuket, famous for their fine sandy beaches and limestone cliffs which soar out of the sea to form spectacular scenery. Add crystal clear water, no roads and a tropical laid back lifestyle, and it's easy to see why Phi Phi is one of southern Thailand's most popular destinations.

The islands were affected by the tsunami which hit south east Asia resulting in loss of life and the closure of many hotels around the main Tonsai Bay area of Phi Phi Don. Not all of beaches on the main island of Phi Phi Don were affected. In fact, the beaches and accommodation around the quieter, less built up north coast are still as lovely as ever and open for business.

The smaller uninhabited island of Phi Phi Ley sustained little damage. Composed of around 90 % limestone cliffs dotted with caves and passages, surrounding shallow blue-green lagoons with shallow coral gardens - it's ideal for snorkelling. The island also has two magnificent beaches, Loh Samah and Maya Bay - used as a location for the Hollywood film "The Beach."
Beaches around Phi Phi Don can be reached by local longtail boat, in the more secluded areas. Diving and snorkeling at Laem Thong is excellent, and at Hua Rah Ket to the extreme south. Local dive companies offer diving and snorkelling trips with equipment readily for hire.
Koh Phi Phi is one the ten most beautiful islands in the world. From atop of Koh Phi Phi Don, you can look over the island and see its hourglass figure. Koh Phi Phi Le, while being the smaller of the two islands and less developed is none the less beautiful. Transit between the two islands is possible via a long-tail boat.
Location
Koh Phi Phi is located in the Had Noppharatthara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Tambon Ao Nang in the province of Krabi. The distance from Chao Fa Pier to Koh Phi Phi is forty-two kilometers. In addition to Koh Phi Phi, there are six other islands nearby.

Highlights
Travel to the Phi Phi Islands
Koh Phi Phi can be reached by boat either from Krabi or Phuket. In downtown Krabi tourists can take a boat at Chaofa pier. The boat leaves for Koh Phi Phi daily. Boat tickets are available at the pier or from travel agents in the town. It takes about 2 hours and a half for the journey. Regular boats from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi are also available during high season.

Koh Phi Phi Don

Koh Phi Phi Don: Koh Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands. The commerce on this island revolves around the Ton Sai Pier. This is where the majority of the accommodations and restaurants are located. Since it is only twenty-eight square kilometers, It is possible to walk around the entire island. Many beaches, like Aow Loh
Dalam, have white-sand beaches, shallow water, and play host to many activities like football and volleyball.

Had Yao

Had Yao: Had Yao is a long beach with plenty of ac?commodations. This is a favorite spot for divers visiting the island.

Laem Tong

Laem Tong: Located on the north side of the island, Laem Tong is where most of the locals live. In order to get here, you must take a long-tail boat. There is a beautiful view from the top of the 180 meters high hills. From here you can see both Ao Ton Sai and Ao Loh Dalam.

Koh Phi Phi le

Koh Phi Phi Le: Koh Phi Phi Le can be reached by taking a boat from Koh Phi Phi Don. This is a craggy island with few beaches and no accommodations. On this island you can explore an ancient cave with prehistoric paintings on the walls inside. Ao Pi Le is limestone cliff surrounded by water. This is a popular rock climbing area that offers stunning views of the top. Perhaps the most beautiful beach on Koh Phi Phi Le is Ao Maya. At this beach you will find white-sand beaches, a nice area for swimming and long-tail boats for rent, which will take you to Koh Phai, Koh Yung, the nearby islands.

Koh Phai
lies also to the north of Phi Phi Don, not far from Koh Yung. Sandy beaches are on the north and east sides of the island. Broad coral reefs stretch away into the south.

Koh Yung
lies to the north of Phi Phi Don. There is a rocky beach on the east side, and a smaller strand of sand in a fold of the hill. Many beautiful and various corals are found there.

Phi Phi Islands Activities
Phi Phi is still a relatively unspoilt small island where the pace of life is easy and each day melts into the next It's the sort of place where you can enjoy doing absolutely nothing for the entire day! If you feel the need to move from your place on the beach, then here are a few suggestions.Start your day with breakfast on the beach, then take a local tour (by boat of course, there are no cars) around the islands, or go diving or snorkelling. If you prefer to see the view above the water, you might want to try rock climbing - instruction and equipment is available. Why not take a canoe tour? You might even catch sight of the local sharks!After all that energy, it's probably time to relax and gaze at another of those amazing tropical sunsets before dining out (under the stars of course!) Then what? Well if you want a little nightlife catch some jazz or reggae, or watch a film at one of the local bars, or simply contemplate that incredible tropical night sky

Phi Phi is, above all, a place for enjoying outdoors. For kids, it's a place to paddle a canoe, be a pirate, or learn a new skill like diving. Above all it's a place to simply relax and enjoy

Kayaking
Paddling in Phi Phi has to be on the "must do" list. A great way to see the best of Phi Phi, it offers limestone cliffs, mangrove inlets, caves, and varied marine and bird life.
A number of companies offer canoe tours around Phi Phi Don and the neighbouring islands, with tours combining kayaking, snorkelling and even shark watching! Meet the sharks for breakfast! No this isn't "Jaws," but it's definitely "Up Close and Personal" with Black Tips and Leopard Sharks. Kayaking tours can be high energy and action packed with surging waves, caves, and blowholes, or more gentle relaxed paddling, depending on the season and the tour. Paddle during the day, visiting islands, snorkelling and swimming or take a sunset paddle and return by torchlight under the stars!

Snorkelling
Wonderful coral gardens, unusual cave fish, exotic tropical fish, and sharks - probably the best snorkelling anywhere. Depths vary from 2-7 metres (6-20 feet) and visibility is crystal clear. You can hire equipment from local dive shops, but it's worth taking a tour to the reefs which fringe the islands. Tours also go to offshore reefs (about 1.5 km) which contain more unusual marine life. Masks and snorkels are normally included in the price, although these may be of varied shapes and sizes! Some operators have quality equipment while others have a standard mask and fins in limited sizes, so shop around, otherwise your underwater views may be limited.Notable sites to visit - Maya Bay - location for the Hollywood film "The Beach" with good reef and wall corals. Camel Rock - for strange cave fish, Hin Klang for more remote coral gardens, and Hin Phae for shark watching.

Game Fishing
The Andaman Sea is home to all the classic prize fighters of the fish world. Black Marlin, Giant Travelly, Sailfish, and Shark. Yellowfin, Dogtooth and Skipjack, Tuna are common, while Wahoo are plentiful during the monsoon season. (June - October.) Boat charter is available, or join a trip with other individuals (depends on demand) or hire a local longtail boat. Don't expect to take your fish home Phuket operates a "catch and release" policy to maintain the stock of these remarkable fish.

Kid's Stuff
Not too many organised activities for kids and definitely no theme parks!This is a place for staying outdoors and enjoying the simple life - sand, sea and nature. For most kids the opportunity to snorkel, learn to dive, go fishing, paddle a canoe, or play with sand makes a change from playstations!

Rock Climbing
Surprisingly, not really developed on the island - despite the great potential. Although some routes are bolted, you'll need to consult other climbers first and bring your own equipment! Krabi is more organised with climbing shops and gear for rent, although more crowded on the rock face.If you want to see local climbers in action, visit the Viking Cave. For 100 Baht, with no ropes or special equipment, just bamboo scaffolding (and a prayer to the local cave gods) the locals collect the Swifts' nests which form the basic ingredients for the gourmet Chinese Bird's Nest soup. (Sorry no nest, demonstrations only!!).

Local Tours - Island Hopping
Take a local longtail boat trip around the island. Each boat can take about 6-8 passengers and stops at all the snorkelling places and local beauty spots including the Viking Cave. You may need to take your own snorkel gear (you can also hire from local diveshops) although some companies provide a limited selection of equipment and local lunch.

Beach Hopping
Life is very laid back in Phi Phi, and despite the variety of activities available, there is very little pressure to to get out and do anything! Sleep in until the sun rises high in the sky. Then wander from your room to the beach (perhaps 20 metres) and lie in the sun until your particular beach gets boring. Time for a 15 minute trip to some protected inlet to find a new little beach or place to eat. It's tough! Local long tail boats are happy to take you from beach to beach, including the famous one in the Leonardo DiCaprio film "The Beach"(See map)

Trekking
Most of the locals use longtail boats to get around, but there are a few paths. Walk up to the lookout point in Tonsai for a stunning panoramic view over the twin bays of Phi Phi, the jungle below and beyond.It's worth the modest 40 minute climb and the 200 metre steeper section is paved and quite easy. Refreshments are available at the top during all of high season, but take water for the climb. To get there, walk along Loh Dalum Bay past Phi Phi Princess and Pavilion beach resorts. Follow the signs up the hill past Viewpoint Resort to the vantage point.

How to Get There
From Phuket

Tour agencies can arrange transport including transfer from your accommodation to the jetty, and the boat to Phi Phi. If you simply want to get there and back for an overnight stay, expect to pay around 500 Baht return. Tickets can be used for any return trip and are not tied to a specific date, so you can be flexible with your plans. Normally it is not necessary to book in advance, although during holidays, especially Christmas and January, it is advisable to be at the pier 20 minutes before departure if you haven't booked through a tour agent..

Day tours cost between 500-1,200 Baht, depending on the boat, the time taken to get there, the quality and quantity of the lunch, and the options available e.g.., snorkelling side trips.

From Krabi Province
Boats depart from Krabi town and Ao Nang beach around twice daily (subject to change) The journey takes about 90 minutes depending on weather conditions. During the low season (May - October) departures may be delayed or cancelled.

From International
The last boat from Phuket to Phi Phi leaves at 13:30 so you must allow time to get a taxi from the airport to the boat dock. Tickets should be booked in advance through travel agencies as it is not always possible to buy tickets on arrival. Allow around 1 hour from the airport to the ferry. As connections can be subject to delay it is advisable to stay overnight in Phuket before continuing your journey to Phi Phi. (Schedule)

Day Trips from Phuket
If you're staying in Phuket but would like to visit Phi Phi Island for the day, there are a number of tours available. Prices vary between 500 - 1,200 Baht including lunch and depend on the type of boat, quality of lunch, and options offered e.g., snorkeling and glass bottomed boat. Tours normally start in the early morning around 7:00 am and usually return by about 6:00pm.

Map of Phi Phi Islands

Map of Phi Phi Islands

Map Google Earth Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi Map Google Earth

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Where to Stay
Many of Phi Phi's bungalows and resorts, were located around the Ton Sai Bay area affected by the tsunami, but hotels in the other side of the island around Leam Tong and Ao Loa Ba Gao Bay, offer lovely beachfront locations and full services.

Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island Phi Phi Island, Laem Tong 86 $ Zeavola Phi Phi Island, Laem Tong 262 $ Phi Phi Hotel Phi Phi Island, Ton Sai Beach 31 $ Phi Phi Banyan Villa Phi Phi Island, Ton Sai Beach 39 $ Phi Phi Viewpoint Resort Phi Phi Island,Loh Dalam Beach 29 $ Pee Pee Island Village Beach Resort & Spa Phi Phi Island- Loh Ba Gao Bay 86 $ Phi Phi Natural Resort Phi Phi Island-Laem Tong 30 $ Bay View Resort Phi Phi Leam Hin Beach 29 $

More Infomatin
• Web Board & Gallery Koh Phi Phi
• Google Earth Thailand MapKoh Phi Phi


• Get Google Earth

Important numbers

Police emergency: 191

Tourist Police: 0 7742 1281

Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155

Fire Department: 106

Bangkok Hospital: 0 7742 9500

Samui Hospital: 0 7742 1232

Immigration: 0 7742 1069

Continue reading here: Kaeng Hin Phoeng Prachinburi

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