Tourism on Thailand’s Koh Phi Phi islands has been exploding since the filming of Hollywood blockbuster The Beach. Among the largest in this group of six is Koh Phi Phi Don – which also happens to be the only inhabited out of the six, and Koh Phi Phi Lee. The latter, unaffected for the most part by human interaction, is enjoyed by both the young and family tourists alike thanks to its magnificent natural beauty.
Location
Under the administration of Krabi province, the islands sit more or less equally between the Andaman coast and Phuket, which measures around 40 km. You can reach the islands by ferry, skiff, or speedboat from the Phuket, arriving anywhere from one-and-a-half to two hours later depending on your chosen mode of transport. Or, departures can also be made from Krabi’s Nang Bay or Chao Fa Pier, which will take approximately two-and-a-half hours by skiff.
Beach Vacations
The views surrounding Koh Phi Phi Don are those of surrounding limestone cliffs abounding with vegetation, which can be admired from the most beautiful of beaches – Ton Sai and Lo Dalum Bays. Though Koh Phi Phi Lee is uninhabited, the beach in Maya Bay provides a great place to lounge away the day. It also happens to be the most popular place in the archipelago, thanks to the filming of The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Daytrippers should beware however that modern conveniences are not to be found on this island.
Sights
The most northern point of Koh Phi Phi Don, Cape Laem Tong, differs from the rest of Thailand in its beauty and diverse underwater world. It is also unique in terms of its residents – genuine Sea Gypsies, who serve up one of the best seafood meals in the country. Tourists are also advised to check out the many secret lagoons hidden among the islands, as well as the Viking Cave, where pictures of elephants, ships, and Scandinavian seafarers etched into the walls pay homage to the fact that this was once a place of great history.
There also happens to be a thriving industry harvesting edible birds’ nests within this same cave – locals use bamboo poles to climb the walls and collect the swallows’ nests as the main ingredient of the gourmet soup.
Active Leisure
Kayaking, diving, deep-sea fishing, and day trips to neighboring islands are all options for guests of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers can walk the coastline or climb the mountains, while divers might want to check out the sunken King Cruiser ferry, Hin Bida Nok Island, and Hin Bida Nai where you can dive along the tunneled walls with up to 30 m visibility. While you’re down there, you’ll no doubt come into contact with barracudas, tuna, moray eels, stingrays, mackerel, and sea turtles off the coast, as well as scary tigerfish and blacktip and whale sharks.
Facilities
The only hotels and restaurants on the archipelago are on Koh Phi Phi Don.
Please note:
public transport on the islands is nonexistent, with the exception of police who move around by moped. Travel between beaches is made by boat only.