Southeast of Phuket lies the Nopparat Thara- Phi Phi Marine National Park, which includes the Phi Phi lslands. These islands, famous for their beauty, are found midway between Phuket and the mainland coast (48km to Phuket,40km to Krabi). The largest island, Phi Phi Don, is a popular tourist destination playing host to thousands of visitors each year. A smaller and undeveloped sister island to be immortalised in celluloid with the filming of The Beach. The staggering seascape of limestone crags rising vertically from the sea casts a mythical aura over the prehistoric-looking geography. The east and west landmasses of Phi Phi Don are joined by a narrow isthmus and it is here that much of the tourist development has taken place. Phi Phi Ley, on the other hand is renowned for its huge cave and, more specifically, the swift population that builds nests here. The nests of the are avidly sought, with collectors taking all manner of risks to gather them for use in Birds’ Nest Soup. Viking Cave, the English name of this large limestone cavern, also contains ancient rock paintings. Thought to resemble Viking ships, the paintings are estimated to be 3,000 to 4,000 years old.
Most tour boats arrive at Ton Sai Bay, on the south of Phi Phi Don.
From here you can take boat or walk to one of the many beaches dotted along the coast, or maybe trek to the island’s viewpoint.
A short walk through this, the narrowest part of Phi Phi Don, will bring you to Loh Dalum Bay, where the circular formation of sheer limestone cliffs is a tribute to the natural beauty of Phi Phi The beach is less hectic here than Ton Sai, yet still relatively commercial: however, those looking for something a little more pristine could rent a longtail boat and venture along the coast, exploring the numerous small bays and coves.
The uninhabited (except for beach huts) western section of the island is called Koh Nawk (Outer Island). At the north of the eastern end is Laem Tong. Where the island’s chao naam (sea gypsy) population lives, The number of chao naam here varies from time to time, as they are still a somewhat nomadic people, sailing from island to island, stopping off to repair their boats or fishing nets, but there are generally about 100. With stones tied to their waists as ballast, chao naam divers can reportedly descend up to 60 metres while breathing through an air hose held above the water surface. Hat Yao ( Long Beach ) faces south and has some of Phi Phi Don’s best coral reefs. Ton Sai, Loh Dalam and Hat Yao all have beach accommodation. Over a ridge north-west from Hat Yao us another very beautiful beach, called “ Hat Ranti “ with good surf. For several years the locals wouldn’t allow any bungalows here out of respect for the large village mosque situated in a coconut grove above the beach but money talked, and the chao naam walked. Farther north is the sizeable bay of “ Loh Bakao ” where there is a small resort, and near the tip of Laem Tong beach are a located at Phi Phi Island Village Resort for more information about this resort please visit on http://www.krabiholiday.com/hotel/peepeeislandvillage/index.asp
If Phi Phi’s natural beauty is not enough, there is plenty to do both on and off the island. You can relax on one of the picture-postcard beaches, enjoy the crystal clear waters or snorkel on the shallow reefs. Maybe you wish to have a Thai massage – here there are many choices. If food is your desire, Phi Phi Don has a number of good restaurants offering both international and Thai cuisine. There are many agents on the island who will offer you a kaleidoscope of tour choices: from game fishing, diving, snorkeling and canoeing trips, to tripe by speedboat or longtail to other islands and beaches.
How to Get to Phi Phi Islands The best way to visit Phi Phi, by private boat charter, is expensive, so most visitors take one of the regular ferries which depart every morning from both Phuket and Krabi, returning late afternoon. These day trips give little time one the islands, and in the middle of the day the islands are quite crowded. Staying overnight is far better, taking in the quieter evening and early morning hours when Phi Phi is at its best.
Where to Stay There are many small bungalows doted around Phi Phi Don, with the main concentration being on the narrow stretch of land separating Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay. For those looking for more up-market accommodation. From December to March it is difficult to find a bungalow without booking in advance, though during the rest of the year you can usually land at Ton Sai and find a room.
Getting Around Transport on the island is mostly on foot, although fishing boat can be chartered at Ton Sai for short hops around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. There is an irregular boat service between Ton Sai and hat yao ( Long Beach ) for 30 Baht per person.
Place to Eat All bungalows/resorts generally provide restaurants, cafes and bars. But if you would prefer to get away from your resort we can recommend several good restaurants
Ton Sai Sea Foods restaurant located at Ton Sai beach, here you can choose from an extensive menu of Thai and western dishes.
Chao Koh Restaurant located at beach front on Ton Sai Beach, also serves great and fresh sea foods, european, chinese and authentic Thai cuisine.
Some great tasting food can also be had from Fresh restaurant, situated in a nice old house on the beach.
Money Exchange On Koh Phi Phi there is two banks, The Thai Military Bank in Tonsai Village but no ATM and Siam Comercial Bank in fron of Phi Phi Hotel. Opening hours are 08:30 until 15:30 Monday - Friday throughout the year. Outside of these hours you can change money at travel agencies and at your resort but again the rates are very poor.
