A small archipelago off the coast, known for its picturesque lagoons and beaches. It includes only six islands: two large and four small. Of all the islands in the archipelago, only Phi Phi Don is inhabited. It is famous for its snow-white beaches and gentle, clear sea. The Phi Phi Islands are included in the version of our site.
Geographically, the archipelago is located about an hour from Phuket. For those who love a beach holiday, this is just heaven. The Andaman Sea is transparent to the very bottom, from where reefs with marine life are visible. The fantastic beauty of the islands attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The largest and most visited island is, of course, Phi Phi Don. Its area is 28 km². The island is completely pedestrian. There are no vehicles other than bicycles and carts on it. The exceptions are ambulances and police cars. The best time to visit the island is from mid-autumn to April. The nearest cities are Phuket and Krabi. You can travel between the islands by boat.
On the island of Phi Phi Ley, the second largest in the archipelago, there are always a lot of tourists. It was used for shooting the famous movie "The Beach". Also, there are several guards on the island who monitor the state of the national park. Local residents here extract swallow nests, which are subsequently used to prepare delicacies.
Mai Phai Island is great for scuba diving or snorkelling. In its vicinity there are colorful coral reefs and several good beaches. Bida Nok and Bida Nai consist of sheer cliffs. The underwater world is also rich around these small islands. Well, the last island of Koh Yung, which is located north of Phi Phi Don, has several sandy beaches.
Photo Attraction: Phi Phi Islands
Hi all!
Phi-Phi as the Russians call it or pee-pee in the correct way, it doesn’t matter, it’s a beautiful island, where from morning to morning there is some kind of movement in the center and such a quiet paradise if you go deeper. Here is a completely different Thailand, there are no bikes and cars, the pristine nature is still preserved here, there are narrow streets and vast jungles, here a monkey can come to you for breakfast, and in the evening sitting on the beach, listening to loud music echoing the sound of the surf, you understand that this is worth living for!
So let's go)
1. We buy ferry tickets. Where? In any place where you are offered excursions (of course, not with tour operators, I generally advise you never to listen to them). You buy round-trip tickets, but you have a return ticket with an open date, which means you can return whenever you want! Plus, these tickets include a transfer from your hotel to the ferry and back. We bought tickets in Phuket Town - there is the lowest price, only 550 baht per person in both directions. If you don’t have the opportunity to get to the center, then you will buy tickets a little more expensive, I saw prices of 700-800 baht, but all the same, all costs in the end will be much less than if you bought an excursion. Plus, you are being transported on a huge three-deck ship, you can sunbathing on the roof
or sit under the air conditioner inside, each has its own place
.Yes, it sails longer than speed boats on excursions, but why are we in a hurry? The first time we went on a tour on a boat, there were waves, we were thrown at them like that, everyone was screaming, someone was sick, it was scary, the idea of the whole excursion was very spoiled from all this, because on a one-day trip you are always somewhere then you swim (jump on the waves). A large ship will not be thrown like that. In general, further about tickets. If, nevertheless, you decide to get to Phuket Town, then here is a link to Google maps, where we got tickets, to the left of the intersection
2. We book a hotel. It took me two days) I will explain why: we were traveling with a child, so it was important for me that it was quiet at night, there were no cockroach beetles, housing should not have been on a steep mountain (and there are very there are many such hotels), but at the same time, so that everything is nearby. Here's another plus for an independent trip - you choose the accommodation that suits you. Although I personally had to sweat with this)) First you need to understand what you want. On Koh Phi Phi, the three most popular beaches and places to stay are:
The beach and the Tonsai area (Ton Sai) - in the middle of the pier, all ships and boats arrive here. Popular, dirty, there are both noisy and quiet places.
Loh Dalum Beach is the most popular beach. Party place at night, very loud music, a lot of people, the farther from this beach, the quieter, I advise you to look at the map.
Long Beach is a very beautiful and clean beach. It is considered one of the best. Housing is more expensive than anywhere else. It is better to choose it if you are not going to a party at all. It can be reached on foot through the jungle (30 minutes), but this is only for the sake of walking and interest, I think you won’t go there at night. Long tails (boats) also go from the center, it costs only 100 baht, 7 minutes and you are there, but at night, either they don’t go, or they charge a big price (this is what if you still want to go to a party)
Initially, we wanted to live there, there are good hotels, everything is clean and civilized, a good sea. But we really wanted to see everything, climb the observation deck and go, at least not to a party, but to a fire show ashore and drink local cocktails - this is definitely . On Lo Dalam itself, as I already wrote, there is a show and a disco until the morning, so we had one option left to deal with the Tonsai area. There are a lot of hotels on the mountain, of course there are steps, but the climbs are very steep, but it is there that monkeys can come to visit you. Housing there is usually not expensive. Therefore, if you are athletic young people without children, then why not. We chose a hotel far from the center to eat, we had to walk for 10 minutes at a leisurely pace to buy something, but it was exactly what I wanted, without mountains, but also almost in the jungle, sooo quiet, clean, air conditioning, rooms with tightly closed doors and windows (there are houses with cracks, so all kinds of insects can come to visit you). And so we are never looking for picky and luxurious apartments) if there is a quiet area, in the morning cheerful drunken comrades will return and it is possible to go along this very road)
In general, if you have similar requirements as we do, I recommend the View Garden Resort hotel. We booked through agoda (by the way, I read that it is best to book hotels in Asia through this service, but I still always compare with everyone)
The hotel can be easily found upon arrival, but we did not want to waste time on this.
3. Of course, you are interested in the excursion program, which is included in the excursion from Phuket! The famous Maya Bay (where the film with DiCaprio "The Beach" was filmed), Monkey Island, Pele Bay and everything else you can also buy on the spot, all these excursions are already included in one tour, for a small price (400 baht saw the cheapest option is a complex of all excursions). Excursion kiosks are there at every turn. This time we didn’t take these excursions, since we were already everywhere, we just wanted to go to Maya Bay again, but there is no separate excursion there, but you can rent a boat for 1500 baht. We didn’t do this, because after nightly gatherings with a cocktail, we overslept) But we wanted to go in the morning, because then there are a lot of tourists. Therefore, even two days there may not be enough for you if you want to see everything, everything . Knowing everything, now I would go for a longer time.
In general, these are the most important points, without which your tour will not take place.
And here is our holiday schedule on Phi Phi Island:
As soon as we arrived, we immediately went to eat, then we found and checked into a hotel and immediately went on foot to Long Beach. Just on foot, because we are interested. Be prepared that the flat road ends there almost immediately and you will have to climb, jump, climb and not stumble) But you can take a boat from the pier for 100 baht, as I said.
We went for a swim, sunbathed. By the way, there are quite a few people there. But it’s still calm and good.
Opposite this beach you can see the very Maya Bay
A little spoils the view of a huge number of boats that could be put away. Not far from them there are boat taxi drivers who will take you back to Ton Sai.
Then we changed clothes and got ready to climb the observation deck. This is not an easy path, 2.5 km is almost constantly uphill, but our 5-year-old son did it, I think it's worth it, back from the mountain is much faster =)
Go late in the evening and meet the sunset there, but get ready for a huge number of people. At dawn, there are probably much fewer people. But no one interferes with anyone, everyone is glad that they finally got there, you have an awesome view of the whole island and in the center is the very isthmus, where on one side there is a pier, in the center you walk and eat, and on the other side there is a party beach Lo Dalam .
Above all trees
Here is such happiness in the eyes, real)) My favorite photo
We met the sunset and ran down until it got completely dark. Then we look for Lo Dalam beach. It’s not difficult to look for something on the island, there are signs everywhere. show, you need to buy a cocktail in this bar. Of course you can buy it somewhere else and then stand nearby. But firstly, by the beginning of the show there are already a lot of people and you may not be able to see everything very well, and secondly, the cocktail was very different both in taste and in the state later than we were poured earlier in some shop. It was very tasty and really alcoholic, and not diluted with water and a bunch of ice. I liked the show very much, don’t sit in the front rows, as the Thais periodically throw burning sticks out of their hands, but in fact no one was hurt. And vice versa if you want to become a participant in the show , sit down closer, they take people to them from the crowd. We came to the very first Slinky bar and stayed there, no one was there yet, but we sat further away
Loud music, reckless Thais, a delicious cocktail and the sound of the sea, you can order a hookah, then they will give you a separate table for the company, this is the whole atmosphere of eternal celebration and carelessness, something that we all sometimes lack so much. But it’s really a holiday there every day, young people (a lot of Poles) come and hang out there for weeks. It doesn’t matter at all who you are, what you are and what nationality you are, as my girlfriend put it, who also managed to stay there at the disco - all brothers and sisters =)) Of course, we didn’t stay at the disco, although we wanted to. And we didn’t watch the show to the end, and at the end, judging by the video, then the heat began. But we went towards the house, since we are parents)) In the evening, buckets are sold everywhere !! with a cocktail (glasses in the bar)
The Phi Phi archipelago consists of 6 islands, the largest of which are the southern Phi Phi Ley and the northern Phi Phi Don. The latter is usually discussed when it comes to holidays on Phi Phi - this is the only inhabited island where hotels, cafes, restaurants and other infrastructure await tourists. Excursions to the other 5 islands are organized from here - for the sake of diving, snorkeling or just carefree sunbathing on wild beaches, as if created for the filming of the Bounty commercial.
Phi Phi Don itself is a resort with snow-white beaches, which are gently washed by the emerald Andaman Sea. The nature of the rest here is quiet and secluded, which attracts tourists who do not need anyone's company, who appreciate local waters for their transparency and diverse underwater world. The best time to visit the archipelago is between November and April. On Phi Phi (by the way, Thais pronounce Pi-Pi) you can spend your entire vacation, or you can look for a day from Phuket or Krabi.
The main resorts of Phi Phi
Although only one island of the archipelago is inhabited, the rest are also interesting from a tourist point of view - Phi Phi Ley, Mosquito Island, Bamboo Island, Bida Nok and Bida Nai.
All infrastructure is concentrated on Phi Phi Don - hotels, restaurants and shops. The most densely populated place is a narrow isthmus connecting two limestone monoliths. The pier, Tonsai Village and most of the hotels are located here. In this area, you can relax quite budget and fun - Lo Dalam beach is a place of attraction for young people, and noisy parties do not subside until the morning.
For a more relaxed and respectable holiday, it is better to go to the northeastern part of the island. There are several well-equipped beaches - Laem Tong and Lo Bahao. The cost of living here is much higher than in the Tonsai Bay area. Those who love complete privacy should pay attention to the beaches between Laem Po Bay and Lo Bahao. Even taking into account the general flow of tourists, these undeveloped sections of the coast are usually deserted.
There are good dive sites on every island, and experienced divers usually prefer the cave systems and wrecks off the coast of Phi Phi Ley, Bida Nok and Bida Nai.
Tourists are taken to the rest of the islands of the archipelago for walks and excursions. Koh Phi Phi Lay is famous for its Viking Cave, where locals collect swallow nests, and the picturesque Maya Bay, where the movie "The Beach" was filmed. Tiny Mosquito and Bamboo attract diving enthusiasts and those who want to sunbathe alone. Both islets have good rocky and sandy beaches, and coral reefs in coastal waters.
Transport
There are practically no paved roads on Phi Phi Don, there is no car traffic at all. For the most part of the island, you can only move on foot - along narrow winding paths through the jungle. But there are secluded beaches that cannot be reached by land. A water taxi runs between them and the neighboring islands. The fare is from 100 to 1000 THB. A trip for two to the beaches on the east coast will cost 600-800 THB. Prices on the page are for September 2018.
If you rent a boat with a driver for 3-6 hours, then she will wait and then take the passengers back. This is quite expedient - there may not be transport on uninhabited islands or wild beaches at the right time. Such a 6-hour cruise to neighboring islands costs from 2600 THB.
In the village of Tonsai Village, bicycles and motorbikes are rented. There are few places to drive on them, there are normal roads only in the village itself, which can be bypassed in 40 minutes. However, if the hotel is far from the coast, and you don’t want to walk, it is convenient to use such transport for trips to the beach. Bicycle rentals are available at some hotels, at Ton Sai Pier and near the market. The issue price is 200 THB per day and 100 THB for 5-7 hours. Motorbike rental is much more expensive - from 250 TBH per hour.
Phi Phi Maps
Communication and Wi-Fi
Mobile communication in Phi Phi works no worse than in mainland Thailand. True, calls to Russia from a home SIM card will cost a lot. You can buy a tariff plan of Thai cellular companies in supermarkets and communication stores. It is better to do it right at the airport, although there are also points of sale on the islands. Phi Phi has 3 main operators - AIS, True Mobile and DTAC. The most favorable prices for tourists are offered by the latter. Calls within the country and abroad with a Happy SIM card cost about 2-3 THB per minute, messages - 3-5 THB. There are 2 types of tariffs - with unlimited internet for 7 (from 79 THB per package) and 15 days (from 119 THB), speed - up to 1.5-4 GB. The account will have 100 THB.
Top-up cards are sold in almost all stores, the face value is from 100 to 1000 THB.
Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and restaurants. In those located on the first line, the signal reaches the very shore, which allows you to get online even on the beach.
Phi Phi beaches
A beach suitable for swimming can be found on any island in the archipelago. Most of them are on Phi Phi Don. Almost all of its coast is covered with fine white sand, and washed by a clear warm sea.
On Phi Phi Don, there are few places where there are umbrellas, sunbeds and showers - the beaches of Long Beach, Laem Thong and Lo Bahao. The rental price is about 100 THB, you can rinse from salt water for 10 THB.
The most popular and busiest beaches are Long Beach, Tonsai Bay and Lo Dalam. The first, quiet and calm, is considered the best place to relax with children, although the entrance to the sea is harsh, and the coast is quite deep. The other two are on either side of a long sandbar. Lo Dalam hosts fun beach parties, one of the few places on Phi Phi where the music doesn't stop until the morning. The entrance to the water on both beaches is smooth, the sea is rather shallow, there are never waves on Lo Dalam. Minus one - during the period of low tides, it will not be possible to swim.
Monkey Beach and Nui Beach can only be reached by sea. The first is famous for its funny tailed inhabitants, which attract hundreds of tourists. The second is a very tiny and secluded beach, lost in the rocks. A great place for those who love privacy. The same can be said about Laem Thong and Lo Bahao beaches in the northeast. It's quiet, calm and uncrowded. The entrance to the sea is gentle, shallow near the shore, but if you move further away, corals begin to come across, turning into a reef - a favorite place for divers. On the uninhabited islands of Phi Phi, there is at least one beautiful wild beach. The most famous and visited is in Maya Bay on Phi Phi Lay.
Diving in Phi Phi
The main entertainment on the islands is diving. There are many sheer cliffs and underwater caves around Phi Phi. The main dive sites are the sunken ferry "King Cruiser", the islands of Bida Nok and Bida Nai. There are also interesting places not far from Phi Phi Ley - caves and grottoes, artificial reefs and a specially sunken ship "Kled Kao".In addition to barracudas, tuna, moray eels, stingrays, mackerel and sea turtles, tiger, blacktip and even whale sharks are found off the coast.
Diving centers can be found in the village of Tonsai and on some beaches of Koh Phi Phi Don. They organize excursions to neighboring islands and rent equipment. The cost of diving is from 3100 to 6000 THB, the Discover Scuba Diver course will cost 3400 THB, snorkeling - from 700 THB.
Bida Nok Island is a great place for diving; leopard sharks, turtles and moray eels frolic in the coastal waters. Nearby Bida Nai is also good for diving. And recommended only for experienced divers, Wang Long Bay is known for its chain of caves. One of the best dive sites in Phi Phi is the King Cruiser ship that sank in 1997. The area is full of anemones, attracting groupers, clownfish, tuna, barracuda and sometimes leopard sharks. Beginners can try their hand at the Laem-Thong and Lo-Bahao beaches; not far from the coast there are coral reefs inhabited by beautiful fish.
Koh Phi Phi Hotels
The bulk of hotels in Phi Phi are 2-3 * hotels, there are very few "fours" and "fives". There are also few options without “stars”, even guesthouses have at least one, a double room in which will cost only 340 THB per day. You can find cheaper accommodation, but most likely it will be a bed in a dormitory room without special amenities.
Bungalows are widespread on Phi Phi. They are on most beaches, with the exception of those on which there are no hotels at all.
Most of the hotels are concentrated in the area of the village of Tonsai, on the sandy isthmus and to the right of it. Others are scattered along the beaches in the eastern part of the island, in the west there are only a couple of hotels. Cheap options should be looked for in the area of \u200b\u200bthe beaches of Tonsai Bay and Lo Dalam. There are also quite affordable hotels on Long Beach - from 1300 to 2000 THB per night in a double room.
The most expensive luxury hotels are located on the Laem Thong and Lo Bahao beaches, which are remote from the center. This is the best place for a relaxing and respectable holiday. But you have to pay for peace and service - prices here reach up to 5500-9000 THB per day.
What to bring
There are no particularly remarkable souvenirs on Phi Phi. Here everything is sold the same as in the mainland - Thai cosmetics, ceramics, silk, miniature statues of Buddha and elephants.
In some tents, prices bite, you need to go around a few and compare.
There are many shops here, especially considering the size of the only inhabited island. All trade is concentrated in the village of Tansai. Ladies will be interested in clothes, shoes and accessories. Here you can find high-quality replicas of famous brands at very low prices. Of course, these are just copies, but well-made ones cannot be distinguished from the original.
Those who want to bring home something reminiscent of their holidays on the islands should pay attention to sea shells and souvenirs from them, as well as tourist small things - T-shirts, magnets, mugs and key rings. In central Tansai, they are sold at every turn. The Central Market is also located there, where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits and beach paraphernalia, while bargaining for the best price.
Phi Phi Cuisine and Restaurants
The cuisine of southern Thailand is characterized by an abundance of seafood, and Phi Phi is one of the best places to taste baked, grilled and boiled squid, fish, shrimp and lobster. Delicacies are served with spicy, sour and sweet sauces, garnished with rice and noodles. There is also the famous spicy soup with shrimp - “Tom Yam Gung” on the menu of local establishments.
The Phi Phi market has a huge selection of exotic fruits - from oranges and bananas to rambutans and durians.
For those who do not like Thai dishes, Tansai Village is full of European and other cuisines - there are pizzerias, sushi bars and even an Irish pub, which is famous for its cheerful and slightly crazy atmosphere.
The general price level on Koh Phi Phi Don is higher than on the mainland. The cheapest way to eat is in street stalls, a snack will cost only 100-120 THB per person. But it can be unsafe, before buying such food, it is better to consult a guide or hotel staff. If you don’t want to take risks, you should look for an institution to your liking away from the beaches. There prices are two times lower, lunch for two in a decent cafe costs about 250-300 THB. In the tourist center, the average check starts from 350-500 THB for dinner for two persons, in middle-class restaurants it reaches 1500 THB, in expensive establishments - up to 3000 THB.
Entertainment and attractions Phi Phi
The main activities on Phi Phi are deep-sea fishing for mackerel and barracuda and day trips to other islands, including kayaking. The most active tourists will enjoy hiking along the paths that run between the hills, jungle or mountain trails.
Fans of the Hollywood handsome Leonardo DiCaprio will have a unique opportunity to visit the Maya Bay beach on the island of Phi Phi Lay. It was there that the blockbuster "The Beach" was filmed, and Leo walked along the sand in a seductive look.
Snorkeling is excellent off the coast of small islands. It is worth going there for those who are not yet ready to try on scuba gear, but really want to see the inhabitants of coral reefs. This trip can be combined with swimming on wild beaches.
There are no historical, cultural and architectural attractions on Phi Phi, but there are more than enough natural ones. One of the most popular is the Viking Cave on Phi Phi Ley. Locals collect swallow nests there, and tourists can admire the picturesque views and rock paintings. In the depths of Phi Phi Don there are several viewing platforms. The path to them runs through hilly and mountainous terrain, so you can’t call such a walk easy. The reward for the work is a beautiful panorama of the archipelago and the Adaman Sea.
4 things to do in Phi Phi
- Swim with a shark.
- Walk in the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Find the most secluded place and feel like the only person on a desert island.
- Tame a monkey at Monkey Beach.
Weather
Phi Phi is a corner of eternal summer. Due to the geographical location and tropical climate, there is no cold here, and the high season falls just in the winter months. From November to April, the islands are full of tourists, the sea is calm, and the weather is warm and comfortable.
In May, the rainy season begins, not yet in full force - rare short, but heavy showers. In conditions of high humidity, the increasing heat is poorly tolerated, and by June-July the flow of tourists gradually decreases. And with it - the prices in hotels and restaurants. For those who are not afraid of unstable weather and heat, this is a great time for a budget holiday.
"The Burning Archipelago"
The name Phi Phi is translated as "flaming island", which is most likely due to the fiery tree that grew here. This natural wonder is located in the province of Krabi. Many people mistakenly believe that Phi Phi, which separates Phuket from the mainland of Thailand, is a single island.
In fact, it is an archipelago that is impressive for its natural beauties and ideal for numerous beaches, which includes six islands. The two islands of Phi Phi, of which one is inhabited, are the most famous among vacationers, while the rest are deserted and are an untouched kingdom of wildlife that is difficult to enter.
Phi Phi Don: an island for connoisseurs of parties
This is the main and only inhabited island of the archipelago. It consists of two parts: a harbor where small yachts and local ferries arrive, and a beach surrounded by a semicircular lagoon, where the center of tourist activity is concentrated. Here, between two cliffs covered with dense tropical greenery, there is a narrow beach strip, where bungalows, nightclubs and beach restaurants are located. These places most attract lovers of beach holidays and fun parties until the morning.
There is no transport on Phi Phi Don Island, and all trips are made on foot or around the island in traditional Thai long-tailed boats. One of the most popular hiking routes is the ascent to the 180-meter observation deck, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the surroundings.
Another, no less interesting entertainment on this island of the archipelago is a visit to the amazing fire shows that are held in the evenings on the local beach of Tonsei Bay. In some cases, you can even participate in such an enchanting performance yourself.
Interesting to visit on this island of the archipelago is the small 200-meter Monkey Beach, which is hidden in the lush vegetation between the rocks. On it you can not only swim, but also feed long-tailed macaques from your hands. The only way to get here is by sea.
Phi Phi Ley: an island for lovers of solitude
The second most visited island of the archipelago, Phi Phi Ley, is a huge limestone block and is more interesting for those who love solitude and want to enjoy walks among picturesque landscapes. It is these places that often become natural locations for filming Hollywood films.
If, until the end of the 20th century, the Phi Phi archipelago was virtually unknown in the world, then after filming the film “The Beach” with DiCaprio on the snow-white beach coast of Phi Ley Island, surrounded by 100-meter cliffs, these places became known to the whole world. Many wanted to see with their own eyes these seemingly truly heavenly unique landscapes.
On the island of Phi Phi Ley, you can admire the turquoise lagoons surrounded by mangroves and visit the picturesque natural grottoes and caves that impress with their acoustics. One of the most famous such natural attractions of these places is the Viking Cave, which has preserved ancient rock paintings resembling the outlines of Scandinavian ships, which gave rise to such a name.
The island of Phi Phi Ley is especially popular among Thai hunters for swallow nests. Swallows nest here on steep cliffs, and therefore such work is considered far from safe, many pay with their lives. But since swallow nests are one of the main ingredients of the exotic soup of Chinese cuisine, and such a dish in its properties is almost equal to the elixir of immortality, this work is highly paid, and there are always those who want to risk their lives. Most of the swallow nests are concentrated just in the Viking cave, so here you can watch the hard work of hunters from the side.
There are no hotels on Koh Phi Phi Ley. Therefore, the only option is to get here by boat or traditional local boat from the neighboring Phi Phi Don.
Entertainment in Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands are the most attractive for diving enthusiasts and for newlyweds who want to spend in an exotic corner of the planet with such an impressive versatility of recreational opportunities. Impressive and numerous coral reefs make this archipelago a true paradise for divers and beach lovers.
- one of the most popular entertainment on the Phi Phi Islands. There are many beautiful places to get acquainted with the diverse local flora and fauna and there are interesting dive sites that lovers of cave diving can appreciate. The conditions here are simply ideal for practicing this water entertainment.
There are many diving schools on Phi Phi, but beginners should take into account that it is somewhat tight here with Russian-speaking staff. The most interesting for connoisseurs of such water entertainment are the bays of Lokame and Pile, which are known for the presence of a huge natural natural pool and are famous for the opportunity to admire flying foxes.
In addition to water entertainment, fans of extreme sports should pay attention to no less exciting land-based pastime. Rock climbing is especially popular on the Phi Phi Islands. Sheer cliffs above the turquoise waters of the bay attract many fans of this extreme sport.
Often, the Phi Phi Islands are called “Maldives for those who are not rich”, since it is much easier to get to Thailand and vacations here are much cheaper, but the natural treasures are in no way inferior to the Maldives either in beauty or in diversity. one of Thailand's most romantic destinations is best enjoyed during the dry season, which lasts from November to April.
Phi Phi Islands is a small archipelago of six islands in Southern Thailand, Krabi province. It is believed that this group of islands is the most beautiful in the world, while getting to the islands is not difficult at all. It’s really not difficult to get to the islands, but their beauty melts every year. From a technical point of view, the islands are a national park, a marine reserve, but crowds of tourists systematically destroy beaches and reefs year after year.
Island names:
- Phi Phi Don It is the largest and only inhabited island. You can’t even imagine how much this island has changed with the advent of civilization: only a narrow strip of sand between the two largest beaches has remained untouched. It's still called a tropical island in tourist brochures, but in fact it's a collection of supermarkets, restaurants, tattoo parlors, ATMs, which are just as disgusting as the ubiquitous sewer stench.
- Phi Phi Lee- this is a small island in the south, became popular after the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio - most of the film was filmed on this island. It is uninhabited, except for the bird-nest-gatherers and Maya Bay guards. But during the day it is crowded with tourists in Maya Bay, which is now called the Beach ("Beach" - in honor of the film). Entrance to the Beach costs 100 baht, which is sometimes included in the price of the day tour, and sometimes not.
- Mai Phai (Bamboo Island)- a small low island north of Koh Phi Phi Don with a beach where you can snorkel if you wish.
- Koh Yung (Mosquito Island) located north of Koh Phi Phi Don. The island has a large beach, but it is pebbly. Small sandy beaches are just at the foot of the hills. In shallow water, there are parts of dead corals and just a huge number of sea urchins.
- Bida Nok and Bida Nai- two small limestone islands adjacent to each other south of Phi Phi Lee, with steep banks.
Most of the buildings on Koh Phi Phi Don are located around the village of Ton Sai. The village itself is built in a sandy valley between two hills. However, in other, not so popular and easily accessible places of the island - Long Beach, Laem Tong, there are also resort complexes.
In December 2004, the Phi Phi Islands were destroyed almost to the ground by a tsunami. They restored everything very quickly, fortunately, limiting the height of the buildings so as not to spoil the stunning view and landscape of the island.
It is worth noting that most of the locals profess Islam. Therefore, walking naked around the island is not recommended (Thai Buddhists, by the way, also do not approve of such liberties!). Tourists love to walk the streets in swimming trunks or mini bikinis, but in order not to offend the hosts, you should put on a shirt and put on shorts. By the way, on the beaches, girls are not forbidden to sunbathe topless, the locals tolerate, but do not approve.
Climate
The climate is tropical, so there are only two seasons: the hot season from late January to April and the rainy season from May to December. The temperature is 25-32 degrees all year round, with an average of 2569 mm of precipitation per year. Unlike Europe, for example, the rains here are usually heavy, but not prolonged.
Story
Archaeological research indicates that people settled on the islands a very long time ago, from the prehistoric period. The name of the province of Krabi means "sword" and possibly refers to an ancient legend according to which an ancient sword was found on the site where the city was later built.
The name Phi Phi (pronounced locally as “pii pii”) is taken from Malay and originally sounded like “Pulao Pi a Pi”. The name means mangroves, of which there were many on the islands.
Geography
The Phi Phi archipelago is considered one of the most beautiful natural island groups in the world. They are located 50 km southeast of Phuket and are part of the Nopparattaro-Ko Phi Phi National Park, a marine reserve. The area of the reserve is 38800 hectares. There are amazing rocks, karst caves, sandy beaches.
The largest and most famous islands of the archipelago are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lee. There are two villages on the islands that are under the jurisdiction of Ao Nang, Muang District, Krabi Province.
The Phi Phi archipelago consists of 6 islands, but two are considered the main ones: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lee. The islands are in the Andaman Sea.
culture
Buddhists, Thais and Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies have made a generous contribution to the culture of the province of Krabi. But the majority of the rural population professes Islam. The population of Krabi lives in peace and harmony, inter-religious strife and disagreements are not observed. The villagers in the province speak such a pronounced southern dialect that the Thais themselves understand them with great difficulty.
In the province of Krabi, all traditions are observed and the holidays of Thai Buddhists, Thai Chinese and Thai Muslims are celebrated. Tourists also enjoy the sea gypsy holidays: the annual festive launching of boats and motor boat races.
Art
Locals love to do silk-screen printing. But in the shops you can buy a lot of handicrafts of craftsmen, for example, products made from pineapple paper.
Tourism
The tourist boom in the Phi Phi Islands and in general in the province of Krabi began relatively recently. Back in the early 90s, enterprising tourist travelers visited the islands and lived on them for as little as 50-100 baht a day. But today these islands have become a kind of tourist mecca for visitors to Thailand. Although Phuket or Koh Samui still cannot be compared.
Budget options still remain: a cheap room can be rented somewhere in the hills on the outskirts.
On Phi Phi in the evenings it is noisy and fun, clubs and discos open their doors to those who wish. Although cozy and quiet restaurants are also present and have not gone away.
How to get to Phi Phi
By ferry
The busiest and main pier of the islands is Tonsai Pier in Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don Island.
From Phuket (and to Phuket): every day there is a ferry (8:30, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:00) via Rassada Pier or Marine Angel Pier. The journey will take one and a half to two hours. The trip costs 250-800 baht. You can buy a one-way ticket for 300-350 baht as part of a rental deal. By the way, one-way tickets to Phuket from the islands at Tonsai Pier cost around 300-350 baht. From Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier by taxi can be reached for 500 baht. It is only 30 km to go there, depending on the weather and traffic, the journey takes about 45 minutes.
From Ao Nang: From Ao Nang, the ferry departs every day at 9:30 am via Nopparat Thara Pier. The journey will take 2 hours.
From Rai Lee: From Rai Lee, the ferry departs every day at 9:45 am across Railay Bay. The road takes 1.45. There is no prsa as such: guests are delivered to the ferry by motor boat. In Ao Nang the situation is the same.
From Krabi: Every day there is a ferry from here (09:00, 10:30, 13:30, 15:00 and 16:00) via Klong Gilad Pier. The road takes 1.3-1.45. The trip costs 300-500 baht. Last December, at the PP Family office, a ticket cost 400 baht. There are offices of this company both on the pier and in the city. From the city to the pier can be reached by motor boat. A normal passenger ferry no longer departs from the city pier in the city center - only from the new Klong Jilad pier, it was built 3 km from the city. The pier phone number is 0 7562 0052. The ticket price usually includes a transfer to the pier by taxi. Most likely, the tour agent near the Chao Fa Pier will talk you into additional services and amenities. Do not agree - buy only a ticket for the ferry. During the peak season, ferries run more often, additional routes appear.
From Koh Lanta: The ferry leaves from Koh Lanta every day at 08:00 and 13:00 via Saladon Pier. The journey takes an hour. From January 2015 tickets cost 200-350 baht.
An additional 20 baht is charged from each person on the pier "to clean up the Phi Phi Islands from garbage." The beaches of the archipelago have not yet become cleaner from this. Tickets can be bought online, at the docks, tour offices or hotels. Ticket prices depend on the place of purchase. By the way, not all ferries are equally good:
- The only company that will take you to the north of the Phi Phi Islands for free after stopping at Tonsai Pier is Andaman Wave Master. In April 2007, the ferry of this company caught fire and drowned, the passengers, fleeing the fire, jumped into the sea. Everyone was saved, there were no casualties.
- The Sea Angel ferries are very cozy, with a selection of drinks and widescreen TVs. Tickets for these first-class ferries can be bought online.
- But the ferries of the Chao Ko group, especially the smallest "Pichamon IV", are often crowded and represent a minimum of amenities and comfort. But since 2010 the group has launched a new mega big ferry.
- Ferries of the PP Family group are larger and more comfortable.
- Ferries of the Phi Phi Cruiser group are fast, take only two hours, but do not set off until all tickets are sold out. But in the morning they offer free cookies and instant coffee. For an additional fee, the so-called VIP ticket includes dinner at a buffet on Phi Phi Don Island and snorkeling on the beach.
From several resorts in Phuket with a day tour, motor boats go to the islands, but the prices ... from Rawai Beach, a day tour for 6 people on a motor boat costs about 15,000 baht. You can also rent a motorboat right on the beach, but you need to make arrangements in advance - most are driven one way. You can also hire a speed boat to travel to the nearby beaches, but it is very expensive.
All Inclusive Tours
In Patong and around the island of Phuket, small agencies sell all-inclusive day tours. In 2011, buying a half-day tour on a speedboat cost 1,400 baht per person (in the prospectus the price was 3,000 baht). The price of the tour included 6 stops on the islands, lunch at Phi Phi Don, snorkeling and transfer by mini-bus from the Patong Beach hotel and to the hotel. The tour program usually does not differ in variety; you can buy such tours anywhere in the tourist centers of Phuket. However, you should not buy such tours at the airport or from a taxi driver.
Things to remember:
- In economy tours, which are bought by the majority, there are 25-30 passengers per twin-engine boat and 30-45 passengers per three-engine boat.
- On more expensive tours, a twin-engine boat has 18 passengers.
- A travel agent is willing to promise anything to get your money. Before buying a tour from an agent, you should contact the company's office and clarify the current prices ... But usually no one does this, but in vain. Speedboating is not that safe: be sure to wear a life jacket, and don't buy this tour if you're pregnant or have back pain.
Phi Phi Don Island
This is the largest island of the Phi Phi archipelago, it consists of two parts. Local residents founded the village of Ton Sai on the island, all buildings are now concentrated here. Phi Phi Don is a very beautiful island, considered the most beautiful in the world. He paid for his fame: after the invasion of tourists from all over the globe, the beaches lost their freshness and beauty. Fortunately, tourists cannot destroy the landscape.
Viewpoint
Entrance to the observation deck is 30 baht, 186 meters above sea level, it takes 10-25 minutes to climb a rather steep path (depending on your fitness level). From the site, you can enjoy a stunning view of the entire island, especially during sunset (take a flashlight with you on the way back). There is a lonely kiosk with drinks (no beer) and snacks. Good view of the valley between the two hills of the island. There are many large boulders where you can stretch out and bask in the sun while enjoying the view. If you are too lazy to climb or there is no time, then go to the Banana Bar - this is a bar on the roof of the house, the view from here is really good. And the best part is that you can enjoy this view while sipping a delicious cocktail.
monkey beach
The beach can be reached on foot, you can row or rent a boat. Beware: monkeys are not always good-natured. Monkeys have already bitten some tourists, they had to prick from rabies, which is unpleasant. Note: Do not feed wild animals!
fireshow
At night, fire shows are often arranged on the island for tourists, and in a variety of places: at the Apache bar, at Carlito, Hippie, Krpe Diem, at The Taya and at the Milly Sunflower bar in Lodalum.
Memorial to the Victims of the Tsunami
This is a garden near Milly Sunflower's bar, quiet and peaceful here, dedicated to the victims of the recent tragedy.
Yao beach
Yao Beach is located south of Ton Sai, it is very beautiful here, you can go scuba diving or snorkeling, take pictures. There are a lot of people here, sometimes even a lot, many believe that the overdeveloped amenities and recreational facilities in the vicinity of the beach have spoiled it. You can get to the beach on foot or by boat.
Lanti beach
The beach is next to Yao Beach. In general, they are very similar: coral reefs and the beauty of nature. You can get there on foot.
Hin Khao beach
This is a very quiet beach, you can only get to it on foot - maybe that's why it's so calm and quiet here.
Ton Sai bay
Ton Sai Bay should not be confused with Ton Sai Bay, which is next to Ao Nang. Here is the center of the whole party: restaurants, bars, hotels and guest houses. Many people stay here - there are all the amenities. Although this is not the most beautiful place on the Phi Phi Islands, it is still very, very beautiful here.
Laem Tong
The beach is located in the north of the island, it is quiet and stunningly beautiful. Renting a house here is extremely expensive, a place for wealthy tourists.
Phi Phi Lee Island
The second of the large islands of the archipelago, very beautiful - but not inhabited, because these are reserved places of the national park.
Faya Naak Cave
This cave contains prehistoric drawings, as well as edible salangan nests.
maya bay
this is probably the most beautiful beach of the Phi Phi Islands, which became known to the whole world after the release of the movie "The Beach" with DiCaprio in 1998. There are no more corals in that place, no more fish. But you can jump into the water from a height of 20 meters from a cliff on the beach. To get to the beach, you can rent a motorboat: 1500 baht and it is at your disposal for half a day. It is better to arrive at the beach before 08:00 in the morning, then it is still quiet and deserted. From 09:00 the beach is crowded with tourists and motorboats from all over Phuket. In addition, when visiting Maya Beach, you should take into account the time of year. From October to May, during the peak season, the people here will be like in Disneyland. Free at other times of the year.
Note: At the request of the administration, the rangers charge an entrance fee of 100 baht per person. But the police will only charge you an entrance fee when you show up in a motorboat. It is better to go at noon (around 15:00): leaving the Maya beach, you will enjoy the sunset (the sunset is not visible on the beach).
