Famed as among the most beautiful
tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi islands have
become one of the most popular tourist attractions of
Thailand. The islands, together with the nearby Noppharat
Thara Beach, were recently established as a national
park with a total area of 390 sq.km.
As most visitors to Phi Phi islands come from Phuket
some 40 km. away, many of them think that the islands
are part of Phuket. In fact, both Noppharat Thara Beach
and Phi Phi belong to Krabi province, although the distance
from Krabi to Phi Phi is about the same as that between
Phuket and Phi Phi.
The islands and the coastal hills are mostly composed
of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain
range in Phang-nga province. Some of the characteristics
of such mountains and islands are their steep cliffs,
large caves and dwarf trees growing out of the crevices
in the rocks, like those in Phang-nga Bay.
The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered
islets - Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don,
the larger one which lies in the north, is well known
for its fine beaches and coral formations around the island
and is provided with an assortment of accommodation facilities
along the two beautiful curved bays, Ton Sai Bay
and Lodalam Bay in the south and others at the
northern end of the island.
Several places at Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkeling
trips around the island or to nearby islands - Ko Phi
Phi Le, Ko Yung and Ko Mai Phai.
About 2 km. to the south is Phi Phi Le. Contrary
to Phi Phi Don, this islet is uninhabited, not only because
this is banned, but also because there is no beach around
it. The island descends abruptly into the sea on all sides.
Its main point of interest is a large cave about 3.2 sq.km.
in size known as Viking Cave. It is so called because
one of the numerous drawings on the walls resembles a
Viking ship. The cave has a ceiling about 10 to 15 meters
high which contains many ledges inhabited by thousands
of swallows. A demonstration of bird's nest collection
is a regular feature of a guided tour of the islands.
The sea around the island is deep, especially the southern
part, which is over 30 metres deep and is full of coral
formations and so is a favourite diving spot.
With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, wooded
cliffed mountains, colourful coral reefs and undersea
life, Phi Phi is a paradise in the Andaman.
Phi Phi Islands can be reached by boat from either Phuket
or Krabi at about the same distance.
1. From Krabi
- Chao Fa Pier : Passenger boats leave Chao Fa pier twice
daily at 10.00 and 14.30 hours. The trip takes about 2
1/2 hours.
- Ao Nang : There is one express boat trip leaving daily
at 09.00 hours. taking 40 minutes.
2. From Phuket
Many tour companies in Phuket organize one-day trips to
Phi Phi Islands. Tickets can be obtained from any hotel.
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