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. It was here that the
well-known movie "The Beach" featured
by Leonardo DiCaprio was shot. 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, though the distance from Krabi to
Phi Phi is about the same as that between Phuket and
Phi Phi.
Also, it is usually misunderstood
that the island group of Phi Phi Islands is composed of
only 2 islets, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. But actually,
the area of Phi Phi Islands covers 6 islets altogether,
namely Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Mai Phai (Bamboo), Yung,
Bida Nok and Bida Nai. 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.
Phi Phi Don |
Phi Phi Don |
Among the islets of Phi Phi Islands,
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
shops at Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkelling trips
around the island or the nearby islands -- Phi Phi Le
Island, Yung Island and Mai Phai (Bamboo) Island.
Phi Phi Le |
Phi Phi Le |
About 2 km. to the south is Phi
Phi Le Island. 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. Au
Maya and Au Lo Sama
among the scenic coves of the island are favourite places
for snorkellers. 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 popular diving spot.
Mai Phai (Bamboo) Island
|
Mai Phai (Bamboo) Island
|
Au Maya |
Au Maya |
Yung Island is situated
in the north of Phi Phi Don. The island has a stone beach
in the east and small sandy beaches amidst valleys. It
is teeming with various kinds of colourful coral reefs.
Not far from Yung is Mai Phai (Bamboo) Island.
There are marvellous beaches in the north and east of
the island. The bank of coral reefs with antler corals,
in particular, streches from north to south of the island,
making it a paradise for diving. Other two islets located
in the South of Phi Phi Le are Bida Nok Island and
Bida Nai Island. With
its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, wooded cliffed
mountains, colourful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi
Phi is a paradise in the Andaman. The best time to visit
Phi Phi Islands is from November to April, when the sea
is calm.
Phi Phi Islands can be reached
by boat from either Phuket or Krabi at about the same
distance.
From Krabi
Tourists can take a boat at Chao Fa Pier or Klong Jilad
Pier. There are several trips departing for Phi Phi
daily. The trip takes about 1.30 – 2.30 hours,
depending on whether it is an express boat or standard
boat. Boat tickets are available at the pier or from
travel agents.
Boat services from Ao Nang to Ko Phi Phi are also available
during high season, from November to May.
From
Phuket
Boat services to Phi Phi are available at Rasada Pier.
Many tour companies in Phuket organize one-day trips
to Phi Phi Islands. Tickets can be obtained either from
tour agents or hotels. |
