Ko Phi Phi Don Things to Do Tips by K1W1

Rock Climbing

There are a couple of experienced rock climbing stores in Phi Phi and the rock is within an easy 3 min walk from the centre of town. The views back over the bay and village are fantastic. No experience is necessary.

In the photo shown, the cliff for climbing is seen as the bright bare patch on the right of the photo.

Phi Phi tour

HI Phi Phi have been running tours of the affected areas around the village for visitors who're interested in seeing what happened and what has been done in the efforts to get things back to normal. The tours start off with a couple of videos showing the wave and the destruction caused. You will then be led around and shown areas of interest and provided with a summary of what has been done since Dec 26th, 2004.

The tours have been run by volunteers who've been on the island for some time, and they can answer questions you may have. The tour is free but a donation is asked for to help with further restoration work. Copies of DVD's, books and tee shirts can be purchased at the HI office and all proceeds will also go towards the restoration work.

Check out the island itself

Phi Phi has a number of scenic spots around the island, most of which are within walking distance from the main village.
Check out Long Beach,
the view point,
view point 2 (you may have to ask someone who's been on the island a while for directions to this as it isn't well known),
There are a couple of walking tracks which continue past viewpoint (1) to some more isolated bays which have some good snorkelling sites.

You can hire a longtail motor boat, or sea kayaks to paddle yourselves around the island. This is a great way to see parts of the island you wouldn't otherwise see. It's also a way to get away from the crowds to find your own little paradise.

Maya Bay aka 'The Beach'

You just can't come to Phi Phi and not visit the beautiful island and bay where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed. Even without the fame of the movie, this place is really stunning.
Most will get to Phi Phi Ley by taking a long tail boat from Phi Phi Don. Negotiate with the captain for a 3 or 4 hours trip (costing about THB 900 also negotiable, especially in off season) and this should include a tour around Phi Phi Ley, with a snorkel and mask each if you're lucky !
Try and time the tides so that you are in the Maya Bay for high tide as it does look a lot better - if this is early in the morning then make the effort as there will also be less people there. It can get very crowded in high season apparently.

Diving with the Manta Rays

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are a good hour and half by speed boat off the shore of Phi Phi. The trip can only be done when the seas are calm enough. The sites are in open seas and can have strong currents.
Hin Daeng is an underwater pinnacle which breaks the surface by about a metre. Hin Muang is a site only a hundred or so metres away which consists of two submerged pinnacles. Visability has always been good for me at both of these sites.

Photos were taken by a good friend, Craig from Oz

Scuba diving

Many travellers come to Phi Phi to dive. There are several dive shops on the island but all will do the same sights - the most popular being the two islands of Bida Nok and Bida Nai.
Common sightings include the Leopard shark, which can be seen close up - one swam through a group of 4 divers I was leading. If you're lucky the black tips can make an appearance.

For the best diving experience - head out to Hin Daeng to see the Manta Rays.