"Captivating Koh Phi Phi" a Ko Phi Phi Don Travel Page by rebeccadv

Tranquil jewels bedecked with coconut trees, limestone cliffs plunging into vivid emerald seas, fine cream-sand coves framed by aquamarine surf and tropical foliage, this will surely captivate any island lover.

The islands offer something for every type of beach-lover: from secluded coves of sublime beauty to lots of company on the fine sandy shores of Tonsai Bay; crystal waters, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, teem with a rich variety of marine life; and breathtakingly scenic trails. It is easy to see why they are often called “the most beautiful islands in Thai waters” and “among the most attractive in the world.”

Koh Phi Phi (pronounced PP), part of a national park, consists of six islands: Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Ley, Biddah Nok, Biddah Nai, Yung, and Pai. The two main islands are Phi Phi Don, the largest, with scenic bays, lush coconut groves and a variety of accommodations; and the smaller and uninhabited Phi Phi Ley, considered more spectacular than its “big sister” with even more picturesque coves, better snorkeling and diving, caves, and lagoons.

Though visits to Koh Phi Phi are often sold as day trips from Phuket—leave early morning arrive a couple of hours later, swim, snorkel, lunch, tour, snap photos until you run out of film, swim and snorkel some more then return mid afternoon—the best way to experience the island is to spend a few nights there. Midday is dominated by day trippers filling the popular coves and waters of Phi Phi, late afternoon and early mornings the islands return to their idyllic charm—the true Koh Phi Phi.

Phi Phi Don’s Ton Sai Bay has an urban-like swarm of small enterprises catering to tourists—souvenir shops, clothing stalls, cafés, restaurants, and bars. For those seeking more privacy, the rest of the island remains unscathed by commercial tourism.

Phi Phi Ley’s now famous Ao Maya (Maya Bay), the setting for The Beach, is almost surreally perfect with its emerald and turquoise water, fine cream sand, tropical foliage, and limestone formations at each end of the cove. Unfortunately, from about 11-2 it is packed with day-trippers, so don’t expect much privacy here. Don’t miss snorkeling at Ao Losamah, the other side of the island—huge multicolored fan coral and a large flower-like coral that I am still looking for the name of. Ao Pileh, referred to by our boatman as the big lagoon, is almost hidden by the massive limestone cliffs; access by boat is not possible during low tide.

Phi Phi’s other islands Koh Phai (aka Bamboo island, different from Koh Phai off Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand) and Koh Yung (Mosquito island), are north east from Phi Phi Don and provide excellent diving and snorkeling, and lovely (and less frequented) beaches. Biddah Nok and Biddah Nai, south of Phi Phi Ley, are good diving destinations.

Phi Phi Island Village, where I stayed, is a perfect island retreat: laid-back enough to encourage complete relaxation yet a variety of activities are available for when you need to satiate the more energetic side of you. (See my accommodation tips for details.)

It is not surprising both the islands and the resort get many return visitors. Escape from the urban jungle and head to Koh Phi Phi where all the beaches are beautiful and several still deserted.

Phi Phi Island Village, where I stayed, is a perfect island retreat: laid-back enough to encourage complete relaxation yet a variety of activities are available for when you need to satiate the more energetic side of you. (See my accommodation tips for details.)

It is not surprising both the islands and the resort get many return visitors. Escape from the urban jungle and head to Koh Phi Phi where all the beaches are beautiful and several still deserted.