Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are by far the main attraction to Krabi, and are widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful places in the world. There are six islands altogether: Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Yung, and Phai; each of which offers some of the most unique topography on this planet. Of these six islands Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le are the largest, and most well known.

Phi Phi Don: This is the largest of the Phi Phi islands, and offers some of the most arresting scenery available anywhere in the world. Phi Phi Don is comprised of two main sections, peculiarly connected by narrow strip of glittering white sand. It was here, in the center, where the first settlement of Ton Sai was established. Since that time Phi Phi Don has earned a reputation as one of the most alluring sights in the region, offering spectacular beaches, gleaming, turquoise seas, and remarkable landscapes. This reputation, however, has not come without a cost. In recent years Phi Phi Don has experienced a tremendous amount of growth, and is no longer the pristine island that it was just ten years ago. This is not to say, however, that there is no longer anything to see on Phi Phi Don. Regardless of the commercial expansion, Phi Phi Don still remains one of the most magnificent places in the region.

The upside to the recent development of Phi Phi Don is that it is now able to offer a more complete range of services. A virtually unlimited number of recreational activities are now offered for the tourist and the traveler. The area surrounding Phi Phi Don is home to large sections of coral, and a wide variety of marine wildlife, making it a first-class diving and snorkeling site. There are several dive shops that offer instructional courses and guided dives in the neighboring areas. In addition, the towering limestone cliffs, with their sheer faces and imposing overhangs, make the area world-famous for rock-climbing. Rentals and lessons can be arranged through many of the hotels and guesthouses. Phi Phi Don also offers some very good game-fishing, and sea kayaks are obtainable for a reasonable fee.

Phi Phi Don can be reached by boat from the Chao Fah Bridge in Krabi, for about 150 baht. The trip typically takes about 2 hours.

Beaches - Phi Phi Don
Hat Yao: This beach, also known as Long Beach, is one of the most famous on the island. Not only does it offer a broad, sweeping beach and unbelievable scenery, it also is home to some of the best coral reefs in the area. Snorkeling and scuba diving top the long list of things to do here, and accommodation is plentiful. The only complaint might be a little too much development. Hat Yao can be reached on foot or by longtail boat from the pier at Ton Sai.

Hat Lanti: This beach is in close proximity to Hat Yao, and is equal to it in nearly all respects. Once underdeveloped, Hat Lanti has only recently given way to commercialism, and remains quite beautiful. Offshore coral reefs provide for some great snorkeling, and accommodation is cheap and decent. Hat Lanti is accessible on foot via the viewpoint trail. Boats to Hat Lanti are difficult to find, because bungalow owners refuse to pay commissions, but boats can be arranged from Hat Lanti quite easily.

Hat Hin Khom: This beach is one of the more unremarkable on Phi Phi Don, and has recently fallen prey to over-development and lack of maintenance.

Hat Hin Khao: This is one of the more isolated beaches on Phi Phi Don, accessible only on foot. This beach offers good views, peace and quiet.

Ton Sai: This is the oldest beach area on Phi Phi Don, and the most congested and developed. Still, Ton Sai offers some rather good views of the surrounding territory, and although lacking beauty, it is the most accessible and convenient place on the island.

Hat Laem Tong: This is one of the nicest beaches on Phi Phi Don, offering spectacular views, and a nice stretch of marvelous beach. Hat Laem Tong has its own pier, and therefore is accessible, however, it is targeted at the high-budget tourist.

Phi Phi Le: The second largest of the Phi Phi Island chain, Phi Phi Le is extremely beautiful, and pristine. Day trips to Phi Phi Le are available, and one of the biggest attractions is Phaya Naak Cave, or Viking Cave, which has some bonafide prehistoric carvings. Another attraction to Phi Phi Le are the nests of the edible-nest swiftlet, which fetch up to US $2000.00 per kilogram. Armed guards stand watch over these nests, and to protect from poaching, overnight stays on Phi Phi Le are forbidden. Another attraction to Phi Phi Le is the abundance of coral reefs, which makes for some extraordinary scuba diving and snorkeling. Recently, the motion picture The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed on Phi Phi Le, giving viewers a mere glimpse of the truly breathtaking scenery this island has to offer.

Yung Island (Mosquito Island): This small island in the Phi Phi chain is a few km north of Phi Phi Don, and has two small beach areas. Much like Phi Phi Don, and Phi Phi Le, Yung Island offers visitors some fabulous scenery, both underwater and above. Day trips are available to Yung Island from Phi Phi Don, and feature some brilliant views of pristine coral fields.

Phai Island: This is another small, deserted island in the Phi Phi chain that can be visited during the day by boat. Phai Island offers some tremendously attractive scenery, and also has exceptional coral specimens. However, like Yung Island, this pristine island is uninhabited, and has no accommodations.

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