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Phi Phi Islands -
Hotels
Regarded by travelers from all
walks of life as being among the
most beautiful tropical islands
of the world, Phi Phi Islands have
become one of the most popular tourist
attractions in Thailand. In addition,
the islands are famous as the location
where the movie "The Beach" featuring
Leonardo Di Caprio was shot. The
islands, together with the nearby
Noppharat Thara Beach, a total area
of 390 square kilometers, were recently
established as a national park.
 Phi
Phi Islands are located just 40
kilometers away from both Krabi
and Phuket. Thus, despite the fact
that both Noppharat Thara Beach
and Phi Phi administratively are
a part of Krabi Province, most tourists
think that Koh Phi Phi is part of
Phuket Province.
The islands and the coastal hills
are composed mainly of limestone
and are an extension of the limestone
mountain range in Phang-Nga Province.
The main characteristics of these
mountains and islands are their
steep cliffs, large caves and dwarf
trees growing out of the rock crevices,
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 islet to the
north, is well known for its fine
beaches and coral formations. Above
average tourist facilities and accommodations
are available along two beautiful
curved bays, namely Ton Sai Bay
and Lodalam Bay. Several shops at
Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkeling
trips around the island or the nearby
islands - Koh Phi Phi Le, Koh Yung
and Koh Mai Phai.
 About
2 kilometers to the south is Phi
Phi Le. Contrary to Phi Phi Don,
this islet is uninhabited as there
is no beach area as the island descends
abruptly into the sea on all sides
and it is prohibited by the administrative
body. The main attraction is a large
cave about 3.2 square kilometers
in size known as Viking Cave derived
from one of the numerous drawings
on the wall which resembles a Viking
ship. The cave has a 10 to 15-metre
high ceiling which contains many
ledges inhabited by thousands of
swallows, thus a bird's nest collection
demonstration is a regular feature
of guided tours.
Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi
Phi Islands scenic coves are favorite
snorkeling places while the sea
around the islands, especially the
southern part, which are deep and
full of coral formations are popular
diving spots. With its emerald crystal
sea, secluded beaches, mountain
cliffs, colorful coral reefs and
undersea life, Phi Phi is a paradise
in the Andaman Sea. The best time
to visit Phi Phi Islands is from
November to April, when the sea
is calm.
Koh Yung, an island to the north
of Koh Phi Phi Don, has a stone
beach on the east and small sandy
beaches amid valleys. In addition,
the island is teeming with diverse
colorful coral reefs. Koh Phai,
another island to the north of Koh
Phi Phi Don and not far from Koh
Yung, has spectacular beaches in
the north and east of the island.
The bank of coral reefs comprised
mainly of antler corals stretches
from the north to the south of the
island.
 Getting
to Phi Phi
Phi Phi Islands which are equidistant
to Phuket and Krabi Provinces can
be reached by boat.
From Krabi
Chao Fa Pier:
Passenger boats leave Chao Fa Pier
twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2.30
p.m. The trip takes about 2.30 hours.
Ao Nang:
There is one express boat
trip leaving daily at 9 p.m. taking
40 min.
From Phuket
Many tour companies in Phuket organize
one-day trips to Phi Phi Islands.
Tickets can be obtained from any
hotel.
Phi Phi Hotels
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