Thailand Guides - Phi Phi Island

The islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lek offer visitors wonderful opportunities for climbing, caving, kayaking and scuba diving in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Overview

The two islands of Koh Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are undoubtedly among Thailand's most beautiful and enchanting destinations. Although the islands ever-increasing popularity with tourists and the inevitable development that has followed now means that Phi Phi has lost most of its former tranquility, visitors can not fail to be impressed by the areas natural beauty and crystal clear waters. Set at the heart of a national park, the islands remain one of the country's most popular holiday destinations.

The larger of the two islands, Phi Phi Don consists of two massive limestone outcrops bridged by a strip of white sand and with beaches on both sides. The southern beach of Ao Ton Sai is the most developed and its beautifully calm bay is a popular spot for boats to drop anchor.

Attractions

The islands may not be as peaceful as they once were but excellent resort-style accommodation and top quality restaurants are now easy to find. The pretty northern beach of Ao Lo Dalam is less developed, has fewer bungalows than Ao Ton Sai and a more laid-back feel to it. The eastern side of the island, known as Koh Nai, also has several lovely beaches while to the north Laem Thong is home to a community of chao leh or sea gypsies, most of whom now make a living by supplying fish to local restaurants and ferrying visitors backwards and forwards in their boats. Koh Nai's beaches include Ao Lo Bakao, Hat Yao and Hat Lanti, the latter of which is particularly popular with surfers. The western portion of Phi Phi Don, Koh Nawk, is mostly uninhabited and has so far escaped development.