|
 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 Ko 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 - Ko Phi Phi Le, Ko Yung and Ko 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.
Ko Yung, an island
to the north of Ko 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. Ko Phai, another island to the
north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko 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 Ko 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. |
