|
 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. |
