| Southeast
of Phuket lies the Nopparat Thara- Phi Phi Marine
National Park, which includes the Phi
Phi lslands. These islands, famous for their beauty,
are found midway between Phuket and the mainland coast (48km to
Phuket,40km to Krabi). The largest island, Phi Phi Don, is a
popular tourist destination playing host to thousands of visitors
each year. A smaller and undeveloped sister island to be
immortalised in celluloid with the filming of The Beach. The
staggering seascape of limestone crags rising vertically from the
sea casts a mythical aura over the prehistoric-looking geography.
The east and west landmasses of
Phi Phi Don are joined by a narrow isthmus and it is here that
much of the tourist development has taken place. Phi Phi Ley, on
the other hand is renowned for its huge cave and, more
specifically, the swift population that builds nests here. The
nests of the are avidly sought, with collectors taking all manner
of risks to gather them for use in Birds’ Nest Soup. Viking Cave, the English name of this large limestone
cavern, also
contains ancient rock paintings. Thought to resemble Viking ships,
the paintings are estimated to be 3,000 to 4,000 years old.
Most tour boats arrive at Ton Sai
Bay, on the south of Phi Phi Don.
From here you can take boat or
walk to one of the many beaches dotted along the coast, or maybe
trek to the island’s viewpoint.
A short walk through this, the
narrowest part of Phi Phi Don, will bring you to Loh Dalum Bay,
where the circular formation of sheer limestone cliffs is a
tribute to the natural beauty of Phi Phi The beach is less hectic
here than Ton Sai, yet still relatively commercial: however, those
looking for something a little more pristine could rent a longtail
boat and venture along the coast, exploring the numerous small
bays and coves.

The uninhabited (except for beach
huts) western section of the island is called Koh Nawk (Outer
Island). At the north of the eastern end is Laem Tong. Where
the island’s chao naam (sea gypsy) population lives, The number
of chao naam here varies from time to time, as they are still
a somewhat nomadic people, sailing from island to island, stopping
off to repair their boats or fishing nets, but there are generally
about 100. With stones tied to their waists as ballast, chao
naam divers can reportedly descend up to 60 metres while breathing
through an air hose held above the water surface. Hat Yao
( Long Beach ) faces south and has some of Phi Phi Don’s best
coral reefs. Ton Sai, Loh Dalam and Hat Yao all have beach accommodation.
Over a ridge north-west from Hat Yao us another very beautiful
beach, called “ Hat Ranti “ with good surf. For several
years the locals wouldn’t allow any bungalows here out of respect
for the large village mosque situated in a coconut grove above
the beach but money talked, and the chao naam walked. Farther
north is the sizeable bay of “ Loh Bakao ” where there
is a small resort, and near the tip of Laem Tong beach are a
located at Phi Phi Island Village Resort for more information
about this resort please visit on hotel/peepeeislandvillage/index.asp
If Phi Phi’s natural beauty is
not enough, there is plenty to do both on and off the island. You
can relax on one of the picture-postcard beaches, enjoy the
crystal clear waters or snorkel on the shallow reefs. Maybe you
wish to have a Thai massage – here there are many choices. If
food is your desire, Phi Phi Don has a number of good restaurants
offering both international and Thai cuisine. There are many
agents on the island who will offer you a kaleidoscope of tour
choices: from game fishing, diving, snorkeling and canoeing trips,
to tripe by speedboat or longtail to other islands and beaches.
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The best way to visit Phi Phi, by
private
boat charter, is expensive, so most visitors take one of the
regular ferries which depart every morning from both
Phuket and Krabi, returning late afternoon. These day trips give
little time one the islands, and in the middle of the day the
islands are quite crowded. Staying overnight is far better, taking
in the quieter evening and early morning hours when Phi Phi is at
its best. |
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All
bungalows/resorts generally provide restaurants, cafes and bars.
But if you would prefer to get away from your resort we can
recommend several good
restaurants
Ton Sai Sea
Foods restaurant located at Ton Sai beach, here you can
choose from an extensive menu of Thai and western dishes.
Chao Koh
Restaurant located at beach front on Ton Sai Beach, also
serves great and fresh sea foods, european, chinese and authentic
Thai cuisine.
Some great tasting food can also
be had from Fresh restaurant, situated in a nice old house on the
beach. |