"Burning Archipelago"
The name Phi Phi translates as “burning island,” which most likely refers to the fire tree that grew here. This natural wonder is located in the province of Krabi. Many people mistakenly believe that Phi Phi, which separates Phuket from the mainland of Thailand, is a single island.
In fact, it is an archipelago of six islands that is impressive for its natural beauty and ideal beaches. The two islands of Phi Phi, among which one is inhabited, are the most famous among vacationers, and the rest are deserted and are a kingdom untouched by man. wildlife, which is difficult to get into.
Phi Phi Don: an island for party lovers
This is the main and only inhabited island of the archipelago. It consists of two parts: the harbor where they arrive small yachts and local ferries, and a beach surrounded by a semicircular lagoon, where the center of tourist activity is concentrated. Here, between two rocks covered with dense tropical greenery, there is a narrow beach strip where bungalows, nightclubs and beach restaurants are located. These places most attract lovers of beach holidays and fun parties until the morning.
There is no transport on Phi Phi Don Island, and all excursions are done on foot or around the island on traditional Thai long-tail boats. One of the most popular hiking routes is the climb to the 180-meter observation deck, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Another, no less interesting entertainment on this island of the archipelago is visiting the stunning fire shows, which are held in the evenings on local beach Tonsay Bay. In some cases, you can even take part in such an enchanting performance yourself.
Also interesting to visit on this island of the archipelago is the small 200-meter Monkey Beach, which is hidden in lush vegetation between the rocks. You can not only swim on it, but also hand-feed long-tailed macaques. You can only get here by sea.
Phi Phi Ley: an island for those who love solitude
The second most visited island of the archipelago, Phi Phi Ley, is a huge limestone block and is more interesting for those who love solitude and want to enjoy walks among picturesque landscapes. These places often become natural locations for filming Hollywood films.
If until the end of the 20th century the Phi Phi archipelago was virtually unknown in the world, then after filming on the snow-white beach coast Maya Bay of Phi Ley Island in the film “The Beach” with DiCaprio, these places have become famous throughout the world. Many people wanted to see with their own eyes these unique landscapes that seem truly heavenly.
On the island of Phi Phi Ley you can admire turquoise lagoons surrounded by mangroves and visit picturesque natural grottoes and caves that are impressive with their acoustics. One of the most famous natural attractions of these places is the Viking Cave, in which ancient rock paintings have been preserved, reminiscent of the outlines of Scandinavian ships, which gave rise to this name.
The island of Phi Phi Ley is especially popular among Thai swallow nest hunters. Swallows nest here on steep cliffs, and therefore such work is considered far from safe; many pay with their lives. But since swallow's nests are one of the main ingredients of an exotic soup of Chinese cuisine, and such a dish in its properties is equated almost to the elixir of immortality, then this work is highly paid, and there are always those willing to risk their lives. Most of the swallow nests are concentrated in the Viking cave, so here you can watch from the side the difficult work of the hunters.
There are no hotels on Phi Phi Ley island. Therefore, the only option is to get here by speedboat or traditional local boat from neighboring Phi Phi Don.
Entertainment in Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands are most attractive for diving enthusiasts and for newlyweds who want to spend time in an exotic corner of the planet with such an impressive variety of recreational opportunities. Impressive and numerous coral reefs make this archipelago a true paradise for divers and beach lovers.
- one of the most popular entertainments on the Phi Phi Islands. There are many beautiful places to get acquainted with the diverse local flora and fauna, and there are interesting dive sites that lovers of cave diving will appreciate. The conditions here are simply ideal for this water activity.
There are quite a few diving schools on Phi Phi, but beginners should take into account that it is somewhat difficult to find Russian-speaking staff here. The most interesting for connoisseurs of such water entertainment are the bays of Lokame and Pile, which are known for the presence of a huge natural pool and are famous for the opportunity to admire flying foxes.
In addition to water activities, extreme sports enthusiasts should pay attention to equally exciting land-based pastimes. Rock climbing is especially popular on the Phi Phi Islands. The steep cliffs above the turquoise waters of the bay attract many lovers of this extreme activity.
The Phi Phi Islands are often called “the Maldives for those who are not rich”, since getting to Thailand is much easier and holidays here are much cheaper, but the natural treasures are in no way inferior Maldives neither in beauty nor in diversity. One of the most romantic places in Thailand is best done during the dry season, which lasts from November to April.
The Phi Phi archipelago consists of 6 islands, the largest of which are southern Phi Phi Ley and northern Phi Phi Don. The latter is usually what we talk about when we talk about holidays on Phi Phi - this is the only inhabited island where hotels, cafes, restaurants and other infrastructure await tourists. From here, excursions to the other 5 islands are organized - for diving, snorkeling or simply carefree sunbathing on wild beaches, as if created for the filming of a Bounty commercial.
Phi Phi Don itself is a resort with snow-white beaches, which are gently washed by the emerald Andaman Sea. The nature of the holiday here is quiet and secluded, which attracts tourists who do not need anyone’s company, who appreciate the local waters for their transparency and diversity. undersea world. Best time to visit the archipelago - between November and April. You can spend your entire vacation on Phi Phi (by the way, the Thais pronounce it Pi-Pi), or you can drop in for a day from Phuket or Krabi.
Main resorts of Phi Phi
Although only one island of the archipelago is inhabited, the rest are also interesting from a tourist point of view - Phi Phi Ley, Mosquito Island, Bamboo Island, Bida Nok and Bida Nai.
All infrastructure is concentrated on Phi Phi Don - hotels, restaurants and shops. The most densely populated place is a narrow isthmus connecting two limestone monoliths. The pier, Tonsai Village and most of the hotels are located here. In this area you can relax quite inexpensively and cheerfully - Lo Dalam beach is a place of attraction for young people, and noisy parties do not subside until the morning.
For a more relaxing and respectable holiday, it is better to go to the northeastern part of the island. There are several good beaches there - Laem Thong and Lo Bahao. The cost of living here is significantly higher than in the Tonsai Bay area. Those who love complete privacy should pay attention to the beaches between Laem Po Bay and Lo Bajao. Even taking into account the general flow of tourists, these undeveloped areas of the coast are usually deserted.
Each island has good dive sites; experienced divers usually prefer the cave systems and wrecks off the coast of Phi Phi Ley, Bida Nok and Bida Nai.
Tourists are taken to the rest of the islands of the archipelago on walks and excursions. Phi Phi Ley is famous for the Viking Cave, where locals collect swallow's nests, and the picturesque Maya Bay, where the movie "The Beach" was filmed. Tiny Mosquito and Bamboo attract diving enthusiasts and those who want to sunbathe alone. Both islets have good rocky and sandy beaches, and in coastal waters there are coral reefs.
Transport
There are practically no paved roads on Phi Phi Don, and there is no car traffic at all. For most of the island, you can only move on foot - along narrow winding paths in the jungle. But there are secluded beaches that are impossible to reach by land. A water taxi runs between them and neighboring islands. The fare costs from 100 to 1000 THB. Travel for two to the beaches on east coast will cost 600-800 THB. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.
If you rent a boat with a driver for 3-6 hours, she will wait and then take the passengers back. This is quite advisable - on uninhabited islands or wild beaches there may not be transport at the right time. This 6-hour cruise to neighboring islands costs from 2600 THB.
Bicycles and motorbikes are available for rent at Tonsai Village. You can't get anywhere with them; there are normal roads only in the village itself, which you can get around in about 40 minutes. However, if the hotel is located a little far from the coast and you don't want to walk, such transport is convenient to use for trips to the beach. Bicycle rentals are available at some hotels, at Ton Sai Pier and near the market. The price is 200 THB per day and 100 THB for 5-7 hours. Motorbike rental is much more expensive - from 250 TBH per hour.
Maps of Phi Phi
Communications and Wi-Fi
Mobile communications in Phi Phi work no worse than in mainland Thailand. True, calls to Russia from a home SIM card will not be cheap. You can buy a tariff plan from Thai cellular companies in supermarkets and communication stores. It’s better to do this right at the airport, although there are also sales points on the islands. There are 3 main operators in Phi Phi - AIS, True Mobile and DTAC. The latter offers the most favorable prices for tourists. Calls within the country and abroad from a Happy SIM card cost about 2-3 THB per minute, messages - 3-5 THB. There are 2 types of tariffs - with unlimited Internet for 7 (from 79 THB per package) and 15 days (from 119 THB), speed - up to 1.5-4 GB. The account will contain 100 THB.
Top-up cards are sold in almost all stores, with denominations ranging from 100 to 1000 THB.
Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and restaurants. In those located on the first line, the signal reaches the very shore, which allows you to access the network even on the beach.
Beaches of Phi Phi
A beach suitable for swimming can be found on any island in the archipelago. Most of them are on Phi Phi Don. Almost its entire coastline is covered by shallow White sand, and is washed by a clear, warm sea.
There are few places on Phi Phi Don where there are umbrellas, sun loungers and showers - the beaches of Long Beach, Laem Thong and Lo Bahao. The rental cost is about 100 THB; you can rinse off salt water for 10 THB.
The most popular and lively beaches are Long Beach, Tonsai Bay and Lo Dalam. The first, quiet and calm, is considered the best place for families with children, although the entrance to the sea is sharp and the shore is quite deep. The other two are on either side of a long sand spit. Lo Dalam hosts fun beach parties; this is one of the few places on Phi Phi where the music doesn’t stop until the morning. The entrance to the water on both beaches is smooth, the sea is quite shallow, and there are never waves on Lo Dalam. The only downside is that you won’t be able to swim during low tides.
Monkey Beach and Nui Beach can only be reached by sea. The first is famous for its funny tailed inhabitants, which attract hundreds of tourists. The second is a very tiny and secluded beach, lost in the rocks. Perfect place for those who love a secluded holiday. The same can be said about Laem Thong and Lo Bahao beaches in the northeast. It is quiet, calm and not crowded here. The entrance to the sea is gentle, shallow near the shore, but if you move further away, you begin to come across corals that turn into a reef - a favorite place for divers. The uninhabited islands of Phi Phi have at least one beautiful wild beach. The most famous and visited is in Maya Bay on Phi Phi Ley.
Diving in Phi Phi
The main entertainment on the islands is diving. There are many steep cliffs and underwater caves around Phi Phi. The main dive sites are the wreck of the King Cruiser ferry, the islands of Bida Nok and Bida Nai. Interesting places There are also caves and grottoes, artificial reefs and a specially sunken ship, Kled Kao, near Phi Phi Ley.In addition to barracudas, tuna, moray eels, stingrays, mackerel and sea turtles, tiger, blacktip and even whale sharks can be found off the coast.
Diving centers can be found in Tonsai village and on some beaches of Phi Phi Don. They organize excursions to neighboring islands and rent equipment. The cost of diving is from 3100 to 6000 THB, the Discover Scuba Diver course will cost 3400 THB, snorkeling - from 700 THB.
Bida Nok Island is a great place for diving; leopard sharks, turtles and moray eels frolic in the coastal waters. Nearby Bida Nai is also good for diving. And Wang Long Bay, recommended only for experienced divers, is famous for its chain of caves. One of the best dive sites in Phi Phi is the King Cruiser, which sank in 1997. The area is rich in anemones, which attract groupers, clownfish, tuna, barracuda and sometimes leopard sharks. Beginners can test their strength at the Laem Thong and Lo Bahao beaches; not far from the shore there are coral reefs inhabited by beautiful fish.
Phi Phi Hotels
The bulk of hotels on Phi Phi are 2-3* hotels, there are very few “fours” and “fives”. There are also few options without “stars”; even guesthouses have at least one, where a double room will cost only 340 THB per day. You can find cheaper accommodation, but most likely it will be a bed in a shared room without any special amenities.
Bungalows are common on Phi Phi. They are on most beaches, with the exception of those that do not have hotels at all.
Most hotels are concentrated around the village of Tonsai, on the sandy isthmus and to the right of it. Others are scattered along the beaches in the eastern part of the island, with only a couple of hotels in the west. Cheap options should be looked for in the area of Tonsai Bay and Lo Dalam beaches. There are also quite affordable hotels on Long Beach - from 1300 to 2000 THB per night in a double room.
The most expensive luxury hotels are located on the beaches of Laem Thong and Lo Bahao, remote from the center. This is the best place for a relaxing and respectable holiday. But you have to pay for peace and service - prices here reach 5500-9000 THB per day.
What to bring
There are no particularly noteworthy souvenirs on Phi Phi. Everything sold here is the same as in the mainland - Thai cosmetics, ceramics, silk, miniature figurines of Buddha and elephants.
In some tents the prices are steep, you need to go around several and compare.
There are a lot of shops here, especially considering the size of the only inhabited island. All trade is concentrated in the village of Tansai. Ladies will be interested in clothes, shoes and accessories. Here you can find high-quality replicas of famous brands at very low prices. Of course, these are just copies, but well made ones - you can’t tell them apart from the original.
Those who want to bring home something reminiscent of their vacation on the islands should pay attention to sea shells and souvenirs made from them, as well as tourist small items - T-shirts, magnets, mugs and key rings. In central Tansai they are sold at every turn. There is also Central Market, where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits and beach paraphernalia, while bargaining for the best price.
Phi Phi cuisine and restaurants
The cuisine of southern Thailand is characterized by an abundance of seafood, and Phi Phi is one of best places for tasting baked, charcoal-grilled and boiled squid, fish, shrimp and lobster. Delicacies are served with hot, sour and sweet sauces, with rice and noodles as a side dish. The menu of local establishments also includes the famous spicy shrimp soup - “tom yum goong”.
The Phi Phi market has a huge selection of exotic fruits - from oranges and bananas to rambutans and durians.
For those who do not like Thai dishes, Tansai Village is full of establishments serving European and other world cuisines - there are pizzerias, sushi bars and even an Irish pub, which is famous for its fun and slightly crazy atmosphere.
The general price level on Phi Phi Don is higher than on the mainland. The cheapest place to eat is at street kiosks; a snack will cost only 100-120 THB per person. But it may be unsafe; before buying such food, it is better to consult your guide or hotel staff. If you don’t want to take risks, you should look for a place you like far from the beaches. The prices there are two times lower; lunch for two in a decent cafe costs about 250-300 THB. IN tourist center the average bill starts from 350-500 THB for dinners for two persons, in middle-class restaurants it reaches 1500 THB, in expensive establishments - up to 3000 THB.
Entertainment and attractions of Phi Phi
The main activities on Phi Phi are deep sea fishing for mackerel and barracudas and day trips to other islands, including by kayak. The most active tourists You will enjoy hiking along paths between hills, jungle or mountain trails.
Fans of Hollywood handsome Leonardo DiCaprio will have a unique opportunity to visit Maya Bay Beach on the island of Phi Phi Ley. It was there that the blockbuster “The Beach” was filmed, and Leo walked along the sand looking seductive.
There is excellent snorkeling off the coast of small islands. It’s worth going there for those who are not yet ready to try on scuba gear, but really want to look at the inhabitants of coral reefs. This trip can be combined with swimming on wild beaches.
There are no historical, cultural or architectural attractions on Phi Phi, but there are more than enough natural ones. One of the most popular is the Viking Cave on Phi Phi Ley. Locals collect swallow's nests there, and tourists can admire the picturesque views and rock paintings. In the depths of Phi Phi Don there are several viewing platforms. The path to them runs through hilly and mountainous terrain, so this walk cannot be called easy. The reward for your labors is a beautiful panorama of the archipelago and the Adaman Sea.
4 things to do on Phi Phi
- Swim with a shark.
- Follow in the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Find the most secluded place and feel like the only person on a desert island.
- Tame a monkey at Monkey Beach.
Weather
Phi Phi is a corner of eternal summer. Thanks to geographical location and the tropical climate does not experience cold weather here, and the high season falls precisely in the winter months. From November to April the islands are full of tourists, the sea is calm and the weather is warm and comfortable.
In May, the rainy season begins, not yet in full force - rare, short, but heavy downpours. In conditions of high humidity, the increasing heat is poorly tolerated, and by June-July the flow of tourists gradually decreases. And along with it - prices in hotels and restaurants. For those who are not afraid of unstable weather and heat, this is an excellent time for a budget holiday.
Thailand has more than a hundred islands: some of them are practically uninhabited, while others are home to luxury resorts. Phi Phi (also called Pi Phi, Phi Phi) falls into both categories. Of the six islands in the archipelago, only two can be easily reached, the rest are uninhabited. Phi Phi Don is the center of tourist life, there are hotels, shops, and a transport interchange. Phi Phi Le is known for its fantastic landscapes and Maya Bay, where the film “The Beach” starring DiCaprio was filmed.
Phi Phi on the map
What’s interesting is that only this island has tourist hotels, shops, restaurants and other amenities of civilization. To the remaining islands, tourists come for the impressions of the picturesque nature, as well as for various entertainment, such as diving and snorkeling.
Where is Phi Phi
The Phi Phi archipelago is located between the Thai mainland near the city of Krabi and Phuket in the waters of the Andaman Sea. Also, it is worth noting that the island is quite unique in its shape. A kilometer-long sand spit connects two large monoliths. This spit has a width of about 150 m at its narrowest part. The island also has a port that is capable of receiving sea vessels. It is also interesting that this is a walking island. There are no cars or mopeds here. The only ones allowed vehicles here are boats and bicycles.
How to get to Phi Phi Don
Before traveling to the resort, you should consider the question “how to get to Phi Phi?”. All hotels are located on the inhabited island of Phi Phi Don. Especially considering the fact that there is no airport here. Therefore, you can only get to Sotra by swimming; many ferries go here from Phuket, Krabi and other surrounding areas of Thailand. You can get here by ferry or by speedboat.
The ferry from Phuket departs from Rassada Pier. The Krabi ferry departs from Klong Jilard Pier near Krabi Town.
Prices vary, the easiest and most economical option is to get to Rassada Pier in Phuket and take the Express Ferry Boat. The cost of a one-way ticket is 400 baht (round trip with an open return date - 700 baht), a child ticket is slightly cheaper. Travel time is about 1.5 – 2 hours.
Tickets can be bought at the airport, from travel agents and right on the beach. Prices are higher on the beach, so we recommend planning your trip to the Phi Phi Islands in advance.
Ferry schedule to Phi Phi
| Phuket (Rassada Pier) – Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) | Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) – Phuket (Rassada Pier) |
| 8:00 | 7:30 |
| 8:30 | 9:00 |
| 11:00 | 11:00 |
| 11:30 | 13:30 |
| 13:30 | 14:00 |
| 15:00 | 14:30 |
The ferry has an open deck, an indoor air-conditioned area, a bar and a toilet. Another way to get to Phi Phi Don is to go on an excursion and get acquainted with all the sights of the islands in a short time.
Phi Phi Ley
Phi Phi Le Island (Ley) is located a couple of kilometers south of the residential island. In fact, these are large rocks, sometimes reaching 100 m in height, along which there are several picturesque bays. Despite the uninhabited nature of the island, there are a lot of tourists here. After all, there is something to see here.
Excursion to Phi Phi from Phuket
The Phi Phi Islands in Thailand are a popular destination for family vacation. If you are not going to stay on Phi Phi, but just want to see the most famous and Beautiful places, for example Maya Bay, then it is worth considering the option of an excursion. It will cost less than independent trip with accommodation, meals and travel to DiCaprio Beach. In addition to Maya Beach, Tham Viking, a cave of swallow nests from which locals make various delicacies, attracts the attention of tourists on the island of Phi Phi Le.
Beach Leonardo DiCaprio
Tourists began to go to Phi Phi only after the release of the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio in 2000. After the release of the film, the beach began to be called Leonardo DiCaprio Beach. After all, all the filming took place in this picturesque place. Now there is entertainment for every taste and there are even several attractions. Excursions to Phi Phi Ley are held regularly, as there are a lot of interesting and exciting things to do here.
Among the attractions we can highlight Maya Bay with the beach of the same name. This is exactly the beach that was shown in the film. This bay is an amazing and colorful lagoon, which is hidden on three sides behind high hundred-meter cliffs.
The beach here is small - only 200 m. But under the water there are amazing bright coral fish. Many tourists come here in search of the solitude that was shown in the film, and when they come here they may be disappointed.
This is because due to the crowds of tourists there is no trace of privacy left here. In order to feel the privacy here, you should come here either before 7 am or after 17 pm. That's when all the tourists go back to big Island or to Phuket, most excursions to Phi Phi Island come from Phuket.
Diving in the Phi Phi Islands
Many picturesque landscapes on Phi Phi are hidden under water. Beautiful rocks, corals, underwater caves, a variety of species of marine life - all this awaits guests of the Phi Phi Islands.
Divers practically do not dive on Phi Phi Don, preferring the more secluded and picturesque islands nearby. Visibility varies, maximum - from December to April (25-30 meters), in other months - up to 10 meters.
Diving spots in Phi Phi Islands:
- Koh Bida Nai is a beautiful rock island covered with sponges and corals. Considered one of the best places for diving.
- Koh Bida Nok is a tiny island, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming the most popular place for diving. Memorable views and shallow depths in the southern part of the lagoon make Bida Nok an ideal place for beginners.
- Maya Bay is a bay on the island of Phi Phi Le, where the film “The Beach” with DiCaprio was filmed. It is almost impossible to see the iconic desert views in person - there are so many tourists. However, there are many marine activities on offer, one of which is diving into the Maya Cave grotto.
Among the entertainments, as mentioned above, we can highlight snorkeling and diving in Phi Phi. Many people know what diving is. But what is snorkeling?
It's actually simple. This is swimming near the surface underwater with a snorkel, mask and fins. You will definitely enjoy this type of swimming.
Almost all hotels on the island are located on its sand spit. These are the famous Visa Travel Team, Phi Phi Insula, Panmania and many others. There are mainly two and three star hotels on the island. But there are also guesthouses where you can stay for an average of 450 baht for a double room. If you have a very modest budget, then there is a cheaper option for you. However, it will be a bed in a common room without any special amenities.
Let's look at some hotels in more detail: PP Princess Pool Villa is one of the most popular. It has three stars. The hotel has a very cozy garden with tropical trees, where, in addition to a walk, you can drink tea and enjoy the clean air.
Also, there is open pool, where you can swim on a hot day. There is a restaurant at the hotel that serves tasty and satisfying food. The hotel provides airport transfers from and to the mainland, greatly enhancing traveler comfort. There is a laundry service as well as room service. Many people will be pleased to have free Internet connections.
Viking Cave on Phi Phi
Another attraction of the island is the Viking Cave. It is located in the northern part of the island near Pi Lay Bay. It is famous for the fact that on its rocks there are drawings of people who lived here long before us.
It is worth noting here that all the drawings have a water theme, which means these people were engaged in aquatic activities - fishing and swimming. In addition to the paintings on the rocks, you can see swallow’s nests, which are located on the same rocks. They are unique in that they are made not from branches and leaves, but from their saliva. They are considered edible in many East Asian countries, such as China.
Stay in a Bungalow on Phi Phi
A very popular type of accommodation on Phi Phi is bungalows. Rawianda Villas Hotel is one of them. In addition to the cozy house, guests have at their disposal a safe, refrigerator, electric kettle, hairdryer and much more. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a garden on site, which can be viewed from the windows of some rooms. The hotel has three stars.
Five Star Hotels on Phi Phi
There are 2 comfortable five-star hotels here. These are Zeavola Resort and Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort. As for the first, guests can expect spacious luxury rooms, an outdoor pool, spa and white sand on their own private beach. Here you can take diving courses, and the archipelago is offered with your own guide. Among the entertainments, it is worth highlighting diving with sharks.
The hotel's restaurant serves Thai and European cuisine. It is worth noting that each room is represented by a separate wooden house. They have everything. Here you can even take a tropical shower right outside in the fresh air. All houses are surrounded by green gardens.
About the second hotel, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, we can mention its own white sand beach, tennis courts, and diving center. In addition, there are 3 on-site restaurants where guests can taste National dishes or European cuisine. The price for accommodation in such a hotel is quite high and starts from $117 per person per day. It is worth remembering that there are also fitness and spa centers here.
Weather in Phi Phi
The weather here doesn't change often. It's usually sunny and hot here. The air temperature ranges from 28 to 32 degrees. The most favorable period for visiting is the period from late autumn to late spring. It is at this time that it practically does not rain here, and the temperature does not drop below 27 degrees.
Island infrastructure
The island measures 3.5x8 km. But despite its size, its most populated territory remains the spit. This is where the port, hotels, bars, restaurants are located. If you find out the prices for all these joys, even a budget tourist will be able to afford it. This area is called Ton Sai Village. Also, it is in this area that there are very decent beaches, such as Tonsai and Lo Delam, as well as Long Beach, which is located outside the village.
Beaches on Phi Phi
The beaches are quite good on the eastern side of the island. The largest of them are Lim Tong and Lo Ba Kao. They are very different from the beaches along the spit. If in the village of Ton Sai life is in full swing and does not subside even at night, then in this part of the island there are expensive and respectable hotels, and life here is quiet and measured.
Also, Phi Phi has several uninhabited beaches. This is where you can come if you want to enjoy the wonderful beauty of the island’s nature alone. Some of these are on the east coast, and some are on the west coast.
In any case, everyone chooses where to stay on Phi Phi based on their budget and preferences. Depending on what type of vacation you prefer - quiet and secluded or fun and noisy. After all, the islands of the archipelago delight with their diversity of landscapes and entertainment.
For young people and travelers who come here, the Loh Dalum beach area is more suitable. Here, disco lights are lit every night, and massage parlors and bars open their doors to visitors. But as for married couples with children, it is better for them to give preference to the quiet Long Beach, where there is practically no nightlife.
Video
One of the most exotic countries in Asia invariably enjoys increased popularity among tourists from all over the planet. This paradise offers secluded beaches, nightlife, stunning landscapes and unique attractions. Colorful Thailand fascinates guests who come here in search of adventure.
Travelers who get acquainted with the fairy-tale kingdom plunge into eternal summer and forget about all their problems. Tourists who feel welcome at the country's resorts admit that they have found a real paradise that they do not want to leave.
Description of the archipelago
The distinctive Phi Phi Islands (Thailand) are located in the province of Krabi and are located 40 kilometers from Phuket. The Phi Phi Islands archipelago includes six islands, the most famous of which are the popular Phi Phi Don and the picturesque Phi Phi Le. Since they are located far from the mainland, they can only be reached by ferry, and the journey from the pier to the resorts will take no more than an hour and a half.
The Phi Phi Islands (Thailand) are equally beautiful, but differ in that one is completely uninhabited, while the other is bustling with daytime activity and the natural charm of the resort makes a lasting impression on vacationers.
However, not everything is as wonderful as it seems at first glance. Environmentalists are sounding the alarm because numerous tourists disturb the flora and fauna of the island, and the archipelago itself cannot cope with such an influx of guests.
Best time to visit the resort
When is the best time to visit fairy islands Phi Phi, reviews of which are full of not only enthusiasm? The most favorable time to visit the exotic archipelago with a tropical monsoon climate is considered to be from October to March. During the dry season, when the weather itself favors the relaxed or active recreation, the average water temperature is 29 degrees Celsius, and the air temperature is about 30. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until September.
Phi Phi Don
The archipelago, whose area is approximately 28 km 2, is divided into two parts and connected only by a narrow isthmus (Ton Sai Village). It delights tourists eager to swim in the warm waters of the ocean and sunbathe on snow-white beaches. This is a relatively new, but already rapidly developing resort, gaining popularity.
The island, whose population ranges from two to three thousand inhabitants, is famous for its entertainment venues for every taste. True, tourists note that Phi Phi Don is a rather expensive holiday destination, since nothing is grown here - all products are imported.
There are no cars on the island, and the main transport is bicycles. Those with a heavy suitcase can use the services of porters who will take you all the way to the hotel. As experienced tourists say, the road often gives way to quick sand, which causes difficulties. Therefore, it is better not to save money and give a hundred baht to the person who will help with luggage delivery.
Near the Ton Sai pier there is a village considered the heart of the island. There are bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, diving centers, laundries, massage parlors and hotels here. This is a favorite place for all avid party-goers, and guests who prefer privacy and do not want to save on necessities choose the east of the island, where the most respectable boutiques and hotels are located.
Phi Phi Le
The second largest island of Phi Phi Le (Krabi, Thailand), which is a limestone monolith towering above the water, is surrounded by two bays - Lo Sama and Maya Bay. The latter gained fame after the release of the drama "The Beach". Get to the mesmerizing unique beauty You can visit Maya Bay, where the main events of the Hollywood film took place, in a few hours from Phuket by ferry. With the beach surrounded majestic rocks, involved litigation that lasted many years.
Litigation
The fact is that the film company in 2000 significantly changed the appearance of Maya Bay to give it a “paradise” look. The fantastic beauty of the beach was created artificially: coconut trees were cut down and giant sand dunes were filled in. However, the company did not fulfill its promises to restore the natural landscape, and the damage caused to the ecosystem could not be repaired. The state government sued the film crew, but in 2004 Mother Nature intervened and made her own adjustments.
Tsunami
Belonging to the province of Phi Phi (Thailand) were at the epicenter of a tsunami caused by an underwater earthquake. More than a thousand died local residents and foreigners arriving on vacation. A monument to the victims of the disaster was erected on the picturesque Phi Phi Don, and every year they pay tribute to those who left this world so early. However, according to experts, it was the tsunami that restored the ecosystem of the island’s bay.
A paradise with unspoiled nature
Just 12 years ago, there was no tourism infrastructure on Phi Phi Le. Everything changed after its inclusion in the Marine national park. It's stunningly beautiful tropical paradise with virgin nature, which is a must see. People often come here for a day to watch the sunrise and fully enjoy the inaccessible cliffs emerging from the depths of the sea, amazing lagoons and explore mysterious caves that hide a lot of interesting things.
What else to see
Observation deck- Another amazing place, which tourists who come to the picturesque Phi Phi Islands (Thailand) cannot miss. View Point offers stunning views of a luxurious area created for relaxation and bliss, and two bays from above resemble the wings of a huge butterfly preparing to take off. The climb to the site takes about 40 minutes, and tourists often abandon the adventure due to the intense heat, so the best time to visit it is morning or evening.
Mysterious Viking Cave, which became a home for swallows - sacred place for residents of Thailand. On the walls of the grotto, which can only be reached via a bamboo bridge, images of ships and animals are immortalized.
In this paradise you can go snorkeling or diving, dive into the waters of a sunken ship, practice rock climbing, rent a kayak and explore the archipelago on your own.
Phi Phi Islands: description, beaches
The largest beach on the island is Ton Sai with white sand. This is a great place for youth recreation, since most of the discos and bars are located here. Ships with new tourists arrive at Ton Sai Bay, and from here guests of Thailand sail to neighboring beaches that cannot be reached by land. The center of Ton Sai is always crowded, so to swim, you have to look for corners in other places. This is an accessible but rather dirty beach with a pier where new ferries and boats are constantly arriving, so the muddy water here is not very suitable for swimming.
On the other side of the isthmus is Lo Dalam Bay - a clean and cozy beach. True, tourists admit that Loh Dalam Bay is quite shallow, and during low tides the water goes almost 200 meters. Young people love it for its nightly outdoor parties that last until the morning.
Monkey Beach is often included in the excursion program of pleasure boats. I really like the beach of the colorful island of Phi Phi in Thailand with its cute, endearing animals. foreign guests who love to feed the cheerful monkeys bananas and pineapple pieces.
Long Beach can only be reached by boat from Ton Sai Bay. On the most beautiful beach with clear water there are always a lot of tourists, so those who like solitude can recommend Laem Tong Beach, where several luxury hotels have been built for travelers who prefer peace and quiet.
Where to stay?
In total there are about 80 hotels and guesthouses of varying levels of service. Accommodation here is much more expensive than on other islands in Thailand. It is worth considering that at the height of the tourist season, prices increase several times.
Guests of this paradise recommend staying in the north of Phi Phi Don island in a few hotels located near the secluded beaches of Laem Tong Beach or Long Beach. And for poor young people who came to have fun, we can recommend the resort center, where everything they need for a fun holiday is located.
Tourists choosing luxury hotels on Phi Phi Island (Thailand) will have to fork out 1,800 baht per night. Those who want to save money can choose the so-called beachfront-hotels, which have nothing but a bed and a fan (600 baht per day). They are located in the area of the village of Ton Sai, where life is vibrant even at night.
Perhaps the most famous hotels and guesthouses are Viking Nature Resort, Phi Phi The Beach Resort, Phi Phi Dream Guest House, Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort & Spa, Phi Phi Banyan Villa.
By the way, it is more correct to say Pi-Pi, as the Thais pronounce it.
When they talk about traveling to the Phi Phi Islands or vacationing there, they mean Phi Phi Don - the only inhabited island of the archipelago, where there are hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, tour desks and other infrastructure. The remaining five islands are pristine jungles, caves and small sandy beaches. They offer day excursions, mainly for diving and snorkeling, as well as to soak up the secluded beaches.
Most famous island in the archipelago - where in 1999 the film “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed in Maya Bay. This is the most popular local attraction; many tourists buy day tours to Phi Phi to see this particular place.
Phi Phi Don is translated as “butterfly” because it is similar in outline. The island is small - the area is only 28 square meters. km. The local landscapes are amazing and consist of limestone cliffs standing vertically out of the water, partially covered with vegetation. They are the hallmark of Phi Phi and the whole (the same natural “statues” can be seen, for example, in).
Phi Phi Islands on the map of Thailand
Who should go to Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands are considered by most as a resort for 1-2 days. And most often they are visited as part of some kind of excursion. However, the place is perfect for a full-fledged vacation. There is everything for this here: shops, cafes, restaurants, inexpensive and expensive housing, a lot of excursions to neighboring islands, a gorgeous sea and snow-white beaches. In the evening, you can have fun at open-air discos ala Full Moon Party or just enjoy the view in some establishment on the seashore.
In general, the island is heterogeneous and this is why it will suit different categories of tourists. There are several sections almost isolated from each other with completely different rhythms. For example, this is a place for party-goers and budget tourists. This is where all the infrastructure with bars, restaurants, nightlife and massage parlors (where you can also find “adult” entertainment). In the evening, a grand open-air disco begins on the coast and the sounds of music can be heard until the morning (the Thai law that all establishments must close at 2 am is not strictly observed here). A very noisy and lively place, great for young people, party-goers and playmakers.
But it's completely different. There are no discos here, there are fewer people and therefore after sunset there is almost complete silence. This beach can be recommended to couples with children (the entrance to the sea, however, is very sharp) and in general to lovers of have a relaxing holiday. Or for those who want to sleep peacefully at night, but also go for entertainment (it’s a 20-25 minute walk to discos).
And the entire east of Phi Phi is completely wild, there is complete silence and almost deserted beaches even during the day. Lovers of wild holidays without people, but who want comfort - expensive hotels and upscale restaurants - should go here. This is the place for them.
How to get there
There is no airport on Phi Phi; you cannot get here directly. At the same time, most planes from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other countries arrive in Thailand at international Airport Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi, less often in Phuket and Krabi. Then you can travel by land or take a domestic flight - the nearest airports to Phi Phi are in Phuket and Krabi. Where to buy a transfer including bus and ferry.
Cheap flights to Bangkok
You can buy air tickets to Thailand as profitably as possible using special search engines that collect data from all airlines.
If you are already in Phuket or Krabi, then it is best to buy tickets from one of the many local travel agencies or. This is often cheaper than coming to the pier yourself.
From Phuket to get to Phi Phi costs from 300 baht, and from Krabi - from 200 baht. Travel time is about two hours.
Transport
Phi Phi is a small mountain island with almost no roads, there is nowhere to go, and therefore it is poorly developed. There are no taxis, tuk-tuks or motorcycle taxis. Nevertheless, there is a rental of motorbikes and bicycles, but it is not clear why - due to the mountainous terrain you can’t really ride a bicycle, only next to and. But this doesn’t make much sense, because... You can walk them up and down in an hour, exploring all the corners. And it will definitely be faster than riding a bicycle along crowded small streets.
A rented motorbike may be useful to travel along the asphalt road through the center of the island to and. But, in principle, you can reach them on foot in 30-40 minutes from.
The island also offers taxi boats (longtail boats), which can take you to neighboring beaches and islands.
Beaches of Phi Phi
The most popular, noisiest beach is located closest to, where there is a large selection of accommodation. Here are the main nightlife attractions of Phi Phi - bars and discos. It is characterized by large ebb tides.
One of best beaches Thailand, is located some distance from the center of the island. Here a good choice housing, there are cafes. Quite boring at night. You can get there on foot or by water taxi.
The most tranquil and secluded beach on Phi Phi, but at the same time very good quality. The only drawback is that it is quite remote and not so easy to get to.
What to do and what to visit
The main thing why tourists come to the Phi Phi Islands is to relax away from civilization, to completely dissolve with nature. - diving, snorkeling, fishing and trips to neighboring islands. You shouldn't expect bars with girls - like in Pattaya or Phuket, but there are still discos and bars, as well as a huge number of foreign young people.
The Phi Phi Islands are part of the National Marine Sanctuary, so the environment is monitored very strictly, and you will be charged 20 baht for entry to the territory upon arrival.
All ferries arrive at the pier in the bay. Thanks to this, this is the most developed place in terms of infrastructure, the best for purchasing souvenirs and booking excursions. There are a lot of people only until 14:30, when the last ferry leaves for the mainland, picking up tourists. From you can walk to, also very popular among tourists. If you want complete privacy, the absence of shops and souvenir shops, then go to the north of the island, to Laem Tong Beach.
Be sure to climb to (altitude 180 meters above sea level) not far from and - from there the island is clearly visible.
Everything is natural. There are a lot of them on Phi Phi Ley: Maya Bay, where the film “The Beach” was filmed; Viking cave with ancient rock paintings; swallow's nests.
Climate
The climate on the Phi Phi Islands is tropical. average temperature throughout the year it is +28…+32, a little cooler in winter, a little hotter in April-May. The best time to visit is from November to early May, when there is very little rain and the sea is calm and there are no strong waves. Water temperature +27…+29 degrees.
| Month | Daytime temperature (degrees) | Temperature at night (degrees) | Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31 | 22 | 48 |
| February | 33 | 22 | 25 |
| March | 33 | 23 | 52 |
| April | 33 | 24 | 129 |
| May | 32 | 24 | 309 |
| June | 31 | 24 | 261 |
| July | 31 | 24 | 273 |
| August | 31 | 24 | 259 |
| September | 31 | 24 | 373 |
| October | 31 | 23 | 330 |
| November | 30 | 23 | 230 |
| December | 31 | 23 | 91 |
*weather data provided by World Climate Guide.
