Phi Phi Island
James Bond Island
General Information
Common Name: Phi Phi Islands
Other Name: -, District: NA, State: South Thailand, Thailand
Area: 0 -
Languages Spoken: Thai
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: The area is well-known for its coral and one of the most favoured dive and snorkeling destinations in Thailand.
Best Time to Visit: February to April and November
International Access: -Description
The islands feature beaches and clear water that have had their natural beauty protected by National Park status. Tourism on Ko Phi Phi, like the rest of Krabi province, has exploded only very recently. In the early 1990s only the most adventurous travelers visited the island, staying in only the most basic accommodation.Ko Phi Phi is a popular place in Thailand for diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of excellent sites with crystal clear water and colourful coral. There are dozens of places on the island organizing trips. There are numerous operators and dive shops open on Koh Phi Phi catering too all levels of divers.Many tourists use a kayak to see the natural environs and the island’s impressive features.Cliff jumping is fairly new to Tonsai Bay. There are cliffs from 6 to 16m that are ideal for cliff jumping due to the depth of water below.Even though it is Malay in origin, the art of batik has embedded itself within the local culture. There are also a lot of Krabi and Ko Phi Phi handicrafts such as pineapple paper.Phi Phi''''''''s beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The islands, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to beach-fronted jungle. It''''''''s love at first sight.Location
About 40 km from both Phuket and KrabiClimate
Tropical
Ton Sai Bay is a hidden gem on Phi Phi, not that many people really see it as it’s a walk away from town and at first the path doesn’t seem to go anywhere, but if you follow the path passed the Cabana Hotel and behind the hospital you will find yourself in the local village area. Daytime it’s bustling as many of the day trips from Phuket pull up here and they stop for a few hours of swimming and eating.
After 2pm the beaches are clear, the sands are white and the sea is turquoise blue. It’s not unusual to find yourself alone on the beach.Ideal if you intend on rock-climbing while you are here as they are just about at the base of the cliff face.
After 2pm the beaches are clear, the sands are white and the sea is turquoise blue. It’s not unusual to find yourself alone on the beach.Ideal if you intend on rock-climbing while you are here as they are just about at the base of the cliff face.
One of the definitive night sights of Phi Phi is a moving circle of flame down on the beaches, usually on Long Beach by Hippies Bar or Carlitos. In the centre of this circle is a dancer holding a rope with a bowl of inflammatory liquid at the end.Spun fast enough it creates the illusion of a circle of light and, along with ambient music, a full moon and a few drinks, it''s quite an impressive sight and some locals have got it down to a fine art with stunning configurations.
Maya Bay has become the main tourist attraction of Phi Phi since ''The Beach'' was filmed here in 1999 (see below for more info about the film). It was always very popular before the film but now people all around the world who haven''t heard of Phi Phi have heard of Maya Bay.A stunningly beautiful bay sheltered by 100 odd meter high cliffs on three sides. Inside there are several beaches, most are tiny and some only exist at low tide. The main one is around 200m long with silky soft white sand, underwater colourful coral and fish live in exceptionally clear water, the whole bay is one big reef.
At the east end of Loh Dalum follow the path inland and up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint. There is a sign pointing the way. The viewpoint is located on the southern ''dumb bell''. For ordinary mortals the walk up the path and stairs takes about 30 minutes, less if you''re fighting fit.The view from the top is easily as prevalent on picture postcards as that of Maya Bay or Phuket''s Phrom Thep. As tempting as it may be to stay up to watch the sunset, visually impaired people should descend while there is good light enough to see the pathway.