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| Home » Thailand » Travel Guide »
Krabi » Ko Phi Phi |
| DESTINATION THAILAND |
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KO PHI PHI
GUIDE |
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ATRACTIONS IN
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HIGHLIGHTS IN
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| QUICK GUIDANCE |
| The breathtaking landscapes, beautiful coastlines, cultural delights and historical significance, make Thailand an enjoyable stop in Asia travel map. To help you plan a trip in ( ….. ) - Thailand, we provide the useful guide of hotel options, package tours, transport, attractions, shopping and entertainment. You just click the sections below for helpful information. |
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KO PHI PHI
OVERVIEW |
| 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.
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KO PHI PHI TRAVEL TIPS |
*Climate
Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon, there are only two seasons in Krabi; the hot season from January to April and the rainy season from May to December. Temperatures range between 17oC and 37oC.
*Boating Activities
You take a longtail boat and visit Maya Bay - the "secret beach" where the movie "The Beach" was filmed. Water directly around the island is sometimes disappointingly murky and not so good for diving. The beach on the other side of the island, across from where the boats land, is slightly nicer.
It is highly recommended to arrive at Maya Bay before 8am, when the place can still be enjoyed in solitude. As from 9am hoards of speedboats arrive with European and Japanese tourists on package tours from Phuket. At 11am we counted 40(!) speedboats in the bay, many of which were revving their engines unnecessarily loud.
*Snorkelling Activities
There are two rocks within swimming distance of Long Beach, where blacktip reef sharks can be seen (dive schools organise guided tours for this). Dive schools take snorkellers on their dive boats, but expect to see only a hint of the underwater marvel visible to scuba divers. The snorkelling off Bamboo and Mosqito Islands is quite good although the reefs are a long way below you at high tide.
*Diving Activities
There are many dive shops, and some very good dive locations. Prices are regulated, so expect to pay the same everywhere. Good diving spots away from the main islands are Shark Point and Anemone Reef.
*Party Activities
The visit to Phi Phi is not complete without a night at Apache's, a bar with stand-up tables on two floors and dance floor at the top where local dj's play mostly european dance, hip hop and r'n'b. Once Apache closes most people head over to Hippies Bar further down the beach which stays open longer, albeit without music as from 2 am. |
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GETTING IN - OUT
KO PHI PHI |
Phi Phi Islands which are equidistant to Phuket and Krabi Provinces can be reached by boat. The ferries leave from Phuket and Krabi daily (several times a day during the high season). Tickets varie depending your departure from from Phuket or Krabi or Ko Lanta.
a. Krabi top Ko Phi Phi
Passenger boats leave Chao Fa Pier for Ko Phi Phi twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The trip takes about 2.30 hours. There is also one express boat trip leaving daily at 9 p.m. taking 40 min from Ao Nang to Ko Phi Phi.
b. Phuket to Ko Phi Phi
There are various boats connecting Phuket and Ko Phi Phi. The ferry ticket can be purchased at the pier or though travel agents. The open tickets (you can fix the day at a travel agency on the island) are 400 baht, however there are rarely any advantages with buying open or return tickets, whereas one-way tickets are a good way to avoid hassle and often end up costing less overall.
In addition, many tour companies in Phuket organize one-day trips to Phi Phi Islands. The package can be obtained from any hotel.
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GETTING AROUND
KO PHI PHI |
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The long-tail taxi-boats ply between all beaches; on Phi Phi Don, you can also walk to any beach. From Ton Sai to Long Beach, expect to pay 40 baht/person in the afternoon, at least 80 baht at night. To have a complete boat to yourself, expect to pay at least 100 baht.
The wheelbarrows are used to transport goods, including your luggage if you like. Expect free "transport" from the pier to your room, but not necessarily in the opposite direction.
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KO PHI PHI FOODS |
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The food on Ko Phi Phi is not as spectacular as it generally is in Thailand, because most ingredients have to be brought in by boat from the mainland. Nevertheless there are some restaurants that manage to serve surprisingly tasty food.
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ENTERTAINMENT |
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| Northern Thailand |
| Chiang Mai - Chaing Dao - Mae Ai , Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong - Chaing Saen , Lampang, Lamphun , Mae Hong Son - Pai ,
Nan ,
Phayao, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok , Phrae , Sukhothai - Sisatchanalai, Tak - Maesot, Buriram , Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom,
Nakhon Ratchasima,
Nong Khai , Surin, Ubon Ratchathani , Udon Thani , Yasothon |
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| Central Thailand |
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Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi - Sai Yok , Lop Buri, Nakhon Phathom, Nonthaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan - Hua Hin,
Phetchaburi - Chaam ,
Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi , Chon Buri - Pattaya, Rayong - Ko Samet, Trat - Koh Chang , Lop Buri |
| Southern Thailand |
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Chumphon, Krabi - Ao Nang - Ko Phi Phi - Rai Leh , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat,Pattani,
Phang Nga - Ao Phang Nga - Khao Lak, Phatthalung, Phu ket - Karon Beach -Patong Beach , Ranong, Satun - Tarutao,
Songkhla,
Surat Thani - Ko Pha Ngan - Ko Samui , Trang, Yala |
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