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Phi Phi Islands
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 Koh 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 - Koh Phi Phi Le, Koh Yung and Koh
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.
Koh Yung, an island to the north of Koh 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. Koh Phai, another
island to the north of Koh Phi Phi Don and not far
from Koh 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 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.
Provided by Tourism Authority
of Thailand
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