Phi-Phi Island is famous for its spectacular beaches, turquoise waters and remarkable landscape with white sand and jungle-capped limestone cliffs jutting vertically from the waters.
The name of Phi-Phi is originated from Malay word called ‘Pulao Pi ah Pi’. When I first mentioned its name, I called it something else, but it is actually pronounced as ‘pee pee’. Its name refers to the mangrove wood that is found here.
The island has been restored to its original state after it was hit by the tsunami on 26 December 2004. Once I arrived at this island, I saw everything seems to be back to normal. It didn’t take long for a massive Thai and international operation to rebuild the island and the lives of the people to regain paradise.
Best Time to Visit
Koh Phi Phi has a tropical monsoon climate with temperatures ranges from 27-32°C. The best time to enjoy this beautiful island is between November and April when the sea is calm and access to the bay is easy. It is expected that many tourists will flock to the island and accommodation would quickly be filled. Tour booking can also be overwhelming and operators will charge tourists at a higher rate during this peak season.
The monsoon season falls in May to October and it will have heavy rain with thunderstorms. This weather condition may hinder speedboats to access to the island and outdoor activities will be suspended.
Getting There
When you arrive on the island, you can approach any tour agencies that operate throughout the island. You can find them along the street or ask the hotel front desk to assist you if you are staying in one.
Boats will depart daily from just outside Krabi town or Ratsada pier in Phuket. Most tour operators will arrange a morning pick-up from your accommodation to the pier and transfer to the boat for island hopping.
Getting Around
There are long-tailed boats and speedboats available for rent from Phi Phi Don to get to the famous Maya Beach. Renting one of these can be expensive for one person, so it is best to look for other tourists to share the long-tailed or speedboat and split the cost.
Some tour operators do run the tour to Maya Bay together with other surrounding islands. You can check with them for the prices, timing and necessary arrangements.
Best Things to do Around Koh Phi Phi
Tonsai Island
The inhabited main island of Phi Phi Don, Tonsai Village is the center of all activities for accommodation, restaurants, nightlife and beach activities. It is on the low, sandy isthmus that joins the two hilly spurs that comprise the rest of the island.
The islands are popular for fabulous underwater beauty and renowned as a leading worldwide scuba diving destination. For those who are fond of heights, there are also rock-climbing courses available. Snorkeling and sunset tours of the nearby islands do include Phi Phi Ley and Bamboo Island are available daily throughout the island.
Maya Bay
Maya Bay is a beautiful bay near to Phi-Phi that is sheltered by 100- meters high cliffs on three sides. There are several beaches, most of them are small and some only exist during low tide. The main bay is around 200 meters long with silky soft white sand, underwater colorful coral and exotic fish.
This bay has become the main tourist attraction of Phi-Phi since The Beach was filmed here by Alex Garland in 1999. It has always been very popular before the film but travelers around the world who have not heard of Phi Phi have surely heard of this place.
Going Elsewhere in Thailand?
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