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The Phi Phi Islands sit like diamonds on a sea of deep velvet blue between Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, and the Strait of Malacca coast on the mainland. The largest of the six islands, which make up the group, is called Ko Phi Phi Don, and its here where most the local population live, and where the main pier and hotel accommodation are based. However its the second largest island, Ko Phi Phi Leh, which has captivated the World and has the tourists falling in love.
The remaining islands are Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Koh Yung and Koh Phai. The group lie approximately 40kms south-east of Phuket and are part of the Hat Nopparat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park. The Park covers an area of 38,790 hectares, and is home to huge abundance of corals and marine life, together with stunning limestone mountains, cliffs, caves and glorious beaches.
If Phi Phi Leh is where Heaven meets Earth, then at its centre is Maya Bay, the location for “The Beach”. Every cliché you can imagine (white powder sand, crystal clear water and lush tropical vegetation) come together and the effect is nothing short of breathtaking. The challenge can be the crowds, so picking your time of year to go, and hiring a good tour operator is often the key. The Peak season in and around Christmas may be a little busy for most, but November, February and March (away from school holidays) can work out perfectly.
Away from the Bay itself, another must do on the island is to visit Phi Phi View Point. It’s here you’ll get the vista that is captured on the cover photo of this blog. Located on the east of the island at an altitude of 186m it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the peak.
Another Ko Phi Phi Leh favourite is Viking Cave, situated at the bottom of a limestone cliff on the north-eastern side of the island, it takes about 30 mins by long tail boat from Tonsai Bay (where the main pier is located).
Then of course there is the marine park itself, which has some fantastic areas for snorkelling and World Class dive sites, such as Shark Point, Anemone Reef and King Cruiser Wreck, which are located to the west of Phi Phi, between the islands and Phuket.
Boat Ride to Phi Phi Island
The vast majority of Australians will visit the islands from a base in Phuket, and there are regular public ferry boats from Phuket starting at 8.30 am, with last ferry leaving at 2.30pm. (There are also regular ferries from Ko Lanta and Krabi). All ferries arrive at Tongsai Bay on Phi Phi Don and there is a THB 20 fee upon arrival.
The numerous tours available utilise various forms of water craft, from speedboats, long tails and specialist dive boats. Costs vary significantly so it does pay to shop around and do a little research.
Whilst many visitors stay for the day, for those planning a longer visit there is a good range of accommodation available on the main island, from superb 5 star resorts right through to very affordable backpacker style hostels.
If you’d like more information or have any questions, please feel free to call 1800-961-377 or email in**@re**********.au and let the team at Retire to Asia help make your dream lifestyle a reality.
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