Phi Phi island is a incredible looking tropical gropu of islands. The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. The larger of the 2 islands, is shaped like a figure 8 and linked by a delicate chain of golden sand. Here stands the island’s original Muslim fishing village, Baan Tonsai, now engulfed by the ever-expanding centre of bungalows, cafes and hotels. A pleasant 1 hour coastal walk from Baan Tonsai will lead you to Had Yao – Long Beach, with tantalising white sands, vibrant offshore marine life and unhindered views of the spectacular cliffs of Phi Phi Leh, 4 kilometres to the south. You’ll also enjoy climbing the steep trails on Phi Phi Don’s 2 massifs – View Point, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the island.
There are 2 very hot periods of weather on Phi Phi Island, the first between April and May when the average temperatures range from 30 to 36ºC and only the occasional tropical thunderstorm brings relief from the heat. It is also very hot between September and October but the frequent rainfall has a wonderful cooling effect. Tourist High Season is from November to April. However, it’s best to avoid December and January if possible, as this is Peak Season, when accommodation can be hard to find and is expensive, particularly around Christmas and New Year, and Phi Phi’s dive sites are very crowded. Whether you are coming to Thailand for diving or not, we recommend you try to come from February to April. There are less tourists here, accommodation is much better value-for-money, the weather is at its best, and the seas their calmest. The dive sites around Koh Phi Phi, Hin Daeng and Koh Ha are less crowded, and it’s your optimum time to see something special, as it’s whale shark and manta ray season.
Phi Phi Le won fame through the filming of The Beach, where it provided the breathtaking backdrop for Leonardo Dicaprio to play a traveller exploring the island. The natural scenery on offer is unparalleled in beauty, with craggy cliffs plunging dramatically into the turquoise water, and with no accomodation anywhere in the area, a serene and peaceful atmosphere abounds all around. Maya Bay is an extremely popular spot, and is home to the idyllic scene of fishing boats bobbing lazily on the waves. Visit via one of the many ferries offering trips nearby. More details on Phi Phi island tours.
Viking Cave is the immense cave named after the pictographs on the wall of the cave which indistinctly resemble to ancient Viking ships. This cave was renamed by H.M Rama IX when he visited it in 1972, which resembles in shape the head of the great serpent of Buddhist legend is a revered place of local people who come to collect the swift’s nests that is used to make Bird’s Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy. The cave is a spectacular scene created by the nature itself; cave and a sea lake formed by a clef between the two cliffs that allows water to enter into a bowl-shaped canyon wherein several nice hidden beaches are shaped. Visitors can stop to relax and snorkel here.
When I’m at the beach, if I gave into my indulgent self, I would be tanning all day with a margarita in hand. However, I do take the occasional day off and attempt to do something active. My go-to activity? Kayaking! It’s fun, it doesn’t feel like a workout, and I get to explore (three of my favorite things!) A lot of people paddle to Monkey beach which is a good 40-50 minute kayak ride. When you get there, sit back, relax under a tree, and go for a swim. You’re lucky if you run into more than 10 people while you are there. Based on the name, naturally, expect to see a few monkeys roaming around the beach and the island’s lush forest areas.
Whether it’s on the Pileh Bay Lagoon, the Bamboo or Mosquito islands, or the other various sites at Ko Phi Phi Don, snorkeling is a unique experience that you must experience at least once. In Hat Yao, a beach in the south coast of Phi Phi Don, you can spot clown fish and black tipped sharks. It’s a 30-minute walk from Ton Sai, or you can take a long-tail boat for around 100 baht from Ton Sai pier. At Loh Samah Bay you’ll be able to see plenty of coral and reef fish such as the angel fish, while in Ao Toh Koh if you’re lucky you might even be able to swim with dolphins!