About the Islands
Phi Phi consists of two small islands south of Phuket. Fine sandy
beaches give way to soaring limestone cliffs to form spectacular
scenery. Add crystal clear water, a refreshing lack of roads, plus
a laid-back lifestyle, and it's easy to see why Phi Phi is one of
southern Thailand's most popular destinations.
The tsunami that struck Southeast Asia affected these islands too,
but these days that's old news. The pedestrian town around Ton Sai
Bay is back to normal. Most of the beaches and accommodation around
the quieter, less built up north coast suffered little more than
a hiccup to normal operations and are still as lovely as ever, this
area didn't even close temporarily as there was no need.
The smaller, uninhabited island of Phi Phi Leh little damage. Surrounded
by sheer limestone walls dotted with caves and passages the island's
shallow blue-green lagoons and coral gardens are a snorkeling paradise.
The island also has two magnificent beaches, Loh Samah and Maya
Bay - used as a location for the Hollywood film 'The Beach'.
Longtail boats make the many secluded beaches around Phi Phi Don
accessible. Diving and snorkeling at Laem Thong and Hua Rah Ket
is excellent. Dive companies offering all-inclusive trips are prevalent.
Electricity
220v with European or US style 2 pin plugs (flat or round), adapters
are common in shops
Banks/ATM
Getting or changing money is no problem in Tonsai Village, there
are several banks that open into the evening that will change cash
and travelers cheques. ATM's are on many street corners. Banking
facilities are not available on the east coast, you should take
money with you or stop at Tonsai Village on the way.
Doctors
There a newly built hospital in Tonsai Village which can treat
minor ailments, here evacuation to Phuket can be organised for those
with serious conditions.
Pharmacies
Prevalent throughout Tonsai Village and open fairly late.
Internet
There's an Internet cafe every 50m or so in Tonsai Village, most
hotels also have internet access available. You can also burn your
photos to CD.
Photography
Getting photos printed is easy (and pretty cheap).
(Read more traveller's tips)
Neighbouring Islands
Koh Yung Island (Mosquito Island)
North of Phi Phi Don, Koh Yung has some well preserved offshore
coral gardens that make for great snorkeling. The island gets it's
name from the black clouds of mosquitoes at sunset.
Koh Phai Nok Island (Bamboo Island)
A tiny 700-metre island surrounded by coral reef. Located just east
of Koh Yung. Small beaches on the north and east coasts; coral gardens
to the south.
Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok
Small islands visited mainly by divers for their underwater scenery.
Koh Bida Nok is very good for both advanced and beginners with both
shallow and deep dive sites.
Thai Holidays & Festivals
Many Thais travel during festivals and holidays, so boats can be
crowded and flights, especially from Bangkok, fully booked. Below
are some of the more important festival dates to check with before
making your travel plans.
- January: New Year. Calms down around January 6th.
- February: Chinese New Year. Date varies with the calendar
- around the 2nd full moon. Ferries are busy.
- April: Songkran Festival (Thai New Year). This is the
water festival when many Thais return to their home. Don't expect
to travel easily around this time as buses, flights and ferries
are very busy. This is a major holiday in Thailand.
- November: Loy Kratong. A beautiful festival where floating
kratongs (literally "leaf cup") with lighted candles
are placed on water to take away bad luck. Not too many people
traveling at this time of year.
- December: Christmas. High season. Book all transportation
early.
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