Phi Phi Islands are the most popular beach destinations in Thailand which have a lot of surprises in the womb for every tourist. The famous Maya beach featured in the 2000 released movie 'The Beach' rendered the beach an instant fame amongst tourists although there is no accommodation available here. Overnight stay is prohibited in this Phi Phi Leh (Maya beach is located here). The islands offer a tropical getaway at its stunning beaches, eye-catching rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters that house a variety of colorful marine life.
What Makes Phi Phi Islands Unique?
Phi Phi islands are located in Thailand's Andaman Sea about 46 kilometers from Phuket. The towering limestone cliffs around the frosty white beaches make stunning landscape beauty. Phi Phi is a group of six islands. Two main islands are Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. The latter attracts hundreds of visitors every year through its lovely shores. Phi Phi Leh houses some of the most stunning bays and beaches of Thailand.
Phi Phi Don is a much larger island that is a tourist paradise and has the widest range of accommodations to fit in the budgets of every kind of travelers. The island is famous for its wild party scenes.
Exploring Phi Phi islands
Phi Phi islands are perfect for those who want to get away from the crowded beaches of Thailand. According to the estimate, Maya Bay alone attracts more than 3700 visitors per day, who come here via speedboat from nearby Phuket.
The Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.
The remote off areas of Phi Phi Don houses some of the few high-end resorts in the area and the most prominent being Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort. Or you can opt to visit the Loh Bagao, 4- star property with uniquely constructed spacious thatched-roof bungalows and villas, facing the hillside and beachfront.
If you are a party animal, there are beach parties held at pools in restaurants and the bungalows, widely scattered from the beaches into the jungle, covering a total of 70 acres area. Here rage parties continue till the early hours of the morning.
For local sightseeing in the nearby village, you can hire long tail boats that offer dining and drinking options too.
Staying in Phi Phi Islands
Deciding upon your temporary stay in the islands is a tough job, as a great variety of destinations are available to suit different budgets and tastes. Phi Phi Don southeastern coast is lined with luxurious and peaceful Laem Thong. All the staying destinations are located on a single island.
Viking Caves
Viking caves are one of the most noticeable sites on the Phi Phi Leh. It is known as Tham Phata Nak in Thai. These caves have paintings found on the eastern Southern walls of the caves which are certainly quite recent. According to the legends, a long time ago, sailors lost their boats during a storm and were stuck in these caves of the limestone island which was home to the colony of Swiftlet. Sailors probably survived by eating their nest. Now, this has become one of the most profitable local industries as the bird's nest is now sold on an average for the US $2500 per kg.
Best Time to Visit
The climate of Phi Phi is similar to that of Phuket or Krabi and therefore the busiest tourist season here is between November and April. December is the coolest month in the region and February is the driest which makes it perfect for relaxing on the gorgeous beaches and enjoying water sports in the calm sea. Additionally, beach parties can be enjoyed until the wee hours of the morning.
The Phi Phi islands are a loveliest destination in Southeast Asia which can be reached via 45 minutes Speed boat trip or 90 minutes ferry boat ride from Phuket or Krabi.
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