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If you want to go on a Robinson Crusoe trip - all right !
On Phi Phi it is easy to isolate yourself... without getting lost.
In the last decade the little village of Ton Sai has developed from being a
fishermen's community to a flourishing island resort.
Phi Phi's human population is a Moslem variety of the mysterious chao lay, the "sea gypsies".
The origin of this people is shrouded in mystery.
Some say that the sea gypsies are descendants
of Malaysian slaves, who fled to Thailand during years of oppression. Some hold that the sea
gypsies came from India across the Gulf of Bengali.
The two Phi Phi islands have long gained fame among globetrotters because of their fabulous
beaches, crystal clear waters and dramatic limestone landscapes. Scuba diving and snorkeling
are the main draws, but the range of activities (and accommendations) has grown over the last decade.
Phi Phi has been called "one of the most spectacular islands in the world".
Maybe that is taking the mouth a little bit to full ..... or maybe not ?
There is indeed something magical about Phi Phi.
It is not just the splendor of the verdant rocks or the snow - white beaches.
It is not just the pastel, clear sea. There is a lot more to Phi Phi then that.
There is a certain atmosphere, a certain spirit that captures every visitor
and makes him dream of coming back. Phi Phi Island is a fairy tale come true.
If you want to worship sun, sand and sea with a cold drink to one side and a good book in hand, okay !
Phi Phi has some of the finest beaches in Asia and is a comfortable holiday resort .
And you will never have to brave beach road traffic in order to get to your hotel.
If you want to explore tropical nature at it's best and sit in a bar at night, telling your friends about it, yes !
Phi Phi has rocky cliffs, marvelous dive sites and cozy restaurants and even bars.
Scuba Diving -
Leopard sharks are Phi Phi's biggest hit.
Other than that, here is the whole spectrum of Thai marine life.
Turtles, moray eels, sharks, barracudas, mantas and once in a while the gorgeous whale shark
or the playful dolphins. Clownfish, anemones, oysters, crustaceans and all the glorious soft and hard corals.
Caves, swim throughs wrecks and overhangs. Yes, Phi Phi is the Mecca of Scuba !
THE MAJOR ISLANDS
Phi Phi islands, Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don, can be reached by a pleasant 1 hour and 15 minute to 3 hour boat ride,
depending on the size of vessel, from the provincial capital's estuarine pier.
Six square kilometres in area, the rugged Phi Phi Lea is characterised by steep, lightly vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed,
hidden bays, pristine beaches and calm clear waters and a spacious, airy cave known as Viking Cave.
By virtue of purportedly ancient cave murals depicting Viking-like sailing vessels.
Two kilometres north, the larger ( 28 square kilometres ) Phi Phi Don has a cuving white and palm-fringed beach
extending between mountain masses sheltering calm waters. This and other minor beaches, offers beachside bungalow
and chalet accommodation.
The area immediately adjacent to a fishing village contains bars offering living music,
restaurants specialising in popular European cusines, Thai food ofcourse, cabarets, souvenir shops, dive shops. And charter boat
operations offering game fishing excursions and day trips, including several opportunities for snorkelling, around the major islands,
including Ko Paid (Bamboo island). Half an hour from Phi Phi Don and touted by locals as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled,
uninhabited islands in the area.
The Phi Phi island group is favoured by yachtsmen and scuba divers who can discover and savour peaceful anchorage
and tranquillity and privacy, in various locations.
Hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, parasailing, waterskiing, long tail and speed boat trips, yachting, dining,
fishing and so on... it's all part of it. But still the ambiance of tropical nature and exotic people remains the
mystery of Phi Phi.
Phi Phi can be said to be, what Phuket was a decade ago.
There is no crowd, except in the very middle of the village in
the very middle of the high season.
Phi Phi hosts thousands of tourists everyday - some stay for a few hours and others stay overnight.
Transportation can be arranged at any tourist agency for day trips which include bus transportation to boat jetties in
Phuket Town or Chalong and lunch for between 500-1200 Baht.
Cost depends on how luxurious a boat you want.
OK, just put yourself in our seat here for a minute, as the boatman "Tuk Tuk" cuts the motor and we glide into this pristine bay
- water clear as blue diamond, cliffs towering straight out of the water on all sides and skies perfect.
- What do you think but "God, we live on a beautiful planet" !
That's about it for our tour of Koh Phi Phi. It's perhaps one of the most beautiful places we ever seen,
so if you found this page while trying to decide whether you should go or not, my vote is a resounding
"YES !" I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip. We certainly did !
You are visitor
since 990509
Phi Phi Island
is a wonderful, impossible combination of tropical island idyll,
nature adventure and even entertainment.
Last updated
1999-09-09