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Phi Island in Thailand |
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| Phi
Phi Island (Mu Ko Phi Phi) in Thailand |
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The Phi
Phi Islands are by far the main attraction to
Krabi, and are widely considered to be amongst
the most beautiful places in the world. There
are six islands altogether: Phi Phi Don, Phi
Phi Le, Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Yung, and Phai;
each of which offers some of the most unique
topography on this planet. Of these six islands
Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le are the largest,
and most well known.
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Phi Phi Don
This is the largest of the Phi Phi islands, and offers some
of the most arresting scenery available anywhere in the world.
Phi Phi Don is comprised of two main sections, peculiarly
connected by narrow strip of glittering white sand. It was
here, in the center, where the first settlement of Ton Sai
was established. Since that time Phi Phi Don has earned a
reputation as one of the most alluring sights in the region,
offering spectacular beaches, gleaming, turquoise seas, and
remarkable landscapes. This reputation, however, has not come
without a cost. In recent years Phi Phi Don has experienced
a tremendous amount of growth, and is no longer the pristine
island that it was just ten years ago. This is not to say,
however, that there is no longer anything to see on Phi Phi
Don. Regardless of the commercial expansion, Phi Phi Don still
remains one of the most magnificent places in the region.
The upside to the recent development of Phi Phi Don is that
it is now able to offer a more complete range of services.
A virtually unlimited number of recreational activities are
now offered for the tourist and the traveler. The area surrounding
Phi Phi Don is home to large sections of coral, and a wide
variety of marine wildlife, making it a first-class diving
and snorkeling site. There are several dive shops that offer
instructional courses and guided dives in the neighboring
areas. In addition, the towering limestone cliffs, with their
sheer faces and imposing overhangs, make the area world-famous
for rock-climbing. Rentals and lessons can be arranged through
many of the hotels and guesthouses. Phi Phi Don also offers
some very good game-fishing, and sea kayaks are obtainable
for a reasonable fee.
Phi Phi Don can be reached by boat from the Chao Fah Bridge
in Krabi, for about 150 baht. The trip typically takes about
2 hours.
Beaches - Phi Phi Don
Hat Yao
This beach, also known as Long Beach, is one of the most famous
on the island. Not only does it offer a broad, sweeping beach
and unbelievable scenery, it also is home to some of the best
coral reefs in the area. Snorkeling and scuba diving top the
long list of things to do here, and accommodation is plentiful.
The only complaint might be a little too much development.
Hat Yao can be reached on foot or by longtail boat from the
pier at Ton Sai.
Hat Lanti
This beach is in close proximity to Hat Yao, and is equal
to it in nearly all respects. Once underdeveloped, Hat Lanti
has only recently given way to commercialism, and remains
quite beautiful. Offshore coral reefs provide for some great
snorkeling, and accommodation is cheap and decent.
Hat Lanti is accessible on foot via the viewpoint trail.
Boats to Hat Lanti are difficult to find, because bungalow
owners refuse to pay commissions, but boats can be arranged
from Hat Lanti quite easily.
Hat Hin Khom
This beach is one of the more unremarkable on Phi Phi Don,
and has recently fallen prey to over-development and lack
of maintenance.
Hat Hin Khao: This is one of the more isolated beaches on
Phi Phi Don, accessible only on foot. This beach offers
good views, peace and quiet.
Ton Sai
This is the oldest beach area on Phi Phi Don, and the most
congested and developed. Still, Ton Sai offers some rather
good views of the surrounding territory, and although lacking
beauty, it is the most accessible and convenient place on
the island.
Hat Laem Tong: This is one of the nicest beaches on Phi
Phi Don, offering spectacular views, and a nice stretch
of marvelous beach. Hat Laem Tong has its own pier, and
therefore is accessible, however, it is targeted at the
high-budget tourist.
Phi Phi Le
The second largest of the Phi Phi Island chain, Phi Phi
Le is extremely beautiful, and pristine. Day trips to Phi
Phi Le are available, and one of the biggest attractions
is Phaya Naak Cave, or Viking Cave, which has some bonafide
prehistoric carvings. Another attraction to Phi Phi Le are
the nests of the edible-nest swiftlet, which fetch up to
US $2000.00 per kilogram. Armed guards stand watch over
these nests, and to protect from poaching, overnight stays
on Phi Phi Le are forbidden. Another attraction to Phi Phi
Le is the abundance of coral reefs, which makes for some
extraordinary scuba diving and snorkeling. Recently, the
motion picture The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was
filmed on Phi Phi Le, giving viewers a mere glimpse of the
truly breathtaking scenery this island has to offer.
Yung Island (Mosquito Island)
This small island in the Phi Phi chain is a few km north
of Phi Phi Don, and has two small beach areas. Much like
Phi Phi Don, and Phi Phi Le, Yung Island offers visitors
some fabulous scenery, both underwater and above. Day trips
are available to Yung Island from Phi Phi Don, and feature
some brilliant views of pristine coral fields.
Phai Island: This is another small, deserted island in the
Phi Phi chain that can be visited during the day by boat.
Phai Island offers some tremendously attractive scenery,
and also has exceptional coral specimens. However, like
Yung Island, this pristine island is uninhabited, and has
no accommodations.
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