An introduction to Phi Phi Islands
Accessibility:The Phi Phi Islands can be reached by boat from either Phuket or Krabi, they are about the same distance apart. Daily boat trips are arranged even in the monsoon months unless a storm is imminent. |
Famed as among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world. Phi Phi Islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions of Thailand. The islands, together with the nearby Nopharatthara Beach, were recently established as a national park with a total area of 390 kmē |
Coral
Cliffs
Bird Nest collecting |
| As most visitors to the Phi Phi Islands come from Phuket some 40 km. away, many of them think that the islands are a part of Phuket. In fact, both Nopharatthara Beach and Phi Phi belong to Krabi province, although the distance from Krabi is about the same as that between Phuket and Phi Phi. | The islands and the coastal hills are mostly composed of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in Phang-nga province. Some of the characteristics of such mountains and islands are their steep cliffs, large caves and dwarf trees growing out of the crevices in the rocks, like those in Phang-nga Bay. | |
| At least 23 species of birds have been recorded in the park area. They are about the same as those found on other islands in the Andaman Sea, including frigate birds, sea eagles, fly catchers, magpie robins, swallows, starlings and various species of gulls and pigeons. | What are of much greater interest to the ordinary tourists are the colourful coral and exotic fishes of many different colours and shapes. Large fishes such as blue marlin are occasionally caught. But they usually come and go with the southwest monsoon and so are not easily encountered in the area. | |
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Cave, Phi Phi Le Island |
About 2 km. to the south is Phi PHI Le. Contrary to Phi Phi Don, this islet is uninhabited, not only because it is forbidden, but also because there are no beaches around it. The island descends abruptly into the sea on all sides. Its main point of interest is a large cave about 3.2 kmē. in size, known as the Viking Cave. It has this name because one of the numerous drawings on the walls resembles a Viking ship. The cave has a ceiling about 10 to 15 metres high which contains many ledges inhabited by thousands of swallows. A demonstration of birds nest collection is a regular feature of a guided tour of the island. The sea around the island is deep and the southern part is full of coral formations and therefore is a favourite diving spot. | |
| With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, wooded
mountain cliffs, colourful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi Phi
is a paradise in the Andaman. Visitors to
Phuket
should not miss it if the schedule is not too tight.
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Hotel view |
The island group is composed of two rocky, tree covered islets -
Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. The former, the larger of the two which
lies in the north, is well known for its fine beaches and coral
formations around the island and is provided with an assortment
of accommodation facilities along Ton Sai Bay and Lodalam Bay and
at the northern end of the island.
