The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. The islands feature beaches and clear water, and the natural environment is protected by national park status. The only way to reach the Phi Phi islands is by boat from Phuket or Krabi, and you can use either a ferry or a speedboat to get there.
There are six islands in the group known as Phi Phi. They lie 40 kilometers southeast of Phuket and are part of Hat Nopparat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park. Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le are the largest and best-known islands. Le is completely uninhabited, while Don has hotels, restaurants, and more.
The uninhabited has only 1 beach that’s located in Maya Bay. With clear-crystal waters, white sand, and lush tropical vegetation, Maya Bay gathers all the postcard clichés in one place. During high season (November to April), its international fame attracts visitors from around the world. Another cool spot on the northeastern side of Koh Phi Phi Le is the Viking Cave, which has rock paintings of what look like Viking ships.
Phi Phi Viewpoint is one of the most popular landmarks in Koh Phi Phi Don. This large island has an unusual shape – like an ‘H’ – with its main village built on the horizontal bar, a 100-meter flat strip of sand between Dalum Bay to the north and Tonsai Bay to the south. You can find the viewpoint to the east of the flat strip of sand and overlooks the village and the 2 bays.
Diving is the prime activity in Phi Phi. The island counts a large number of serious and professional PADI dive centers dispensing courses – from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster – and day trips to the many world-class dive sites available in and around Phi Phi’s waters.
Among the most notable dive sites of the area, Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and the King Cruiser Wreck are located to the west between Phi Phi Islands and Phuket. Maya Bay is a cove surrounded by around 100 meters of steep limestone karsts with crystal clear waters and a nearly 200 meters long white beach. The beach is no doubt one of the best in the world but unfortunately due to its popularity, it is very crowded most of the year.
Rock climbing among monkeys is possible for beginners and pros at a few spots west end of Tonsai Beach. Tonsai Tower is the main one, a 150-high limestone cliff with an impressive view over the island and the sea.
The islands came to worldwide prominence when Ko Phi Phi Le was used as a location for the 2000 British-American film The Beach, starring Leonardo Di Caprio.
