Koh Phi Phi
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Approaching the twin islands of Ko Phi-Phi Don and Ko Phi-Phi Leh by boat, it's not hard to imagine you've discovered a tropical Shangri-la, but the Phi Phi twins have massive problems these days, having finally fallen victim to their own success.
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The twin green-hilled Koh Phi Phi islands are rimmed by long broad beaches that roll into the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. As you get closer to Koh Phi Phi's lovely sillhouette, what started out as white dots on the horizon turn into beaches which beg to be sprawled on.
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Unfortunately though, these days the Phi Phi Don bay in which the ferry arrives has been badly polluted by leaks from all the boats crowded offshore. Phi Phi Don's other main beach is noisy and dirty.
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For many visitors Phi Phi is a big disappointment. The main accomodation area on Phi Phi Don's central isthmus is a 24-7 party scene. It is a great place for young party animals, but not for families or for adults after a quieter vacation. Such visitors will enjoy the crowds no more than they will like the night-time noise.
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Food-poisoning on Phi Phi Don's central isthmus has in recent years not been uncommon, due to contamination of the water supply. Unfortunately for Phi Phi it has become Krabi Province’s main destination for lager-lout Englishmen, for whom a standard night out, if they have failed to attract a woman, is to find a fight instead.
A swaying curtain of coconut palms used to complete the picture of a tropical idyll, but these have almost all been cut down to make way for tall and expensive concrete-box resorts.
A very different atmosphere prevails on Phi Phi’s more up-market northern beaches, Lobagao Beach and Lana Beach, which are inaccessible except by sea from Phi Phi Don's central isthmus, and where Thailand’s typical style and elegance are in precedence. The resorts on these northern beaches are peaceful and up-market, but expensive.
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The day-trips from these northern beach hotels are, however, no longer recommended, as they visit the same over-run attractions as do the trips run by the all the myriad hotels on the main Phi Phi Don isthmus. |
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Many people these days choose to visit Phi Phi on day-trips from Ao Nang or Koh Lanta, rather than staying on Phi Phi. It's a sad thing to have to write about a destination which used to be so lovely, but we recommend that visitors now avoid Phi Phi entirely, except if they are looking for a party. We can arrange the above day-trips, or accommodation on Phi Phi, plus transport there and back from anywhere in Thailand.
Ko Phi-Phi Don
Possessing stunning topography and long white beaches, Phi-Phi Don was one of the first islands in Thailand to be developed for tourism.
As one of Thailand's most famous holidaying destinations, Koh Phi Phi Don has for some years been fighting a losing battle with its own popularity, as tourists arrive by the million. The tiny central isthmus of this island, which is the main accomodation zone on the Phi Phi twins, has now been largely covered in concrete. Phi Phi Don's resorts are virtually full all high season and so are bad value for money.
Koh Phi Phi Leh
Rugged Koh Phi Phi Leh is edged by the signature limestone cliffs of this region, and by a ribbon of coral. There is no accommotion on this stunningly beautiful island.
The kayaking and snorkelling day-trips here have been wrecked by their excessive fame and popularity, and are no longer recommended - whilst the fish still teem, the humans seem almost to outnumber them.
The island's Ao Maya lagoon, which was used as the setting for the filming of the movie "The Beach", is world famous. This film appearance sealed Ao Maya beach's fate, and it is now so inundated with crowds every high season that we don't reccommend it.
Travel Advice
For travellers intent on visiting Phi Phi we can arrange all transport, tours and accommodation. However, we reccomend visitors consider some of the following alternative beach destinations, instead: Koh Lao Liang, Koh Jum, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Noi, Khao Lak, Railay, the Similan islands, the Surin islands.
Scuba Dive Koh Phi Phi
Click here for information on diving
near Koh Phi Phi.
Climb Koh Phi Phi
Click here for climbing
on Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Phi Phi Deep Water Solo (DWS)
Click here for Deep Water Solo in Thailand.
We recommend divers and climbers visit Koh Phi Phi whilst staying in Ao
Nang. Click here for Phi Phi Island Hotels.
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