This pair of islands offers great opportunities for climbing, kayaking swimming and caving in surroundings of unparalleled beauty.

The two islands of Koh Phi Phi (Don and Leh) are some of Thailand’s most alluring. This is sometimes a curse, as despite their national park status, developers have encroached to cash in on tourism. Nevertheless, newcomers are awe-struck by the area’s natural splendor, and Koh Phi Phi remains a foremost tourist destination.

The larger Phi Phi Don consists of two rock masses bridged by a strip of white sand with beaches on both sides. The southern beach (Ao Ton Sai) is more developed, with boats anchoring in the calm bay. The legendary tranquility has gone, but one blessing is that decent restaurants and bungalows are easy to find. The northern beach (Ao Lo Dalam) is comparatively rougher, with fewer bungalows than Ao Ton Sai. More lovely beaches are on the longer, eastern side of the island, known as Koh Nai; a sea gypsy community occupies Laem Thong in the north. Koh Nai’s beaches include Ao Lo Bakao, Hat Yao and Hat Lanti, popular with surfers. The western portion of Phi Phi Don, Koh Nawk, is mostly uninhabited.

Caves, Climbs & Dives
Phi Phi Leh comprises mainly cliffs and a sea lake. In the famous Viking Cave, men climb flimsy bamboo scaffolds to collect swifts’ nests from the cavern walls. There are prehistoric paintings here, alongside more recent pictures from the last century or so.

Phi Phi Don offers plenty of activities. Diving, snorkeling and fishing trip operators work from Ton Sai. Kayaks are available on Ao Lo Dalam, and climbers will enjoy the challenges of over 100 routes on the island’s cliffs.

Heading to Phi Phi Islands
To get to the islands, you have to start from Phuket or Krabi Province. The trip takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on weather conditions and the starting point. And because of the boat schedule, it becomes almost mandatory that you have to stay over night at the Phuket or Krabi. Please check the schedule before your arrival.