About Phi Phi Islands - Thailand


The Phi Phi Islands truly are one of the most beautiful collection of island’s to be found anywhere in South East Asia, and have been described as one of the World’s most unique tropical locations in several magazines and books. And judging by the amount of tourists returning year after year there must be something special that keeps them coming back.

The Island’s limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the Andaman Sea and are located only a short ferry journey (approx 1 ? hour) from Phuket or Krabi on the Thai mainland. The Phi Phi Islands National Park comprises of 6 beautiful islands each one uniquely different. The islands are made up of a combination of white sandy beaches, lush green jungle, huge limestone cliffs and stunning underwater coral gardens and fringing reefs. Most of the islands are covered with coconut palm trees stretching from the beachfront up to the jungle, creating an amazing blend of natural beauty.

Click to enlargeThe main Island of Koh Phi Phi Don is made up of a narrow strip of land sandwiched between jungle and cliffs on both sides and containing two large bays, Ao Tonsai and Ao Loh Dalum (Ao meaning bay in Thai), both containing large white sandy beaches.

Tonsai Bay is the arrival and departure point for all the arriving boats and is where the islands main pier can be found.

The more peaceful and scenic Loh Dalum Bay is where most of the beach lovers head for during the day for sunbathing and swimming, the bay is nice and shallow and offers safe swimming conditions all the year round in warm (Average 29?C) crystal clear water’s. This is also where the islands vast range of accommodation, shops, bars and restaurants can be found. The island has something to offer everyone and the visitors to Phi Phi are made up of tourist’s both young and old, backpackers, travellers, families and honeymoon couples all seeking and finding something different.

Climate & Weather

The West coast of Thailand is effected by two main seasons, the dry season which many refer to as the high season is from November to April/May this is when the weather is most stable and is generally blue skies, lots of sunshine and flat calm seas, a gentle breeze is always welcome to help cool down in the evenings. The wet season is during May to October, generally May to July/August the weather is changing and many good days of sunshine and calm seas can be expected and rain is usually kept to heavy showers for 1 or 2 hours in the morning or evening and can be a nice relief from the hot humidity. September and October are the most unpredictable and can offer a mixed bag of sun and rain. Generally Phi Phi receives less rain than the mainland due to it’s location in the open ocean and lies behind Phuket in Phan Nga Bay so is protected from the worst of the wind and waves. So no matter what the weather diving is possible all the year round as the islands form a barrier against any waves always offering at least one side with nice flat calm protected dive sites. Underwater visibility changes regularly throughout the season with excellent visibility possible at any time throughout the year.

Activities

For adventure seekers the island has many activities to be found such as Kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, cliff jumping, rock climbing, trekking and jungle hikes, abseiling and of course Scuba Diving for what Phi Phi is most famous for.

For more peaceful pastimes scenic boat trips around the island by traditional long tail boat are a must, relaxing and sunbathing on beautiful tropical beaches or by the pool, or a Thai massage is always the perfect way to relax and unwind.

 

Restaurants

Phi Phi has an amazing diversity of food to choose from, whilst in Thailand many people fall in love with the Thai food and for good reason, Thai cooking uses an amazing amount of herbs and spices to create mouthwatering curries and soups using vegetables, meat and fresh seafood. For those wishing to mix it up a little can choose from Italian pizza and pasta, Scandinavian meatballs, German schnitzel, English Sunday dinner or fine French cuisine at several restaurants owned and run by ex-pats. Several bakeries also cater to the sweet toothed among us showing movies throughout the day.

Bars and Nightlife

The island has several bar’s which all vary in entertainment on offer, watch Thai Boxing champions fighting each night then dance the night away at the Reggae Bar, Carlitos Bar’s fireshow and late night music is always a big attraction and sure to put you in the party spirit, live music at the Rolling Stoned bar or Cabaret at the Apache bar are always guaranteed to get you singing along, live football and sport events at the new Sports Bar or party hard at the Hippie bar half moon and full moon party’s on the beach.

For a quieter more relaxed drink Charlie bar on Loh Dalum Beach or Jungle bar offer cocktails galore in a more peaceful and serene setting with many more bars catering to all types of tastes, Phi Phi Island always has something going on.

Getting Here

Traveling to Phi Phi could not be easier, with several ferries daily arriving from both Krabi and Phuket and with both now boasting international and domestic flights arriving day and night. Taxi’s and Ferry tickets can be arranged either from the airport or any of the many travel agents located in Krabi or Phuket. For more information or help with travel plans please contact us and we will be happy to help you with any assistance required.


Phi Phi Princess Divers

103, Moo 7, T. Ao Nang, A. Muang, Krabi 81000
Tel: +66 (0)75 622 079 ext 460
Fax: +66 (0)75 612 188
Contact Princess Divers
www.scuba-diving-phi-phi.com


Professional Association of Diving Instructors Tourism Authority of Thailand SSS Recompression Chamber Network

Special thanks to Hein Krebs, Pontus Lexberg, Alex Mahoney,
Steve Rubin and Chris Witty for their photographs.