PHI PHI ISLAND
Area: Thailand


Location:
In the South Andaman Sea off the W coast of the mainland peninsula. 535 miles S of Bangkok; 25 miles from both Krabi and Phuket.

Telephone code from UK:
66 75

Position:
Comprises two islands known as the twin pearls of the South Andaman Sea.

Description:
The rugged Phi Phi Le is uninhabited and the site for licensed swallows' nest collecting. Accommodation is on the larger Phi Phi Don, mostly concentrated around the settlement of Ton Sai, with a handful of further low-rise developments on various beaches around the island. Set in a magnificent bay of curving white sand beach and soaring cliffs Ton Sai has grown into a busy little tourist area, with a wide range of services available. Many feel this growing commercialisation has spoiled the atmosphere, yet most of the island remains largely undisturbed. With no roads anywhere, a gently undulating, lush jungle-like terrain, many fine beaches and an impressive coral garden, Phi Phi comes close to the paradise idyll of the brochures.

Suitability:
Though still a favourite haunt of backpackers on their trails around SE Asia, the islands have become increasingly popular with less adventurous travellers and some package tourists.

Accommodation:
Good range of low-rise accommodation built in sympathy with their tropical surroundings. Fairly basic beachside bungalows to a handful of good-quality resort complexes satisfy most requirements. During the Thai holiday season (March to May) and the New Year, rooms can be difficult to find.

Shopping:
Ton Sai village has a good range of stores offering familiar trinkets from tie-dye to Buddha images.

Beach:
Numerous beaches and secluded bays with fine white sands. The fabulous stretch of sand featured in the 1999 film "The Beach" is actually on Phi Phi Le island though access to it is restricted.

Entertainments:
Daytime: snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing; walks to island viewpoints especially at sunset; various boat trips. Nightlife: generally low-key, though a handful of bars in Ton Sai village have a few lively evenings and the occasional karaoke during high season. Hotels sometimes present cultural shows.

Eating:
Restaurants in Ton Sai village provide a good range of Thai and Western fare, seafood is particularly good. Also a few simple beachside snack bars.

Public-transport:
With no roads on the island the only means of transport is long-tail taxi boat.

Local-excursions:
Numerous boat trips to secluded beaches, nearby islands and coral gardens.