Geography

Koh Phi Phi is made up of 6 islands. They lie 50km south-east of Phuket and are part of Had Nopparattara - Koh Phi Phi National Park. There are limestone cliffs, caves and long white sandy beaches.

The inhabited main island of Phi Phi Don contains the center of activity for accommodation, restaurants, nightlife, and beach activities. Most of the development of Phi Phi Don, where the original inhabitants settled, is situated in or around Tonsai Village, which is on the low, sandy isthmus that joins the two hilly spurs that comprise the rest of the island.

There are also other, quieter resorts at Viking Beach, Long Beach, Laem Thong, and other less accessible areas of the island.

Phi Phi Ley is the other main attraction, with its beautiful rock outcroppings, stunning coral reefs and picture perfect beaches. Not only is this island famous for Maya Bay, where they filmed the movie, 'The Beach', but is home to Phaya Naak, or Viking Cave which has prehistoric cave paintings and is where they collect the edible birds-nest for birds nest soup.

Bida Nai and Bida Nok are 2 smaller islands just off of Phi Phi Ley. They have an abundance of marine life and are very popular diving destinations.

Ko Pai, or Bamboo Island has long white-sandy beaches and is home to the ranger station where you can hire a tent for the night and sleep under the stars. This island is a very popular destination for day-trippers because of its excellent snorkeling and beautiful landscape. Ko Yung, or Mosquito Island. Don't let the name fool you, this island has a beautiful beach and stunning rock formations and coral.

Phi Phi officially has no motorized transport, there are however, a pluthera of Longtaills waiting to take you to any beach or snorkel spot on the island. Prices vary according to beach and time of day.

Transport on land is by foot or bicycle, the center of town is a maze of streets but most everything can be reached in less than a 10 min. walk.

There are a handful of Banks with ATM and credit card services scattered throughout the island. Most charge a hefty fee, but the convenience is nice.

Fun Facts

• The name Phi Phi (pronounced ‘pee pee’) originates from Malay, the original name for the islands were ‘Pulao Pi ah Pi'. The name refers to the mangrove wood found there. (Side note: Phuket is pronounced 'poo-ket')
• Phi Phi is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies or Chao Ley. The majority of the population is Muslim
• Phi Phi Island still has no motorized transport
• Phi Phi has 2 seasons - Hot and Wet. Hot season is from November to April, and Wet is from May to October - average temperatures are between 25ºC to 32ºC
• The national park covers a total area of 242,437 Rai
• This area is one of the oldest communities in Thailand dating back to the prehistoric period. It is believed that this province may have taken its name after the meaning of Krabi, which means sword. This may have stemmed from a legend that an ancient sword was unearthed prior to the city’s founding
• Phi Phi Islands is a world-class destination for rock climbing. There are over 600 routes in the area
• There can be as many as 10000 visitors a day to Phi Phi Island during peak months
• “The Beach” starring Leonardo di Caprio was filmed on Phi Phi Island * Phi Phi Islands were also the setting for the hide-out of "Scaramanga" in the same movie
• The word "farang" which most Thai people use to describe ALL foreigners, is thought to have originated from the French word "farangset", which is the Thai pronunciation of "Français", the French word for "French" or "Frenchman"
• Farang is also the Thai name for Guava fruit!
• It is estimated that there are 6 million Soi Dogs in Thailand,they call them Soi Dogs because they live on the streets. Soi is street or small street or alley in Thai language. A great foundation is The Soi Dog Foundation
• Thailand changed it's name from Siam as recently as 1949. The reason that it was called Thailand is a matter of some debate, there are those who believe that it's because it's the only country in South East Asia to have avoided European colonization & the word "Tai" in the Thai language means literally "free"