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The Phi Phi Islands lie approximately 18 miles south of Krabi, the largest and most developed being Phi Phi Don.
If you plan to spend several days here, Ton Sai Bay is the most convenient for shopping. It’s also the spot to get transport back to Phuket, Krabi or neighbouring islands.
These islands are well established as southern Thailand’s most popular destination. They are encircled by water so clear you can almost see the seabed from the surface.
A sand spit just above sea level joins the main island of Phi Phi Don’s two geologically separate islands together. A large expanse of fringing reef in the northern bay impedes dinghy access at low tide.
The honeycombed cliff-faces rise from crystal clear waters. The ambiance is laid-back. These islands will always attract many visitors from the neighbouring tourist hubs of Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga provinces.
Approaching Phi Phi from the south, take care to avoid both Hin Bida, approximately three miles southeast of Koh Bida. Also steer clear of Hin Klai two miles east of north Phi Phi Le. Approaching from the north, pay particular attention to avoid the extensive reef areas of Hin Klang a mile east of the northern tip of Phi Phi.
Many a bare boat captain has come to grief here in recent years, which is a good indication that the digital charts don’t accurately representaion the reef’s position. Keep a good lookout or give it plenty of space, especially at night. National Parks speedboats collect 400 baht (at the time of writing) per person at all anchorages around Koh Phi Phi.
Click to view Krabi & Phi Phi gallery.
The authors are as baffled as anyone by what’s happened ashore on Koh Phi Phi since the 2004 tsunami. By 10 am wall-to-wall speedboats block the entire beach, many with three or four outboards bolted to the stern.
The restaurants are packed and it’s often impossible to get a table anywhere between 6 and 9pm, which is probably why fast food outlets are thriving are thriving, with plans afoot for more… and more.
When the day boats arrive and depart the bay, the cacophony of noise and smoke is horrendous. If you want to drop in to enjoy the spectacular scenic approach from the south, late afternoon is best; stroll through the walking street, enjoy a meal in the evening but best to get out before 10am next morning!
There are far more relaxing destinations in the area. If being anchored in Ton Sai is too much for the senses, we suggest using Yonkasem Bay (B) and timing the tides for dinghy to the beach to access the town.
It’s still the glorious Phi Phi of old from every angle – but ashore it evokes Joni Mitchell’s 1970s classic that went, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot…”
