THE BEST TRAVEL IN THAILAND,PHIPHI

Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi Islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. In addition, the islands are famous as the location where the movie "The Beach" featuring Leonardo Di Caprio was shot. The islands, together with the nearby Noppharat Thara Beach, a total area of 390 square kilometers, were recently established as a national park. Phi Phi Islands are located just 40 kilometers away from both Krabi and Phuket. Thus, despite the fact that both Noppharat Thara Beach and Phi Phi administratively are a part of Krabi Province, most tourists think that Ko Phi Phi is part of Phuket Province. The islands and the coastal hills are composed mainly of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in Phang-Nga Province. The main characteristics of these mountains and islands are their steep cliffs, large caves and dwarf trees growing out of the rock crevices, like those in Phang-Nga Bay. The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don, the larger islet to the north, is well known for its fine beaches and coral formations. Above average tourist facilities and accommodations are available along two beautiful curved bays, namely Ton Sai Bay and Lodalam Bay. Several shops at Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkeling trips around the island or the nearby islands - Ko Phi Phi Le, Ko Yung and Ko Mai Phai. About 2 kilometers to the south is Phi Phi Le.

Koh Phi Phi Don
Koh Phi Phi Don features two bays - Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam - both with long attractive beaches. Ao Ton Sai is where most accommodation can be found and the area offers a wide selection of bars and restaurants. This is probably the most developed part of the island. Hat Yao is likely the island’s best beach and the waters contain the island’s best coral. Hat Ranti beach and Ao Lo Bakao bay are also areas worthy of note, the latter offering a number of upscale resorts. Electricity and water supplies on the island don’t properly meet demand, so bear this in mind when planning a trip - on certain days you might not have a regular supply of either! Tonsai - the island’s main town - is like the main towns of many other islands. A myriad of travel agencies, internet establishments, restaurants and shops, it is here you can book various tours to sites in the vicinity and also arrange your hiking and diving. There are over 20 ‘dive shops’ on Koh Phi Phi Don and they arrange some of the best diving in the world. Popular destinations are some of the smaller uninhabited islands around Koh Phi Phi such as Koh Ha, Koh Yung and Koh Mai Phai. For around 2,000 Baht it is possible to arrange a boat trip with two dives. Other activities on the island include rock climbing, canoeing and fishing. Rock climbing courses are available for around 5,000 Baht for a three day course. Canoes are available at many places on the island and a single canoe costs around 800 Baht a day to rent. For 2,000 Baht you can arrange boats to take you out to some of the best fishing areas, tackle included.

Contrary to Phi Phi Don, this islet is uninhabited as there is no beach area as the island descends abruptly into the sea on all sides and it is prohibited by the administrative body. The main attraction is a large cave about 3.2 square kilometers in size known as Viking Cave derived from one of the numerous drawings on the wall which resembles a Viking ship. The cave has a 10 to 15-metre high ceiling which contains many ledges inhabited by thousands of swallows, thus a bird's nest collection demonstration is a regular feature of guided tours. Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi Phi Islands scenic coves are favorite snorkeling places while the sea around the islands, especially the southern part, which are deep and full of coral formations are popular diving spots. With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi Phi is a paradise in the Andaman Sea. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is from November to April, when the sea is calm. Ko Yung, an island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don, has a stone beach on the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. In addition, the island is teeming with diverse colorful coral reefs. Ko Phai, another island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko Yung, has spectacular beaches in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs comprised mainly of antler corals stretches from the north to the south of the island.

Koh Phi Phi Leh

Koh Phi Phi Leh features spectacular cliffs faces, some caves and a lake.The island is a major source for the ingredients of ‘bird’s next soup’. The bird’s nests are nestled high in the islands caves and due to their popularity (especially in Chinese cuisine) they can reach good prices and offer locals a reasonable income. However, getting the nests requires shimmying up bamboo poles and frames often to absurd heights. Collectors are rarely killed or hurt in falls and the activity is about as enthralling and exotic as they come! Although not as attractive as key areas on the island’s big brother, Ao Maya Bay and Lo Sama are its most attractive destinations, especially for snorkeling. These days Ao Maya Bay is of course a major draw. The spot where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed is now a ‘must do’ item in it’s own right. There is no accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Leh and you cannot stay overnight.

From Phuket
Tour agencies can arrange transport including transfer from your accommodation to the jetty, and the boat to Phi Phi. If you simply want to get there and back for an overnight stay, expect to pay around 500 Baht return. Tickets can be used for any return trip and are not tied to a specific date, so you can be flexible with your plans. Normally it is not necessary to book in advance, although during holidays, especially Christmas and January, it is advisable to be at the pier 20 minutes before departure if you haven't booked through a tour agent..
Day tours cost between 500-1,200 Baht, depending on the boat, the time taken to get there, the quality and quantity of the lunch, and the options available e.g.., snorkelling side trips.
From Krabi Province
Boats depart from Krabi town and Ao Nang beach around twice daily (subject to change) The journey takes about 90 minutes depending on weather conditions. During the low season (May - October) departures may be delayed or cancelled.

From International Destinations
The last boat from Phuket to Phi Phi leaves at 13:30 so you must allow time to get a taxi from the airport to the boat dock. Tickets should be booked in advance through travel agencies as it is not always possible to buy tickets on arrival. Allow around 1 hour from the airport to the ferry. As connections can be subject to delay it is advisable to stay overnight in Phuket before continuing your journey to Phi Phi.
Day Trips from Phuket
If you're staying in Phuket but would like to visit Phi Phi Island for the day, there are a number of tours available. Prices vary between 500 - 1,200 Baht including lunch and depend on the type of boat, quality of lunch, and options offered e.g., snorkeling and glass bottomed boat. Tours normally start in the early morning around 7:00 am and usually return by about 6:00pm
Many Thais travel during festivals and holidays, so boats can be crowded and flights, especially from Bangkok, fully booked. Below are some of the more important festival dates to check with before making your travel plans.
               January - New Year - Busy until around 6th January when it calms down!
               February - Chinese New Year - varies with the calendar - around the 2nd full moon. Ferries are busy.
               April 13/14/15 - Songkran Festival or Thai New Year. This is the water festival when many Thais return to their home. Don't expect to travel easily around this time as buses, flights and ferries are very busy. This is a major holiday in Thailand.
               November Loy Kratong around the 12th. A beautiful festival where floating kratongs (literally "leaf cup" with lighted candles are placed on water to take away bad luck. Not too many people travelling at this time of year.
               December - Christmas - High season. Expect full flights, buses and busy boats.