The two Phi Phi Islands (also spelled Pee Pee, or P. P.) have long gained fame among globetrotters because of their fabulous beaches, crystal clear waters and dramatic limestone landscapes. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the main draws, but the range of activities and accommodations has grown over the last decade.

Hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, parasailing, water-skiing, long tail and speed boat trips, yachting, dining, fishing and so on... it's all part of it. But still the ambiance of tropical nature and exotic people remains the mystery of Phi Phi.

Phi Phi Island near Phuket, Thailand
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Phi Phi can be said to be, what Phuket was a decade ago. The water and the sand are clean and clear. There is no crowd, except in the very middle of the village in the very middle of the high season.

Phi Phi has been called "one of the most spectacular islands in the world". Maybe that is taking the mouth a little bit to full.... or maybe not? There is indeed something magical about Phi Phi.

Phi Phi Island Inlet near Phuket, Thailand

It is not just the splendor of the verdant rocks or the snow-white beaches. It is not just the pastel, clear sea. There is a lot more to Phi Phi then that. There is a certain atmosphere, a certain spirit, that captures every visitor and makes him dream of coming back. Phi Phi Island is a fairy tale come true.

Beach in Thailand
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Actually Phi Phi is not just one, but two islands: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lee. Phi Phi Don is the big sister and the one that has people living on it. It is blessed with superb beaches and magnificent views. There is ample natural shelter for mooring in the shadow of stunning rocks around the islands.

Ton Sai Harbor in Ton Sai Bay is the only settlement on Phi Phi. Estimates on Phi Phi's number of residents vary from 500 to 2000. In the last decade the little village of Ton Sai has developed from being a fishermen's community to a flourishing island resort. Today several ferries call at Ton Sai Harbor every day. There are guest houses, bungalows and hotels offering accommodation, ranging from basic to comfort. There is 220 Volt electricity, fresh water supply and quite a few restaurants and some bars.

The development of tourism on Phi Phi has taken a different course than, say, on Phuket, in Krabi or Pattaya. Phi Phi is part of the Kho Phi Phi National Marine Park and neither can nor will open to unlimited influx of pleasure seeking hordes of tourists. The greater part of visitors to Phi Phi arrive here on one day trips. These visitors do not need accommodation, they do not spread out to explore pristine forests, beaches or waters. They basically all follow the same program - lunch at certain restaurants, snorkeling at certain shores, souvenir buying at certain stores.

For the visitors who want to stay on Phi Phi for more than a day or a week, only a limited number of beds are available. In the high season there might even be shortage of rooms. Businesses on Phi Phi may be cry out for land, but the natural shortage of flat land and Phi Phi's status as National Park will not let development run out of hand. So, paradise endures... there is no land traffic on Phi Phi... there are no streets. A few bicycles dash through sandy lanes and a tri-wheeled old Honda motorbike transports coke bottles and trash bags. Except from that, nobody moves except on foot. There is not much crime here, either. The locals know each other and live together in peace, just the way they have always done. The huts and houses of the little sea gypsy community living behind the beach-lane restaurants and souvenir shops have no locks and the doors are always open.

Phuket, Thailand
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Phi Phi Lee (also spelled Phi Phi Ley or Phi Phi Lea) is the small sister of Phi Phi Don. In contrast to Phi Phi Don, this smaller island has few beaches and no flat land and is not inhabited. Its natural beauty, the cliffs and the caves are attractive to visitors, who like to explore for a few hours. And its formidable coral reefs, its abundant marine life and underwater caves make for excellent diving. If staying on Phi Phi Don doesn't fulfill your Robinson Crusoe dreams, a jaunt to Phi Phi Lee sure will.

Viking Cave is the most famous place on Phi Phi Lee. This grotto is the home of thousands of sea swallows, who's nests, clinging to the walls, are harvested at regular intervals. They are used for the preparation of Swallows-Nest Soup - a delicacy that fetches high prices on the Chinese market. Before climbing up high bamboo scaffolds in order to pick the nests, the collectors pray and make offerings to the cave spirits. Viking Cave also contains prehistoric paintings of stylized human beings and ships. Maybe these have given the cave its name?

Divers love Phi Phi Lee for its abundance of marine life and coral beauty. Beneath the swallow nests, under the waters of the Viking Cave, corals are home to thousands of small fish. They in turn get eaten by bigger fish. On the other side of the island, a few kilometers away, Maya Bay is another open secrets among divers. From minuscule shrimps to giant mantas and whale sharks, Phi Phi has it all.

Remote Thai Village, Thailand
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Phi Phi island is a wonderful, impossible combination of tropical island idyll, nature adventure and even entertainment. If you want to go on a Robinson Crusoe trip - all right! On Phi Phi it is easy to isolate yourself... without getting lost, that is.

If you want to worship sun, sand and sea with a cold drink to one side and a good book in hand, okay! Phi Phi has some of the finest beaches in Asia. And you will never have to brave beach road traffic in order to get to your hotel.  If you want to explore tropical nature at it's best and sit in a bar at night, telling your friends about it, yes! Phi has rocky cliffs, marvelous dive sites and cozy restaurants and even bars.

Ton Sai Harbor in Ton Sai Bay is the only "town", where limited number of beds are available. In the high season there might even be shortage of rooms. Businesses on Phi Phi may be cry out for land, but the natural shortage of flat land and Phi Phi's status as National Park will not let development run out of hand.

Phi Phi & Krabi Province Weather and Climate

The climate of Krabi Province is tropical and therefore warm throughout the year. On the other hand, Krabi is also affected by the monsoon winds that bring about seasonal changes. There are two very hot periods of weather on Krabi, the first is between April and May when the average temperatures ranges from 27 to 36 degrees Celsius with occasional tropical thunderstorm bringing relief from the heat.

It is also very hot between September and October, but the frequent rainfall has a wonderful cooling effect. In May, at the peak of the southwest monsoon, it rains on an average of 25 days during the month, making it to one of the most humid months of the year. Rainy days are interspersed with sunny days during this period and the rain generally comes in tropical downpours of an hour or so throughout the day mixed with periods of sunshine.

November to March is the most popular time for tourists to visit Krabi. It is when the northeast monsoon brings beautiful blue skies and predominantly sunny weather with an average temperature of 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. Visitors are advised to make early reservations (maybe a year in advance) for accommodations during this period of time because of the popularity of the Krabi and its attractions.¹

Getting There: Getting to Ko Phi Phi: Phi Phi Islands which are equidistant to Phuket and Krabi Provinces can be reached by boat.

Getting There: From Krabi: Chao Fa Pier: Passenger boats leave Chao Fa Pier twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The trip takes about 2:30 hours. Ao Nang: There is one express boat trip leaving daily at 9 p.m. taking 40 min.

Getting There: From Phuket: Many tour companies in Phuket organize one-day trips to Phi Phi Islands. Tickets can be obtained from any hotel.

*1: Copyright © Tourism Authority of Thailand