Archive for the ‘Phi Phi Island’ Category

Phi Phi Island

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Phi Phi Island is also known as Ko Phi Phi Don, part of the Phi Phi Islands between Phuket and mainland Krabi in the south of Thailand. Phi Phi Don is the largest and only permanent populated island of the six Phi Phi Islands group. The island is truly a tropical getaway with white sandy beaches, palm trees and turquoise waters.The island is surrounded by the Andaman Sea. Another well know island is Ko Phi Phi Leh.

Phi Phi Island is made of limestone and it has no volcano’s. It features limestone cliffs, a look-out point and clear waters. The island is for most tourists part of their visit to the province of Krabi. The island is popular for day trips, but it also has its own beach side bungalows and chalets. Most hotels are in the north. The largest town on the island and the accommodations are located on a strand of flat land. Tourism has made its mark on the island. There are restaurants, shops, internet cafes and shanty towns now. Beaches are the Ton Sai Beach, Long Beach, Bakhao Bay, Phak Nam Bay, Sea Gypsy Bay and more.

The island has known a fast development, but is still nothing compared to Phuket and other islands. There is little done about the destruction of reefs and the litter all over popular beaches. The litter is from the locals, not tourists. The locals did stop with dynamite fishing since diving and snorkeling are popular activities for tourists. This way the reefs are a bit more protected than before.

Travelers to Phi Phi Island require a valid passport and visa. American citizens don’t need a visa for stays up to 21 days. There are two tropical weather periods on Phi Phi Island. Visa regulations change regularly however, so be sure to look them up before traveling. There is a hot season from January to April and a rainy season from May to December. When it rains on the island, it falls heavily over short period.