For snorkeling in clear waters, sunbathing on wide beaches or simply relaxing, thisisland group in the Andaman Sea is unmatched.
Enjoy vacationing in the Phi Phi Islands, a beautiful tropical setting in the ocean between Phuket and Krabi. Stay on the large northerly island of Phi Phi Don and ride a long-tail boat for trips to Phi Phi Leh and other uninhabited islands.
Phi Phi Don is a fun destination with numerous beaches and places to meet friends for food, drinks and partying at the end of the day. By definition, everything is within walking distance, as the island does not allow cars. Stay in Tonsai Village, which is on a narrow isthmus connecting east and west sides of the island. Most boats arrive at the Ao Tonsai Pier here. Besides beaches on both sides of this narrow strip of land, Monkey Beach to the northwest is also beautiful and easy to get to on foot or by boat.
More places with lodgings, restaurants and bars include the island’s northwestern Loh Ba Kao Bay area and Long Beach in the south. Hiking and rock climbing are other popular activities.
These Andaman Sea islands are known for excellent snorkeling and diving. The warm blue water is clear, providing great viewing of tropical fish, turtles and other marine animals feeding on the surrounding coral reef. The southern island of Phi Phi Leh is particularly popular for diving. The Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach was filmed here on Maya Bay. Pi Leh Bay, a narrow cove between limestone cliffs, is one of the most popular for snorkeling, occasionally becoming overcrowded. Head north by long-tail boat to Viking Cave, where you’ll discover unusual Scandinavian wall paintings and swiftlet nests, which are harvested to be sold for the making of bird’s nest soup.
The northernmost landmass is Bamboo Island, part of a national park and open to tent camping. Reach the islands from Phuket or Krabi in about 90 minutes by ferry or 45 minutes by speedboat. With Phi Phi Islands’ equatorial setting, temperatures are hot year round. November to April have the driest conditions.