Phi Phi Don Island has experienced a rebirth. Located in Southern Thailand between Phuket and the mainland, Phi Phi suffered a significant hit during the 2004 Asian Tsunami. Despite losing nearly all its infrastructure, six years later Phi Phi has nearly completed its rebuilding and is once again a prime spot for travelers looking to sample the paradise that has been rumored worldwide. Phi Phi Don is the largest of the six islands that comprise the Phi Phi National Park, and the only island with permanent inhabitants. As roads are minimal and cars practically non-existent on the island, you become quite familiar with your surroundings as you hike through the small city center. Consisting of several main streets, there are alleyways of market goods to explore, showcasing fresh water pearls and carved picture frames, but it’s the tsunami escape route signs that routinely catch your attention.
Where to Stay:
Depending on your budget and your preferred closeness to island activity, hotels can be found near Tonsai Bay and Long Beach for a range of $25-$250 a night. Both locations are in reasonable proximity to the pier. As a middle range resort, Phi Phi Cabana comes with great personal recommendation, just a couple hundred yards from the pier. It saddles both Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay on the opposite side of the island sand bar. The Phi Phi Cabana showcases amazing views as its pool lies parallel to Loh Dalum Bay leading into the Andaman Sea. As it sits seaside, you are just feet from the beach with private access to play in the warm salty waves.
Where to Eat and Drink:
There is no need to travel far for a great meal, restaurants are plentiful on the island, and a perfect place to indulge in fresh seafood. Most hotels maintain their own restaurants; at Phi Phi Cabana you can enjoy authentically cooked Thai food, or indulge in a steak dinner. Take an evening walk up the beach on Loh Dalum Bay before the tide comes in and you can enjoy dinner while dusk settles over the quiet bay. After dinner enjoy drinks at any one of the bars along the shore, traditionally constructed out of bamboo you can settle in and enjoy the atmosphere while getting to know the locals. For a livelier time and busier atmosphere, head further down the bay to ‘Slinky’, an outside bar that hosts fire shows and lets you sit back and enjoy the entertainment, once you are filled with enough liquid courage the performers will even persuade you to jump in.
What to Do:
Known for its coral, and controversially popularized in the 2000 movie, “The Beachâ€, Phi Phi beholds beauty that demands to be explored. With no shortage of boats, you can easily find a guided tour with a local to show you the views you absolutely cannot miss. Whether you snorkel with sharks or dive to discover the colors of the island coral, the opportunities to experience sea life are bountiful. Hike through Phi Phi Leh to reach the famous Maya beach. Other activities include rock climbing, scuba diving, and cliff diving. Although it can be easy to get carried away in the spirit of paradise, cliff diving does not come recommended by locals who admit that more often than not it leads to trips to the emergency room.
Getting There:
If you’re traveling to or around Thailand, Phi Phi is a must see, and can be reached by ferry leaving from the Southern Krabi town. Planes and buses both travel direct from Bangkok and Phuket to Krabi town. Keep costs low by traveling during the low season, May to November and you’ll be sure to enjoy a quieter island and amazing deals.
