Koh Phi Phi Snorkeling |
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Here you can literally have the best of both worlds. The beautiful one with an array of wildlife and scenic beauty above water and the splendour and mystique of the bright tropical one beneath. Snorkeling is one of the favourite things to do while visiting here. The tropical fish and coral are so shallow, you can walk in from almost any beach to snorkel and see some amazing marine life and coral. Better yet, hope on a longtail boat and ask the local to take you to a nice snorkeling spot. |
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Most Phi Phi resorts and a selection of operators on the island can arrange trips to several beautiful snorkel sites around the islands. You can simply hop on a long tail boat or even kayak to neighbouring Phi Phi Leh. This island is of course the backdrop of the movie “The Beach”. Depths vary from 2 to 7 meters and the water is crystal clear. Snorkel equipment can be rented or bought on the island. Mentionable snorkel locations include Maya Bay. Maya Bay is surrounded on three sides by towering limestone cliffs creating an underwater fantasy land. Apart from many bright coloured tropical fish, reef and wall coral can be viewed here. |
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At Camel Rock you will encounter strange cave fish and at Hin Klang some remote coral gardens. Koh Mai Phai or Bamboo Island is a popular location just north of Phi Phi Don. Here, in shallow water one sees small sharks swimming. Mosquito Island, opposite Laem Tong Beach is another location offering scenic snorkeling.
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Koh Phi Phi Scuba Diving |
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Though Phi Phi is probably one of the best known islands in the world due to its natural beauty and array of wildlife, many are of opinion that the true beauty of this place lay beneath the emerald waters surrounding the island. It offers huge marine life diversity, coral, underwater caves and crystal clear water allowing visibility of up to 30 meters. Water temperature remains approximately 28 degrees Celsius year round. Dozens of dive operators offer daily diving excursions to several popular dive locations in the vicinity. |
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In fact, the many dive sites concentrated in such a small area is one of the island’s major tourist attractions. The King Cruiser, a shipwrecked ferry, lies just over 10 meters below the surface and make an awesome wreck dive. The two pinnacles, Hin Daeng (red rock) and Hin Muang (purple rock) lie 60 kilometers north of Phi Phi. These are of the most popular sites and being in the open sea when diving here, you can expect to see tropical under water gardens, huge Manta Rays and whale sharks. This site also offer great and sometimes argued the best wall dives in the Andaman Sea.
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Hin Daeng, of which a few meters is visible above water, drops 60 meters into the Andaman depths offering a huge array of tropical fish to be seen. Hin Muang is not visible at all above water. Thick purple coral cling to the walls, hence the name, purple rock. The underwater caves and overhangs are simply amazing. Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai, two small islands to the south of Phi Phi is another location offering great underwater diversity. Turtles are often seen here and just to the west of Bida Nok there are several swim through, created by huge underwater boulders.
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Ao Maya, or Maya Bay recognized by everyone across the world due its towering limestone cliffs bordering the bay on three sides are popular with snorkelers and scuba divers alike. It is not a very deep dive, but it is very beautiful and the shallower crystal clear water attracts both novice and experienced divers.
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Rock formations drop to a depth of 18 meters and just outside the bay there is a 30 meter wall dive offering underwater caves and valleys. Many live-aboard boats also bring their clients here for night dives. These are but to name a few of the dive sites around Phi Phi. Many other dive sites like Ao Koh Samah, Hin Bida and Ao Nui exist around the island waiting to be explored.
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If you have never dived before but wish to try this wonderful experience of weightlessness among breathtaking scenery, rest assured there are dozens of very reputable and safety conscious operators on the island. They offer internationally recognized training courses at some of the best prices to be found anywhere in the world. The shallower water in many locations makes Phi Phi ideal for beginners.
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Kayaking around Phi Phi |
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Sitting on a beach gazing out over the tropical Andaman miracles, limestone cliffs and small nearby islands is a beautiful sight.
Sitting in a kayak on the water looking back at the islands and surrounding scenery is a wonderful experience in itself and probably the best way of sightseeing around this island's shores. Rent a Kayak and explore the cliffs, secluded beaches and bays and other attractions at your own time and leisure.
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Koh Phi Phi Rock Climbing |
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Another angle at which to gaze over paradise. The island offers some of the greatest rock climbing opportunities in Thailand and it is made extra special by the sight that awaits you at the top.
The main climbing area is Ton Sai Tower and Hin Taak which you can reach by a quick long tail boat ride.
There are several good rock climbing shops on the island offering gear and instructors.
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Cliff Jumping |
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Many tour operators on the island offer cliff jumping excursions. Jumps vary from 6 to 16 meters and special shoes and gloves are included in the deal. |
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Koh Phi Phi Boat Tours |
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With so many sights to see and explore, it is no wonder so many boat tours are available on the island. You can do your tour of the area either by long tail boat, speed boat or ferry.
Tours include stops for kayaking around breathtaking cliffs and small islands, cliff jumps and snorkeling.
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Viking Cave |
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When out on your kayak, be sure to stop at Viking Cave on Phi Phi Leh.
The cave is more than 3 square kilometers and has cave drawings made by generations of fishermen for good luck.
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Koh Phi Phi Nightlife |
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The fun on Koh Phi Phi does not have to stop when the sun goes down. It is of course lovely to just sit on a quiet beach, stare at the stars and listen to the sounds of the night and appreciate where you are.
However, if you want some lively night time entertainment, there are no shortage of music bars and restaurants and beach parties. The Reggae Bar and Carlito’s are two favourites among visitors.
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Shopping |
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Phi Phi Resorts just seems to have everything it should to offer their guests and more. Even the shops here will make sure you have all you need. Clothes, jewelry, handicraft, CD’s, DVD’s and snorkel and other sports gear. It is all there. |
