Every traveler searches for paradise, that one idyllic locale where nature provides such jaw-dropping beauty that time seems to stand still. Situated off the Andaman Coast in Southern Thailand, the islands of Ko Phi Phi pack that sort of clout. Ko Phi Phi hosts a variety of outdoor activities, a large range of accommodations and a heady island vibe.
History
Ko Phi Phi consists of six islands, although only two are inhabited. The largest island, Phi Phi Don, is approximately 26 kilometers. The island was first inhabited by Muslim fisherman in the 1940s. In 2000, the movie The Beach, staring Leonard DiCaprio, was filmed in Kho Phi Phi, and soon a flood of backpackers and tourists arrived. The island was devastated by the 2004 tsunami, with approximately 70% of its infrastructure destroyed. However, by 2010, it was almost completely rebuilt.
Getting There
If you’re flying internationally, you’ll need to first land in Bangkok. From there, you can take a bus to Phuket (12 hours) for $25. Flights from Bangkok to Phuket are also available via Air Asia or Thai Airways and shouldn’t run you more than $100.
Once you arrived in Phuket, ferries leave 2-3 times a day and take 90 minutes to get to the island. You can also take a speed boat, which is a rougher ride, but cuts down the time in half.
Accommodations and Price
Thailand is cheap; Ko Phi Phi is not. Expect to pay 700 Baht ($23) for a tiny, windowless room with a fan. Nicer rooms with air conditioning will run you 1,500 Baht and up.
Eating and drinking on Ko Phi Phi is also more expensive than the mainland, but it shouldn’t break the bank. You can still snag some phad thai or curry for $3-4. A Chang beer will run you 2 bucks or you can opt to imbibe the popular “Bucket” drink, which is a small plastic pail filled with the booze and the mixer of your choice.
What to Do
Most of those who come to Phi Phi are there to soak up some rays, swill down some beers and chill out on the beach. However, the island offers ample outdoor activities. The reefs off the coast provide excellent diving and there are numerous dive shops where you can get certified, if you’re not already.
If you want to say closer to the surface, the snorkeling is also top-notch. You’ll be swarmed by a huge variety of fish and may even see an eel. For those who are feeling adventurous, you can also swim with reef sharks.
Out of the water, rock climbing and hiking are also options.
Off The Beaten Track
Maya Beach on Kho Phi Phi Leh is the actual location where the move “The Beach” was filmed. The area is designated as a natural wildlife preserve, but tourists can visit the beach during the day. Though there are no permanent accommodations on the island, tour operators in Kho Phi Phi Don offer a beach camping excursion on the island for 1,900 baht.
The trip begins with a few hours of snorkeling. Around dusk, the group hits the beach where you can splash around in the water and watch sunset. Dinner is provided and afterwards campers usually hang out around a campfire drinking, chatting and strumming a guitar.
If you’re up for it, you can even take a night swim and check out the glowing plankton. However, if you can’t do without creature comforts, this trip isn’t for you. There are no rooms and all participants sleep out of the sand on mats. Sleeping bags and pillows are provided, but don’t count on feeling too comfortable.
Dan Lawton is an independent journalist and freelance writer. He blogs about travel and the outdoors at Camping Gear Outlet.
Images by Giovanni Costa
