Posted on 4:40 AM
First Impressions of the bay. As you round the headland from Phuket Island between Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley Islands or arrive from Krabi rounding Shark Point you get the impression of entering a special part of the world. The cliffs of Tonsai through to the golden sands of Long Beach creates an awe inspiring spectacle. Many of the passengers of the daily move to the side of the ferries and even the bigger ferries list a degree or two.
The Bay stretches along a 2km wall of cliffs round to the man village which is a 2 km wide beach, which as it heads east is interrupted with headlands and smaller beaches.
Tonsai Beach.
This is the heart of the islands where the Asian bazaar like village is noisy, exciting and fun, to the coconut groves under the mountains near the health center, where cows wander among the short cropped grass and palm fronds.
The Hotels on Tonsai bay.
Hotels and resorts are numerous. They are as follows and all have impressive views of the cliffs and Phi Phi Ley; Cabana Hotel, Phi Phi Hotel, Phi Phi Banyan Village, Chao Koh Bungalows, PP Don Chukit, PP Andaman Bungalows, Phi Phi Villa, Phi Phi Andaman Beach Resort, Bay View, PP Villa School, Maphrao, Viking resort, Phi Phi Paradise Pearl, PP Long Beach, Phi Phi The Beach Resort and Phi Phi The Hill Resort.
Tonsai Village.
This bustling community of local Muslim, Thai trader, and western diver traveler and holiday maker create a rich and colourful spectacle. Stay in a comfortable 4 storey hotel like the Phi Phi Hotel, Dive at Sea Frog Divers, eat at the renowned Le Grand Blue, stay connected at Cheap Charlie Internet café, buy a painting at the art gallery, eat local spicy curries, organize Shark watching at the Adventure Club, get a Tattoo, watch the fire show at Hippies, watch the nightly Thai Boxing at the Reggae Bar, shop till you drop and much much more….. this is a wonderful place to visit.
Tonsai harbour.
With the sea dropping like a stone from the edge of the cliffs it is a natural deep water harbour. Protected from the worst winds of low season and while the seas can have 5 meter waves off shore the Tonsai Bay stays flat as a pancake. This has given rise to an all year water sports haven.
It is so deep that one of the more wild tours on Phi Phi Island is cliff jumping. I’ve seen some dare devils leap 12 meters off the cliffs and all bobbed to the surface with a huge grin.
Diving is often done here in the low season as there are very beautiful reefs under the cliffs and also a 30 m rock called Hin Dot just off the end of Tonsai Cliffs.
Posted on 4:36 AM
Phi Phi Paradise Pearl resort is the largest and covers about half the beach nearest Tonsai bay. Prices this April 2006 for the best Phi Phi Paradise Pearl resort bungalows were 2200THB, Fan Rooms 1400THB. Reception is about 100 meters away from the Restaurant but looks smart. There have been 2 phases of building beach front accommodation and the new ones look tidier, it could be good to check which one you are booking into before you make a reservation.
Phi Phi Long Beach is the most economy accommodation and as it is on the beach is very popular. Prices April 2006 were 300 THB for basic economy bungalows, 500THB for standard bungalows and 800THB beach front.
Phi Phi The Hill is up a flight of 84 steps which makes getting to the beach a bit awkward. Once you are up there though the views and the quiet make this a tremendous choice for accommodation. Some of the bungalows have some of the best views for the hotels on the island.
Lastly Viking Bungalows is on the most westerly headland of Long Beach and is based on a reception – bar area on a pretty little beach no more than 35 meters wide. Simple accommodation we also saw tents there last time we went by on a Phi Phi Taxi
Long Beach Divers, Phi Phi Island describes itself as “The Most Chilled out and Relaxed Dive Shop on Phi Phi island” with 100% safety record, and budget rooms available with all courses.
It also has a Live aboard Boat that goes to Phi Phi King Cruiser Wreck Monday Wednesday and Friday during the 2006 high season. On this trip there is the option to get a pick from Songserm ferry from Phi Phi to Phuket for free. This is because the Dolphin One, the liveaboard dive boat is the same as company as the ferry company.
Posted on 4:33 AM
Koh Phi Phi is an island for getting out side and enjoying incredible nature. 18 km of coral reefs surrounds 4 islands, Phi Phi Don (The Village), Phi Phi Ley (Maya Bay, The Beach, Leonardo Di Caprio), Bamboo island and Mosquito Island.
Phi Phi Ley is famous for being almost entirely cliff, but the mountains of Phi Phi Don are larger and in some ways more impressive. Bamboo and Mosquito are quite and remote.
Phi Phi Diving.
Phi Phi Island is ranked as one of the top scuba diving destinations in Thailand. Ship Wrecks, underwater walls, islands, shark and clouds of marine life make this a divers paradise. Phi Phi Island Tours
Phi Phi Snorkeling.
The champagne tours of the reefs are less than 8 meters (24 foot) deep and provide an unending variation.Phi Phi Island Tours
Phi Phi Kayaking
The cliffs provide shade, blowholes and magnificent scenery and the sea provides gardens of coral over which you paddle. Phi Phi Island Tours
Sightseeing.
Beach hop around the best reefs, beaches and scenery in style with one of Phi Phi islands favourite tours.Phi Phi Island Tours
Phi Phi Sailing.
Sunsail charters explore the remote and pristine of the Phang Nga Bay.Phi Phi Island Tours
Deep sea fishing charters.
Marlin and wahoo are just 2 off the species that hunt in these seas……......Phi Phi Island Tours
Posted on 2:47 AM
Phi Phi Island is extraordinarily beautiful and often hosts couples on their first trip as man and wife.
Quiet
The resort that is the most out of the way is the Phi Phi island Village.
Celebration
Any of the bungalows at Tonsai Village (where the ferry arrives) allow plenty of choice for good restaurants bars and clubs.
Action sport
Again the bungalows at Tonsai Village (where the ferry arrives) is the main center for kayaking, snorkeling and diving.
Specials
Honeymooners will get preferential treatment at Siam UK, allowing them to choose the routes for their tours and special prices on ferry tickets.
Posted on 2:44 AM
Imagine a coconut beach in paradise surrounded by mountains cliffs and hills on one side and bounded by the aquamarine sea of the Phang Nga Bay on the other. This is the Loh Bagao and Lannah Bays.
This is one of Phi Phi Island's secrets. Though it has the majesty of the main Tonsai Village, Loh Dalum Bay (Dolphin bay) and Tonsai Bay, it is not in the classic view of Phi Phi island, a photograph taken from Phi Phi Island's main View Point. As there is no deep water pier and a village less than a 50th the size it is not well know celebrated or crowded. This in fact is it's attraction.
This whole area is larger than Tonsai and so with so little happening in such a large area it is quiet and peaceful. Tonsai has almost 1500 hotel rooms but Loh Bagao and Lannah Bay have only 104 at the Phi Phi Island Village Resort and Spa & Phi Phi Island Village Resort Hillside Villas . The start of 70 rooms of the hillside villas from the hotel chain Sofitel is the only other change to this coconut grove.
The coral off Loh Bagao is better just to the south of the Bay towards Ao Pak Nam. Lannah Bay coral is difficult to get to but in good condition in High season. Hin Klang in front of the Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island, Zeavola Resort and Phi Phi Natural Resort is the islands best. The reef is in the middle of the sea and enjoys quite strong tides and but is recommended to those who are experienced.
There are many things to do and see from these bays but the trekking or tramping must be the most impressive.
1. There is the obvious and easy trek up on the north east coast to Laem Tong peninsula. 2-3 km one way.
2. The Local view point just above the dive center (over the bridge, turn left to Lana Beach Sign and look for a sign to the right). This has wonderful views of the cliffs behind the Phi Phi Island Village Resort and Spa and also the cliffs over Tonsai Village). The climb is about 200m and requires some walking experience as the path is not so clear on the descent. Walking shoes should be used.
3. The walk past Lana Bay to Nui Bay takes you from the west side of the beach, takes you up a small rise of about 40m and down to Nui beach framing camel rock and some wonderful snorkeling October to April. This is an easy rock but worth taking shoes as the rock over to Nui bay is sharp.
4. Walk to Tonsai Village. Take the bridge over the north end of Loh Bagao and turn left on to the paved track for about 600-800 m and look for the simple track sign posted up and over the hill. This 3km is difficult if you have to use rock as the tidal rock is covered with very slippery seaweed. 40-60 minutes
5. Walk to Ao Pak Nam or Relax Bay Bungalows. The path goes south from the Phi Phi Island Village Resort and Spa and takes you past the Sofitel and immediately cuts uphill to take you away from the slippery rocks on the sea shore. Following a well trod trail you reach Ao Pak nam in about 20 minutes.
6. The walk to Top View Point is hard because you are going uphill and secondly difficult to get on the right track. Go to the top of the Sofitel road and look for a track into the bush. Head south and you will find a track that take you along the top of a very soft drop off for about 2km. After a while you will see the Top View Point which is Phi Phi island's best as you can see both sides ie Tonsai Bay and East out towards Krabi, Koh Lanta etc. This place is marked by a radar beacon placed hear by the army after the Tsunami.
Posted on 2:39 AM
Guesthouses all over Asia give the traveler on a budget the perfect opportunity to travel for long periods. Guesthouses also are ideal for those who don't want to book ahead, take a chance and generally go with flow.
Availability and Price
As Phi Phi Island is a small place it can get busy to overflowing. Because of this, when the island gets full, the prices of the guesthouses will vary according demand. At some times a few extra dollars actually pays for a quality bungalow in a resort where prices have been set for the whole season.
Guesthouses on Phi Phi Island
Below are a list with comments. Prices vary and can be higher than quoted here at busy times.
Natasha Guesthouse, Hotel
25 meters from the pier and on the clean main street this small 18 room mini hotel/ guesthouse is ideally located for restaurants, diving and nightlife etc. Prices from 500-700 THB
Marina Guesthouse
Opposite Fatties Restaurant and 15m from Mosquito Diving, 150 meters from the pier this guesthouse is a pleasure to stay in. Formally one of Phi Phi Islands biggest night life scenes, it has been transformed into an oasis of calm. 14 rooms Prices from 350-1150THB
Direct Guesthouse
16 Rooms in the village. Prices from 350-750THB
Dream Guesthouse
17 Rooms Prices from 350-800THB
Rim Khao Guesthouse
12 Rooms and located as the Thai names translate on the edge of a hill it is in the back of the village 90 meters from the beach. Prices from 350-900-1100THB
Harmony House
In the village 150 meters from the Lodalum Bay. Prices from 300-600-800THB
MN Guesthouse
14 Rooms. Prices from 600-1200 THB
JJ Guesthouse
8 Rooms. Prices from 350-700THB
R S House
Rooms, inexpensive, in a quiet local Muslim neighborhood. Prices from 250-400THB
Sunla
11 Rooms, inexpensive, in a quiet local Muslim neighborhood. Prices from 400-700THB
The Rock Bar Backpacker Dorm
Down at the end of the village behind the Pavilion resort. 90 meters from the Beach. Prices unknown
Banana House
On the main street leading to the View Point, 350 meters from the pier, 80 meters from Lodalum beach. Prices from 250-1000THB
Lek's House
On the main street leading to the View Point, 350 meters from the pier, 80 meters from Lodalum beach. Prices from 250-1000 THB
Phi Phi Town House
Next to the Mosque behind Phi Phi Don Chukit Resort.16 Rooms. 10 minutes from the pier. 100 meters to the beach on a quiet open path. (Note. 5am call for prayers). Prices from 300-700THB
Posted on 2:00 AM
Floating Boats of the Sea Gypsy (Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival)
Floating Boats of the Sea Gypsy (Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival)
On the full moon day of the 6th and 11th lunar months (around May and October)
This festival is a rare and old tradition of the sea gypsies on Ko Lanta. On the full moon day of the 6th and 11th lunar months the sea gypsies will gather at the beach near Ban Saladan to float boats in the sea in order to float away the misfortunes and bring good luck. During the ceremony, a typical southern rong-ngeng dance and music will be performed around the boats.
Opening the Andaman Sea (Krabi Boek Fa Andaman) - November
This festival is held annually to officially open the tourist season of the province. It features parades, cultural and musical performances, sea kayak competitions, boat races, sales of local products and other activities.
Posted on 1:54 AM
This paradise-like island in the Andaman sea is part of a national marine park, standing next to Koh Yoong and well worth visiting for the its outstanding beauty. There is also a nice coral reef near the beach.The northern and eastern shores offer the beautiful beaches and a long stretch of coral reef to the south of the island. Take your snorkeling gear with you because on the way to Bamboo is a beautiful coral garden called Hin Klang.
is located a short boat trip away from Phi Phi Don to the northeast. When you stay at Phi Phi Don don't forget to visit this beautiful island that is never crowded unlike Maya Beach. arriving early in the morning means you can have the place to yourself for those perfect beach photos.
Around 6 km. north of Phi Phi island which is reachable by boat from Phuket (1 hour from Phuket) and Krabi. Arrange to hire a boat the day before and plan to leave early in the morning. Normal boat trips are also available later in the day.
Posted on 1:05 AM
Koh Phi Phi can be reached by boat either from Krabi or Phuket. In downtown Krabi tourists can take a boat at Chaofa pier. The boat leaves for Koh Phi Phi daily. Boat tickets are available at the pier or from travel agents in the town. It takes about 2 hours and a half for the journey. Regular boats from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi are also available during high season.Mu Koh Phi PhiAn archipelago of six islands consists of Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le as the major islands. The superb scenery of the islands includes high hills with jutting cliffs surrounded by marvelous beaches and emerald sea, hiding underneath a bank of coral reefs and colorful marine life. Places to visit of Mu Koh Phi Phi include
Koh Phi Phi Doncovers a total area of 28 square kilometers : 8 kilometers in length and 3.5 at its broadest point. At the north end is Cape Laem Thong, where there is a Chao Ley, or sea gipsy village. These sea gypsies emigrated from Koh Lipeh in Tarutao National Park, near the border with Malaysia. Diving at Laem Thong is excellent, as it is also at Hua Rah Ket to the extreme south. There are long beaches with rocks scattered about. Two curving bays are especially beautiful : Ton Sai and Loh Dalam. This is also where accommodations and tourist services are found.Koh Phi Phi Le
is 6.6 square kilometers in total area : 3 kilometers in length and 1 at its broadest point. The island is entirely limestone and steep cliffs rising from the sea very nearly ring it. Surrounding waters average about 20 meters in depth, reaching 34 meters at the deepest point off the island's southern tip.
Phi Phi Ley has several beautiful bays : Pileh, Maya and Loh Samah ; Ao Pileh is very nearly enclosed by the limestone walls of the island's cliffs, so that the water appears almost to be an island sea. On Phi Phi Ley's northeast is the famous Viking Cave; this was renamed by H.M.Rama IX when he visited it in 1972, Tam Pya Nak, from the shape of a particular boulder, which resembles in shape the head of the great serpent of Buddhist legend, the Naga. It is a place much revered by the local people who come there to collect the swift's nests used to make Bird's Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy.
On the eastern and southern walls of the cave are colored drawings dating from historic times. There are pictures of elephants and also of various boats : European, Arab and Chinese sailing ships ; baroques, motorboats, and steamships. It is theorized that these pirates who paused in their travels from west to east, sheltering in the cave to escape the monsoon winds, transfer cargo, or make repairs. Travel to the Phi Phi Islands Tour operators in both Phuket and Krabi provide transport and tour packages to this popular destination. Regular boat service is available form Jao Fah pier in Krabi.Koh Phailies also to the north of Phi Phi Don, not far from Koh Yung. Sandy beaches are on the north and east sides of the island. Broad coral reefs stretch away into the south.Koh Yunglies to the north of Phi Phi Don. There is a rocky beach on the east side, and a smaller strand of sand in a fold of the hill. Many beautiful and various corals are found there. 
Posted on 12:59 AM
Baan Laimai Beach ResortAddress 66 Thavee-wong Road, Patong Beach Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Location Patong Beach
Baan Laimai Beach Resort : Come stay with us one and you will want to come back again. Only 50 meters from the beach, decorated with traditional Thai furnishings and teak furniture.
Amari Coral Beach ResortAddress 104 Moo 4, Patong Beach Phuket 83150, Thailand
Location Patong Beach
One of Thailand's most popular islands, Phuket is often called the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. On a secluded headland on Patong Bay, Amari Coral Beach Resort & Spa offers first-class accommodation, two swimming pools, diving and sports facilities and a range of fine restaurants. The hotel has been completely renovated in a contemporary modern design.
Patong Beach HotelAddress 124 Taweewong Road, Patong Beach Phuket 83150, Thailand
Location Patong Beach
Patong Beach Hotel with its superior locate on the beautifully arched Patong Bay, creating a 3 km. fine pearly whiet sand beach, offers the most stunning view of the setting sun available on the whole island. A variety of water sports and shopping areas are available along this illustrious waterfront to enchance your vacation pleasure.
Patong Beach Hotel Phuket - Discover the ancient art of therapy, refined over the centuries to sooth body, mind and soul. Experience the therapeutic power of essential oils, exclusively and freshly blended for individual treatments. Relaxing and restorative massages by professional therapists.
Excellent food and relaxing vacations are the greatest happiness in life, Patong Beach Hotel is prepared to offer both. Our delicious diverse fare, everything from seafood straight from the sea prepared Thai style to continental cuisine graciously served in our many eateries, particularly the Baitong Seafood Restaurant are guaranteed to delight all who dine with us.
Bay View ResortAddress 69/1 Moo 7, Leam Hin Beach , Phi Phi Island, Krabi
Location Leam Hin Beach
Bay View Resort consists of split- level cottage. Situated on the hilly terrains of Leam Hin and Surrounded by thick groves of trees. From the lodges, you can see the panoramic view of Phi Phi lea island. At the Front of the resort lies a pure and white beach.
Andaman Beach Resort
Address 65 Moo 7, Ao Nang, Maung , Krabi 81000, Thailand
Location Tonsai Bay
Andaman Beach Resort is a modern bungalow development, built directly on the beach.
Being located in the northern part with no other resort beside, you will have hundreds of metres of white sand for you. Enjoy a day on the beach, basking in the sun, taking endless walks along the coast or enjoying an evening looking out to the sunset, when the Andaman Sea is flooded by the sun's golden rays.
Phuket' s warmest Thai welcome right on Patong Beach - the most beautiful and sought after holiday spot on Phuket Island.
Phuket is known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. It's beautiful, balmy and home to some of Asia's finest beaches. Patong Beach is the main beach, with more resorts, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and sporting activities than any other is. It's spectacular, bustling, lively and fun.
It's also relaxing, peaceful and convenient, here, at Club Andaman Beach Resort located on the quiet northern end of Patong Beach in 15 acres of secluded tropical gardens and coconut palms. Here, you and your family can laze the day away unwinding, relaxing and sunbathing in a luxuriant tropical environment.
Club Andaman Beach Resort just 45 minutes drive from Phuket international airport and across the road from Patong's famed white sands; Club Andaman Beach Resort offers vacations in tropical paradise coupled with fabulous Thai hospitality.
Posted on 3:18 AM
A year on from the tsunami, what state are Thailand’s dive sites in and is it safe to return to the Andaman Coast?
Earlier today I posted a response to an item on Travel Dive’s forums asking about the state of Thailand diving after the tsunami. I wound up writing a small essay, so I thought it would be worthwhile reposting my response here.
“I live in Thailand and freelance for Asian Diver magazine. I headed out to the Similans in early February 2005, to write a report for them about how well they’d survived. The upshot is that most of the site are fine. It’s still Thailand’s best dive destination.
Yes, Khao Lak was heavily damaged, and the town’s beachfront still bears several scars, but the reconstruction effort has been massive. The five star Le Meridien hotel has already re-opened there. It’s completely safe to return to Khao Lak and has been ever since February 2005.
Phi Phi is also back on its feet, with over 250 businesses now re-opened. I recently did a lengthy interview with Andrew Hewett from phiphidivecamp.com, the organisation that co-ordinated thousands of volunteer divers to remove some 250 tons of debris from Phi Phi’s shores and reefs, and he reckons the iisland looks like it did 10 years ago. Again, there are some visible scars, but it’s not the disaster zone that remains in people’s imaginations from the tsunami footage. While there are a lot of concerns about corruption and big hotel chains moving into Phi Phi, it’s by no means a foregone conclusion that the island will be ruined again by over-development.
Moreover, the tsunami seems to have had some sort of cleansing effect on the ocean - the diving off Phi Phi, at Hin Daeng/Hin Muang in particular, is absolutely stunning now. When I dived there in April, I had the best dive of my life - 5 manta rays spinning around me for an hour with a whale shark turning up on my safety stop!
I concur that the Surin Islands did apparently get badly damaged - I am actually trying to get a boat out there to see for myself, but the vast majority of liveaboards only stop off at Surin for a couple of dives, if that, and prefer the other sites North of the Similans.
In short then, the tsunami wreaked havoc on Khao Lak and Phi Phi but they are open for business again and the diving in the Andaman Sea is still spectacular. The local businesses really need tourists to come back and divers are usually amongst the most adventurous and open minded of travellers.”
Posted on 3:12 AM
Scuba diving tourists are returning to Koh Phi Phi and helping the tsunami-afflicted island return to normal Bangkok Post: “Thawet Kongtuk, a taxi boat driver who worked at Tonsai beach on Phi Phi island, thought his career was over after the monster waves devastated the island on Dec 26 last year. He was wrong.
Around three months after the disaster, tourists began to return to the island. Today Mr Thawet, 26, has resumed his duties, taking tourists to dive sites around the island. He works with a private boat owner, who pays him 500 baht a day. The trip between the beach and the dive sites on long-tailed boats takes about 30 minutes.
The high number of tourists, mostly Swedish and German, has brought life back to Phi Phi. More diving shops have opened, while boat services have been busy. Now there are around 300 taxi boats, about the same number as before the tsunami, in the area. A third were donated by the French Red Cross.
A pretty heartening story from today’s Bangkok Post, showing that the hard work of all the volunteers at Koh Phi Phi Dive Camp has paid off. The island is flourishing again, with hundreds of businesses open and scores of hotels available - take a look at this list of Phi Phi hotels you can book online for more info.
Posted on 3:09 AM
Thailand’s most famous island paradise has been restored to its former glory thanks to the spectacular efforts of thousands of volunteer divers from all around the globe Koh Phi Phi was one of the worst affected areas in Thailand by the December 2004 tsunami. The scenic island set in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Southern Thailand had long been popular with backpackers and scuba divers alike as an ocean paradise. It was a reputation sealed by the choice of Koh Phi Phi as the location for the Hollywood movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. When the wave hit, it destroyed 60 per cent of the buildings on the island and claimed nearly 1300 lives. Many thought Phi Phi would never recover from the devastation wrought upon it by the sea, both on land and to its surrounding reefs. But throughout 2005, a truly Herculean clean-up effort carried out by Thai and tourist volunteers alike has ensured that Phi Phi is not only open for business once more, but that it’s just as beautiful a place to visit and to dive.
Usually the term “clean-up” in scuba diving circles is synonymous with scouring reefs and beaches for litter for a few hours before repairing to the bar for a well-earned drink. But in Koh Phi Phi’s case, the reef clean up was a huge logistical operation that has gone on for almost the entire year and cleared some 280 tonnes of debris from under the water and on the beaches. Literally thousands of volunteers, divers and non-divers alike, have passed through Phi Phi during 2005 to help with the island’s restoration. The debris retrieved from the water has ranged from trees and construction materials (including a seven tonne roof in one case) to personal effects vital in helping identify those missing in the wake of the disaster. Such work must have given the volunteers harsh moments, both physical and psychological, which makes their achievement even more remarkable.
One of the key figures in making this cleanup operation happen was Andrew Hewett, a long term Phi Phi resident and dive instructor who narrowly escaped the tsunami with his wife and children. As Project Co-ordinator of the Phi Phi Dive Camp which was founded in February 2005 to formalise the reef restoration operations on the island, Hewett has watched the clean-up grow from a seemingly impossible idea into an extraordinary achievement.
“The big surprise”, says Hewett, “was that we actually achieved the goal of what we wanted to do when we started. Over the first six months period we averaged about sixty volunteers per day. The Dive Camp also employed up to twenty five local Thai residents to help with the effort. In total we had about 4500 people assisting us. Volunteers included experienced divers, snorkelers, beach clean up crews, boat crews, and other surface support teams. In total approximately 7500 dives were made to clear the debris. At the same time, a number of other private groups were helping to support the local community. Among these was the Hi Phi Phi group organized by Bang La and Claire West, who did a fantastic job of organizing volunteers to help clean the streets and assist businesses to reopen.” Time Asia recently named Hi Phi Phi as one of their Asia Heroes of 2005 for their efforts.
Both the Phi Phi Dive Camp and Hi Phi Phi organisations used their websites to attract more volunteers and to highlight the plight of the island. PADI publicised the Camp’s dive operations on their online message boards which brought in hundreds of divers from all over the world, including divers from the French police team R.A.I.D., Emirates Diving Association, BSAC, NAUI and CMAS members.
While the bulk of the clean up operation is complete, Phi Phi still needs volunteer divers to help with the next phases of the Dive Camp’s work, which will be directed at reef monitoring and restoration. In collaboration with Reef Check, the international volunteer organisation which has developed a recognised protocol for reef assessment, Dive Camp volunteers will be conducting reef analysis while Hewett’s own company, The Adventure Club, will be offering educational courses using this reef data. In this way, Hewett hopes that tourists to the island will be able to get an idea of the direct impact of tourism on the island while they’re enjoying Phi Phi’s beaches and reefs.
Referring to the overbuilding that Phi Phi has suffered in the past and the subsequent impact on the island’s reefs, Hewett maintains that “the clean-up effort has proved a great tool in opening the eyes of the local community and travellers to the importance of protecting our environment. Many of the local people, myself included, believe the Phi Phi Islands are in a unique position to undo the mistakes done in the past and rebuild a better infrastructure that will help to give the islands a future.
“Unfortunately, this might all be just a wild dream if the appropriate authorities do not take the steps to monitor future activities, regarding construction, tourism and fishing within the Park. Without this, it is possible that Phi Phi will go back on the same path it was taking prior to the tsunami.”
There’s certainly no doubt that since the tsunami, the marine life of the Andaman Sea has paradoxically been flourishing, from the Similan Islands down to the dive sites in Southern Thailand accessible from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and its neighbouring island Koh Lanta. One theory is that the force of the wave actually cleaned off sediments that were beginning to build up on corals. Another is probably due to the lack of boat and tourist activity allowing fish life to settle. Whatever the explanation, the key dive sites visited by Phi Phi dive boats of Koh Bida, Koh Haa and Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are possibly even more spectacular than they were before the tsunami. As Hewett says, “Hin Daeng and Hin Muang just blow the mind. They are two mid ocean reefs with thousands of fish and a 50/50 chance of seeing manta rays or whale sharks.If the clean-up operation showed the best side of the diving community, Koh Phi Phi’s rebirth as one of Thailand’s premier island destinations will also rely on divers and backpacker tourists returning to the island. While there were many media reports about Phi Phi’s destruction, there are relatively few about its reconstruction and the return to normal life that has come about on the island. Getting the word out that Phi Phi is open for business once again - with fully functioning infrastructure and facilities – is now the other challenge facing Hewett and the rest of Phi Phi’s residents. There’s few signs that the tsunami ever happened on Phi Phi – as Hewett explains, “the reaction from people that have come back to the islands is very satisfying. People that knew Phi Phi before the tsunami are shocked by the amount of loss of the buildings that were on the island, but at the same time are surprised by the speed of the recovery. In contrast, people that have never been here say that they find it hard to believe the stories of how much damage was done.”
What’s left now is an island that has been reborn from the tragedy it suffered, and where the destruction has been transformed into a second chance for Koh Phi Phi to rebuild itself and properly protect its marine habitat. With world class dive sites like Hin Daeng and Hin Muang close by, there’s never been a better time for divers to visit Koh Phi Phi.
Posted on 2:52 AM
Bamboo island was kind of busy when we arrived there. It was supposed to be great for snorkeling, but I didnt see a lot of fish. In front of the Holliday Inn resort I saw more fish than on Bamboo island.
This small island was a lunch stop on a day cruise around Kho Phi Phi. The setting was idyllic, and the beers were cold, we settled in .... and almost got left behind ! I guess there could be worse things to happen to you on a holiday, though .... Pai Island lies also to the north of Phi Phi Don, not far form Koh Yung. Sandy Beaches are on the north and east sides of the island. Broad coral reefs stretch away into the south.
Bamboo and Moskito Islands - Snorkeling
Island Description
Bamboo Island and Moskito Island are located at the north of the Phi Phi island group. Bamboo Island is a small island and surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches. There is no accommodation available here since it is part of the National Marine Park and building is illegal.
Moskito Island is not far from Bamboo Island but very different in form. This island is very rocky with high limestone cliffs. The island is surrounded by a shallow coral reef.
Hin Klang Reef is conveniently situated on the way to these islands. It is a shallow coral reef that is a very good snorkeling spot.
Posted on 2:42 AM
The Phi Phi islands are some of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia, whether it be for adventurous diving or a large amount of other activities. Just an hour by ferry boat from neighbouring Phuket Island or Krabi, these stunning islands offer the ultimate tropical experience. Movie-set beaches, dramatic cliffs and rock formations, and turquoise coral waters abundant with a diversified colourful marine life - Phi Phi is quite simply the perfect paradise for you.
There are 6 islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lei islands being the largest. Phi Phi Leh island is uninhabited and a protected as one of Thailand's National Marine Parks. The larger and inhabited, Phi Phi Don island attracts hundreds of visitors to stay on its lovely shores throughout the year. Bida Nai and Bida Noc Islands are a popular diving destination where Turtles and Leopard Sharks are spotted daily. Mosquito Island and Bamboo Island offer some stunning shallow reefs. This is where we conduct our sunset to sunrise dive adventure camping trips - PERFECT for that lost tropical island experience. Explore the caves and rummage around in the dense vegetation between cliffs and beaches.
People quite often rush through Koh Phi Phi Island only visiting the famous areas such as Longbeach and Maya Bay (as featured in Leonardo Di-Caprio movie, "The Beach"). However, depending on tastes there are a multi-tude of beaches and locations within the island group to match or even surpass the Maya Bay experience. Check out Losama Bay, for a similar but smaller enclosed beach experience that has far greater snorkelling than Maya Bay itself.
Diving in Phi Phi
Paradise Diving Thailand has everything you could wish for in the perfect Thailand diving experience. No crowds, no set itineraries, just a personal, friendly service and the freedom to explore the tranquillity of a magical underwater world.
Based on the tropical island of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand, in the beautiful Paradise Resort, Paradise Diving offers a unique and exhilarating Thailand diving experience, whether you are diving for the first time or a fully certified diver. With our beachfront classroom facilities and the reef on our doorstep, Paradise Diving Thailand rivals any destination.
Diving in Phi Phi is especially enjoyable as there are many coral reefs, bays and caverns to explore. All our dive sites are rich in exotic sea life. The waters are warm and visibility is generally good and there is a great variety of coral and an even greater variety of fish to see. Large schools of dolphins are often visible from the shoreline, playfully jumping out of the water. Other common marine life includes barracuda, bat fish, groupers, octopus, angel fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, anemone, clown fish, wrasse, triggerfish, moray eels, hawksbill turtles, blue spotted stingrays and various reef sharks. The world famous Hin Duang and Hin Muang Thailand dive sites are also nearby, where enormous whale sharks and manta rays are regularly seen. Or why not discover the thrill of wreck diving in Thailand at the popular King Cruiser dive site, where an 80 foot car ferry now serves as a base for a new coral reef.
New to diving?
If you aren't a certified scuba diver, Paradise Diving Thailand offers fully certified scuba diving lessons. Our experienced team of PADI Instructors will give you an unforgettable learning experience in an environment that can only be described as absolute paradise. However, if you simply want to have a go, without committing to a course, the PADI Discover Scuba Diving programme is for you. With one-to-one instruction, we can provide you with a safe and exhilarating first time underwater experience. We also stock a range of high quality snorkelling equipment (Take advantage of the low equipment prices in Thailand). The waters for diving in Thailand are warm and swimming is perfectly safe and ideal for all ages.
Experienced divers
Certified divers are separated into groups relevant to their training and experience. With no more than four divers to one instructor, we aim to provide a more personal service. If you have your own equipment we can store it for you. We prepare and clean all the equipment for you to make your diving days as enjoyable as possible. We work around you, not the other way around. Tell us what you want from your Thailand diving trip and we will work to accommodate you. We want you to enjoy the ultimate diving experience.
