Thailand's Phi Phi Islands

Leonardo DiCaprio and "The Beach ": If you haven't had a chance to see The Beach and you are interested in a glimpse of South Thailand's Andaman coast, find a copy of the movie soon. I am not a film critic and will refrain from offering my opinions about the movie except to say that the film's scenic setting is unspeakably beautiful. I will offer a few quotes of reviews of Leonardo DiCaprio's movie. A variety of writers at NZone give The Beach between 2.5 and 3.5 stars. Aint-it-cool-news takes a different view: "The Beach really showcases Leo's maturity. I have never been particularly fond of him, but this film shows a more believable darker side."

Nightlife: There is little entertainment apart from the islands nightlife and the great outdoors. There is nightlife, though. And for the size of Phi Phi Don, it is rather considerable. Reggae Bar Complex is Phi Phi Don's biggest night spot. It is an open air area with five bars and some pool tables. There are also Thai Boxing Nights three nights a week. Carlitos is the island's hang out for Swedish tourists. JJ Vegetarian Café has a quiet jazz and blues feel. And the Beach Club offers non-alcoholic drinks on the beach in an atmosphere okay for kids.

Diving: Diving is among the most popular activities. Diving classes for beginners are available. Day dives exist for the whole reef on Phi Phi's six main islands. There is also a wreck dive and dives to submerged rocks. Phi Phi provides some great diving.

Snorkeling: If you're not sure you want to invest the time and money involved in scuba diving, snorkeling expeditions also exist. You can snorkel the reef for very little money and with very little experience and still have a great time. Sea kayaking is another popular activity and a fun way to tour the islands. Prices for kayaking start at about $12.

Transportation: Phuket in Thailand is the nearest major international airport to the Phi Phi Islands. But depending on your point of origin, Penang, Malaysia, may be a more practical airline destination. Either way, the only way to actually get Phi Phi Don itself is by boat. From Phuket a ferry leaves at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The trip is about 2 hours long unless you manage to get the Jet Cruise from Pla Mong dock. Expect to spend about $10 a person from Phuket to Phi Phi Don.

Accommodations: The range of accommodations is incredible - ranging from a basic, no airconditioning bamboo hut to fairly upscale hotels complete with swimming pool and tennis courts. Prices vary depending on the time of year, but a hut on the beach can be secured for as little as $2 to $8 per night. As you move farther from the boat docks, the huts seem to be both less expensive and of better quality. While a stay in a hut is novel for most Westerners, it is not necessarily uncomfortable or unpleasant.

The Tsunmai and Reconstruction: Ton Sai, the main town of the Phi Phi Islands, was almost completely destroyed on December 26, 2004 by the tsunami that devastated so much of Asia. Almost all of the debris has been removed from that disaster and the island's tourism industry has been rebuilt. There are now about 1500 mostly new rooms available in the Phi Phi Islands.

Paradise quickly becomes an over used cliché in any discussion about the beauty of SE Asia's islands. Perhaps the term's usage should be restricted to Thailand's Andaman Sea coast...

The two main islands which make up the Phi Phi cluster in Thailand's Krabi Province provide what may be the epitome of a tropical island getaway.

The Phi Phi Islands are located about 29 miles (48 km) southeast from Phuket and 25 miles (42 km) south from the town of Krabi. They can be reached by boat in a couple of hours from a variety of locations in south Thailand. The islands are rugged, with vertical cliffs rising from the sea and jagged shores which conceal protected mini-beaches.

Temperatures vary from an average high of about 86F (30C) at the end of the rainy season in September and October to almost 100F (37C) at the beginning of the rainy season in April. From November to March the temperature is usually in the upper 80's and the chance of rain is only slight.

The water temperature is constant - about 85F (29C). Day or night, year round the water is warm.

The largest island, Phi Phi Don, is about 5 miles (8 km) long and 1.5 miles (2.5 km) wide. It is shaped like a dumb bell. The island's mountainous interior means that villages and bungalows are mostly located next to the various beaches.

Phi Phi Le, the smaller of the two main islands, is only 2 miles (3.5) km long and just over half a mile (1 km) wide. It is uninhabited except a few security people who protect some caves on the island. Phi Phi Le has two marvelous beaches: Loh Samah and Maya Bay.

Development on Phi Phi Don is a new thing. As late as 1950 the island had no permanent residents and was only visited on occassion by sea gypsies. Since then, settlement has included Muslims from south Thailand's mainland, ethnic Thai businessmen, and westerners involved in tourism.

The island is truly enchanting. One of its most special features is the absence of cars. One author describes Phi Phi Don as "home to several dozen seafood restaurants, and even more reggae bars and coffee shops, but no motorcars."

Enjoy the Phi Phi Islands...