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 Phi
Phi is still a relatively unspoiled small island where the pace
of life is easy and each day melts into the next..... It's the sort
of place where you can enjoy doing absolutely nothing for the entire
day!
If you feel the need to move from the beach, here are a few suggestions....
- Start your day with breakfast on the beach
- Take a local tour around the islands, and go snorkelling.
- If you're already certified, go diving
and check out the sharks.
- Take a canoe tour around the caves
and coves..
- Dine al fresco on the beach (under
the stars of course!)
- Check out the nightlife catch
some jazz or reggae, or watch a film at one of the local bars.......
Phi Phi is a place for enjoying life outdoors. For kids,
it's a place to paddle a canoe, be a pirate, or learn a new skill
like diving. Above all it's a place to simply relax and enjoy.....
Snorkeling
 Coral
gardens, unusual cave fish, exotic tropical fish, and even Leopard
sharks. Great snorkeling in crystal clear water. You can hire
equipment from local dive shops, but it's worth taking a tour
to the many reefs which fringe the islands. Tours also go to offshore
reefs (about 1.5 km) which contain more unusual marine life. Depths
vary from 2-7 metres (6-20 feet)
Masks and snorkels are normally included in the price, although
these may be of varied shapes and sizes! Some operators have quality
equipment while others have a standard mask and fins in limited
sizes, so shop around, otherwise your underwater views may be
limited.
Notable sites to visit - Maya Bay - location for the Hollywood
film "The Beach" with good reef and wall corals. Camel
Rock - for strange cave fish, Hin Klang for more remote coral
gardens, and Hin Phae for shark watching.
Local Tours - Island Hopping
 Take
a local longtail boat trip around the island. Each boat can take
about 6-8 passengers and stops at all the snorkelling places and
local beauty spots including the Viking Cave. You may need to
take your own snorkel gear (you can also hire from local diveshops)
although some companies provide a limited selection of equipment
and local lunch.
Beach Hopping
Life is very laid back in Phi Phi, and despite the variety of
activities available, there is very little pressure to to get
out and do anything! Sleep in until the sun rises high in the
sky. Then wander from your room to the beach (perhaps 20 metres)
and lie in the sun until your particular beach gets boring. Time
for a 15 minute trip to some protected inlet to find a new little
beach or place to eat. It's tough!
Local long tail boats are happy to take you from beach to beach,
including the famous one in the Leonardo DiCaprio film "The
Beach"(See map)
Diving
Superb diving in and around the Phi Phi islands. Check the diving
page for details.
Kayaking
 A
great way to see the best of Phi Phi's marine and bird life among
the limestone cliffs coves and caves. A number of companies offer
canoe tours around Phi Phi Don and the neighbouring islands, combining
kayaking, snorkelling and even shark watching! Meet the sharks
for breakfast! No this isn't "Jaws," but it's definitely
"Up Close and Personal" with Black Tips and Leopard
Sharks.
Depending on location and season, kayaking tours can be high
energy and action packed with surging waves, caves, and blowholes,
or more gentle relaxed paddling, depending on the season and the
tour. Paddle during the day, visiting islands, snorkelling and
swimming or take a sunset paddle and return by torchlight under
the stars!
Game Fishing
The Andaman Sea is home to all the classic prize fighters of
the fish world. Black Marlin, Giant Travelly, Sailfish, and Shark.
Yellowfin, Dogtooth and Skipjack, Tuna are common, while Wahoo
are plentiful during the monsoon season. (June - October.)
Boat
charter is available, or join a trip with other individuals
(depends on demand) or hire a local longtail boat. Don't expect
to take your fish home Phuket operates a "catch and release"
policy to maintain the stock of these remarkable fish.
Kid's Stuff
Not too many organised activities for kids and definitely no
theme parks!. This is a place for staying outdoors and enjoying
the simple life - sand, sea and nature. For most kids the opportunity
to snorkel, learn to dive, go fishing, paddle a canoe, or play
with sand makes a change from playstations!
 Rock
Climbing
Surprisingly, not really developed on the island - despite the
great potential. Although some routes are bolted, you'll need
to consult other climbers first and bring your own equipment!
Krabi is more organised with climbing shops and gear for rent,
although more crowded on the rock face.
If you want to see local climbers in action, visit the Viking
Cave. For 100 Baht, with no ropes or special equipment, just bamboo
scaffolding (and a prayer to the local cave gods) the locals collect
the Swifts' nests which form the basic ingredients for the gourmet
Chinese Bird's Nest soup. (Sorry no nest, demonstrations only!!)
Trekking
Most of the locals use longtail boats to get around, but there
are a few paths. Walk up to the lookout point in Tonsai for a
stunning panoramic view over the twin bays of Phi Phi, the jungle
below and beyond. It's worth the modest 40 minute climb and the
200 metre steeper section is paved and quite easy. Refreshments
are available at the top during all of high season, but take water
for the climb.
To get there, walk along Loh Dalum Bay past Phi Phi Princess and
Pavilion beach resorts. Follow the signs up the hill past Viewpoint
Resort to the vantage point.
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