Phi Phi Don

Covering an area of only 28 square kilometres, Phi Phi Don is the largest island of astonishing Phi Phi Archipelago. Located about 50 km east of the Phuket coast and 40 km west of Krabi mainland, of which is administratively part, the small island is the only one with inhabitants, facilities and hotels. The amazing landscape includes high lush green hills and towering limestone cliffs that overlook beautiful white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Definitely it's a small corner of unspoiled tropical paradise far away from busy everyday life. There are no cars on the island, the only motor vehicles allowed are reserved for emergency services; the few and narrow concrete roads on Phi Phi Don are limited to Baan Ton Sai, port and main village of island. Links between the village and all other bays, including Laem Tong where is located the other ferry pier, are just narrow dirt paths to cross on foot by bicycle; this is the only way to move around beyond the classic Thai long-tail boats. Initially populated by Muslim fishermen during the late 1940s, Phi Phi Don currently has between 2,500 and 3,000 residents, depending on seasonal period. Baan Ton Sai is the largest settlement on island, here is the port of arrival of most feries and boats and the vital part of the island. Close to Laem Thong Beach, in the northeast tip of island, there is also a small village of Moken Sea Gypsies, known by the locals as Chao Ley. Ton Sai village is characterized by two secluded coves opposite each other, Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay. The narrow streets of village are a mix of shops, travel agencies, Scuba Centres, restaurants, bars and all kinds of accommodation. Baan Ton Sai is the place to buy handicrafts, jewellery, sarongs, shirts, funny hats, flip flops, costumes, sunscreen or anything else you might need. The numerous restaurants offer the classic dishes of southern regions. Thailand's cuisine is becoming increasingly popular among tourists thanks to its intense flavours, creativity and the amazing variety of ingredients used. The accommodations in Phi Phi Don cover a wide range of types and prices, such as the cheap pensions located in Baan Ton Sai or the affordable bungalows situated around the village or in the quiet and wild east coast. The most beautiful and expensive accommodations are located in the north-eastern coast of the island; some are luxury hotels other are high-class resort villages in tropical-style. The nightlife in Phi Phi Don is concentrated in Ton Sai and Loh Dalum; fun and lively is most spontaneous of other tourist destinations in Thailand. The rugged coastline of Phi Phi Don is dotted with bays and coves with stunning beaches, Hat or Haad in Thai language. The beaches are all characterized by soft white sand and waters of incredible clarity. Among them the most beautiful are: Long Beach in the southern tip of Ton Sai Bay; Laem Tong Beach in the northeast tip; Loh Bagao Beach in the centre of east coast, and Rantee Beach in the south of east coast. To reach all beaches you can hire a long-tail boat in Baan Ton Sai, the round-trip will cost about 1,500 THB for the whole boat, or you can venture into a walk on foot along the paths that cross the island.Read More