Things to do on Koh Phi Phi

Phi Phi is not too far from Phuket, but it may as well be light years away. Known through out Thailand as one of the favourite tourist destinations, it is hideaway from the daily stresses of working city life. It attracts a wide range of visitors - day trippers from Phuket who come on one of the express boats, to those whose sole aim is enjoy the islands beaches described by many as some of the best in the world.

The outdoor activities section in any guide book will talk about the diving, kayaking, and all the other great things to do at this incredibly varied location. Just sitting on a beach is another option if all this activity is too much to bear. One of the most rewarding days out can be a boat tour around the various limestone outcrops – many of the long tail boatmen will take individuals or groups out for a half or full day trip. Negotiate your price beforehand.

Another very good half day out is to walk up to the viewpoint to see just how unique Phi Phi is. The two beaches curve away from each other – there can be few other places quite like this anywhere in the world. Commercialism has taken something of a hold at the top of the 186 metre summit. Ice creams and cold drinks are on sale, but then its probably a welcome sight having trekked up the hillside.

This is not a difficult walk, but maybe one which is best done earlier in the morning, especially in the more humid season from May onwards to September. It’s always wise to have your own bottled water, so preferably take a bottle with you. Of course it will be warm water by the time you reach the top but at least it’s something for the trek. And ice creams – those have to be bought at the top unless you like the melted version. The view is spectacular.

On the low ground, the small villages of previous days have grown to become a little bit commercial. There are more bars in Tonsai Village than ever, and the shops selling dive gear, and souvenirs have all made this easy going place a busy trading place, especially in the evening. Naturally much of the items on sale are aimed at the tourist market, but with no traffic other than the odd bike, shopping here is a fine experience.

The village at Phi Phi Don island

For such a small place Phi Phi has an amazing number of restaurants and places ranging from quality French cooking to simple quick burger joints, but not one of the ones with the arched golden gates – not yet anyway. The truth is that so many people decided this was the most ideal place to live and work. They set up shop and over the past four years Phi Phi has become something of a hub of entrepreneurs - maybe those looking to leave their previous lives behind and start afresh in a pace where a traffic light doesn’t affect the quality of your day.