Every once in awhile you want to just get away. Gilligan’s Island style.
If you follow Thailand's long leg of land stretching down miles, you can find Phi Phi Island to the west of what's known as the "knee" in the Andaman Sea.
From archaeological discoveries, it is believed that the area of the islands was one of the oldest communities in Thailand, dating back to the prehistoric period. It is believed that this province may have taken its name from Krabi, which means "sword," which may come from a legend that an ancient sword was unearthed prior to the city’s founding.
The name "Phi Phi" (pronounced as "pee-pee") originates from Malay. The original name for the islands was Pulau Api-Api ("the fiery isle"). The name refers to the Pokok Api-Api, or "fiery tree" (grey mangrove) which is found throughout the island.
Technically, Phi Phi is two islands: Ko Phi Phi Don, where Long Beach, or Hat Yao, is located, and Ko Phi Phi Leh, which is smaller and only accessible by tour or chartered fishing boat. Ko Phi Phi Don is home to several dozen delicious hometown restaurants, reggae bars and local coffee shops...but no motorcars.
If you are looking for a beach where you can play Gilligan's Island, this is it. No roads, just paradise.
Here's the thing-you cannot fly into Ko Phi Phi and the nearest major international airport is Phuket.
The only way to actually get to Ko Phi Phi is by boat.
The skies are clear, the water is calm most of the year and the air is not that humid (except during rainy reason in late May to September).
Sounds like the perfect place to get away...
The real and most common type of lodging is a basic bamboo beach hut. While this doesn’t seem like the norm for an island retreat, it is truly unique and feels wonderful to be close to the ocean breeze. The nicer resorts have huts that feel like hotel bedrooms. What’s sweet is that there are no all inclusive resorts in Phi Phi which tend to draw a different (more rowdy) crowd altogether.
Plus the food is authentic that way. You don’t go to an exotic paradise location to eat in a french fries and sandwiches buffet.
Between the shellfish curry, geng hoi, to the delicious rice and noodle dishes, your palate will be happy to join you on your Thai adventure here.
Besides eating amazing food, Ko Phi Phi is not an action packed island full of hour to hour activities. It’s serenity gives you the R&R your mind, body and soul craves. You can spend hours lounging and read books by the beach in a hammock or strolling the sand to take in the bountiful beauty of your surroundings while there.
The main area to lounge, Long Beach, is magnificent spot for relaxing in the hot sun then watching it sink past the horizon while the tide recedes.
Fans of the thriller “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio, can hop a boat to Maya Bay, where the movie was filmed. Or you can go visit Monkey beach and be greeted by the animals there.
Plus, both the Phi Phi islands are known to have caves and coves that are fun to discover on small hikes or swims.
Ko Phi Phi is the sort of place that sucks you in and once you in it’s untouched wonder, you may find it difficult to leave.
Join us on our next adventure that includes days to explore Nirvana on Earth...Ko Phi Phi.
