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Krabi Phi Phi

There are actually two islands here: Koh Phi Phi Don is the populated island, while Ko Phi Phi Lai, also known as Ko Phi Phi Leh, is the small, unpopulated island to the south filmed in the movie "The Beach". Nest collectors protect it for their lucrative trade in Bird Nest Soup. Although uninhabited (expect for the mentioned nest collectors and a few Maya bay wardens), expect plenty of tourists. "The Beach" has made this island overly popular.

Although rapidly becoming less and less attractive due to the masses of tourists as well as the constructions on the island, it still is a very beautiful place to be at. It's one of those places everybody should have been at once in his lifetime. The tsunami has temporarily haltet this development while the island is being rebuilt. Koh Phi Phi is frequented more by backpackers and less by package tourists these days. Expect this phase to be over by 2007.

Activity
Take a longtail boat to the east side of the island during low tide. Swim to the hole in the coral, climb through and walk the path to "The Beach". Take a bit of trash back with you to keep it pristine.

Water directly around the island is disappointingly murky and not good for diving. The beach on the other side of the island, across from where the boats land, is slightly nicer.

• Snorkelling - There are two rocks in swimming distance off Long Beach, where Blacktip Reef Shark can be seen. Guided tours to do that are organized by dive schools. Dive schools take snorkellers on dive boats, but expect to see a hint of the underwater marvel visible to scuba divers only.

• Diving - This island has many dive shops, and some very good dive locations. Prices are regulated on this island, so expect to pay the same everywhere. Good diving spots away from the main islands are Shark Point and Anemone Reef.

Get Around
Taxi boats will bring you to all beaches of the islands. However as long as you stay on Phi Phi Don, you can walk to any beach as well. For a ride from Ton Sai to Long Beach, expect to pay 40 Baht per person in the afternoon, and at least 80 Baht at night. To have a complete boat for yourself, expect to pay at least 100 Baht.

Wheel barrows are used to transport all goods on the island, including your luggage if you like. Expect free transport from the pier to your room, but not neccesarily in the inverse direction