Phi Phi island is a fabulous looking tropical gropu of islands. The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. This island destination has long been a favourite with travellers because of the fabulous beaches, crystal clear waters and spectacular limestone landscapes. Scuba diving and snorkelling are the main attractions of the Phi Phi Islands, but the range of activities and accommodation has grown over the last few years.
Koh Phi Phi’s climate is tropical and warm throughout the year. The northeast monsoon from November into January is wonderful, with breezy clear days and fragrant cool nights. From February to May the breezes end, and the weather is at its best. From November to May, Phi Phi Island has 26 sunny days per month. The southwest monsoon, from late May to October, brings rain and winds to the west coast of southern Thailand, but there are still 20 sunny days per month. Most often it’s only a cool, late afternoon shower, but there can be rainy days on Koh Phi Phi. Seas can be quite rough during this season and swimmers should be careful.
One of the most popular activities attracting visitors in Koh Phi Phi is kayaking. Most resorts are happy to organise a trip for you, and most kayaks cost around 700 Bhat per day. This is an innovative way to see all the island has to offer, with the boat able to reach secluded caves and parts of the blue waters unreachable by land. Serenely skim across the aqua waters and relax in a kayak for an unforgettable experience on the island. And why not step your kayaking experience up a gear? Paddle boats and waterskiing trips are also extremely popular here, and costs average at around 150 Bhat per day. Extra info on Phi Phi island tour.
Viking Cave is the immense cave named after the pictographs on the wall of the cave which indistinctly resemble to ancient Viking ships. This cave was renamed by H.M Rama IX when he visited it in 1972, which resembles in shape the head of the great serpent of Buddhist legend is a revered place of local people who come to collect the swift’s nests that is used to make Bird’s Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy. The cave is a spectacular scene created by the nature itself; cave and a sea lake formed by a clef between the two cliffs that allows water to enter into a bowl-shaped canyon wherein several nice hidden beaches are shaped. Visitors can stop to relax and snorkel here.
As you are in a large island, naturally, underwater activities are a must! Snorkeling is loads of fun in Koh Phi Phi as there are lots of playful fish that go right up to you! From most of the beaches, swim out a couple of meters and you’ll get decent snorkeling. One of our favorite spots, Ao Toh Ko is even rumored to be a popular place to spot pods of dolphins while you’re in the water. Ummm..yes, please! If you’re looking for something a little bit more out of the ordinary, there are a few tour operators which offer night snorkeling so you can swim with the bioluminescent planktons or snorkeling tours with reef sharks.
Most resorts and hotels offer plenty of packages with snorkeling activities included (we went snorkeling through Zeavola Resort where we were staying), but you can also book a tour in advance to explore the underwater wonders of Phi Phi. For a special experience, check out the Reef Shark Snorkeling Eco Tour where if you are lucky you’ll be able to spot Blacktip Reef Sharks. It’s totally safe! If you’re planning to do a lot of snorkeling while in Thailand (why wouldn’t you?), consider getting your own basic snorkeling kit before your departure. It’s more hygienic and basic sets are affordable.