Diving

Koh Phi Phi’s scuba diving ranks highly amongst the best sites in Thailand, as well as being perfectly located to act as a gateway to sites around Phuket, Koh Lanta and to the islands further up the Andaman Coast. There is a huge choice of dive centres on Phi Phi Don all which can provide dives in the local area and some of which provide trips to further afield sites either on day trips or liveaboards. Liveaboards run year round and when the seas are less choppy in the dry season also visit the famous sites in the Simian Islands and Richelieu Rock combined with local Phi Phi sites.

The rugged steep limestone cliffs that rise out of the water creating the beautiful landscapes continue underwater and create some dramatic topography with the wonderful soft coral walls that Phi Phi’s diving is famous for. Some of the most popular local sites include Bida Nok and its neighbour Bida Nai. Bida Nok is an enjoyable dive with colourful corals, a good chance of Hawksbill Turtles, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Banded Sea Snakes and occasionally some lucky divers may see a Whale Shark or Manta Ray in season! Bida Nai has a couple of swimthroughs filled with glass fish, seahorses and harlequin pipefish. These sites are both suited and can be enjoyed by all levels.

Along with the close by local sites, divers can also visit further afield sites on day trips such as Shark Point, Anemone Reef and King Cruiser Wreck. Shark Point is made up of three rock pinnacles home to a diverse, dense amount of marine life including the commonly seen Leopard Sharks against a backdrop of colourful pink and purple corals. This is an ideal site as combined with excellent marine life the site is made up of more than one pinnacle there is always somewhere you can hide from the currents whatever the weather or winds are up to.

Eating and Drinking in Phi Phi

As a popular tourist destination Phi Phi has a wide range of restaurants to cater for almost every taste! It is very easy to walk around and choose from Thai, Indian, Western, Japanese and other restaurants. Most the food is excellent and of good value for money.

Partying

It is always Friday in Phi Phi and it is a popular party destination for many young westerners. This doesnt necessarily spoil the atmosphere but if you are easily disturbed by noise the center of town accomodation might not be suitable!

It can almost be hard to avoid having a few beers (or a bucket) and end up drifting towards the beach for the nightly fire shows at Slinky Bar or Woody's Bar where there are nightly discos and several other premises willing to serve you large amounts of alcohol and burning hoops to jump through.

Other bars worth checking out;

Banana Bar: A chilled out bar on the top of the building - often accompanied by the smell of certain substances being smoked.

Relax Bar: On the way down to Slinky and Woody bar; a great bar run by a nice Swedish chap with very reasonable prices, board games and probably the best atmosphere in Phi Phi.

Dojo Bar: For a more modern feel

Regae Bar: For frequent Muai Thai boxing matches (often pitting tourists against each other for buckets) often entertaining even if some regret taking part!

Becareful you do not end up partying so much you end up unable to dive!

Some tourists in the Muai Thai ring!

Other activities

Although the Phi Phi Islands offer excellent diving you cannot ignore the many other activities and features of the area. The area is the most beautiful in Thailand and whether you trek into the jungle or to the top of one of Phi Phi s hills to get a jaw dropping view of the islands, take a trip to a secluded sandy bay or a kayak trip around the coastline you must take the time to experience all the these magical islands have to offer.

Other activities that are available;

Party Yacht day-trips - The best being the Shangri La boat cruise; they generally take you out in the morning take you round various Islands, give you drinks, food and generally a good time.

Wake Boarding/Water-sking - Just do not expect a high level of coaching; not really suitable for beginners as they will generally expect you to know what to do!

View-point sun-sets - Amazing views - especially at sunset from the various view points. It does involves some up-hill walking as you might expect but totally worth it. Best to bring a torch if you are going to the further afield view points.

Kayaking - A great afternoon can be had exporing the coast and it is relatively cheap! Worth bringing your snorkel & fins if you fancy some free diving/snorkeling.

Cooking classes - There are a few restaruants that do cookery classes and are well recommended by those who have done them.

Rock climbing - There is some decent rock climbing and there are places where you can hire gear and/or a guide!

Shangri La Yacht.. It is hard to understand why people go on the party yacht..

Tips

Accomodation is often sold to you as you get off the boat; if you are budget concious it is best to find your accomodation yourself else you will have to pay 50 baht a night extra which goes to the guy who took you to see the accomodation.

Muai Thai - beware - often fights between freinds get visious and people end up in a bloody mess with broken noses or disjointed appendages for the sake of winning a 200 Baht bucket (and their pride). Medical facilities are not all that great in Phi Phi; anything serious needs to be taken off the island which usually involves a ride on a hand-cart to the ferry port. Best to avoid fighting if you or your friend is very competitive!

You will find a number of ex-pats (usually British or Scandinavian) working in bars, dive centers or promoting bars; these are generally a very friendly bunch who can help you out if you need any impatial advice.

There are good ATMs on the island (a bank & money exchange can be found near Dojo Bar in the center of the main town).