Close to Phuket, is the archipelago of the Phi Phi Islands; a group of islands which include Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and Bamboo Island.
Koh Phi Phi is the most famous of all Thai Islands with thousands of visitors flocking there every year. Tourists can get to these islands by ferry or long tail boats from either Phuket or Krabi. Once there, you will find a tropical paradise with glistening white sand beaches and incredibly straight cliffs jutting sky-ward from the sparkling sea water. Even with the limestone mountains in the island's interior, the island is so narrow that you can see sea water on both sides when standing in one central location on the island!
Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest, most populated island and the only inhabited island in the group. This island is a protected marine reserve, so besides enjoying untouched beaches, you can also do some spectacular snorkeling and diving!
Sitting just about a kilometer and a half away from Koh Phi Phi Don is Koh Phi Phi Leh; an uninhabited island with stunning, vertical cliffs covered with lush greenery and small, sandy beaches with tropical coral seas. Loh Sama, a bay on the south side of the island, is where you can find beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish while snorkeling in the crystal-clear water. Viking Cave, located at the bottom of a tall limestone cliff, is named for the paintings of Viking boats found on the walls of the cave. It is also home to various swiftlet birds' nests which are sought-after by the Chinese culture because they are believed to promote good health.
Koh Phi Phi became famous worldwide when Koh Phi Phi Leh was used as a location for the film 'The Beach' shot in 1999. This recognition has changed island life by gradually becoming a hot tourism spot. Tourists who flock to the island create a strange mixture of party-going travelers and resort-dwelling tourists!
