Phi Phi Island Village, Krabi

Advantages: Unspeakably Attractive Beach Resort.
Disadvantages: Tourism Authorities Dragging Their Environmental Feet.

...Ko Phi Phi is the jewel in the crown of Thailand's premier holiday islands. For such a small dot on the map it has so many natural wonders that it would take a week to fully appreciate their worth. For most Ko Phi Phi is recognisable because it provided the location for the filming of 'The Beach' starring Leonardo Di Caprio but thankfully the island has a lot more going for it than this. Ko Phi Phi is in fact made up of 2 islands, Phi Phi Don, the bigger of the 2 islands, and Phi Phi Leh which is uninhabited but is known for its nest collectors who sell on their expensive wares to soup makers all over South Korea and Japan. All the main resorts on Phi Phi Don are close to the village or a short boat ride away. You can get to Ko Phi Phi from Phuket or Krabi on the mainland or from the other islands in the area like Ko Lanta... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Scenery
Disadvantages: Litter, Badly planned

...My message is plain and simple : Don't go there! Before tourists came Ko Phi Phi must have been a beutiful place, and in some respects it still is. The beaches are still in reasonably good condition, the scenery is beutiful, but behind this lies an over developed, dirty island. Getting to Ko Phi Phi was the first problem, I endured an horrific journey over rough seas on a boat which was falling apart and filled the seating area with fumes. You can imagine I wasn't looking forward to the return journey! The accomodation we stayed in was alright except for the dead rat outside the door! Litter and bad planning are the main reason for my dislike of the place. The place needs a thorough clean out, and lots of developments have been done badly leaving unsightly walls and pipes running out onto the beach. Try Krabi instead, Please... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Beautiful setting, very tranquil.
Disadvantages: Limited facilities, isolated.

...I have very fond memories of my only visit to Phi Phi, which resulted from a dive package I booked in Phuket town a few years back. (My opinion about the diving can be found under Home>Sport>Watersports>Scuba Diving>Dive Sites>Thailand). The trip to Phi Phi was by air-conditioned express boat, travelling at a rate of 30 knots. Koh Phi Phi, or the Phi Phi Islands as they are often referred to (Pi Pi, Pe Pe or Pee Pee are alternate spellings according to which map or book you consult) consist of two main islands – Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Li. The accommodation I saw was on Phi Phi Don, and didn’t look too inviting. The location was fantastic but it was hardly one star, never mind five. I personally would not choose to stay there, preferring the deluxe accommodation of the Kata Thani. Phi Phi Don was also the main... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful