The beautiful Phi Phi islands, located in Thailand, can be found between the islands of Phuket and the mainland on the Andaman Sea coast side of Thailand. Originally the home to a large majority of Muslim fisherman, Phi Phi Don - the main island, later developed into a coconut plantation.

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The Phi Phi Islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, have served as the backdrop for several popular movies. These include The Beach and the James Bond flick “The Man with the Golden Gun.” The release of The Beach led to a significantly increased interest in the islands and tourism increased almost immediately thereafter.

There is much to do and see on the Phi Phi Islands. Only 45 minutes away from Phuket, visitors enjoy a number of incredible activities. Here are seven you won’t want to miss, whether you’re visiting for an extended stay or only for a day.

7. Diving on the Phi Phi Islands

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There are a number of incredible dive operators located on the Phi Phi Islands and all of them are prepared to take you to a number of incredible locations around the islands. Make sure you ask about a trip to Shark Point, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by a number of reef fish, blue-lined snappers, plume worms and, of course, leopard sharks.

Image Credit: Lawrence Sinclair

Two other incredibly popular dive spots around the Phi Phi islands are Bida Noi and Bida Nok. Both can be found towards the southwest and feature mountainous rocks and incredible ledges that house parrotfish, wrasse, Moorish idols, clownfish, blennies, gobies, whale sharks, manta rays, and more!

6. Kayaking around the Phi Phi Islands

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If you love the water you’ll find a kayak trip around the Phi Phi Islands to be an incredible experience. Your trip will vary in intensity depending upon the tour group you choose to deal with. Some will take you on adventurous trails filled with rocky waves and mysterious caves while others will keep you on a more relaxed path where you can simply enjoy paddling while taking in the breathtaking views.

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There’s nothing quite like exploring the Phi Phi Islands by kayak. If you keep your eyes peeled you’ll see both black-tip reef sharks and leopard sharks as you explore the limestone cliffs, caves, inlets and surrounding coastline. Add a bit of spice to your adventure by arranging for a special sunset kayaking adventure instead.

5. Game Fishing around the Phi Phi Islands

True fishermen will enjoy an opportunity to take part in a game fishing adventure around the Phi Phi Islands. You may join a formal game fishing trip or charter a boat of your own, but don’t set your heart on taking home any of the fish you catch.

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There is a very strict “catch and release” policy around the Phi Phi Islands. Without this type of policy the government would not be able to guarantee the preservation of some of the incredible aquatic species living in the surrounding waters. Take your picture with your yellowfin, skipjack, wahoo, giant travelly, or black marlin and then set them free!

4. Yoga Holidays on the Phi Phi Islands

Those who prefer something a little less active might want to consider a yoga holiday on the Phi Phi Islands. The tour group known as yogatraveler.com runs regular yoga retreats in remote locations throughout the world several times per year.

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If you plan your trip to the islands with this group you’ll be guaranteed a quality resort stay, plenty of yoga classes, incredible healthy dining options, and the opportunity to take part in some of the area’s most incredible activities. A yoga holiday certainly provides a relaxing opportunity to explore the islands.

3. Rock Climbing on the Phi Phi Islands

It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced rock climber or a beginner. Anyone willing to learn can rent rock climbing equipment, work with an instructor, and climb some of the most incredible cliffs on the islands.

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Some cliffs and trails are steeper than others. Beginners will likely stick to the Tonsai Tower, which offers almost two dozens different routes. More advanced climbers will enjoy exploring the Drinking Wall, Ao Ling Wall, Hua-Ling, Monsun 7a, and Koh Phi Phi Leh as well.

2. Cliff Diving on the Phi Phi Islands

You can enjoy a cliff diving experience on the Phi Phi Islands in one of two ways. On the one hand you can climb up a cliff and make your own jump. On the other you can set up a chair, sit on the beach, sip your favorite cocktail, and watch other people dive. It’s really up to you!

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The cliff divers you see making jumps on the Phi Phi Islands are both novices and experienced. Many jump merely for the experience and have never tried anything even remotely similar in the past. Local children stand ready to lead tourists towards the point where most people jump. It seems scary, but it’s an experience few people regret as they swim back to shore.

1. Visiting the Island Monkeys on the Phi Phi Islands

The island monkeys on the Phi Phi Islands roam freely. They’re incredibly friendly and are very playful, so you’ll want to make sure you have your camera with you at all times. Do not, however, let your guard down when you’re near the monkeys. They’re used to being fed by both tourists and guides and will not hesitate to steal your food if you leave it unattended.

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Not excited about spending time with wild monkeys? Ask your hotel concierge which areas of the island you should visit to avoid them. The monkeys tend to visit the beaches in the cooler afternoons, but they only visit certain beaches. If you really want to avoid the monkeys, visit Phi Phi Leh instead of Phi Phi Don - there are no monkeys there.

Your visit to the Phi Phi Islands promises to be exciting, adventurous, and entertaining. Be prepared to spend some time out doors with your family and never let your guard down. New and exciting activities await you at every turn!

Posted in Thailand

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 at 10:20 am and is filed under Thailand. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.