Phi-Phi Islands - as beautiful as crowded |
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Tired of Bangkok's endless traffic jam's? Already bought everything you had to buy at Chiang Mai's night market? Try some days at Ko Phi-Phi, one of the most beautiful places i've ever been. And one of the most crowded too. Phi-Phi Islands (Phi-Phi Lei and Phi-Phi Don) are halfway between Krabi and Phuket, in the Andaman Sea - Thailand. You can only get there by boat (2hrs), leaving from either Phuket or Krabi. Only Phi Phi Don is inhabited. You can (and should) visit Phi Phi Lei by boat. As most of the country, Phi Phi is made of contrasts. As the ferry boat aproaches the islands, the natural beauty of the place leaves you speechless. Some minutes later you arrive at Tonsai village pier, and you most probably get speechless too: it's a small and very busy little village, full os bars, restaurants, resorts and everything a tourist needs. Or not. If you feel like having a quiet time, get a long tail boat and head to another beach. I went to Long Beach and i don't regret!
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| Favourite spots: |
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The beach is obviously one of the favourite spots. I've never seen such clear water. If you feel like walking (or should i say climbing?), go to the Tonsai Viewpoint. It's only a few hundred steps away, but you'll get a great perspective of the island. Go to any travel agency and book the One day tour around the islands. Then you'll have the chance to see Ma Ya bay, where The Beach was filmed and many other unfogettable places: Bamboo Isl, etc. Ma Ya Bay is really amazing, but - once again - full of tourists. You will be taken to the coral reefs to snorkel and feel like in Finding Nemo. I bet you will find him and all of his friends.
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| What's really great: |
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The natural beauty. The view from the viewpoint. The seafood. All other food. The good mood in some beaches outside Tonsai. A real relaxing atmosphere, perfect to take a break, have a beer and read a couple of books.
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| Sights: |
Every underwater sight.
The sight from the viewpoint.
Ma Ya Beach.
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| Accommodations: |
Avoid all the guys that try to sell you accommodations once you get out of the ferry. In Tonsai, take a walk and see for yourself. You have everything from 5 to 50€.
The same happens in Long Beach: you have good and modern bungallows with private bath and A/C for 35€ and basic wood and bamboo huts for5 or 6€. It's up to you.
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| Nightlife: |
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I skipped. But you can find plenty in Tonsai village. Even if you stay at the most quiet Long Beach, there are boats connecting it to Tonsai until about 4 am.
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| Restaurants: |
It's hard not to eat well in Thailand, and the same happens here.
The seafood is great and really unexpensive, comparing to european prices.
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Published on Tuesday February 10th, 2004 by paulobeli
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