Ko Lanta, Thailand + Add a trip
on Koh Phi Phi
City Life: Laid-back, and thinking of paradise
The twin islands of Koh Phi Phi ascend from the ocean like a jagged rock fortress, with beach-fronted jungle skulking enticingly behind the battlements. Simply put: it's a mind-blowingly beautiful vision.
Yes, The Beach is a major reason why travellers flock to Phi Phi (allegedly the inspiration for the cult book by Alex Garland), but the islands are much more than a film-tourism attraction and diving hotspot. Consisting of road-less Phi Phi Don (the main, inhabited island) and Phi Phi Le (a nature park devoid of human settlement), both of the obscenely laid-back islands reveal clear turquoise-emerald waters paired with limestone cliffs, resplendent reefs and bleach-white beaches. Although Koh Phi Phi was ravaged by the 2004 tsunami, the islands are now back in business, with greater eco-friendly awareness and modified building regulations. There are few destinations this stunning that are so affordable.
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Getting There
Automobiles
Planes
If you don't mind spending a morsel more for the sake of efficiency, the jet-setting way of reaching Koh Phi Phi is via seaplane. Destination Air Shuttle (www.destinationair.com) makes the 12-minute trip from Phuket's airport - as well as other popular Andaman coast destinations - to Phi Phi Don.
Trains
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Local Knowledge
Dialing
The Thailand country code: +66; area code for Koh Phi Phi: 075. Drop the '0' if dialling from overseas.
Reads
Do go / Don't Go
Save your Phi Phi pilgrimage for the hot period between December and April. The tropical monsoon climate brings a risk of battling winds and rains from May to November.
Cuisine
Southern Thailand is famous for its fiery curries and fish dishes. Gorge on prawn, lobster, crab and fish on Phi Phi - curried, steamed, boiled, barbecued or fried. So delicious is the tropical fruit on the Andaman Islands that some travellers choose to go on a fruit-only detox. The juicy treats available range from the familiar - oranges, pineapple, bananas, apples and papaya - to the exotic - rambutan, custard apples and mangosteen.
Taxis
Phi Phi has dirt tracks, not tarmac, so there isn't any official form of motorised transport. However, long-tail taxi-boats ply between the various beaches and facilitate nifty island-hopping.
Tipping
While tipping isn't necessary, it is appreciated.
Currency
Thai baht. £1 is approximately THB65.
Packing
Since you're in a tropical paradise, anything and everything goes. If you bring your best bikini or teeniest Speedos, keep a cover-up handy to avoid offending Muslim locals. Hiking outfits will come in handy for those who wish to trudge the islands' jungly interiors, and drinking water, insect repellent and sunscreen are essential for all.
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Worth Doing
Arts
And...
Shopping
Viewpoint
For a picture-postcard-panoramic scope of the twin bays of Phi Phi - and a smashing sunset - trek your way up to the famous lookout point in Ton Sai. The trail takes you along the lush curves of Loh Dalum Bay, before climbing up the hill past Phi Phi View Point Resort.
Something
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Diary