Koh Phi Phi Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi was everything I expected and more. The area is still recovering from the Tsunami in 2005, but alot of locals seemed to think the area is now better.

One reason for this is because before the Tsunami there were no development regulations, which meant that basically people...more Koh Phi Phi was everything I expected and more. The area is still recovering from the Tsunami in 2005, but alot of locals seemed to think the area is now better.

One reason for this is because before the Tsunami there were no development regulations, which meant that basically people could just build wherever they wanted and how much they wanted. Since the Tsunami however, they have started from scratch, so now have strict guidelines in place to stop the area from being too overdeveloped.

Koh Phi Phi is in fact made up of 2 islands. Koh Phi Phi Don is the inhabited island, and Koh Phi Phi Leh is not inhabited at all, however is a popular day trip destination from either Phuket or Koh Phi Phi Don. Koh Phi Phi Leh is also where the film "The Beach" was filmed, and so there are many many boats arrving on the island daily to view Maya Beach (the beach from the film).

Koh Phi Phi Don is where you will base yourself when visiting this region. Made up of what looks like 2 islands with a bar between them, it makes for a walk of 1 minute from the beach on one side, to the beach on the other! There is a great range of accommodation on the island, from very basic cheap accommodation to larger resorts which can be more expensive. This is also a great area for scuba diving, with many dive shops competing for you (and your money).

There are also a great range of shops, restaurants and bars, with a great nightlife, made up of mainly backpackers partying away til dawn.

Devastation from the Tsunami is still very evident, with most locals knowing people who passed in this disaster, and also ruins of buildings still seen especially on the narrow part of land between the 2 beaches. Can make for some upsetting moments, however as the locals say, the best way to help is by staying there and spending your money!

There is a fantastc view from the top of the mountain which you can climb, however would reccommend doing this early in the morning or waiting til evening, as it can be extremely hot on the long hilly walk! There is a shop at the top though for much needed water and ice-cream!close

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by orla – posted on May 1, 2007

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