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| Koh Phi Phi Don |
Koh Phi Phi Don is one of the most popular tourist destination islands in Thailand. Koh Phi Phi sits off the coast of Krabi Province in the Andaman Sea. Koh Phi Phi Lee is the smaller island just a short boat ride away from Koh Phi Phi Don that was made popular by the Hollywood Blockbuster “The Beach” starring Leo Di Caprio. Both Islands have become the number one hotspot for travelers in search of pristine beaches and emerald-like waters. When visiting the Phi Phi islands you will be staying on Koh Phi Phi Don since Koh Phi Phi Lee doesn’t have any hotels or accommodations, but many travelers opt for the “Maya Bay Camping Trip” which allows them to stay a night on the island for around 1000b per person.
Getting there from Bangkok, you can take a bus from Khaosan road for about 500-600b including ferry ticket with Songserm Bus and Ferry connection, please note that this is not a luxury bus, it is merely the cheapest way to get there.If you have a bit more money and wish for a more comfortable and clean trip I suggest catching a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), they could cost anything from around 500-900baht and give you a good comfortable seat, a snack or a few snacks and beverages during the duration of the trip. Buses leave in the early evening between 5-8pm so I suggest going a little early to buy a ticket. Upon arriving in Krabi, DO NOT GET OFF THE BUS where the bus driver insists... this is a trick to drop foreigners off at an overpriced ferry ticket agency where they’ll ask you to pay 400b each for a ticket when it’s actually half that. Instead, sit on the bus till the bus stops and all of the Thai passengers get off (that is the last stop).
Another option is flying from Bangkok to Krabi which saves plenty of time. For cheap flights check out Air Asia, Nok Air, or Bangkok Air. Once you get on Koh Phi Phi Don you will have to pay a 20baht “beach cleaning fee” which clearly doesn’t make a difference in the cleanliness of the beach. You will then be greeted by bungalow and guesthouse sales staff that will show you pictures of rooms and try and sell you a place to stay, my best advice is to ignore them and take a look around yourself. Accommodations can be as little as 300-400baht a night for a fan room with a double bed, bungalows closer to the forest area might be even cheaper.
Places to eat:
For Breakfast I recommend The Dojo Bar. Usually a nightlife venue, the Dojo serves a pretty mean American breakfast and plays Family Guy in the morning and noon. Looking for cheap filling dinner? Go to Papaya’s! They have HUGE portions for on average 100baht, enough for two people. Beverages are EXTREMELY over-priced on this island so I suggest buying the largest bottle of water and storing it in your room and filling up a smaller bottle to bring out with you during meals. No one will kick you out of their establishment for bringing your own water bottle.
What to do during the day? I suggest a hike to the viewpoint. It’s about 20 minutes uphill and stairs, but it’s absolutely breathtaking and well worth it. In addition, there are paths that lead to other beaches that are worth exploring, but make sure you bring enough water for the journey. The Andaman Sea is absolutely beautiful and full of life so take a day trip snorkeling or scuba diving or just take a long tail boat around the islands. Maya Bay is a MUST SEE and makes for a postcard perfect picture to take home with you.
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