Koh
(meaning 'island') Phi Phi was located off the town of Krabi and took about
one and a half hour in a speed boat. There was a smaller island next to it,
known as Phi Phi Leh, where the movie "The Beach" was filmed, but
it was unpopulated. The exact beach was Maya Bay on the island. 
There were many restaurants on Koh Phi Phi and there was regular
screening of movies to attract diners. No price for guessing which was the most
popular movie shown in the restaurants.
The town
In the morning,
the souvenir shops, rockclimbing and diving centers opened for business for
the tourist, mostly foreigners. Most beach islands tend to be quite quiet at
night but not this one. It was filled with bars and pubs that sprung up every
ten steps at certain locations. One thing really good to stay on this island
is the fact that you can stay at a quiet beach resort or chalet but at the same
time, it is so near to the main town where all of the activities are concentrated.
Everyday after enjoying ourselves at the beach, we would walked to the town
and feast on the fresh seafood (some were placed in a sampan for display), we
would then strolled back to our resort via the beach after a couple drinks at
the pubs, at the same time admiring the wondering scenery of the sea. What a
life!
The Beach
We stayed at
a place called Charlie Hotel. The rooms are cheap and ideal for budget travellers
like us. There are various rows of beach huts and the rates depend on their
distances from the beach. Actually, most of the rooms were quite close and well
within walking distance to the beach. Every morning, we opened the door and
saw the beach just in front of our hut. The sea bed was so gradual that we could
walk in the water for 100 metres and the water would only just reached our waists!
The water was so clear that we could even see it even if the water level reach
our chest. It was a great feeling to be able to bathe in the sea surrounded
by limestone caves and mountains. There must always be preparations when going
to the beach. So before getting into the water, pumping up the float for nic
was one of my usual chore...
Links:
Karbi and Koh Phi Phi
Krabi, Koh Phi Phi Hotels and Resorts
Krabi / Koh Phi Phi Travel Information
General Information on Koh Phi Phi
Thailand Islands
