The larger of the two islands, is shaped like a figure eight and linked by a delicate chain of golden sand.
Here stands the island's original Muslim fishing village, Baan Tonsai, now engulfed by the ever-expanding centre of bungalows, cafes and hotels.
A pleasant one hour coastal walk from Baan Tonsai will lead you to Had Yao - Long Beach, with tantalising white sands, vibrant offshore marine life and unhindered views of the spectacular cliffs of Phi Phi Leh, four kilometres to the south. You'll also enjoy climbing the steep trails on Phi Phi Don's two massifs - View Point, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the island.
Superb coral beds at Hin Pae off Had Yao, provide some of the best snorkelling in Thailand, and a great chance to sea Black tip sharks feeding early in the morning.
The 2004 tsunami hit Phi Phi Don hard and much of the central area to the west and north of the pier was devastated and still remains so. We do not recommend you stay in the centre of Phi Phi as some parts of the area are under reconstruction and noisy from the rebuilding work. We recommend you stay outside the centre of Tonsai Village on the eastern and southern side of the island, where the beaches remain clean and uncrowded and most resorts, restaurants and bars are now open and thriving again. |
