Climate in Phi Phi

it rains the most in May and October (an average of 22 out of 30 days), as it experiences both monsoons. The temperature varies little all year round, staying between 30? c from October to February and rising up to 35?c from March onwards.

Beaches and featuresThe dump bell-shaped island of Phi Phi Don is endowed with green rolling hills, spectacular cliffs, long powdery white beaches and emerald water. An attractive beach on the southern side curves around Ton Sai Bay providing the dock for boats from Phuket and Krabi. On the northern side of the ‘handle’ just a few hundred meters away is the fine beach of Loh Dalum Bay. About 2 kilometers southeast from Ton Sai Bay, you will find Hat Yao (long beach), home to Phi Phi Don’s finest coral reefs, further north, passing the beautiful Hat Lanti whish is famous for surfing, Hat Laem Thong stands against an impressive range of cheer time stone cliffs and breathtaking scenery.

Phi Phi Don and its nearby island

Make famous by the Hollywood film The Beach, staring Leonardo Di Caprio, maintain its natural beauty and unspoiled beaches. There are a number of beach activities and organized boat trips from here, driving,

Snorkeling.

Several dive centers have small offices along the brick walkway east of Ton Sai Bay. All day snorkeling trips normally include lunch, water fruit, and diving equipment and snorkeling gear.
The stop off points for these trips usually are at Koh Yung (Mosquito Island), Koh Mai Pai (Bamboo) and Phi Phi Leh, Hin Pae (Goat Rock)

Kayaking

Loh Dalum Bay is the palace you can vent Kayaks per hour, haft day or all day at reasonable prices.

Fishing

IF you are in search of adventure in big game fishing, look for sign board along the brick walkway in Ton Sai Bay. Trips are available aboard long-tail boats and include soft drink, lunch and fish tackle.

Rock – climbing

For the more adventurous, there are several routes bolted into the sheer line stone cliff on Phi Phi Don contact PP’s local agent.

Organized tours and Boat charters

Full day tour by boat can be chartered from PP Don to PP Lek where you can visit the so called Viking Cave containing prehistoric paintings of stylized human and animal figures. Half day trips to PP Leh or Bamboo Island are also available.

Dining out & Entertainment

Resorts in Phi Phi have their won restaurants. However, there are a wide variety of restaurants and caf? to suit western palates in Ton Sai Bay area. There’s a pub and restaurant with wood table and chairs where snakes served with fruit shake and cocktail can be enjoyed in the sea breeze.The most popular nigh spots are round Phi Phi Center on Ton Sai Bay. Some of them are beach front bars providing tables and chairs on the beach, live music and fun holiday atmosphere.

Getting there and away

Regular boat trips from Krabi take 11/2 hours and from Phuket about an hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. The ferry from Phuket is generally more popular and comfortable. Most standard hotels in Phi Phi will provide land and ferry transfer from Phuket. You are recommended to land in Phuket before 11.00am. to make the ferry connection for 13.30 pm. There are also transfer in operation from Ao Nang and Koh Lanta Yai.

Getting around

Phi Phi has lots of tracks and footpaths but no real roads, so getting around is easy - walking or go by boat! The local "longtail" boats are like water taxis and will take you wherever you want to go and wait for you if required. Prices vary and can be on a per person basis or whole boat charge depending on your trip and the number of people. Check with other travellers and always negotiate with a smile!

Shopping

Most local shops and minimarts are run by local families so they often stay open around 08.30 and close anytime between 21.00 -23.00. Most gift shops open 10.00-22.00 and dive shops usually close at 21.00. Bargain with good humour and you could get some better prices!
Banks/Money

Currency

is the Thai Baht (see currency converter) Denominations are 1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 20 Baht notes. Master card and Visa are well known but American Express is only accepted in the more expensive hotels and stores. There is a bank with a currency exchange in Tonsai Bay, Phi Phi, but no ATM machine. However there are plenty of ATM's on Phuket island.

Electricity

The same as the rest of Thailand - 2 pin plug with 220 volts. Adapter are available at most hardware stores and some hotel shops in Phuket. Buy one before you go to Phi Phi.

Mail

You can use the local post office for postcards and inbound mail, but if it is something important, it's better to use the main post offices at Phuket or Krabi.

Cameras& Flim

ASA100-ASA400 is available. In Tonsai Bay, a Kodak shop near the pier does standard developing.
Phones There are public phones on the island. One is located at the pier. Most tour agencies will allow you to make both local and international calls for a small charge.

TV

Satellite TV, CNN and BBC are available around the island. Some of the bars generally show important sporting events.

Computer

Internet cafes are the most reliable source to check e-mail as many of the hotels do not have available phone lines for their customers. The area around the ferry in Tonsai has a number of Internet cafes.
Health and Medical Facilities

There are no hospitals on Phi Phi so any serious illness should be treated in Phuket where there are first class international facilities. There is a local health centre on Phi Phi island in Tonsai Bay. Please be insured before travelling to Thailand. Check with your insurance company which hospitals they work with.
Sunburn and Sunstroke are the most common health problems so take the usual precautions - strong sunblock, wear a hat and drink plenty of fluids.

Government Office

On Phuket. Open 08.30 and close 17.00. Dress well.
If you overstay your visa or need an extension, you should contact the Immigration office on Phuket.

Tourist Police
Located near the pier in Tonsai. The tourist police generally have a person who speaks English.
Phuket International Airport departure tax 500 Baht. Check if your ticket includes airport tax.
Domestic - 30 Baht (Phuket and Krabi Airports) Usually included in the price of your ticket

Good ideas and Bad ideas

Thai's are very tolerant people, but if you want to make the most of your visit, you should be aware of some Thai customs and sensitive areas.
Good ideas

Always be polite and try not to lose your temper in frustrating situations. Remember the pace of life is much slower, so adjust accordingly. Losing your temper is considered a great loss of control. Be patient and you will be rewarded. Dress appropriately. On the islands, especially Phi Phi, the dress is very informal, but smart-casual is appreciated in the better quality hotel restaurants. When travelling, especially on boats, remember, you can get sunburnt very quickly!

The Wai.
Thais do not shake hands, they wai. The hands are placed together with the palms together in a prayer like way. Although they will often greet you in this manner, you don't need to wai a waiter, bell boy or child, but if you're meeting Thais socially, a wai will be appreciated. Shaking hands in the western way is also acceptable.

Tipping
 It is not necessary to tip a flat 10-15% on everything, and in the local restaurants for snacks and drinks, it's not expected, although appreciated if you do.
It's not a good idea to....

Buddhists believe
that the head is sacred and the feet are the lowest part. Try not to point at objects with your feet, or touch Thai people's heads.

The Thai Royal family
is treated with great respect, so do not make any untoward or rude remarks.
Although you won't be imprisoned for sunbathing nude, Thais find this offensive to their culture. While topless bathing is accepted in the tourist areas like Phi Phi, it can attract unwanted attention. It's tolerated but not welcomed. Some hotels have notices requesting no G stings or topless bathing.

Where to Stay
Most of the tourist accommodation and services on Phi Phi Don are located around Tonsai Bay, the main ferry destination with the more exclusive and upmarket hotels around the eastern and northern side. There is nowhere to stay on Phi Phi Ley.

Accommodation varies from simple bungalows to upmarket international resorts. During the high season (October to March) it is not possible to pre-book budget and standard accommodation. Prices are subject to demand and can be changed depending on how many guests arrive at any particular time. If you want to book in advance, you can check availability on this site.
Thai Holidays & Festivals

Many Thais travel during festivals and holidays, so boats can be crowded and flights, especially from Bangkok, fully booked. Below are some of the more important festival dates to check with before making your travel plans.

January - New Year - Busy until around 6th January when it calms down!
February - Chinese New Year - varies with the calendar - around the 2nd full moon. Ferries are busy.
April 13/14/15 - Songkran Festival or Thai New Year. This is the water festival when many Thais return to their home. Don't expect to travel easily around this time as buses, flights and ferries are very busy. This is a major holiday in Thailand.

November Loy Kratong around the 12th. A beautiful festival where floating kratongs (literally "leaf cup" with lighted candles are placed on water to take away bad luck. Not too many people travelling at this time of year.
December - Christmas - High season. Expect full flights, buses and busy boats.

Weather

Phi Phi weather follows the same basic weather pattern as Phuket.
October - March - Generally good weather, low rainfall and average temperatures 30-32C(90F)
April - May - Very hot and humid. Temperatures reaching 38C(95F+)
June - September - Variable. Temperatures average 30C (90F) About an 80% chance of rain in June and September, but remember, it doesn't rain all the time! Also the rain is warm and there are some excellent value hotel rooms in this season.