Phi Phi Island: History, Tourism, and the Best Tours Available
Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash
Phi Phi Island is a stunning destination located in the southern part of Thailand, known for its natural beauty, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches.
The island is made up of two main parts, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, which have their own unique attractions and charm.
In this article, we will explore the history, tourism, various kinds of tours, surrounding islands, Maya Bay, what to do on Phi Phi Island, the weather throughout the year, and the best and worst times to go.
History of Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island is believed to have been inhabited as early as prehistoric times, as evidence of shell middens and stone tools have been found on the island.
During the 16th century, the island was used as a stopover point for traders sailing between China and the west.
In the early 20th century, the island was used for coconut plantations, and in the 1980s, it began to attract backpackers and tourists, eventually becoming a popular holiday destination.
Tourism on Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island is a world-renowned tourist destination and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning landscapes.
The island is a popular destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach activities.
The island is also home to many restaurants, bars, and hotels that cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences.
Various Kinds of Tours Available
Phuket Dream Company offers a variety of tours to Phi Phi Island and the surrounding areas.
These tours include snorkeling, scuba diving, island-hopping, and more.
The company offers full-day and half-day tours, as well as private tours for groups of all sizes.
These tours allow visitors to experience the beauty of Phi Phi Island and its surrounding areas while providing knowledgeable guides and quality services.
Surrounding Islands
Phi Phi Island is just one of the many islands that make up the Andaman Sea, and visitors have the opportunity to explore the surrounding islands, such as James Bond Island, Koh Yao Yai, and Koh Yao Noi.
Each island has its own unique attractions and charm, and visitors can experience the beauty of the Andaman Sea by exploring the surrounding islands.
Maya Bay and Over-Tourism
Maya Bay, located on Phi Phi Island, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Thailand.
It gained worldwide recognition after being featured in the movie “The Beach” in 2000, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The movie’s success contributed to the rapid growth of tourism in the area, leading to over-tourism and environmental degradation.
Over the years, the number of visitors to Maya Bay increased exponentially, with up to 5,000 people visiting the bay on a daily basis during peak season.
This massive influx of tourists led to significant environmental damage, including damage to the coral reefs and pollution of the water.
The local ecosystem, including the marine life and vegetation, was also negatively impacted.
Maya Bay Closure 2018
To address the issue of over-tourism and protect the environment, the Thai government announced the temporary closure of Maya Bay in 2018.
The closure was initially intended to last for four months, from June to September, to allow the ecosystem to recover.
However, the closure was extended due to the ongoing damage caused by tourism.
During the closure, the national park authorities implemented several measures to restore the damaged ecosystem, including the planting of more than 23,000 corals and the implementation of a new beach management system.
The beach management system aimed to reduce the number of visitors and ensure that they follow strict guidelines to minimize their impact on the environment.
Maya Bay Reopening 2021
After being closed for almost four years, Maya Bay finally reopened to visitors in January 2022.
However, the number of visitors is now limited to 1,000 per day, and strict rules are in place to ensure the protection of the fragile ecosystem.
These rules include prohibiting the use of plastic on the beach, limiting the use of boats in the bay, and prohibiting swimming in certain areas.
The reopening of Maya Bay has been met with mixed reactions. While many people are excited to visit the bay again, there are concerns that the number of visitors will once again lead to environmental damage.
It remains to be seen whether the new beach management system will be effective in preventing over-tourism and protecting the ecosystem.
In conclusion, the closure and reopening of Maya Bay highlight the need for sustainable tourism practices to protect the environment and local communities.
Phuket Dream Company is committed to responsible tourism and works with local partners to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment and promote sustainable practices.
Visitors to Phi Phi Island can enjoy the beauty of the area while also supporting local communities and preserving the natural environment for future generations.
Why Choose Phuket Dream Company for Your Phi Phi Island Tour?
Phuket Dream Company is a reputable tour company that offers quality services and experienced guides to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable and safe experience.
The company offers a variety of tours to suit different preferences and budgets, with the flexibility to customize tours according to visitors’ needs.
The company’s commitment to sustainability ensures that visitors can enjoy the beauty of Phi Phi Island while also protecting the environment and local communities.
The Best Tours Available
Phuket Dream Company offers a variety of tours to Phi Phi Island and the surrounding areas. The most popular tours include:
- Phi Phi Island Speedboat Tour – This tour takes visitors to Phi Phi Island, Maya Bay, and other surrounding islands on a speedboat, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters.
- Phi Phi Island Snorkeling Tour – This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the underwater world of Phi Phi Island, snorkeling in different locations and seeing a variety of marine life.
- Phi Phi Island Private Tour – This tour is perfect for those who want to explore Phi Phi Island at their own pace, with a private guide and customized itinerary.
- Phi Phi Island Sunset Cruise – This tour offers visitors a unique perspective of Phi Phi Island, cruising around the island at sunset and enjoying the beautiful scenery while sipping cocktails.
- Phi Phi Island Scuba Diving Tour – This tour offers experienced divers the opportunity to explore the underwater world of Phi Phi Island, with the guidance of experienced instructors and high-quality equipment.
Each tour offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of Phi Phi Island and its surrounding areas in different ways.
What to Do on Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular things to do on the island include:
- Relax on the Beach – Phi Phi Island has several beautiful beaches, including Long Beach and Loh Dalum Bay, where visitors can relax, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
- Explore the Village – Phi Phi Island has a small village where visitors can experience the local culture, try authentic Thai food, and shop for souvenirs.
- Hike to the Viewpoint – Phi Phi Island has a viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the island and surrounding areas, and visitors can hike to the top to enjoy the view.
- Take a Thai Cooking Class – Phi Phi Island offers visitors the opportunity to learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes, using fresh local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving – Phi Phi Island is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful corals, tropical fish, and even sharks, and visitors can explore the underwater world through snorkeling and scuba diving.
Weather Throughout the Year
Phi Phi Island experiences a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons – the dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit as the weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm.
The rainy season, from May to October, can bring heavy rainfall and rough seas, but the island is less crowded and offers better rates for accommodation and tours.
In conclusion, Phi Phi Island is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the natural beauty and charm of Thailand.
With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique attractions, Phi Phi Island offers something for everyone.
Phuket Dream Company offers a variety of tours to Phi Phi Island and the surrounding areas, providing quality services and experienced guides to ensure that visitors have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world, or experience the local culture, Phi Phi Island has it