Koh Phi Phi Attractions
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Over the years the Phi Phi islands have been famous among backpackers as a remote tropical paradise. Like many other places in Thailand it was soon discovered by the more resourceful tour operators who first built little huts then followed up with reasonably comfortable bungalows. Now there are several hotels, discreetly fitting in with the island scenery so as not to detract from its unique charm.From Krabi (2 hours) and Phuket (11/2 hours).
Phi Phi Lay
Besides its attraction for the local fishermen Phi Phi Lay is also an important source of income as a place for collecting the nests of the edible-nest swiftlets from its numerous caverns and rocky hollows. Whole families compete for the franchise that allows them to risk their lives clambering up precarious bamboo scaffolding, or liana ropes, to harvest the nests - a highly prized ingredient in Chinese cooking, which can sell for as much as 2000 U.S. dollars a kilogram in Hong Kong, where most of the Phi Phi Lay nests are exported. The edible part of the nest is the swiftlet saliva which binds it together. This is then separated out and cleaned to go into birds' nest soup.
Cave Paintings
The so-called "Viking" cave paintings on the north side of Phi Phi Lay are still something of a puzzle to the experts since these paintings of sailing ships are unlikely to have been the work of those fierce northern seafarers. Countless other caves, some of which are venerated as holy, are impressive testimony to many thousands of years of natural processes.
Phi Phi Don
Phi Phi Don is the only one of the islands that is inhabited. Although no one is allowed to stay on neighboring Phi Phi Lay it is a popular outing for holidaymakers in search of peace and quiet. Both islands have wonderful scenery with truly exotic idyllic beaches of white sand, and crystal clear waters.
