Entries about phi-phi

So during Chinese New Year we managed a short four day break to Kho Phi Phi, one of the few Islands still running boat services. This is one of the two main beaches we visited during our stay.

The arrival point and central area of Koh Phi Phi, Tonsai Bay is a crowded busy area overlooked by Tonsai Village.
Tonsai Bay is the main arrival and departure hub for Koh Phi Phi as it is deep water. The bay is stretched out along a 2km long cliff which, as it heads to the east, is punctuated with promontories and smaller beaches.

Tonsai Bay is unsurprisingly flanked by the beaches of Tonsai East and Tonsai West.
While it initially appears a scenic spot on arriving at Koh Phi Phi, the water at Tonsai Bay tends to have a fair bit of boat traffic continually coming in and out of the bay. As this is where the main Pier is for drop of and embarking on other Island Journeys.

In February this year (2021) I was able to take a short break to the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi, not that I would say that hoards of tourists packed over every inch of sand is beautiful, BUT there are no tourists at this present time, except for local Thais from the mainland and those of us who are expats here from working or in my case retirement.

So back to the beautiful Phi Phi, one of the few Islands still running ferries. This video is from the day I took one of my obligatory, walkabouts, and I was struck by two things, the intense colour and beauty of the sea around this area, and the sadness of so many boats tied up and not working. The streets empty and most businesses closed and shuttered up. There were a few places open and serving food and taking guests, but at this present time it is a shadow of it's former self. Still a Jewel of an Island and even more stunning with less crowds.

One thing we did love seeing were all the cats, no dogs are allowed on the Island, but there were many cats, and friendly ones. The locals feed them as do the few tourists that come to visit, bags of kitty cookies are available in most stores.

Tonsai Bay is the bustling heart of Phi Phi. The bay hosts Phi Phi Island's main village, and it is the main arrival port in Phi Phi. Here, there are no cars or roads, only footpaths. The village is located on an isthmus, for which Phi Phi is famous, with Tonsai Bay on the south side and Loh Dalum (Dalum Bay) on the north.

Before 14:30, when the last ferry leaves, the streets are busier with day-trippers and people arriving/departing. After that, the island is more relaxed and the difference is tangible. In the evening the streets fill again with diners looking for a place to eat. Additionally, as most business is done at night, the tour shops, dive shops and every other kinds of shop come to life. Later on, some isolated nightlife areas heat up; especially on the east side of the village and of the bay.

Phi Phi is a very bohemian type of place; after all, bicycles and long-tail boats are the only alternatives to walking.

Music credit to :The Future Ancient Now by Nathan Moore
Free under creative commons licence from You Tube music library