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 Phi
Phi islands, Phi Phi Lay and Phi Phi Don, can
be reached by a pleasant 1 hour and 15 minute to
3 hour boat ride, depending on the size of vessel,
from the provincial capital's estuarine pier.
Merely some six square kilometres in area, the
rugged Phi Phi Lea is characterised by steep, lightly
vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden
bays concealing petite, pristine beaches and calm
clear waters, and a spacious, airy cave known as
Viking Cave by virtue of purportedly ancient cave
murals depicting Viking-like sailing vessels. The
cave houses sea swallows whose gelatinous nests
are prized by Chinese gourmets.
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Two kilometres north, the larger ( 28 square kilometres
) Phi Phi Don has a cuving white and palm-fringed
beach extending between mountain masses sheltering
calm waters. This, and other minor beaches, offers
beachside bungalow and chalet accommodation. The area
immediately adjacent to a Muslim fishing village contains
bars offering living music ; restaurants specialising
in popular European cusines and Thai food ; cabarets
; souvenir shops ; dive shops and charter boat operations
offering game fishing excursions and day trips, including
several opportunities for snorkelling, around the
major islands, including Ko Paid ( Bamboo island ),
half an hour from Phi Phi Don and touted by locals
as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled, uninhabited
islands in the area.
The Phi Phi island group is favoured by yachtsmen
and scuba divers who can discover and savour peaceful
anchorage, and tranquillity and privacy, in various
locations.
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