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.

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.