Phi Phi Don Review

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Phi Phi Don

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.0/5

Fodor's Review:

The Phi Phi Islands consist of six islands. Phi Phi Don, the largest of the islands, is shaped like a butterfly: The "wings," covered by limestone mountains, are connected by a flat 2-km (1-mi) narrow body featuring two opposing sandy beaches. Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island.

The tsunami affected Phi Phi Don enormously. However, a huge rebuilding program has left the island looking remarkably developed. If you were unaware that such a catastrophe had taken place, you would think it was a beautiful island under a lot of development, rather than one that was destroyed and has been rebuilt. There's quite a bit of construction these days, as resorts as well as budget accommodations update and renovate their facilities. Several of the finest hotels on the island, Phi Phi Cabana, Charlies, and Phi Phi Princess, all of which were devastated by the tsunami, have taken their time rebuilding and just reopened in 2008.

The popularity of the Phi Phi Islands stems from the outstanding scuba diving; leopard sharks, turtles, and sea horses are some species still frequenting popular reefs. The tsunami actually had surprisingly little effect on the dive sites here, with 75% of coral reefs sustaining low to no impact. The best dive sites were relatively unaffected and those hardest hit were not good snorkeling sites to begin with.

Since the tsunami, farther-flung beaches on Phi Phi Don have been getting the attention that they deserve. Before Tonsai Beach was rebuilt, visitors who were forced to look elsewhere for lodging discovered the magic of sandy and swimmable Laem Tong Beach and beautiful, peaceful Long Beach.

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by LeighTravelClub from Leigh on Sea, Essex, U.K. on 2/16/09
On the north east coast of Phi Phi Don, you will find the laid back Laem Tong Bay. At the most northerly part of the bay is Phi Phi Natural Resort. This is probably worth a three star rating. Location is great, rooms a little tired and service and attention from the staff is a little wanting.
Walking southwards round the bay the next resort is Zeavola. Certainly the most luxurious hotel on Phi Phi. Great facilities in all bungalows, very good food and worthy of its' five star rating.
The next hotel in the bay is the Phi Phi Erewan Palms. This is the bottom end resort in the bay. Pretty basic accommodation and really, very tired these days.
Adjacent to Erewan Palms is the Sawasdee Restaurant. Serving Thai and international food. Very basic, but good food and cheap.
Continuing the walk southwards, the Sea Gypsy village is next. A couple of shops, just shacks really, selling beer, water, soft drinks, snacks, etc.
It is here that you will find the wonderful Jasmin Restaurant, which is worthy of its very own review.
Occupying the rest of the bay is the Holiday Inn,(formerly known as Palm Beach Resort). This is a fabulous resort. Some 80 or so bungalows. 20 of which are beachfront. The rest are set in beautiful mature gardens.
For a peaceful Phi Phi experience of Phi Phi, this is the area to visit. It may be too quiet for some, but Tonsai Village is only twenty minutes away by long tail.
Laem Tong Bay.....surely a little piece of paradise.

Member Rating: 4.0
Ratings details: Experience: 5.0 Ease: 3.0 Value: 2.0 Don't Miss: 5.0
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