The Phi Phi Islands are located off the coast in Phuket, Thailand in the Andaman Sea + are home to some of the most exotically breathtaking views I’ve ever been to. Technically, Phi Phi is made up of two islands :: Ko Phi Phi Leh [the smaller one that is only accessible by tour or charter fishing boat] + Ko Phi Phi Don [obvi :: the larger of the two]. The only way to get to either island is by boat so you’d have to fly into the airport on the mainland + take a speedboat or long tail boat from Phuket.
While in Phuket Roydio + I took a full-day boat tour to the islands. It was absolutely amazing…
Monkey Beach naturally derived its name from the monkeys whose natural habitat is located here. Due to many people being injured by these [cute but very aggressive] monkeys the tour boats do not get near them. I guess they’ve gotten a little used to people feeding them + are now very demanding about it! HA! I’m laughing but I guess it wouldn’t be funny if I were one of the ones who had gotten bit by one of these critters. It was cute watching them climbing on the rocks with their babies though…
I apologize that the video is a little wonky :: it’s difficult to hold steady when the boat is bobbing up + down!
I have to explain the next 3 images. This is Viking Cave on Ko Phi Phi Leh. Viking Cave is a harvesting point for a very valuable specialty. Here within these caves are found swiftlets’ nests, built entirely from threads of their saliva, which are the key components of the outrageously expensive Chinese bird’s nest soup.
Harvesters climb up bamboo scaffolding to the roof of the cave to gather the nests. We were told that before ascending they pray + make offerings.
Due to the delicate nature of the cave visitors are not allowed to enter as you can well imagine. But tour boats like ours do slow down so that we could take a look at the area. I found this so very interesting.
If you’d like to read more about these amazing cave-dwelling birds :: click here.
If you’re interested in reading up on the health benefits of birds’ nest soup :: click here.
Selling for as much as $4,500 per pound, these edible birds’ nests are among the most expensive foods on the planet. It’s no wonder they call it the “Caviar of the East.” A single bowl of birds’ nest soup will set you back anywhere from about thirty to one hundred dollars.
If you’re interested in purchasing some birds’ nests, click here.
A visit to the Phi Phi Islands is highly encouraged! You absolutely will not be disappointed. We did a lot of snorkeling both off the boat in the middle of the Andaman Sea as well as off the shore at a couple of beaches on this speedboat tour which I would also highly recommend.
Seriously, if I get the chance I’d go back to see more of the islands + spend all of my time on a boat + in the incredibly warm + clear water! It is truly an incredible place! If you go :: take me with you!
2 comments
I never had any desire to visit this area…..but your inspiring commentary and stunning pictures have changed my mind!!!
Seriously these islands are so beautiful! I have yet to explore some of the others I’ve heard are breathtaking as well so one day I hope to return! Wanna come?