๐ŸŒŠ Southeast Asia

Culture & discovery
Koh Phi Phi

Muslim fishermen, sea gypsies and tsunami memories: an island with more depth than it seems.

Discover other cultural venues

โš ๏ธ Timetables, opening hours, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, venues or local authorities). Before every trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers.

๐Ÿ›๏ธHeritage and sites5 places
๐Ÿ๏ธ
Maya Bay
Phi Phi Leh

The legendary bay from The Beach, reopened in 2022 under strict rules: no swimming, visits of about an hour and an annual closure in August and September.

National parkThe Beach
๐Ÿฆ‡
Viking Cave
Phi Phi Leh

A cave at the foot of the cliffs where edible swiftlet nests are still harvested; it is seen from the boat on archipelago tours.

Swiftlet nestsSeen from the boat
๐ŸŒŠ
Pileh Lagoon
Phi Phi Leh

A turquoise inlet hemmed in by limestone cliffs, with a small reef at its mouth, and a highlight of boat trips.

LagoonSnorkelling
โ›ฐ๏ธ
Phi Phi viewpoints
Above Ton Sai

Three lookouts linked by steep steps give the iconic view over the twin bays of Ton Sai and Loh Dalum; a small fee is charged.

HikingPanorama
๐Ÿ›ถ
Urak Lawoi village, Laem Tong
Laem Tong, northern Phi Phi Don

A community of sea gypsies at the island's northern tip, keepers of an old Andaman maritime culture; visit quietly and respectfully.

Sea gypsiesLiving heritage
๐ŸŽ‰Festivals and traditions3 places
๐Ÿ•ฏ๏ธ
Tsunami remembrance
Ton Sai, 26 December

Every 26 December, residents, families and visitors honour the victims of 2004, and divers lay a wreath on an underwater memorial offshore.

Remembrance26 December
๐Ÿชท
Loy Krathong
Across Thailand, November

On the November full moon, small flower-decked floats lit with candles are set on the water to thank the water spirits.

Full moonNovember
๐Ÿ’ฆ
Songkran
Across Thailand, 13-15 April

Thai New Year begins with merit-making and respectful water blessings for elders, before cheerful water fights in the streets.

Thai New YearApril
๐Ÿฝ๏ธCuisine3 places
๐Ÿฆ
Grilled fish and seafood
Ton Sai and beaches

In the evening, restaurants display the day's catch, sold by weight and grilled to order, served with chilli and lime dipping sauces.

Catch of the dayBarbecue
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Southern Thai cooking
Krabi province

Bold curries, pomelo salad with grilled prawns and crab stir-fried in curry: southern cooking is generous with both spice and seafood.

SpicyCurry
๐Ÿฅž
Roti
Ton Sai stalls

A flaky pancake from the Muslim cooking of the south, filled with banana, egg or condensed milk and eaten on the street at night.

Street foodSweet