Phi
Phi Island
The name is derived from Malay and the original was Pulao
Pi ah Pi, where in pulao is the Malay word for island,
and pi, pronounced with only a half p sound, was very
close in pronunciation to the English word be; the ah
was eventually dropped, so the name was said something
like Bi Bi. Later the P was pronounced with a stronger
aspiration and the name became the Pi Pi we know today
(the h with which it is usually spelled is confusing and
superfluous). The name refers to the mangrove wood found
there. Six islands are in the group; Phi Phi Don, Phi
Phi Ley, Biddah Nok, Biddah Nai, Yung, and Pai; total
area is about 35 square kilometers. They were incorporated
into the national park in 1983. Some of the interesting
places to visit include.
Phi Phi Don Island
covers a total area of 28 square kilometers : 8 kilometers
in length and 3.5 at its broadest point. At the north
end is Cape Laem Tohng, where there is a Chao Ley, or
sea gipsy village. These sea gypsies emigrated from
Koh Lipeh in Tarutao National Park, near the border
with Malaysia. Diving at Laem Tohng is excellent, as
it is also at Hua Rah Ket to the extreme south.
There are long beaches with rocks scattered about. Two
curving bays are especially beautiful : Ton Sai and
Loh Dalam. This is also where accommodations and tourist
services are found.
Phi
Phi Ley Island
is an Island of 6.6 square kilometers. It is mountainous
and rocky. Tall cliffs rise straight up from the sea's
surface and 34 meters is the deepest Spot, at the south
end of the island and others. On the northeast is the
famous 'Viking Cave' so-called from the painting therein,
which His Majestry King Bhumibol was pleased to grant
also the name 'Payanak' meaning 'Serpent Lord', in honour
of the villagers who gatter swallow's nests on the island.
Inside, on the east and south walls of the cave, are
paintings from historical times of an elephant, and
boats of various kinds : Arab prows, junks, sharp-stemmed
vessels probably of European origin, Steam ships, and
propeller-driven sailboats. It is theorized that these
are the work of sailors, or perhaps even of pirates,
because the island provides refuge during the monsoons
and lies on the main shipping lane from west to east.
It was thus a place suitable for offloading cargo and
conducting repairs.
Weather
Rain Season : May - October
Best time for visit : November - April
Sea
Temperature
The sea stays at a warm 29 degrees Celsius all year
round. No cold swimming, kayaking or diving!!!
Wind
From October 20th to April 15th Thailand island is dominated
by the light dry North Easterly winds. This gives dry
blue skies and starry nights.
May 15th to October 1st Phi Phi Island is dominated
by moist South Westerly winds. This gives a mixture
of good days with some wet periods.
|
