Slowly turning in to a tourist hub, Krabi offers its visitors some of the finest natural beaches on the Thai costal belt, which are secluded and offer privacy in the midst of gorgeous scenic views of the Andaman Ocean. Phi Phi Island off the coast of Krabi has become a major hotspot for people who want to have some fun in the sun. With breathtakingly beautiful beaches surrounded by looming limestone cliffs, the Phi Phi Islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lei offer vacationers a quiet respite from the humdrum of the city.
Krabi/Phi Phi Culture
Krabi’s culture dates back to 25,000 BC, as archeological digs have discovered. It is believed that Thailand’s oldest settlements are located here. Ancient stone tools, colored wall pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains have been found in many cliffs and caves in the province.
The people living in Krabi are not just Thai natives; Indian, Malay and Chinese fish folk have come and settled here over time. And though most people are Buddhist, a large majority is Muslim. Many local natives are also of Chinese decent. A lot of people here speak Chinese fluently, have Chinese names, and observe Chinese rituals and religious beliefs.
Phi Phi Island has an unusual cultural background. Up till 1945 there was nobody living on Phi Phi Don Island. By 1950 the first settlers came here from Koh Yai and soon, more followed from Koh Lanta and Krabi province as well. The families who still own most of the land in Phi Phi today are descendents from these first settlers. Most of Phi Phi islanders are Muslim. Other than the natives, Phi Phi Island has also been home to sea gypsies, especially in Phi Phi Don. These ancient travelers whose homes are on boats, often come to the islands as the season changes. In high season they often gather on the west coast in Lodalum Bay, while in the low season, they are on the eastern coast of the island.
Weather in Krabi / Phi Phi
Krabi has two basic seasons, one season is hot and the other is rainy. The hot season is from January to April and this is followed by the rainy season. However, the rain mainly occurs in the evening hours in May through to December. The best time to visit Krabi is between January and March when the weather tends to be not too hot.
Phi Phi weather follows the same basic weather pattern as Phuket. The climate here is tropical and warm most of the time. The weather from March to November is perfect here with breezy days and cool nights. The best time to visit the islands is from November to April. However, avoid coming in December and January as it is peak season, and accommodations can be hard to find.
Shopping in Krabi / Phi Phi
Shopping in Krabi is pretty good for most. As with the rest of Thailand, bargaining with street vendors and stall owners is a must if you want to get a fair price. In Krabi, most street vendors retailing any and everything from silk scarves, hammocks to sarongs and pirated CDs. Antiques Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys here. There are also plenty of clothing and tailoring shops especially in Krabi Town. Nielloware is a great buy from here as it is a souvenir unique to southern Thailand. Practiced in only in this region, nielloware is the technique of decorating gold and silver objects with delicate designs filled with a metal inlay.
From modern supermarkets and department stores like Vogue, to the colorful local market between Phruksauthit Road and Maharaj Road, you can shop in Krabi to your hearts content. There are also two popular night markets one is on Maharaj Soi 8 and the other is on the river front at Khongkha Road.
Phi Phi has a wide selection of goods for sale though most items here are more expensive than say in Krabi. Most local shops and mini marts are run by local families and stay open till around 11 at night. Most gift shops are open from 10 am to 10 pm.
What to Wear in Krabi / Phi Phi
Beach wear and casual wear are the order of the day in Krabi and Phi Phi Islands. However, pack some more functional clothes especially if you would like to visit any temples or sacred places, as revealing clothing is not allowed. Swim suits are worn by most on Phi Phi islands however, topless sunbathing is looked down upon, as many of the residents on the island are Muslims.
Travel Around Krabi / Phi Phi
In Krabi Songtaews and motorcycle taxis provide cheap and efficient public transport. The fares here vary according to the destination. Renting a car is another great way of seeing the province. Car hires are available at most hotel desks or at local travel agents. River taxis or local long tail boats operate regular services to the small islands across the Krabi River and along the coast to Railay and Phra Nang Beach.
There are no roads in Phi Phi Island, just a few dirt racks. Most people get around by walking or by bicycle. To get to Phi Phi Island, most tour agencies arrange daily trips, however if you would like to travel there by yourself, you can catch a boat or ferry ride from Chao Fah Pier in Krabi town and at Ao Nang beach. You can also reach the island via Phuket as well.
Health Services in Krabi / Phi Phi
There are three main hospitals in the province, Krabi Hospital which is about 1km north of the town centre at 325 Thanon, Utrakit, Krabi, Ao Lak Hospital Tel; 681-159, and Koh Lanta Hospital Tel; 697-017. There are no hospitals on Phi Phi Island so any serious illness should be treated in Phuket or Krabi. There is however a local health center in Tonsai Bay that treats minor injuries. Sunburn and sunstroke are the most common health problems so make sure you wear plenty of strong sun block, a hat and drink plenty of fluids.
Krabi / Phi Phi Nightlife
The nightlife in Krabi town is low key with a few bars and pubs such as the Gecko House, Thai style nightclubs and Karaoke bars. In Ao Nang, on the other hand there is a slightly more active night life but is not much when compared to say Pattaya.
There are several lively discos in Ton Sai village on Phi Phi Island. Carlito's bar, the Reggae Bar, and Tin-Tins are some great night clubs. If you want a more quiet evening the Jungle Bar, just before Phi Phi Cabana is for you.
Dining Out in Krabi / Phi Phi
Dining out is pretty good in Krabi, with a wealth of fresh sea food available. Both Thai and western food is found in abundance in most market places and food stalls by the beach. In town, you can go to any good mall to have a McDonalds, if that is more your taste. The Parkway Thai Hotel is the oldest cafe in town with good food, Kwan Coffee Shop by the pier sells the best coffee, while Meritime Hotel has the best buffet breakfast in Krabi Town. Classy restaurants are hard to come by except in the 5-star hotels like Pavilion Queen's Bay.
Phi Phi Island has numerous restaurants to choose from. Mama Restaurant is good for seafood and Thai food as well as pizzas. PP Bakery has good sandwiches, cakes and cheap Thai food. You can also find small Halal food stands all over the island.
Krabi / Phi Phi Business
Krabi now earns a substantial income from its tourism industry however; it is a predominately agricultural area producing rubber, palm oils, oranges, coconuts, and coffee. Rubber is the main cash crop grown here. Fishing is also widely done along the coastline and on most larger islands. Shrimp and cockle farming are also done by many fishermen.
On Phi Phi Island a number of people making their living from cashew nut farming, while coconuts are also cultivated. Fishing is important here and most of the local men are good fishermen.
