If you are looking for a paradise on earth, the Phi Phi island group (which includes Ko Phi Phi Lee and Ko Phi Phi Don) in the Andaman Sea is well-equipped to feature in your top ten list of options.
Do you remember the movie 'The Beach'? Well that famous, mysterious beach is here, on the island of Phi Phi Ley.
My suggestion
If you plan to arrive by the rear of the island and want to take photos as soon as you can, then you'd better pack your equipment in a watertight bag - you can buy them on the main island of Koh Phi Phi.
Ariadne M
Travel writer
5
If you are looking for a paradise on earth, the Phi Phi island group (which includes Ko Phi Phi Lee and Ko Phi Phi Don) in the Andaman Sea is well-equipped to feature in your top ten list of options.
My suggestion
I recommend spending at least three days resting and relaxing on Ko Phi Phi Don (Ko Phi Phi Lee is uninhabited) at a four or five star resort (in view of the price, let's enjoy ourselves) and making a day trip to Ko Phi Phi Lee.
The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.
Elephant rides have become a major concern in many locations, but are still offered by a handful of so-called "sanctuaries" with the proposition to get close to the exotic and majestic animal. Elephant rides are offered on every street corner and Westerners have little knowledge about the cruel methods to succeed in training these enormous animals.
To set the scene for you, imagine 2,188 km² covered by 80% forest and populated with more than 800 animal species roaming completely free. Add streams, waterfalls and a mountain range amongst 2,000 plant species. Classify it all as a UNESCO world heritage site and you have the Khao Yai national park.