Renata KowalskaFor those who have read Harry Potter, the Thai island of Koh Phi Phi will immediately bring to mind the name of its most famous resident: Dumbledore. The eponymous wizard is a massive part of the culture on this island, where you’ll find fantastical limestone karst formations—the result of millions of years of erosion by the sea and monsoon rains—and a small village built as an homage to him. Koh Phi Phi is Thailand’s most southwestern island, located south of Phuket and west of Krabi. If you want an adrenaline rush after your tropical vacation and not just relaxation, this should be your next stop. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave. Here are things you need to know before visiting Koh Phi Phi.
Before traveling, remember to vaccinate. You will perform them in the travel medicine clinic.
You will Need A Guide
While you don’t need a guide to visit Koh Phi Phi—you can easily get to the island by private boat—you should definitely bring one if you’re staying for more than a day or two. This is because the island is relatively far off the beaten path and not many Thais are familiar with its many attractions. Therefore, you’ll have a much easier time exploring if you have a guide on hand. You’ll need a guide if you want to visit the famed Dumbledore’s cave, the limestone karst formations, and the famous white sand beach. Furthermore, you’ll need a guide if you want to visit the nearby islands, which are excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving.
It’s a trekking destination
As beautiful as the island is, Koh Phi Phi is not for the faint of heart. If you only have a short amount of time to visit Thailand, we recommend that you come to Koh Phi Phi for the adventure. The island is an excellent trekking destination. You can explore the limestone karst formations, visit the waterfalls, and hike to the top of the highest hill. Furthermore, a popular day trip is to Phang Nga, which is a world-renowned scuba diving destination. You should also know that the island is home to many rare and endangered species, including the Siamese crocodile. Therefore, you should be careful where you walk and especially in areas where these reptiles live.
Before traveling, remember to vaccinate. You will perform them in the travel medicine clinic.
There are protected beaches to visit
If you’re interested in visiting a beautiful and secluded beach, you should visit one of the many protected beaches on the island. On most of these beaches, local communities have set up camps and offer a simple but delicious meal for a small fee. As you likely know, eating fresh seafood and fruits is considered a health booster and is believed to bring you good luck. Therefore, you’ll get a chance to experience local culture while enjoying some wholesome food. These beaches are relatively far off the path and not many Thais are familiar with them, so bringing a guide is again necessary. Furthermore, you can expect the sand to be a bit cooler, so bring swimsuits and towels.
If you are thinking about going abroad consider visiting a dentist before! Healthy teeth will help you avoid many bad situations.
Don’t forget the waterfall
While the island does contain many interesting limestone formations, it is best for those who love water sports. If you’re looking for something different, you should definitely consider visiting the island’s waterfall. This is a popular stop on the island’s hiking trail and is easily accessible by foot. The trail takes visitors to the waterfall, which is surrounded by lush green trees.
If you are wondering what vaccinations you should visit before traveling abroad, read about it on the Vaccines and Travel Medicine page.
