This beautiful and uninhabited island is part of Thailand’s Phi Phi archipelago. It’s marked with spectacular cliff faces and has no accommodation options so it’s only visited on daytrips.
The sheer cliffs are home to colonies of nesting swallows. Locals shimmy up rickety bamboo scaffolds to collect the nests, the key ingredient in bird’s nest soup. As dangerous as it looks, accidents are rare and the rewards are outstanding as bird’s nests fetch a high price for brave collectors.
Most day-trippers come on packaged snorkeling tours. Two bays, Ao Lo Sama and Ao Maya, are the most popular venues. The latter soared in popularity after it was featured as the major ‘secret beach’ setting in the blockbuster movie _The Beach. _Of course, all the fame has whittled away at Maya Bay’s secluded atmosphere, but it’s still a beautiful place to visit.
Getting There & Away
Tour boats bound for Ko Phi Phi Leh depart regularly in the morning from Ko Phi Phi Don. Boats usually dock at Maya Bay. The nearest international airport is on Phuket and can be reached quickly by chartered sea plane or ferry. From here it’s an hour flight to Bangkok International Airport with its extended international connections.
Things to Do
Ko Phi-phi Leh Attractions
- Ao Maya
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As beautiful now as it was when leonardo dicaprio was here filming the beach, maya bay is a mecca for fans of the movie.
- Bida Nai and Bida Nok
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These sheer limestone cliffs are the best places to watch the acrobat bird-nest harvesters. great opportunities await divers as well.
- Viking Cave
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Features prehistoric cave paintings and bird-nest harvesters.
- Ao Loh Samah
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This popular bay is great for skin diving due to its clear waters and rich coral reefs.