Phi Phi Don - Tours / Activities

[Caldo]

Lots of people seem quite knowledgeable about Thailand on here, so hopefully someone can help. Going to Thailand in the new year; spending 4 nights on Phi Phi and looking to do a boat tour to all the tourist sights, see "The Beach" and monkey beach etc. Have had a look at various reviews on trip advisor etc and most trip seems to involve a lot a snorkeling, which is something I am not really interested.

Has anyone been on any boat tours from Phi Phi and can tell me if I'd need to sit about for hours as others snorkel or is there a better way for me to enjoy the sights? I have read about booking your own long-tail, but apparently these go in to what sounds like a rather dodgy / dangerous back entrance and not the beach?

[Caldo]

TheBMWDriver said:

Having spent a lot of time out in Thailand I would not recommend Phi Phi.

Its dirty, over crowded, expensive, very few good restaurants, the hotels are very poor and over priced.

Phuket has a bit of everything, luxury, budget hotels, good restaurants, bars, hookers, spa's and there are day trips to many of the local islands.

If not too late to change your plans I would.

Im going back to Phuket next week.

We are going to Phuket after Phi Phi. I am not looking for luxury and Phi Phi should be good for a few days of partying. I have noticed that hotels are more expensive and good reviews are few and far between, but I suppose they get away with it due to supply and demand.

Going to Koh Phangan > Koh Samui > Phi Phi > Phuket and then up to the north.

[Caldo]

I'm assuming you'd need to be there very early to avoid the beach being so full?

[Caldo]

Unfortunately won't be in Krabi, so would be looking for a longtail from Phi Phi for the day. Ideally was to go in to the beach at 'the beach' as I'd have a camera, so don't want to be swimming to a ladder at the back.

I'm going to Phuket after Phi Phi for a few days, see what Patong is like...

Does anyone have any recommendations in Chiang Mai? Best elephant camp?

[Caldo]

Only there for a couple of days before heading up to Chiang Mai for a week. Not interested in anything seedy, was just told Bangladesh Road was something that I should see. Not really looked at anything to do while I am there, so open to suggestions.

[Caldo]

XJSJohn said:

Bangla Road, or Soi Bangla .... it has nothing to do with Bangladesh

Yea its .... umm .... interesting

Things to do in Phuket

Big Buddha, (great views and some nice little shack type bar restaurants on the road up/ down)

Rawai Beach, great seafood on the beachfront, chilled relaxed quiet bars

Explore Rawai,

Kata beach for a more quiet chilled beach (except this week where all the Kings Cup yachties are partying)

Good auto correct there from the iPad with Bangladesh Road

I have booked a hotel in Patong for a few nights, didn't think transport there from the airport would be an issue? Was told that Karon and Kata beach would be nicer but having just spent a few weeks in Ko Phangan / Samui / Phi Phi I wasn't overly bothered about nicer. Will look into the Big buddha etc, but was unsure on the question about restaurants and whats in my pocket above?

Edited by Caldo on Thursday 4th December 12:58

[Caldo]

I'd probably not bother with scooter hire, will be more interested that on Koh Phangan to get about. I don't have a budget really, so open to suggestions. Would be interested in suggestions for some decent restaurants / bars to chill out after 5 days partying on Phi Phi.

Is it true what they say about tuk tuks not haggling, changing prices and demanding more money?