Phi Phi Islands, Archipelago in Andaman Sea, Thailand
Phi Phi Islands is an archipelago of six islands in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and the Strait of Malacca. Limestone cliffs rise from turquoise water, surrounded by white sand beaches and sheltered bays.
Thai Malay fishermen settled here in the late 1940s and initially planted coconut plantations. After 2000, the archipelago developed into one of Thailand's most visited destinations.
Island residents live mainly from fishing and tourism, with many families settled here for generations. Local craftsmen build and repair traditional longtail boats on the beaches, where visitors can watch them work.
Ferries and speedboats run regularly from Phuket and Krabi to the islands, with journey times between 45 minutes and two hours. Main beaches are best visited early in the morning or late in the afternoon when fewer boats arrive.
In Viking Cave on Phi Phi Leh, workers collect edible swiftlet nests from limestone walls throughout the year. The nests are harvested for Chinese cuisine and considered a delicacy there.
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