Phi Phi Leh is a small uninhabited island located in the Andaman Sea, belonging to the Phi Phi Islands group in Thailand. It gained popularity after being featured in the movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Here are some key points about Phi Phi Leh:
Location: Phi Phi Leh is situated about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of the larger and more developed island, Phi Phi Don. It is part of Krabi Province in southern Thailand.
Size and Geography: The island covers an area of approximately 6.6 square kilometers (2.5 square miles) and is characterized by stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and beautiful white sand beaches. The most famous beach on Phi Phi Leh is Maya Bay.
Maya Bay: Maya Bay is the main attraction of Phi Phi Leh. It gained international fame as the setting for the movie "The Beach." The bay is a picturesque cove surrounded by towering cliffs and offers a stunning tropical landscape. However, due to concerns about over-tourism and ecological damage, Maya Bay has been closed to visitors since June 2018 to allow for ecosystem recovery.
Snorkeling and Diving: Phi Phi Leh is known for its vibrant marine life and is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The surrounding waters are teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine species, making it an excellent spot for underwater exploration.
Viking Cave: Another notable attraction on Phi Phi Leh is the Viking Cave. The cave derived its name from the paintings found on its walls, which resemble Viking ships. The cave is still actively visited by locals who collect swiftlet bird nests for the production of bird's nest soup, a Chinese delicacy.
Access: Although Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited, it is easily accessible from Phi Phi Don, which serves as the main hub for transportation and accommodation. Long-tail boats and speedboats offer tours to Phi Phi Leh from Phi Phi Don and other nearby islands, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the island and its surrounding waters.
Please note that the information provided is accurate up to my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. It's always a good idea to double-check the latest updates and travel guidelines before planning a visit to Phi Phi Leh.