Phi Phi Islands 2.0 - Mass tourism like you rarely experience

Yes, the Phi Phi Islands! They are considered one of the most beautiful island groups in Thailand. Actually, rightfully so - if it weren't for all the tourists! We had already visited the Phi Phi Islands on our first trip to Thailand from Khao Lak and were excited. Since the islands are much easier to reach from Krabi, we wanted to take another look at this paradise. However, it should be mentioned that the first time we were here in the off-season, in October. While we were aware that we would probably have to expect more people this time, what we experienced exceeded all our expectations.

Of course, the first problem is that we were traveling during the peak season: Christmas. Another problem is that the Phi Phi Islands are a popular excursion destination both from Phuket and Krabi. And so, thousands of tourists flock to the small islands every day.

But let's start from the beginning. I had already booked the tour from Germany with a provider that advertises with small groups. Small groups are essential for such excursions! It's better to invest a little more money and have more of the day. The group consisted of about 20 people from all over the world, which is perfectly fine for a speedboat tour. We set off at 10 o'clock in the morning and soon arrived at our destination. The first stop is the famous Monkey Beach. Even here, we are greeted by the harbingers of what will accompany us throughout the day: mass tourism. But in its finest form! When approaching, all you can see is boats, and when we see the crowds of people already frolicking on the beach, we actually don't even want to get off. However, we have no choice and plunge into the hustle and bustle. And then there are all the monkeys that you should be aware of. Warnings are everywhere not to leave your belongings lying around. Of course, various groups of tourists discreetly ignore this and then get annoyed when the monkeys mess with their stuff. What more can we say? Luckily, we don't stay here for very long and soon continue our journey.

We pass by the Viking Cave and arrive at a lagoon that I actually remembered as very beautiful and idyllic from last time. However, back then, there were only two other boats in the bay besides us. Today, there are surely more than 50. You can probably imagine that peace and tranquility cannot be expected here. Loud longtail boats and party boats with booming music destroy pretty much everything that this lagoon should actually be. We swim here a little, but it doesn't bring much joy. It was at this moment that we were truly shocked by the masses of people. It was predictable that there would be more activity here during the Christmas season than there was in October, but we really didn't expect THIS.

Time for lunch! We have it at a small beach, which of course is once again too small for the many people. When we arrive, it is fortunately still relatively empty, so we can spread out our mats, which we received from the organizer, in the shade and wait for the food. The meal is a small buffet with various Thai dishes, all of which are very delicious! After lunch, there is even some time to relax on the beach. At this point, I have to mention that the beaches on the Phi Phi Islands are truly a dream. However, it's a dream that you have to share with many many other people...

Finally, the snorkeling stops we have been waiting for so long! We see many colorful fish again, and this time also a real highlight: sharks! This is the first time we have seen sharks while snorkeling. Really great! We enjoy snorkeling here again this time, but we notice quite a bit of trash floating around. We didn't notice that last time.

Next, we visit Maya Bay. This beach became famous through the movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. And it became so famous that today we only make a photo stop and photograph the beach from a distance. Four years ago, we were able to enter the beach, but today it is closed due to mass tourism. The ecosystem has been so devastated that it needs time to recover. A measure whose basis is truly concerning. While it is commendable that the government takes such a measure, the benefit of it is questionable. While this beach is spared, all the visitors are simply distributed to the other beaches...which is not exactly the point. It makes us think about how much mass tourism destroys our nature. And at this very moment, we are contributing to it...

We end the day at a small beach where there isn't too much going on. Here we doze off a little before we head back to Ao Nang.

I have already mentioned mass tourism several times here, and I think it is clear that it shocked us. Despite the beauty of the Phi Phi Islands, we probably wouldn't take a trip again during peak season. It's better to go during the off-season when there are fewer people, or find a less crowded alternative. For now, we've had enough of the Phi Phi Islands.