 Phi Phi Ley, Thailand
Phi Phi Ley is a small island in southern Thailand. Although it is only 6.6 square kilometres, Phi Phi Ley is stunningly beautiful. Phi Phi Ley measures just 3 kilometers in length and 1 km at its broadest point. The sea around it averages about 20 meters in depth, reaching 34 meters at the deepest point off the island's southern tip. Composed almost entirely of limestone mountains that soar right out of the sea, Phi Phi Ley has a number of fjord-like tongues of sea that lead into sheltered lagoons.
Phi Phi Ley has some of the most beautiful bays in Thailand: Pileh, Maya and Loh Samah. Ao Pileh is an emerald blue lagoon very nearly enclosed by the sheer limestone walls. Ao Maya, or Maya Bay, is now world-famous, having been featured in the Leonardi DiCaprio movie, The Beach. Ao Loh Samah is another quiet bay with a small sandy beach at the end.
On Phi Phi Ley's northeast is the famous Viking Cave. It was renamed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej when he visited it in 1972. Coming across a stone in the cave that resembles a mythical creature, His Majesty renamed the cave Tham Phaya Nak, or Naga Cave. This cave is revered by the local people who come here to collect swift's nest, the main ingredient in bird nest soup, a Chinese delicacy. The eastern and southern walls of the cave contain colored drawings dating from earlier times. In addition to drawings of elephants, there were also drawings of various boats, including European, Arab and Chinese sailing ships. This provide an indication of their age, to a few hundred years. The cave probably provided early sailors a shelter to escape from rough seas, to transfer their cargo, or make repairs. It is quite likely that pirates and smugglers used this site as well.
The best time for a visit is between November and April.
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