The fabled Viking Cave

Phi Phi Ley

Phi Phi Ley, known for its sheer cliffs punctuated by caves and a unique sea formation nestled between two cliffs, offers a spectacle of natural wonders. Among its notable features are the Viking caves, adorned with prehistoric paintings depicting stylized human and animal figures alongside more recent depictions of ascending junks. Despite being less than a century old, these caves offer a glimpse into ancient artistry and maritime culture.

Of particular interest within these caves is the collection of sea swallow nests, nestled high in rocky hollows. The sea swallows, also known as edible-nest swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga), are renowned for their penchant for building nests in hard-to-reach areas. Harvesting these nests is a perilous endeavor, often undertaken by agile collectors who scale vine and bamboo scaffolding at great risk. Prior to ascending, these collectors offer prayers and tributes to the cave spirits, seeking protection from potential falls and mishaps.

Procuring the rights to collect these nests involves bidding for a license, granting individuals a franchise to harvest for a period of four years. Due to the seasonal nature of nest-building, there are only three harvests permitted each year. The initial harvest commands the highest prices, with the resulting nests often referred to as "white gold." These premium-sized nests, fetching up to US$ 2000 per kilogram, are highly sought after by Chinese restaurants both in Thailand and abroad, with Hong Kong alone importing approximately US$ 25 million worth annually.

The nests themselves consist primarily of the bird's saliva, which hardens upon exposure to air. When cooked with chicken broth, the nests soften and separate, resembling bean thread noodles. Revered in Chinese culture for their purported medicinal properties, these expensive delicacies are believed to impart vitality and vigor to those who consume them.

Phi Phi Lay The outcrop

1. #1 -51 -4 location

#1 -51 -4 2 Aerial view

#1 -51 -2 Arrival at Phi Phi Ley

2 The fabled Viking Cave

#2 -52 - 3 That's the ticketing counter

No one is allowed to stay on Phi Phi Ley because of the bird nest boniness Boats can be hire from Phi Phi Don for short stop over at the Viking Caves To a little snorkelling at the coral reef in Ao Ma-Ya

Hopefully the collection will go to maintaining and up keeping the surrounding of this very frequented spot.

#2 -52 - 4 Ticketing counter in another time

This contraption moves with the tide to lift visitor from the floating platform into the caves' area.

The stairway is hoisted up and the caves are inaccessible after visiting hours.

#2 -52 - 5 Same spot but another look

#2 -52 - 6 Entrance to the cave

#2 -52 - 7 Looking into the coral sea

Stay at the landing point, the clarity of the water in this area is very good and the sea, deep. A large variety of bigger fishes comb the area for food.

#2 -52 -8 Flow stone & scaffoldings

While the name of the caves is associated with the drawings, the importance of these caves is bird nest.

Collector risk their lives to scale these rickety bundle of bamboo to reach great heights for the swifts' nest. Obviously the birds will also make their nest in almost unreachable corners.

#2 -52 - 9 More of them

Another view of these precarious stairways. Recently a fresh bundle available as sample is prepared for adventurous visitor to get the feel of moving up these bundles. {Only 10 meters high}

The commercial activities are privatised. Contractor will have to bid for the license periodically. An average grade bird nest is retailed at US115 per 100 grams. Some premium grades fetch prices a few fold higher.

The Chinese who believes in that the soup brewed out of bird nest brings forth a soothing effects to human's health.

#2 -52 -10 Gigantic stalagmites

For causal visitors to the caves, there are a few flowstones. The 3 more prominent formations are shown here.

#2 -52 - 11 Perched on pieces of fallen roof

#2 -52 - 12 Icon of the Viking cave

This is a very good example of flowstone with multi-tiers gour pools. The structure is also well preserved despite of the traffic to climb the stones for souvenir photographs. Keep our fingers crossed that it will be barricaded soon.

#2 -52 - 13 Numerous bamboos is working state

This is an old moss covered flowstone. There were attempts made to double it up as an altar for prayers.

#2 -52 - 14 The ancient drawings

Last but not least the mysterious drawings on the walls to give these caves its name. The drawings are depiction more of Chinese Junks. Guess where the Vikings came into the picture?

3. The Pileh Cove

Pileh Cove is truly a gem of nature, offering an enchanting experience that is a must for any traveler. While Maya Bay may be overcrowded, Pileh Cove, nestled on the opposite side of the island, is nothing short of magical. Its pristine jade waters shimmer against the backdrop of limestone cliffs, creating a scene that is simply breathtaking. Visiting Pileh Cove is an essential part of any Phi Phi itinerary, as it promises to be a memory-making moment of a lifetime.

I had visited this spot on numerous occasions with different group and each time getting renewed exuberances that I had to repeat but varied my write out

Our journey to Pileh Cove began with a leisurely longboat ride from Phi Phi Don, allowing us to explore the notable spots around Phi Phi Ley island. Among them was Pileh Cove, renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities and the chance to catch a glimpse of baby blacktip reef sharks, measuring about one to two feet in length. Despite the slight choppy waters, snorkeling here was a delight, offering glimpses into a vibrant underwater world.

This secluded bay, tucked away from the bustling Maya Bay, boasts calm and inviting turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. While I couldn't partake in the water activities due to health reasons, observing the beauty from the boat was a treat in itself, although by 11 am, the cove was already bustling with fellow adventurers.

Described as a piece of paradise, Pileh Lagoon is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful locations. Its sandy beaches resemble pristine snow, while tree-covered mountains emerge majestically from the crystal-clear sea. Whether swimming or snorkeling, the lagoon offers an unparalleled experience in an idyllic setting.

During our sightseeing tour by speedboat, we had the pleasure of visiting Pileh Lagoon, a popular tourist attraction on Phi Phi Ley Island. Surrounded by towering rock formations, the lagoon's turquoise blue waters create a stunning visual spectacle. Tourists could be seen indulging in various water activities, from swimming and snorkeling to kayaking, all while soaking in the beauty of this natural wonder.

#3 -60 - 1-15 The narrow entrance & crowd

#3 -60 -2-16 Aquamarine colored water and the shallow cove

#3 -60 - 3-16 Ladder to disembark

#3 -60 -4-16 Charmed by the ambience

#3 -60 -5-17 Reaching th edge

#3 -60 -6-16 Peep into the sea [aerial snorkeling]

4 The Loh Samah Bay

This stop for long-tail boats coming from Phi Phi Don is an absolute must-visit. Words fail to capture the breathtaking beauty of this place, with its astonishingly vibrant waters and backdrop of majestic cliffs reminiscent of scenes from Jurassic Park. While many visitors may find the snorkeling experience somewhat underwhelming due to the decimation of coral in the area, the sheer beauty of the surroundings more than compensates for it.

To avoid the crowds, it's advisable to arrive early. We set out at 8:30 am and had the entire place to ourselves. The area boasts deep waters ideal for swimming and offers opportunities for snorkeling around the rocky formations, which are simply awe-inspiring. We saw excited visitors doing some exhilarating boat jumping—an activity I highly recommend.

This bay features a rope net and walkway leading to Maya Bay, although access to the latter is no longer permitted. Nevertheless, the sight of the net and walkway adds to the allure of the area.

#4 -60 -1- Right in the centre -the deep part

#4 -60 -2- Checking out the shallow part

#4 -60 -3- Keeping the bay calm

5 Everyone goes to the Maya Bay

Maya Bay is a huge enclosed bay in the shape of a figure "C" At the entrance facing the open sea, tall cliffs block off the influences of the ocean. Water in the bay remain calm most of the time

In the 1990s a film crew decided that Maya Bay, "the Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio acting and released in year 2000, It was the kind of heaven-on-earth idyll where a group of people who wanted to rebuild society from scratch might settle.

Recalling scenes from the movie "The Beach" the scenes from the film but when I saw all the Chinese tour groups everywhere it didn't look or feel anything like what one was expecting , it was still really beautiful and it was amazing to visit , but when your up close and you can see for yourself the damage people do it actually makes you a little bitter towards ignorant people who don't seem to care about doing there own small part to persevere beautiful places ... but I hope by doing this one day in the future it will be paradise again for future generations

Nice to know that the Thai government in 2018 executed a plan to restore the beauty of its national treasure. The hoard of tourists descend upon its shores is unbelievable. When one is there it is good is knowing this is one of the most stopped beaches for tourists and the amount of arrival each year does takes away the pristine ness. There is a fine line of tourism & nature conservation. We as tourists should be more mindful & try to reduce our impact so that the next generations may also enjoy the beauty of its beaches.

#5 -61 -1- Entering the bay at high tide

#5 -61 -2-Scene of the bay as seen from "View point"

#5 -61 -3-High Tide- beautiful emerald water

#5 -61 -4- What a lovely sight without the crowd

Boats sailed in during high tide are stranded when the water recedes. It is not a nice thing to do damaging the seafloor, but visitors and boat operators push their crafts into navigable depth before churning up the fine sands on their way out.