Emerald water
A still lagoon among cliffs.
Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Puripant — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vincent — Public domain
A near-enclosed sea lagoon on the east coast of Phi Phi Leh, ringed almost entirely by sheer, towering limestone cliffs, with only a narrow opening to the sea, so its water stays still and a clear emerald green, like a natural swimming pool among the mountains. Longtail boats and speedboats glide slowly in, and visitors jump off to swim or float in the calm, warm water, or paddle kayaks along the rock walls. The cliffs are draped in hanging plants, and the shade they cast shifts the water's colour between turquoise and green. The lagoon is within Phi Phi national park, and the Phi Phi national park fee for foreigners is about four hundred baht per adult and two hundred per child, paid once a day and often not included in the tour price, paid once together with Maya Bay. It can only be reached by boat on Phi Phi Leh tours. From May to October the Andaman Sea is rough and boat trips may be cancelled. Swimming is a joy but the water is deep, so wear a life jacket unless you are a strong swimmer, and watch children. The best time is morning, before the big tour boats arrive.
A still lagoon among cliffs.
Floating in warm water.
Paddling along the rock walls.
East coast of Phi Phi Leh island
Yes, with life jackets and constant supervision: the water is calm but deep and there is no beach. Young children enjoy the view from the boat.
