Phuket or Phi Phi?

[halcyon]

Coup in Thailand: my heart goes out to the Thai people and for the peace and calm which I know will prevail there.

Am diving round Phuket for 5 days in October (yes, I know it's a little early but the air tickets are bought!) and wondering if I should stay in Phuket or Phi Phi. Only have 3.5 days diving effectively, landing in Phuket on morning day 1, flying off evening day 5. LOBs are out and it's gonna be just day trips from either island.

Most interested in Hin Daeng/Hin Muang, and then the nearby sites such as Shark point, Anemone Reef, (Racha Yai/Noi? Bida Nok/Nai? Am open to suggestions, please!).

Have heard Phi Phi is much nearer to HD/HM (2.5hrs as opposed to 5? from Phuket) and you should stay close to where you plan to dive. Also heard that Phi Phi is more ex and there's less choice of accommodation.

Any thoughts, guys? Many thanks.

 

[MGW1979]

Stay in Phi Phi, The Bidas are 40 min away. The Island is awesome. I was diving there 3 weeks ago and despite being the low season, it was awesome. Phi Phi is a lot more laid back that Phuket. Phuket is pretty busy and commercialized. Phi Phi is not exactly primative, but much more of an Island experience.... It is a bit more expensive, but you're comparing $40/ night for a great place to $20....dives are cheaper however from what I saw.
Enjoy!

 

[jiveturkey]

Anyone have any links to current pics of the island? Haven't been back in a few years and I'm wondering what it looks like now.

 

[orangelemon]

Stay in Phuket and take a day trip to Phi Phi, and if you only have a limited time here you must go to Racha Noi also, Phuket is laid back (kata beach at sundown is as laid back as you can get) and classy at the same time, and if you dont want laid back and classy you can always try patong beach after sundown.

 

[stevenl]

You save about 1/2 hour to Hin Daeng from PP compared to Phuket.
Phi Phi is a bit more expensive, on Phuket more accommodation choice.
Phi Phi is closer to Bida Nok and Bida Nai, also Hin Bida is possible from Phi Phi.
The Racha Islands you can dive from Phuket, not from Phi Phi.

Since you have limited time, save some time and stay on Phuket and do your diving from here.