Viking Cave, Koh Phi Phi Leh
Viking Cave - Tham Phaya Nak - is a large opening in the cliffs on the north-east side of Phi Phi Leh. Its English name comes from paintings on the walls of sailing vessels, thought by some to resemble Norse ships and more likely to depict the Asian and European traders who sheltered here.
The cave is still worked for edible swiftlet nests, gathered from the roof on bamboo scaffolding that is visible from the water. It is one of the last places in Thailand where the trade is carried on this way, and the collectors' rights are strictly held.
Visitors are not permitted to land - the cave is protected and the nest concession is private - so it is seen from the boat as trips pass on their way to Maya Bay.
Related Routes
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- Phi Phi Viewpoint, Koh Phi Phi Don — The hill above Tonsai, looking down on the twin bays and the sandbar that joins the two halves of the island.
- Bamboo Island (Koh Phai) — A small flat island north-east of Phi Phi ringed by white sand and shallow reef.
- Laem Tong Beach, Koh Phi Phi Don — The quiet beach at the island's northern tip, reached only by boat, with a sea gypsy village at one end.
- Loh Dalum Bay, Koh Phi Phi Don — The crescent bay on the northern side of the isthmus, shallow, sheltered and the island's party beach at night.
- Long Beach (Hat Yao), Koh Phi Phi Don — The best swimming beach on Phi Phi Don, south-east of Tonsai, with reef straight off the sand.
- Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh — The cliff-ringed bay made famous by The Beach, closed for four years to let its reef recover.
