Welcome to the captivating Phi Phi Islands, a tropical haven of six islands, nestled in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Thailand. If you’re seeking an unforgettable escape, Phi Phi Islands should be at the top of your bucket list. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best time to visit, how to get there and leave, things to do, transportation options, dining choices, accommodation suggestions, safety tips, and why this dreamlike destination is undoubtedly worth visiting.

WHEN TO VISIT THE PHI PHI ISLANDS

Phi Phi Islands boast a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). For the ideal mix of sunny days and lower chances of rain, plan your trip between November and March. The temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 25°C to 32°C, making it perfect for sunbathing and water activities.

HOW TO GET TO THE PHI PHI ISLANDS

Getting to Phi Phi Islands is an adventure in itself. Most travelers arrive at Phuket International Airport, and from there, you can take a scenic ferry ride to the islands. Alternatively, you can land at Krabi Airport and catch a ferry from Krabi Town or Ao Nang. If you are island hopping, don’t worry, you don’t have to go back to the mainland to get to the phi phi islands, you can also reach the phi phi islands from most of the other surrounding islands. The ferry rides offer breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding limestone cliffs.

HOW TO LEAVE THE PHI PHI ISLANDS

Saying goodbye to Phi Phi Islands can be tough, but when the time comes, you can take a ferry back to Phuket or Krabi, depending on your next destination. Be sure to check the ferry schedules in advance to plan your departure smoothly.

THINGS TO DO ON THE PHI PHI ISLANDS

1. Boat tours
2. Beaches

1. EMBARK ON MEMORABLE BOAT TOURS

Taking a boat tour while on the phi phi islands is arguably the most popular activity that people do. Something I did not realize before I visited the Phi Phi Islands is that Maya Bay is located on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh (the uninhabited island), and not the island of Koh Phi Phi Don (the islands where accommodation is available). So it is possibly better to visit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey beach, Viking cave, from the mainland, if you are not interested in staying on Koh Phi Phi Don.

While on the Phi Phi Islands we wanted to see Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach and the Viking Cave. We did not want to join a tour so we decided to rent a private longtail boat instead to see the sites we wanted to see. To be honest the cost of splitting the private longtail boat between two of us was not far off the cost of two tickets for a boat tour. We simply headed down to the pier at around 7am and began chatting to the longtail boat captains. We managed to organize a 4 hour tour on a private longtail boat, to all the sites mentioned above for just THB 2500.

However, if you are a solo traveler or if you just prefer the idea of joining a tour, you can go down to the pier and enquire or you can check out sites like Viator and Get Your Guide. Popular tours include the Four Islands Tour, Sunrise tour and Sunset tour.

2. EXPLORE THE PRISTINE BEACHES

MAYA BAY

Maya Bay is one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, surrounded by tall hills on Koh Phi Phi Leh. Snorkelers love it for its amazing marine life. Many people know about this beach because it was in a famous movie called “The Beach” in 2000. We even saw baby sharks swimming at Maya Bay when we visited. Now, lots of tourists come to Koh Phi Phi just to see Maya Bay. It is important to note, you cannot swim in the water at Maya Bay. You can go in ankle or knee deep but you are prohibited from going in the water to swim, in an effort to conserve the natural beauty and marine life of the beach.

Now for what the brochures wont show you! It’s a stunning place, but it’s not very private. There are usually about 50 boats on the beach at any time, with big ferry boats bringing lots of people for snorkeling. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy the beauty of Maya Bay. Try to visit early in the morning or after 5:00 PM to avoid the big crowds.

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LOH DALUM BAY

Enclosed by limestone cliffs, Loh Dalum bay is a located at the opposite side of the island to Tonsai village. The crystal clear waters and pristine white sand makes for an unforgettable beach experience. High tide is the best time for swimming at Loh Dalum Bay.

At low tide you can wade around up to your knees, and even see starfish. The beach can get quite busy at times and the bars that are situated on the beach put on fire shows at night time.

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MONKEY BEACH

Monkey Beach is a captivating natural wonder you won’t want to miss. Accessible by boat, this pristine beach boasts crystal-clear waters and a vibrant marine life, making it a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts. As the name suggests, playful monkeys inhabit the area, providing delightful encounters with these adorable creatures. Remember to be respectful and mindful of their natural habitat.

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Long Beach

HIKE TO PHI PHI VIEWPOINT

Koh Phi Phi Don is shaped like a dumbbell, and you can get an amazing view of the island from the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint.

Most of the buildings and activity are in the middle of the island, while the edges are covered in mountains and palm forests.

To reach the viewpoint, you’ll need to hike up some stairs for about 20-40 minutes, depending on how fit you are. But it’s worth it! From the top, you’ll see the stunning deep blue waters of Tonsai Bay and the light teal waters of Loh Dalam Bay, with Tonsai Village in between.

Visiting the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint is one of the best things you can do on Phi Phi Island!

To get there, head west from Tonsai Village and follow the signs for the “Viewpoint.” It’s open all day, every day. For a better experience with fewer people and better lighting for photos, try to go early in the morning.

The cost to enter is only 30 Baht. Enjoy the incredible view of Koh Phi Phi Don from the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint!

Explore tonsai village

Tonsai Village is like a cool and bustling neighborhood with lots of narrow streets that are packed with amazing shops. You can find all sorts of stuff there, from cool souvenirs and beautiful paintings to trendy bags, clothes, and unique handmade jewelry.

Most of these awesome shops are located along the main street that runs next to Tonsai Bay. But, here’s the cool part – there are also some hidden alleyways branching off from the main street, and you’ll discover even more awesome shops there, so don’t miss exploring those!

Now, when it comes to shopping in Koh Phi Phi (where Tonsai Village is), things might be a bit pricey. But hey, don’t worry, you can totally show off your bargaining skills! Here’s how it works: before you decide to buy something, take a look at several stores first to see how much things cost. Then, when you find the store you really like, go ahead and try your haggling game. Bargaining means negotiating the price with the shop owner, and it’s a common practice in Thailand.

But, here’s a little tip: shop owners usually don’t go down more than 20% from the initial price. So, be smart and have fun while shopping and exploring all the cool stuff Tonsai Village has to offer! 🛍️💎

DIVE INTO THE UNDERWATER WORLD

Koh Phi Phi’s beauty goes beyond the surface – its underwater marine life is colorful and extraordinary.

Scuba diving is a top-notch activity in the Phi Phi Islands because you’ll be surrounded by incredible sea life.

For the best diving experience, visit between January and April. It’s the dry season with hot weather and clear water.

Avoid diving from June to October as it’s the rainy season and underwater visibility isn’t great.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, and Shark Point – they’re some of the best diving spots in the area!

Engage in Water Sports & Activities

Go Kayaking through Phi Phi’s Crystal Waters, you can also go jet skiing and parasailing and soar above the Andaman sea

Experience Phi Phi’s Nightlife

Tonsai Village is a very lovely spot! There is a hub of Bars and Clubs and there is fire shows and beach parties too!

Discover Phi Phi’s Local Culture

• Explore the Charming Tonsai Village
• Visit Buddhist Temples and Shrines
• Experience Local Traditions and Festivals

Relax with Spa & Wellness

• Indulge in Relaxing Beachfront Massages
• Rejuvenating Spa Escapes on Phi Phi
• Yoga and Meditation in Paradise

Adventures in the Jungle

• Jungle Trekking and Nature Walks
• Discover Hidden Waterfalls on Phi Phi
• Connect with Nature’s Beauty

Rock climbing

Cooking class

Cliff jumping

Monkey bay

How to Get Around: Koh Phi Phi don is relatively small and pedestrian-friendly. There are no cars on the island, but you can easily explore on foot or rent a bicycle. Longtail boats and water taxis are available for island-hopping or reaching remote spots. Koh Phi Phi Leh is similar, you will walk from the drop off point to maya bay and back in a few moments.

Where to Eat: From local Thai delights to international cuisine, Phi Phi Islands offer a delightful culinary experience. Head to Tonsai Village for an array of restaurants and street vendors. Don’t miss trying traditional Thai dishes, fresh seafood, and the famous Pad Thai.

Where to Stay: Phi Phi Islands cater to a range of budgets and preferences. For a vibrant atmosphere, consider staying in Tonsai Village, where you’ll find hostels and budget-friendly hotels. If you prefer tranquility, resorts and bungalows on Long Beach or Laem Thong are ideal choices.

1. Safety Information: a) Sun Protection: The tropical sun can be intense, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated. b) Respect Marine Life: While snorkeling or diving, maintain a safe distance from marine creatures and avoid touching or damaging coral reefs. c) Be Mindful of Monkeys: While visiting Monkey Beach, be cautious with your belongings, as monkeys can be curious and mischievous.
2. Is it Worth Visiting Phi Phi Islands? In my personal opinion, the Phi Phi Islands do boast breathtaking beauty, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, however, Koh Phi Phi Don to me just felt like a party island!! The minute you step foot onto the island from the pier you are greeted with a Mc Donald’s and a Burger King.. the island is small and there is hoards of tourists walking around drinking, playing music over speakers and to me this really took away from the tropical island paradise vibes that I was expecting. Koh phi phi Leh on the other hand was a gorgeous uninhabited paradise and I much preferred my visit to Koh Phi Phi Leh. If I was going again I would probably skip Koh phi phi don altogether, and just do a trip to Koh phi phi Leh from Phuket or Krabi, as partying and drinking isn’t really my scene! But if you enjoy partying and drinking alcohol you will definitely enjoy Koh phi phi don!

Conclusion: In conclusion, Phi Phi Islands offer an enchanting escape from the ordinary. With our comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to plan an unforgettable journey to this paradise. Immerse yourself in the allure of Phi Phi Islands, and you’ll be rewarded with memories that will last forever. Happy travels!