Phi Phi Islands (Ko Phi Phi)

30 December 2022

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands located in the Andaman Sea, about 42 km from Amphoe Mueang. The main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, both of which are part of the Nopharat Thara Beach-Phi Phi Islands National Park. These islands are easily accessible by either a 45-minute speedboat ride or a 90-minute ferry ride from Phuket or Krabi.

The Phi Phi Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, stunning rock formations, and crystal clear waters teeming with colorful marine life. Phi Phi Don is the larger and more populated of the two main islands, while Phi Phi Leh is smaller and uninhabited. Phi Phi Leh is home to Maya Bay, which was made famous by the Hollywood movie “The Beach” and is known for its stunning beauty, with its clear aquamarine waters and white sandy beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, the Phi Phi Islands also offer a vibrant nightlife, with Tonsai Beach and Tonsai Village both offering a variety of beach bars, restaurants, and shops. There are also smaller beaches on the islands that are suitable for honeymooners, families, and those looking for a more budget-friendly or luxury resort experience.

Snorkeling and diving are popular activities in the waters surrounding the Phi Phi Islands, as they are home to a variety of exotic marine life, including docile leopard sharks. Overall, the Phi Phi Islands are an ideal tropical getaway in Southeast Asia.

Phi Phi Don

Koh Phi Phi Don is the main hub of activity on the Phi Phi Islands, with the main town, hotels, and party scene all located on the island. The landing pier is located on Tonsai Bay, while the opposite side of the island is home to Loh Dalum Beach. The island has several other beautiful beaches, and many of the hotels are located near the narrow part of the island, though there are also hotels on more remote beaches that can be reached by boat. If you are looking to enjoy the party scene, it is important to choose the right beach and hotel location, as some hotels offer a free shuttle boat service, but a boat ride may not be desirable if you have had too much to drink. Overall, Koh Phi Phi Don offers a variety of activities and accommodation options for visitors looking to experience the natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere of the Phi Phi Islands.

Phi Phi Leh

Phi Phi Leh is one of the two main islands in the Phi Phi Islands archipelago, located in the Andaman Sea in Thailand. It is a part of the Nopharat Thara Beach-Phi Phi Islands National Park and is known for its beautiful beaches, including Maya Bay, which was made famous by the Hollywood movie “The Beach.” The island is uninhabited, making it a popular destination for travelers looking for a more secluded and peaceful beach experience. Phi Phi Leh is accessible by boat from either Phuket or Krabi. Activities on the island include snorkeling, diving, and boat tours, as well as exploring the island’s natural beauty. There are no accommodation options on Phi Phi Leh, so visitors typically stay on the nearby island of Koh Phi Phi Don and take day trips to Phi Phi Leh.

Where to stay on Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi Don is the main island in the Phi Phi Islands archipelago, and it is the most populous and has the most accommodation options. Some popular areas to stay on Koh Phi Phi Don include:

Tonsai Village: This village is located on the main island of Koh Phi Phi Don and is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of beach bars, restaurants, and shops. There are several budget guesthouses and hostels in this area, as well as more upscale hotels.
Loh Dalum Beach: This beach is located on the opposite side of the island from Tonsai Village and is known for its more laid-back atmosphere. There are several hotels and resorts in this area, including budget and luxury options.
Remote beaches: There are several more remote beaches on the island that can be reached by boat, including Long Beach and Laem Tong Beach. These areas offer a more secluded and peaceful beach experience, with a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts.

Overall, there are many accommodation options on Koh Phi Phi Don to choose from, depending on your preferences and budget. It is important to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your trip.

What to do in Phi Phi Islands?

The Phi Phi Islands offer a variety of activities to enjoy, both on the larger islands and on the smaller ones. These islands are known for their beautiful beaches and private bays, as well as their stunning limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs and marine life. While there are not many manmade attractions on the islands, the natural beauty of the area is the main draw. Some suggestions for things to do in Phi Phi include:

Relax on the beach: The Phi Phi Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, including Maya Bay, which was made famous by the Hollywood movie “The Beach.”
Go snorkeling or diving: The waters surrounding the Phi Phi Islands are home to a variety of exotic marine life, making them a great destination for snorkeling and diving.
Visit the Phi Phi Island Viewpoint: This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the islands and is a popular spot for sunset viewing.
Explore Tonsai Village: This village is located on the main island of Phi Phi Don and is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of beach bars, restaurants, and shops.
Go rock climbing: The Phi Phi Islands are known for their beautiful rock formations, which make them a popular destination for rock climbing.
Take a boat tour: There are many boat tour companies that offer guided tours of the islands, including trips to nearby islands and snorkeling excursions.
Go island hopping: The Phi Phi Islands are part of a larger archipelago, so you can take a boat tour to visit other nearby islands.
Visit the Phi Phi Don Museum: This museum is located on the main island of Phi Phi Don and offers a history of the islands and their local culture.
Go fishing: The waters around the Phi Phi Islands are known for their rich marine life, making them a popular destination for sport fishing.

Nightlife in Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of beach bars, restaurants, and clubs offering live music, DJ sets, and other entertainment. The main hub of nightlife on the island is Tonsai Village, which is located on the main island of Koh Phi Phi Don and is known for its lively atmosphere. Loh Dalum Beach, which is located on the opposite side of the island from Tonsai Village, also has several beach bars and clubs that offer live music and DJ sets. In addition to these areas, there are also a few beach bars and clubs on more remote beaches on the island that can be reached by boat.

Overall, the nightlife on Koh Phi Phi caters to a variety of tastes, with options ranging from lively beach bars and clubs to more laid-back restaurants and bars. It is important to be mindful of local laws and customs, and to drink responsibly while enjoying the nightlife on the island.

Shopping in Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination for travelers, and as such, there are many shopping options available on the island. Some popular items to shop for on the island include:

Souvenirs and handicrafts: There are many souvenir shops on the island selling items such as t-shirts, postcards, magnets, and other items that make for great souvenirs or gifts. You can also find a variety of handicrafts made by local artisans, including jewelry, clothing, and home decor.
Beachwear and swimwear: Koh Phi Phi is known for its beautiful beaches, and there are many shops on the island selling beachwear and swimwear. You can find a variety of swimsuits, beach dresses, and other beach-related items.
Clothing and accessories: There are many clothing and accessory stores on the island, ranging from budget to luxury brands. You can find a variety of items including dresses, t-shirts, shoes, and accessories.
Groceries and essentials: There are several supermarkets and convenience stores on the island where you can purchase groceries and other essentials.
Thai massages: Thai massages are a popular activity on the island, and there are many massage parlors offering traditional Thai massages, as well as other spa treatments.

Overall, Koh Phi Phi offers a variety of shopping options for travelers, ranging from souvenir shops and beachwear stores to supermarkets and massage parlors.

How to get to Koh Phi Phi

To get to Phi Phi Island, you can take a ferry or speedboat from Phuket or Krabi. Ferries are the most popular mode of transportation and take approximately 2 hours from Phuket and 90 minutes from Krabi or Koh Lanta. The main ferry terminal in Phuket is Rassada Pier in Phuket Town, which is about an hour’s drive from Phuket Airport. In Krabi, the main ferry terminal is Klong Jirad Pier, which is about 30 minutes from Krabi Airport.

If you are traveling during high season, it is recommended to arrive at the ferry terminal well in advance, at least an hour or two before your scheduled departure. During low season, you should aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time.

If you are traveling from Bangkok, you can take a bus or taxi to either Phuket or Krabi and then transfer to a ferry or speedboat to reach Phi Phi Island. It is a good idea to check ferry schedules beforehand to plan your trip accordingly.

Ferry to Koh Phi Phi

Ferries to Koh Phi Phi are comfortable and offer amenities such as air-conditioned rooms and snacks and drinks for purchase on board. The top deck of the ferry also serves as a sundeck for passengers to relax and soak up the sun. For a more comfortable experience, you can opt for a VIP ticket, which grants access to an air-conditioned space on the middle deck.

During high season, the ferries can get crowded, but free slices of watermelon are often provided to passengers on afternoon trips. It is recommended to book your ferry ticket in advance and to arrive at the ferry terminal or pier well in advance of your scheduled departure.

From Phuket: You can take a ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi. The ferry ride takes about 1-2 hours depending on the departure location. You can book a ferry ticket through a travel agency or at the ferry terminal.
From Krabi: You can also take a ferry from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the departure location. You can book a ferry ticket through a travel agency or at the pier.
From Koh Lanta: You can take a ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi. The ferry ride takes about 90 minutes. You can book a ferry ticket through a travel agency or at the pier.

It is recommended to book your ferry ticket in advance, especially during high season, as tickets can sell out quickly. It is also advisable to arrive at the ferry terminal or pier well in advance, at least an hour or two before your scheduled departure during high season and 30 minutes before your departure time during low season.

Speedboat to Koh Phi Phi

If you want a convenient and flexible way to get to Koh Phi Phi, you can consider taking a private speedboat transfer. This option allows you to charter a speedboat for your group, with the ability to choose your own departure and drop-off points. You can even arrange to be dropped off directly at the front of your chosen beach resort on Phi Phi Island, saving time and effort.

Keep in mind that speedboats can be more expensive than ferries, but they may offer better value for money if you are traveling with a large group. It is recommended to book your speedboat ticket in advance, especially during high season, as tickets can sell out quickly. It is also advisable to arrive at the pier well in advance, at least an hour or two before your scheduled departure during high season and 30 minutes before your departure time during low season.

Note that the journey by speedboat can be smooth most of the year, but it is best to avoid traveling by speedboat during monsoon season (from September to November) due to rough seas.

From Phuket: You can take a speedboat from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi. The speedboat ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the departure location. You can book a speedboat ticket through a travel agency or at the pier.
From Krabi: You can also take a speedboat from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi. The speedboat ride takes about 30 minutes. You can book a speedboat ticket through a travel agency or at the pier.
From Koh Lanta: You can take a speedboat from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi. The speedboat ride takes about 1 hour. You can book a speedboat ticket through a travel agency or at the pier.