Approximately a wondrous 1 hour and 30 minutes ferry ride south of Krabi lies the enchanting paradise of Koh Phi-Phi.

As you draw closer by sea, the view is nothing short of mesmerising, with the islands majestically soaring above the horizon, embraced by the sparkling turquoise waters that invite you into their tranquil embrace.

Phi Phi is a breathtaking pair of islands, Koh Phi-Phi Don and Koh Phi-Phi Lei, intimately connected by a stunning flat sandy stretch adorned with vibrant shops, delightful restaurants, and budget-friendly hotels. This bustling hub pulsates with life where the majority of tourist accommodations crowd together, igniting the islands’ wild nightlife. Just a handful of hidden gems can be found scattered along the tranquil eastern coasts, waiting to be discovered by those yearning for a more serene escape.

​

Koh Phi Phi is a glistening jewel among Thailand’s most sought-after tourist islands. From the breathtaking allure of Maya Bay, famously showcased in Leonardo DiCaprio’s film “The Beach,” to the playful monkeys frolicking on the aptly named “Monkey Beach,” this paradise offers an irresistible blend of adventure. The vibrant nightlife, mesmerizing diving spots, and luxurious resorts make Phi Phi an exhilarating destination that captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Rebuilt and developed even more extensively than before after the tsunami in 2004, the island stands as a testament to resilience. While I’ve enjoyed my time here, Koh Phi Phi isn’t my favourite. It’s overly commercialised and lacks the charm it once had. Despite this, it attracts thousands of visitors annually who adore it. So, don’t just rely on my experience—visit for yourself and form your own opinion.

LANDING FEE: Have some cash readily available on arrival. You have to pay a BHT400 (GB£9.20/US$12.20) ‘Tourist fee’ that is meant to help towards keeping the island clean, as the island is classed as a protected Marine area.

What does Phi-Phi offer?

Nightlife

Nightlife here is absolutely exhilarating! The air crackles with excitement as mesmerising fire shows and thrilling Thai boxing matches light up the beach bars. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of massive beach parties that pulse with energy and rhythm. For an unforgettable live music experience, you simply must visit the whimsically named Rolling Stoned Bar, where the beats will move your soul! Just a heads up, partying here isn’t for the faint of heart when it comes to your wallet; it’s one of the reasons people often find themselves captivated and spending a little too much in this electrifying paradise!

---

Daytime Activities

DIVE THE KING CRUSADER WRECK:

One of the best dive sites off Koh Phi Phi is the King Cruiser wreck. The passenger ship sunk in 1997 when it hit the Anemone reef. This site is packed with fish including clown fish, tuna and barracuda, not to mention the sea anemones that cling to every surface of the reef. Keep an eye out for the occasional leopard shark.

---

FEED THE SHARKS:

One of the most popular trips out of Koh Phi Phi is an early morning excursion to feed sharks. A six hour trip will start at about 800 THB and will have you feeding black tip and leopard sharks. Most tours also include visits to coral gardens for snorkelling, where you will be likely to see leopard and black-tipped reef sharks. For free, head to the little rocky inlet of Hin Phae, at the Eastern end of Long Beach.

---

SNORKEL IN MAYA BAY:

Famous for its starring role in the Leonardo DiCaprio film, The Beach, Maya Bay is on Koh Phi Leh and is usually included with all the island/snorkelling trips you see advertised.  For those who want to see the place without lots of boats and people, you can spend a night on the island. It’s a far better way to experience the seclusion of this place. The beach is stunning, with 100 metre high cliffs on three sides of the beach. Tours start from 3,500 THB per person.

​

---

HIKE TO PHI-PHI VIEW POINT

Walking the 20 minute trail up to the Viewpoint will be rewarded by an amazing panoramic view of Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don. The Viewpoint is over 600 feet high, so you will need to be reasonably fit to get here. The hike can be a strenuous one, with hundreds of steps and twisty path, but your camera will thank you! The best time to go is at sunset or sunrise.

MONKEY BEACH

Monkey Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, not just Koh Phi Phi. Powder white sands and excellent diving makes this a popular spot but one of the coolest things about it is the monkeys that come down to the beach. They are pretty tame and you can feed them!

---

Accommodation

Accommodation is plentiful in Phi-Phi. The vast majority are dorms or 2* hotels but of recent years there has been an investment in building mid-range hotels, some cater beach huts.  

▶️ The vast majority of venues are located around the harbour front. For something a little budget friendly consider the 3* Phi-Phi Anita Resort that offers comfortable rooms and a good location on the island.

▶️ Looking for a little more luxury then consider the 4* Chaokoh Phi Phi Island. The location is fantastic.

The sunsets on this side of the island were breathtaking. 

---

MONKEY BEACH BAR

Monkey Beach Bar is located on Loh Dalam beach, facing the beautiful rocky peaks bathed in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. The bar is entirely built in bamboo, right on the sand. Reggae music (not too loud) creates a relaxing atmosphere.   Let yourself be tempted by some of the best fruit shakes on the island.

Navigating Phi-Phi

You don’t have many options for getting around Koh Phi Phi, but as you’ll see, you don’t really need a lot of options. There are no cars or motorbikes on the island — just an occasional motorised vehicle to transport construction gear or rubbish!

Walk – There are no taxis or buses on Ko Phi Phi, so you’ll be mostly walking everywhere! It’s not a huge island, so you’ll be okay using man power to get around. If you book your hostel/hotel in advance, someone will be at the pier to collect your baggage in a cart to bring it to your accommodations (sometimes included in the price of your bed/room, but not always).

Long-Tail Boat – Travel between islands and beaches is best done by long tail boat, that costs around THB150 (GB£3.70) per person for shorter trips. Longer trips are charged by the hour. If you want to see all the major highlights (like Monkey Beach and Maya Bay), just negotiate with a long tail boat owner on the beach. If there are four of you, you can pay THB500 (GB£12.30) each for a full day on a private boat. Negotiate a little, and you’re likely to get it for cheaper.

Other links: Thailand Homepage | Asia Homepage | Destinations Homepage | Main Homepage