The Phi Phi Islands are one of the crucial image excellent paradises on the planet, and one of the crucial well-known vacationer locations in Thailand, and even the entire of Southeast Asia!
In spite of everything, that is the place you’ll discover mushy white sandy seashores, dreamy turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs and the well-known Maya Bay the place ‘The Seashore‘ film was filmed.
Although I’d dreamt of touring to Thailand and discovering a hidden hippie group on a secret seashore ever since I first noticed ‘The Seashore‘, I delay visiting Koh Phi Phi for a very long time as a result of I’d heard it was overcrowded, overpriced, overhyped and wasn’t price visiting.
Then Maya Bay was closed as a result of environmental injury attributable to overtourism, then Covid occurred and I assumed I’d by no means get to tick The Seashore off my Thailand bucket record!
Now it’s attainable to go to Maya Bay once more so I made a decision it was time to seek out out as soon as and for all if Koh Phi Phi is price visiting, and to write down an sincere Koh Phi Phi journey information to share my expertise and ideas in case you’re additionally on the fence about whether or not to go or not.
My Koh Phi Phi Journey Information
From my expertise, I believe that one of many principal explanation why travellers are disillusioned after they go to the Phi Phi islands (or every other tremendous well-known vacationer vacation spot) is as a result of they’ve unrealistic expectations. So it’s vital to perform a little research so that you just perceive the place and may handle your expectations higher – I believe that is key to having the very best expertise and that is why I wrote this weblog.
So, is Koh Phi Phi price visiting in 2025? In my view, sure it may be, however provided that a bit extra about what to anticipate (and what to keep away from) rigorously select the place to remain, what to do and needless to say what you see on Instagram is just not at all times the fact.
So right here’s how I skilled Koh Phi Phi and what I’d counsel in case you’re planning to go…
The place is Koh Phi Phi?
The very first thing it is advisable know is that Koh Phi Phi / the Phi Phi islands are a bunch of 6 small islands that jut out of the Andaman Sea within the Krabi province of southern Thailand. These “gems of the Andaman” are a part of the Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi Nationwide Park.
There isn’t any airport within the Phi Phi islands. The one solution to get right here is by boat, and there’s loads of ferries and pace boats that run from Phuket and Krabi (and different close by islands like Koh Lanta) making it straightforward to get to.
I’ll clarify extra concerning the totally different choices for attending to Koh Phi Phi later on this put up however first – let’s get to know extra concerning the Phi Phi islands…
A Fast Historical past of the Phi Phi Islands
I believe that realizing a bit concerning the historical past of the Phi Phi islands is vital as a result of it helps you perceive and respect the place the island is at present, handle your expectations, and be extra sympathetic if issues don’t at all times go precisely the way you dreamed they might.
Koh Phi Phi is certainly one of Thailand’s most controversial islands – if you see photographs it appears like paradise but numerous travellers and journey blogs will inform you that it’s completely ruined and never price visiting – and perhaps that was the case earlier than the pandemic, however I believe these islands are only a bit misunderstood.
The Phi Phi islands are a part of a submerged mountain vary that at the moment are well-known as an idyllic island hopping and occasion vacation spot, however they’ve been dwelling to Muslim fishing communities and Chao Lay (sea gypsies) for for much longer.
The one inhabited island, Koh Phi Phi Don, noticed its first vacationer growth within the Eighties. This was principally fundamental easy seashore huts that hosted a trickle of adventurous backpackers who had been blown away by the pristine island paradise they discovered.
This all modified, virtually in a single day, after the 2000 movie ‘The Seashore’ that includes Leonardo DiCaprio introduced worldwide fame to Maya Bay on the uninhabited Koh Phi Phi Ley. It immediately turned a bucket-list vacation spot and vacationers began flocking of their 1000’s to the Phi Phi islands.
Shortly after got here the 2004 tsunami, which devastated many of the island. As tourism dominated the economic system, and folks desperately wanted cash after the catastrophe, Phi Phi Don rebuilt cramming extra resorts onto the tiny island than ever earlier than.
By the late 2010’s the Phi Phi islands had been rushing in the direction of ecological catastrophe and in 2018 the Thai authorities needed to shut Maya Bay as a consequence of over-tourism.
Then in 2020 tourism (now basically the island’s lifeblood) floor to a halt as a result of lockdowns throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Motels closed down, boats stopped operating and many individuals who relied on tourism for work had been left with none revenue.
Maya Bay reopened in 2022 with new guidelines in place to guard the setting, and I lastly obtained spherical to visiting in 2025 (greater than 10 years after I first visited Thailand!)
Arriving on Koh Phi Phi Don
After a cushty 2 hour ferry experience from Phuket, I obtained my lengthy awaited first glimpse of the Phi Phi islands. Although I’d seen many photographs of the Phi Phi islands earlier than, once I arrived I used to be nonetheless awe struck by simply how lovely it was – impossibly clear blue waters, gently bobbing longtail boats with vibrant garlands, and shiny white sandy seashores surrounded by towering jungle lined limestone cliffs.
Pictures can’t do it justice, it was much more beautiful than I had dreamed – however that is now not a pristine tropical paradise island. As quickly as you step off the boat you’re greeted by a Burger King, McDonalds, countless boat touts, noisy bars, and crowds of confused vacationers packed like sardines into the slim streets.
Don’t fear, it will get higher – however it is advisable select what to do and the place to remain within the Phi Phi islands rigorously if you will take pleasure in your expertise!
The place to Keep within the Phi Phi islands
While the Phi Phi islands encompass six islands, the one inhabited island is Koh Phi Phi Don which is is the most important island and the one one you possibly can keep on. The island developed in a short time to satisfy the calls for of mass tourism, and continues so as to add and enhance infrastructure, but it surely’s not a straightforward process.
Phi Phi Don is a reasonably small and rugged island, so most issues are packed right into a slim flat isthmus between Loh Dalum Seashore and Ton Sai Bay the place the pier is. This space is known as Ton Sai Village and it feels actually crowded and chaotic. It’s a maze of slim paths jam full of hostels, bars, quick meals joints, journey brokers, tattoo outlets and memento stalls – in all probability not your concept of paradise!
Just some minutes stroll away on the opposite aspect of the island is Loh Dalum Bay, a gorgeous seashore with shallow waters surrounded by forested cliffs dwelling to the favored PP Princess Resort. The surroundings is idyllic by day however at evening it’s lined with neon seashore bars, fireplace reveals, booze buckets and thumping loud music.
If you’re a younger backpacker and luxuriate in a energetic nightlife scene you would possibly find it irresistible – however I nonetheless suggest staying at someplace like Dee Dee Seaview Hostel slightly than proper within the thick of it. Nonetheless, in case you are searching for a tranquil island escape, or simply wish to get some sleep, I counsel avoiding staying on this space, or at the least staying on the quieter western aspect of the bay, someplace like Phi Phi Coco Seashore Resort.
Fortunately there are different areas to remain on Koh Phi Phi. Although one factor to notice is that there aren’t any roads or automobiles on the Phi Phi islands which provides to the attraction however means you’ll both must catch a ship taxi (which could be costly) or stroll which could be tiring with the warmth and crowds all shuffling alongside the slim pathways.
In case you’re a price range traveler that wishes to economize and doesn’t thoughts climbing just a few steps you’ll discover the most cost effective rooms across the bottom of Ton Sai on the best way to the perspective – right here you’ll be far sufficient away to get some peace however solely quarter-hour stroll from the craziness.
If you wish to escape from all of it and really feel like you might be really immersed in a tropical paradise, head to the posh resorts that are positioned on secluded palm tree fringed seashores on the opposite aspect of the island like Zeavola Resort on Laem Tong seashore and Phi Phi Island Village Resort on Lo Bakao seashore.
You’ll additionally discover a few mid vary resorts on Pak Nam seashore and Rantee seashore like Phi Phi Chill out Seashore Resort which has a peaceable non-public seashore, though it’s not the very best seashore on the island.
These resorts normally provide a free boat switch from the principle pier to the resort however be aware that meals, drinks, actions and excursions are pricier on the resorts than in Ton Sai village and it may be troublesome and costly to entry different components of the island. In order that’s one thing to pay attention to.
The Greatest Place to Keep on Koh Phi Phi – My Prime Tip
If you wish to be shut sufficient to discover Ton Sai village, however far-off sufficient to get some sleep, I like to recommend staying someplace like Phi Phi Villa Resort on the nicer, quieter aspect of Ton Sai seashore.
In my view that is probably the most conveniently positioned space because it’s proper on a pleasant seashore but solely a ten minute stroll from the village. One factor to pay attention to it that it’s close to the mosque so that you would possibly hear the dawn name to prayer – a very good alarm clock for early morning boat journeys!
One other good possibility is Lengthy Seashore, a quiet stretch of white sandy seashore with a handful of relaxed mid vary resorts like Phi Phi The Seashore Resort and the secluded Viking Nature Resort and the possibility to snorkel with innocent black tip reef sharks.
You may take a brief 200 baht taxi boat experience from Ton Sai Pier or hike to Lengthy Seashore in about half-hour so it appears like the very best of each worlds and, in my view, is the very best place to remain on Koh Phi Phi Don.
Resulting from each the small dimension and the recognition of the Phi Phi islands, most issues, particularly lodging, is overestimated for what you get in comparison with different islands in Thailand. And as there may be so little house for the island’s infrastructure not the whole lot works completely on a regular basis. I didn’t discover it soiled or smelly (as different travellers have stated) however don’t anticipate unparalleled luxurious both.
Additionally, as a result of the whole lot must be introduced out and in by boat and transported across the island with hand pulled carts this, understandably, pushes costs up too. This implies typically issues take longer than anticipated or some issues could be unavailable – it’s simply the fact of life on a tiny tropical island! It’s not Disneyland!
It’s this stuff, mixed with individuals’s unrealistically excessive expectations, which means many resorts on Phi Phi have dangerous opinions. So bear this in thoughts, handle your expectations accordingly and select the place to remain on Koh Phi Phi rigorously as it would have a big effect in your expertise.
Do not forget that that is only a small island of fishermen so don’t anticipate world class service however please be variety to the locals who’ve had their dwelling overrun by (usually disrespectful) vacationers – they’re doing the very best they will with restricted sources!
What to do on Koh Phi Phi
Although the islands are small, there are lots to do within the Phi Phi islands. From having fun with the seashores, absorbing the beautiful pure magnificence on an island hopping boat journey, exploring the underwater world and climbing to epic viewpoints.
Even when the principle village feels a bit intense, the islands nonetheless ship some unforgettable (within the literal sense) experiences and absolute wow moments — particularly in case you take the time to get out early to beat the crowds, or simply go barely off the standard path. Right here’s the very best issues to do within the Phi Phi islands:
Take a Boat Journey to Koh Phi Phi Leh
Most travellers are drawn to go to Koh Phi Phi due to the beautiful pure fantastic thing about locations like Maya Bay and Pi Leh Lagoon. These lovely locations are literally are discovered on the island on Koh Phi Phi Leh – an uninhabited island a brief boat experience away from Koh Phi Phi Don.
Which means the preferred exercise within the Phi Phi islands to is to take a ship journey to Phi Phi Leh. These boat excursions take you round Phi Phi Leh (and sometimes another islands too) for a day of seashore and island hopping, swimming and snorkeling, and absorbing the beautiful out-of-this-world surroundings. Most journeys embrace the should see Maya Bay and Pi Leh Lagoon amongst another stops.
Most boat journeys additionally move by the Viking Cave which will get its title from the 400 yr outdated boat wall work and is now a spot the place daredevils accumulate the precious swifts nests to make birds nest soup. You may’t go inside, you possibly can simply see if from the surface, but it surely’s fairly spectacular.
Go to Maya Bay (Early)
Maya Bay is a gorgeous seashore on Phi Phi Leh surrounded by towering cliffs that was a filming location for ‘The Seashore’ film. It’s in all probability the rationale most individuals come to Koh Phi Phi so I like to recommend heading to Maya Bay early within the morning if you wish to beat the crowds.
And sure, it’s pure magnificence actually is definitely worth the hype, particularly if like me you liked the movie. However in case you present up with the crowds at noon it’s extra more likely to be a crowded, tense, Instagram-influencer-jockeying-for-position sort of expertise than a dreamy secret seashore in paradise so it’s actually price going there early.
I employed a non-public longtail boat at dawn and obtained there earlier than the large tour teams arrived and it actually did really feel a bit magical. The bay was quiet and shady, the water a crystal clear emerald color, the silky mushy white sand recent and mushy between my toes and it really did really feel like one thing out of a film! It’s positively one of the crucial lovely seashores I’ve ever seen – and I’ve seen rather a lot!
After The Seashore was filmed right here in 2000 the recognition of this island surged, a lot in order that Maya Bay was closed for 3 years as a consequence of over tourism to permit this lovely seashore to get better.
These days, new guidelines are in place to guard the setting – no swimming or tenting is allowed, visits are capped at sure hours, and there’s a restrict on day by day vacationers.
To keep away from air pollution, boats are now not allowed to dock straight on the seashore, as a substitute, guests arrive at a floating pier in close by Loh Samah Bay and stroll over through a picket path. It is usually closed for two months annually throughout the off-season from 1 August – 30 September.
At first I used to be disillusioned that I couldn’t swim at Maya Bay however really it’s a very good factor as a result of now the seashore appears clear and delightful once more and you’ll even see child reef sharks swimming within the water. (Don’t fear they’re innocent)
I really feel these measures have labored – the seashore is as soon as once more clear and pristine, marine life has returned and coral reefs have recovered. I’m glad that I held off to go to Koh Phi Phi till after these modifications had been made to make my go to extra fulfilling and extra sustainable. Visiting Maya Bay was a spotlight of my journey to the Phi Phi islands and was nicely price it.
From about 10 am the seashore begins to get full of day trippers from Phuket and Krabi so by staying on Phi Phi Don you possibly can rent a personal lengthy tail boat and make an early begin to beat the crowds. For that reason alone it’s price staying in a single day in Koh Phi Phi. Observe that it’s a part of a nationwide park so that you’ll must pay 400 baht price in money to go to along with the price of the boat.
Whilst you can now not camp at Maya Bay or keep on the gorgeous island, you possibly can spend the evening on a sleep aboard boat in Maya Bay for a singular expertise – you would possibly even get to see the magical, glowing bio luminesant plankton and naturally you could be the primary one on the seashore within the morning.
Be Shocked by Pileh Lagoon
One other spotlight of the Phi Phi islands is the unbelievable Pileh Lagoon – it’s a turquoise inlet surrounded by limestone cliffs with crystal clear water in such a shiny shade of turquoise it appears unreal.
As anticipated, Pileh Lagoon will get busy with boats because it’s one of the crucial instagramable spots in Thailand and one each lengthy tail boat tour itinerary – so one more reason to go early!
I obtained a few of the finest photographs of my Thailand journey at Pileh lagoon, plus you may also swim and snorkel in Pileh Lagoon. I couldn’t fairly imagine what number of vibrant little tropical fish I noticed – it was an unbelievable sight, you possibly can even see them from above the water!
Go to Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island
Full day journeys usually cease for lunch at Koh Pai (Bamboo Island), a tiny uninhabited tropical island surrounded by a reef with a small cafe and bathroom services. It’s an unspoilt picture-perfect paradise island and is usually very peaceable (until an enormous tour group has simply arrived!)
The shallow water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling with an attention-grabbing number of marine life, or you possibly can simply chill out on the powdery white sand and benefit from the pure island vibes. (It’s additionally a part of the nationwide park however you solely should pay as soon as per day.)
Simply throughout the water is Koh Yung (Mosquito Island) one other great spot for snorkeling with vibrant corals and a extra abandoned island castaway vibe. Don’t fear an excessive amount of concerning the title – the pesky biters normally solely come out at nightfall!
Skip Monkey Seashore
One other factor that the majority boat excursions embrace is a go to to Monkey Seashore, it is a small strip of sand surrounded by rocky jungle that’s dwelling to wild monkeys. It’s a gorgeous spot, the ocean is a blissful blue and sure it’s cute to see monkeys, however I don’t suggest stopping right here – in your sake and theirs.
The tiny seashore is full of boats and vacationers crowding spherical, feeding and disturbing the monkeys – which can chunk if aggravated which might result in a severe an infection that might damage your complete vacation.
After seeing the circus and watching a bit of boy get bitten, I opted to not depart the boat and moved on. I really feel that visiting Monkey Seashore is harmful for each the monkeys and guests. I counsel you give this a miss and let the monkeys dwell in paradise in peace.
Prime Rated Phi Phi Island Boat Excursions
Taking a ship journey is just about the cause to go to Koh Phi Phi and fortunately there are many choices for various budgets. These vary from:
- Hiring a personal conventional lengthy tail boat (most versatile however most costly),
- Becoming a member of a bunch speedboat tour to economize and journey time,
- And even a boozy sundown cruise in a pirate ship to have enjoyable and make new associates whereas absorbing the unbelievable surroundings.
Some Phi Phi islands boat journeys begin early at dawn to skip the crowds whereas others embrace sundown cruises with the possibility to see bioluminescent plankton viewing after darkish.
In case you communicate Thai you possibly can strive negotiating with a ship driver, if not it’s higher to go to a neighborhood journey company or ebook upfront on-line someplace like Viator or Get Your Information the place you possibly can learn opinions earlier than you ebook so what to anticipate.
Right here’s the very best excursions to ebook (by overview rating)
Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint
For one of the crucial epic views in all of Thailand head to the legendary Phi Phi Viewpoint! Getting there requires a little bit of effort, but it surely’s nicely price it, particularly in case you go early within the morning to beat the crowds and the warmth, or for sundown the place you’ll see the sky mild up with unbelievable colors (simply don’t anticipate to have all of it to your self!)
There’s 3 viewpoints and the native land house owners do cost a small price ( 20 – 50 baht) for entrance to assist with cleansing and upkeep. The hike up is just not a protracted one but it surely’s steep and, mixed with the warmth and humidity, could be fairly difficult.
The primary viewpoint you come up after climbing the steep stairs is Viewpoint 1 which isn’t so spectacular and is roofed with random fruit statues and ‘I Love Phi Phi’ indicators, so I extremely suggest carrying on a bit additional to Viewpoint 2 – probably the most iconic view of Koh Phi Phi.
It takes about 15 – half-hour to succeed in by climbing the steps, or 45 minutes by going the longer method round which is much less steep. It’s price checking the tide occasions beforehand and going when the tide is excessive for probably the most lovely blue colors.
When you attain the highest you possibly can take pleasure in a nicely deserved chilly drink, take in the view and take some wonderful photographs. It’s one of the simplest ways to see the distinctive isthmus form of the island with the beautiful turquoise water on both aspect and actually respect this distinctive tropical island.
It was tremendous peaceable up on the viewpoint within the early morning. There’s a big viewing deck, pretty gardens and rocks to sit down on, and bathrooms. And fortunately they haven’t spoiled the view with Instagram props! I might have spent all day up right here gazing over the panorama.
If you wish to stick with it additional, there’s additionally viewpoint 3 which additionally has a restaurant. As most individuals (together with me!) don’t make it to viewpoint 3 it’s an important place to flee the crowds and take in the beautiful pure magnificence.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
The Phi Phi islands have some wonderful snorkeling and scuba diving spots and the marine life continues to be surprisingly plentiful and vibrant, particularly contemplating how well-liked and busy the island is.
Most boat journeys embrace a snorkeling cease, usually at Bamboo island, the place you possibly can discover the underwater world and see coral reefs, vibrant tropical fish, and sometimes even black tip reef sharks and turtles. Shark Level, simply off Lengthy seashore on Phi Phi Don is one other nice snorkeling spot if you wish to see reef sharks.
There are a number of dive colleges on the island providing the whole lot from enjoyable dives (in case you’re already a licensed diver) to PADI Open Water certification programs (which take about 3 days.) You may even do a Uncover Scuba Diving if it’s your first time and also you simply wish to take a look at the waters! (sorry!)
There are quite a few dive websites across the islands, together with shipwrecks, and the marine life contains leopard sharks, hawksbill turtles, barracuda, clownfish and rather more.
Discover the opposite Seashores
Except for busy Ton Sai seashore and Loh Dalum, Koh Phi Phi has loads of lovely seashores and actions to take pleasure in. If you wish to escape the crowds and luxuriate in a extra chilled seashore day or simply really feel like an journey then it’s price making the trouble to discover a few of the different seashores.
As these seashores are tougher to get to (solely accessible through a sweaty hike or a ship taxi) so they’re much much less crowded and rather more relaxed than the principle seashores. Simply examine the tide time first as some bays are very shallow so you possibly can’t swim at low tide.
Lengthy Seashore is without doubt one of the finest seashores in Koh Phi Phi it’s lined with low key seashore resorts and there’s additionally nice snorkeling simply off shore but it surely’s not as busy as the principle seashores. You will get a water taxi for 200 baht or it’s a straightforward 30 minute hike from Ton Sai. On the opposite aspect of Lengthy Seashore you’ll discover Loh Moo Dee – a pristine seashore with only one small drink stand.
You may as well hike over from the perspective to succeed in the extra distant seashores together with Pak Nam Bay, Loh Bakao seashore and Loh Lana Bay, dwelling to an deserted resort. There’s additionally Nui Seashore, a tiny sandy cove, which is simply accessible by boat.
Different issues to do embrace kayaking (there’s masses to hire in Loh Dalum Bay), rise up paddle boarding, mountaineering and cliff leaping. So in case you get bored simply mendacity on a seashore don’t fear – there’s different actions out there on the Phi Phi islands.
How Lengthy To Spend In The Phi Phi Islands
Lodging on Koh Phi Phi Don is dear and day journeys are fairly reasonably priced – so how lengthy do you have to spend within the Phi Phi islands? Does it even make sense to remain in a single day in Koh Phi Phi or is it higher to only take a day journey there?
Effectively, it is dependent upon what kind of expertise you’re after and your price range.
If you wish to take your time, keep away from the crowds at Maya Bay, get the very best mild for photographs, hike as much as the perspective, witness an incredible island sundown, go scuba diving, discover hidden seashores, and expertise Phi Phi’s energetic nightlife then it’s price staying for at the least 1 evening, ideally 2.
By staying in a single day you may have extra flexibility and time to expertise the great thing about the islands past the highlights (busiest locations) crammed right into a single day.
Plus, you possibly can discover early within the morning or later within the afternoon when the day trippers are gone and it provides you to possibility to rent a personal longtail boat to discover Phi Phi Leh. That is what I did, I set out simply after dawn and was one of many first individuals on Maya Bay.
Sure, it’s dearer this manner however I obtained to take pleasure in this tremendous well-known spot in a extra peaceable, serene method that made it really feel magical and particular as a substitute of a crowded Instagram circus.
Nonetheless, in case you’re brief on time, or on a good price range, and simply need a fast glimpse of probably the most well-known locations then you possibly can do a day journey from Phuket, Krabi or Koh Lanta. Day journeys are simpler to organise and fairly reasonably priced (the larger the boat and the larger the group = the cheaper the tour) so it’s a very talked-about possibility.
Nonetheless, these excursions normally arrive within the late morning or early afternoon—proper when the islands are at their hottest and most crowded so that you’ll be visiting with a whole lot of different vacationers.
In case you determine to do a day journey I like to recommend going for an early hen small group tour for the very best expertise. Simply handle your expectations and know that you just’ll be sharing the expertise with lots of people, and it would really feel a bit rushed.
Listed here are the highest rated Koh Phi Phi day journeys:
My Koh Phi Phi Itinerary
Whilst you might see the highlights with 2 days and 1 evening on Koh Phi Phi this doesn’t really offer you a full day to discover and will nonetheless really feel a bit rushed. In my expertise, spending 3 days and a pair of nights on Koh Phi Phi was the candy spot.
I had loads of time to discover with out speeding and was in a position to keep away from the worst of the crowds by heading to the well-known spots early within the morning or late within the afternoon. I used to be additionally in a position to hike as much as the perspective, go to a few of the lesser-known seashores, go kayaking and take in the wonderful sunsets.
If you wish to keep away from the crowds and have the very best expertise attainable you’ll must plan your itinerary for Koh Phi Phi to rise up early and go straightforward on the booze buckets!
Right here’s my itinerary for Koh Phi Phi:
- Day 1 – Arrive on morning ferry, discover the principle seashores, watch the sundown and a fireplace present.
- Day 2 – Early morning boat journey to Maya Bay and Koh Phi Phi Leh
- Day 3 – Early morning hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint, discover different seashores, onward ferry in afternoon.
Is Koh Phi Phi Costly?
One other factor that put me off visiting Koh Phi Phi was the fee. It is dearer than different islands in Thailand, particularly in the case of lodging – most of which has seen higher days and is a bit overpriced for what you get.
I suppose it’s merely simply provide and demand – Phi Phi could be very well-liked and really small, so costs are naturally going to be increased, particularly throughout the peak season (November–April). However that’s the worth of paradise!
Right here’s a breakdown of prices to anticipate if you wish to go to Koh Phi Phi:
Lodging (ebook early to get the very best ones):
- Hostel bunk beds common round ฿450–650 ($14–20 USD),
- Fundamental non-public rooms normally go for ฿800–1500 ($25–45 USD) per evening.
- Mid-range seashore bungalows or nicer guesthouses usually vary from ฿2500–4500 ($75–135 USD).
- Luxurious resorts like Zeavola or SAii Phi Phi Island Village can simply price ฿5000+ ($150+ USD) per evening.
Meals & Drink:
- An inexpensive native meal (like fried rice or a Thai curry) would possibly set you again ฿120–200 ($3.50–6 USD), whereas Western meals or beachfront eating places can simply price ฿300–600+ ($9–18 USD) per individual.
- Beers begin round ฿100 at a bar, cocktails round ฿150–250. There’s normally a contented hour deal or two, although.
- Count on to pay extra for meals and drinks on the extra distant seashores — Laem Tong and Lengthy Seashore are beautiful, however their seashore bars are dearer than those close to Tonsai.
Excursions & Actions:
- A half-day longtail tour (just like the basic Maya Bay + snorkeling journey) can price ฿600–1000 ($16–27 USD) in case you’re becoming a member of a shared boat, or ฿2000–3000+ for a personal one.
- Kayak rental is round ฿150–300 per hour, relying on the seashore.
- Diving journeys are on the pricier aspect, usually ฿3000–4000 for a two-dive bundle.
Different prices:
- There’s a ฿20 “island price” if you arrive on the pier.
- Maya Bay has a nationwide park entrance price of ฿400 (about $11 USD), which isn’t at all times included in tour costs, so double-check.
- A taxi boat from Ton Sai pier to the opposite seashores ฿1500 – ฿ 2,000 a technique.
Observe that costs and trade charges change so do your personal analysis too!
When to Go to Koh Phi Phi
The perfect time to go to Koh Phi Phi is between November/December to April which is the dry season. That is if you’ll get the very best climate—clear blue skies, calm seas, much less humidity, and splendid situations for boat journeys, diving, seashore days and nice photographs.
The factor is that is additionally excessive season (particularly mid December – February) so it’s the busiest and most crowded time and lodging choices are in excessive demand so costs are increased. Ensure you ebook your lodging nicely upfront in case you plan to go to throughout peak season!
I visited in April, and whereas it was fairly scorching it was nonetheless dry and wasn’t unbearably busy, I discovered that heading out early within the morning made it rather more nice. Dawn journeys to Maya Bay or early hikes to the perspective weren’t solely cooler but in addition far much less crowded.
Could to October is the wet season which can also be the off-season. Whilst you could be fortunate and get some good climate it is best to anticipate common showers and rougher seas, which might have an effect on boat excursions. Nonetheless, the islands are a lot quieter throughout the monsoon season and lodging is MUCH cheaper, so it may nonetheless be a very good time to go to in case you’re ready for some rain.
If you wish to keep away from the crowds however nonetheless have respectable climate, early November or late April is usually a candy spot however the climate could be unpredictable today.
Attending to Koh Phi Phi And Getting Round
There’s no airport on Koh Phi Phi, so that you’ll must get there by boat. The closest airports are Krabi and Phuket, and from both one, the journey is fairly simple.
In case you’re flying into Krabi, it’s a few 30-minute drive from the airport to Klong Jilad Pier. You may as well keep at Ao Nang or Krabi City and simply get a switch to the port. From there, ferries and speedboats run to Koh Phi Phi a number of occasions a day. The ferry takes round 1.5 to 2 hours, whereas a speedboat can get you there in about 30 – 45 minutes, climate allowing.
Phuket has a greater linked worldwide airport, in case you’re coming from Phuket, head to Rassada Pier, which is a few 45-minute drive from Phuket Airport. The ferry from Phuket takes round 2 hours, and the speedboat is normally 1 hour or much less, relying on sea situations.
Ferries and speedboats can promote out throughout peak season so I like to recommend reserving upfront. The simplest solution to ebook is on 12Go Asia.
My Prime Tip: In case you’re liable to seasickness, go for the larger ferry over the speedboat — it’s a bit slower however rather more secure, particularly throughout choppier climate in off-season.
When you arrive at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, there aren’t any automobiles or motorbikes within the village so it’s finest to journey mild as you’ll both be strolling all over the place or taking a longtail boat to get to seashores and bays that aren’t accessible by foot.
There are guys with wheelbarrow-style carts to assist with baggage in case you’re staying someplace a bit additional out and many of the resorts on different seashores provide a free boat switch from the principle examine – however examine earlier than reserving as a result of boat taxis are costly.
Various Islands to Think about
In case you’re not sure about whether or not Koh Phi Phi is the proper match for you, don’t fear, there are nonetheless many extra wonderful islands in Thailand to discover. Right here’s some nice various close by islands:
- Railay Seashore – Whereas not an island, Railay Seashore close to Ao Nang in Krabi is simply accessible by boat and gives the identical towering limestone cliffs and tiny island vibe. It’s well-known for mountaineering, beautiful seashores, and a extra laid again, relaxed ambiance with out the noisy nightclubs.
- The Hong Islands – An uninhabited nationwide park only a brief boat journey from Ao Nang. The Hong islands jogged my memory of Koh Phi Phi Leh with a stunning blue lagoon and beautiful seashore surrounded by towering cliffs – however with a lot much less crowds.
- Koh Lanta – A brief ferry experience away from Phi Phi, Koh Lanta appears like a special world. It’s a lot much less developed, extra laid-back and fewer business island. It has lengthy, peaceable seashores, a nationwide park, a cute outdated city, a pleasant area people, and loads of nature to discover.
- Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai – These two islands are actual hidden gems that sit in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. They’re much much less developed with no nightlife simply unspoilt seashores, mangroves and nature. They’re excellent if you wish to expertise conventional Thai island life with out crowds.
- Koh Tao – A diver’s paradise island on the opposite aspect within the Gulf of Thailand close to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Koh Tao is a little more developed than Koh Lanta and has a enjoyable nightlife scene however continues to be rather more relaxed and fewer crowded than Phi Phi Don.
So Is Koh Phi Phi Price Visiting? My Sincere Opinion
I hope this weblog has given you adequate sincere info so that you could make up your personal thoughts if Koh Phi Phi is the proper vacation spot for you. In case you’re nonetheless not sure, right here’s my sincere opinion.
Sure, Koh Phi Phi is price visiting – in case you do it proper – however there are many higher Thai islands too!
I genuinely suppose Koh Phi Phi is price visiting at the least as soon as, however how a lot you take pleasure in it relies upon rather a lot in your expectations, the place you keep and the way you propose your time. I extremely suggest spending at the least one evening so you possibly can expertise the island at sundown and early within the morning, outdoors the height tour boat hours.
Keep away from peak intervals like New Years Eve and keep away from the noisy occasion scene in Loh Dalum if crowds and noise are usually not your vibe. Go for someplace quieter like Lengthy Seashore or go to within the off season. Rent a personal longtail boat to go to Maya Bay and snorkel round Phi Phi Leh earlier than the tour teams present up. And don’t miss the perspective at dawn or sundown.
Phi Phi may not be the laid-back pristine secret seashore paradise it was 30 years in the past, but it surely’s rather a lot higher than it was 5 years in the past! Steps are being made to preserve these lovely and distinctive islands and enhance infrastructure. There’s nonetheless one thing magical about Koh Phi Phi—it’s an incredible place in case you can keep away from the crowds and handle your expectations.
However equally, there are many different lovely islands in Thailand which are cheaper and fewer crowded. Sure, Phi Phi would possibly simply be probably the most jaw droppingly beautiful island however I’m certain you’ll be simply as comfortable (perhaps much more so) on one other much less well-known however equally lovely island.
So, sure, go to Koh Phi Phi if you wish to go to Maya Bay and see what all of the fuss is about – it’s not as dangerous as I’d heard – however don’t neglect there are many different Thai islands to like too. (See my information to island hopping in Thailand for extra inspiration)
Planning an extended journey round Thailand? Try my different Thailand journey guides: