Best Phi Phi Islands Complete Travel Guide
This Complete Travel Guide to the Phi Phi Islands includes top things to do like Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, rock climbing, plus costs and budgeting, weather, and more!
The Phi Phi Islands, located in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Thailand, consist of two main islands: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. First and foremost, Phi Phi is known for its nightlife. Make no mistake, this is a party island. Unfortunately, irresponsible and unsustainable mass tourism has ruined a lot of the allure and has wreaked havoc on the surrounding coral reefs. Despite this, the crystal-clear waters and towering limestone cliffs attract travelers seeking paradise-like experiences. The partying and trash aside, the natural landscape is truly awe-inspiring.
The Koh Phi Phi archipelago boasts a cinematic setting that leaves travelers awestruck. The sheer limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life make it a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. Dive into the cerulean waters of Maya Bay, immortalized by the movie “The Beach,” or soak in the laid-back vibe of Loh Dalum. Don’t miss out on the ethereal beauty of Phi Phi Leh’s pristine beaches and fascinating underwater world.
Table of Contents
- Top Things to Do
- Climate – When to Visit
- Getting There
- How to get around the island
- Where to Stay
- Where to Eat and Drink
- Cost and Budgeting
- Downsides of Phi Phi Islands
- What to Pack for Phi Phi Islands
- Safety
- Additional Thailand Resources
Top Things to Do
Aside from the standard beach activities such as sunbathing and snorkeling, there is a lot more to do and see on the Phi Phi Islands.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
The clear waters make for excellent snorkeling and scuba diving around the islands. Top spots include Hin Klang, Koh Bida Nok, and Phi Phi Leh. There are numerous dive shops on the island, but I personally recommend Princess Divers.
Nightlife
If you’re looking to party and bar-hop, then Phi Phi’s nightlife will be right up your alley. However, the scene caters heavily to young backpackers and tourists. Known for their wild Full Moon parties, the bars blast loud music and serve up cheap buckets of booze. It can get rowdy and tiring, especially in the crowded Ton Sai village area.
Viewpoints
Hike to Phi Phi Don’s viewpoints like Phi Phi Viewpoint 1, 2, and 3 for breathtaking panoramic vistas. They are steep and have lots of stairs, but the views are worth it.
Pileh Lagoon
A shallow pool lined with limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Leh that is only accessible only by longtail boat. The water was so vibrant and crystal clear it looked like it was illuminated from within. It looks like a secret hideaway, and I was amazed that this place actually exists. Unfortunately everyone wants to experience this paradise so it is often crowded.
Mosquito Island
Another island-hopping boat tour stop, this island lies between Phi Phi Leh and Bamboo Island. Visitors can walk up to the high vantage point for great panoramic views of the surrounding islets and limestone cliffs. The small beach offers swimming, snorkeling, and diving opportunities.
Mosquito Island Resort has bungalows for overnight stays if you want to spend more time exploring the island. As the name suggests, mosquitos are rampant, especially in the forested interior, so bring lots of bug spray.
Bamboo Island
A short boat ride from Phi Phi Don, uninhabited Bamboo Island is ringed by beautiful white sand beaches with clear turquoise waters. It’s a popular stop on island-hopping tours where you can relax on the beaches or go snorkeling. You can stay overnight in tents or bamboo bungalows at the island’s low-key accommodation.
Monkey Beach
As the name suggests, this popular beach is home to monkeys. Be careful, they can get aggressive and have been known to bite tourists. This beach is accessible via longtail boat.
Maya Bay
Arguably the most famous beach in Thailand following the 2000 film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This stunning cove features turquoise waters framed by towering cliff walls and fine white sands. Over-tourism destroyed the beach and coral reef, prompting the Thai government to shut down tourism on the beach from 2018 – 2022.
Since it reopened, it is only open to visitors from 10am – 4pm daily. It’s critical to arrive early before crowds descend. To protect the environment, boats are no longer allowed to dock on the beach. Visitors must transfer to a smaller shuttle boat that carefully regulates numbers. Swimming is permitted but be very careful not to damage the fragile coral. Lifeguards are now stationed along the beach.
There is a viewpoint behind the bay that offers beautiful elevated panoramas. It can be accessed by kayak or stand up paddle boards only to prevent erosion. While undoubtedly gorgeous, temper expectations slightly given daily visitor restrictions and past ecological damage.
Viking Cave
Take a longtail boat to this intriguing cave on Phi Phi Leh, known for its bird nests and ancient wall paintings. The cave gets its name from ancient colored drawings of Viking ships inside, made by sea gypsies. Local climbers scale fragile bamboo scaffolding to harvest edible bird’s nests inside the cave. Access inside the dark cave chamber is prohibited to protect the nests. But you can peer inside the entrance from your boat.
Rock Climbing
With its towering limestone cliffs and karst formations rising from the sea, Phi Phi Islands offers a variety of climbing routes for all levels. With experienced guides and a spectacular landscape, Phi Phi is a premier climbing destination for a thrilling vertical adventure.
Guided Tours: The best way to start is joining a half or full day group tour like those offered by Spidermonkey Climbing or Phi Phi Adventure Club. Knowledgeable guides provide gear, instruction for all levels, and access to top climbing spots.
Equipment Rental: If you are an experienced climber, you can rent climbing gear on the island from shops in Ton Sai Village. But using a guide is still recommended for route finding, safety, and access to preferred sites.
Where to climb: Ton Sai Tower is the main crag for excellent beginner to advanced climbing. Features over 170 bolted routes on the cliffs next to Ton Sai village. Hin Taak Cliffs are impressive overhanging walls and chimneys overlooking Long Beach. These are more challenging routes. Loh Dalum Bay has easier climbing on the short cliffs and boulders surrounding the bay. This area is perfect for beginners. Shark Point is a peninsula with short cliff faces, boulders, and top-rope walls overlooking the sea.
When to Climb: The best conditions are during the dry season from November to April. Temperatures are cooler first thing in the morning. Avoid the monsoon months when sites can be slippery.
Climate – When to Visit
The Phi Phi islands experience a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Dry Season (November to April): This is considered the peak tourist season with sunny, clear skies and minimal rain. Daytime temperatures average around 30°C/86°F while nights are a bit cooler at 22°C/72°F. Sea conditions are calmer, making it ideal for boat trips and snorkeling. Humidity rises from January to April.
Wet Season (May to October): The southwest monsoon brings cloudy skies, high humidity, and frequent heavy rainfall, especially from May to August. Average temperatures remain high at 29°C/84°F. Rough seas and choppy waters can occur, sometimes leading to ferry cancellations. However, the islands receive fewer visitors during this low season.
Shoulder Seasons: The transitional periods of early November and late April/early May see a mix of weather conditions. You may get both sunny days and sudden storms. The sea is variable too. Crowds start increasing in November and taper off in May.
Typhoon Season: From late October to early December, there is a slight risk of encountering an offshore typhoon which can bring strong winds and very heavy rain. Check forecasts closely and adjust plans accordingly.
Getting There
The only way to reach the islands is by boat from either Phuket or Krabi. There are daily ferry services that take about 90 minutes to 2 hours one-way. Book tickets in advance online or through local tour operators. Speedboats are faster, taking 30-45 minutes but are also pricier.
There is a 20 THB (~$0.58 USD) per person fee that everyone has to pay on arrival at Phi Phi Don harbor.
Additional fees include a 200 THB per person fee collected daily when visiting the national parks of Maya Bay and Bamboo Island. This national park fee must be paid each day you visit these sites.
Some tours may include these fees, but usually they are paid separately in cash when disembarking the boats. Be prepared with small bills to pay the fees.
How to get around the island
There are no cars or motorbikes on the island. The island is so tiny that it is easily walkable.
Where to Stay
Of the two islands, Phi Phi Don is the one with accommodation and infrastructure. Options range from upscale resorts costing over $100+ per night to cheap hostels at $7+ for a night. Camping is prohibited on the islands.
As a lot of businesses closed as a result of the pandemic, so use Booking.com to find the latest deals and availability. Hostelworld is also widely used.
Where to Eat and Drink
Most dining options are in Ton Sai Village on Phi Phi Don- the main town where the ferry takes tourists. You’ll find cheap-ish local Thai eats along with western fare. Nightlife centers around the same area with beach bars perfect for sunset drinks. In terms of bars, I have fond memories in Rolling Stoned.
Cost and Budgeting
The Phi Phi Islands are more expensive than mainland Thailand. Budget at least 1000 THB per day for a moderate level of spending on accommodations, meals, and activities.
Hostel dorm beds start around 300 THB (~$9 USD) per night. Private rooms in hostels are 750+ THB (~$22 USD). Hotels are from 600 THB in low season to 1000+ THB in high season (~$18 – $30 USD).
Meals at local restaurants start around 150 THB (~$4 USD). Street stalls offer dishes for 60-100 THB (~$2 – $3 USD). Western food is more expensive at 180-380 THB (~$5 – $11 USD).
Alcoholic drinks are pricey. Beers are 60-80 THB (~$2 – $3 USD) at bars but half that price if you buy them from convenience stores. Cocktails are 180+ THB (~$5 USD).
To save money, stay at a hostel, eat at local restaurants and food stalls, shop at markets, and limit drinking at bars. But it’s hard to visit cheaply. Budget at least 8000 Baht ($240 USD) for a 3-day 2-night trip.
- Backpacker budget: 1,300 THB ($40 USD) per day, stay in dorms, eat street food, buy cheap beer, and do free activities.
- Mid-range budget: 3,400 THB ($100 USD) per day, stay in private rooms, eat some local meals plus street food, do some paid activities like island hopping or kayaking.
- Luxury budget: 5,000+ THB per day ($150 USD), stay in a private bungalow, eat nice meals, and do costly tours and activities.
These are average daily costs. Actual spending may vary day to day. Use the estimates to understand how to budget for different travel styles. The Phi Phi Islands are generally more expensive than mainland Thailand.
Downsides of Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi islands may look like the ultimate tropical paradise, but this popular tourist destination in the Andaman Sea has its own set of issues. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
The Crowds
Phi Phi has become extremely popular, especially after gaining fame from the movie The Beach. During peak seasons like December and January, the islands can get incredibly crowded and noisy. The beaches, viewpoint hikes, boats, and bars will be packed with tourists. If you’re seeking a quiet getaway, avoid visiting during these busy times.
Environmental Damage
The huge influx of visitors over the years has unfortunately taken its toll on the islands’ natural environment. Some of the coral reefs have been severely damaged by swimmers and snorkelers. The sheer number of tourist boats visiting Maya Bay daily also degraded the ecosystem there, leading authorities to close the bay temporarily several times. It’s now only open during limited hours. Just be mindful to tread lightly.
While the landscapes are undeniably gorgeous, the Phi Phi islands are far from a perfect paradise. But if you go in with the right expectations and visit at less busy times, you can still have an enjoyable island getaway.
What to Pack for Phi Phi Islands
- Lightweight Clothing: T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and sundresses.
- Swimwear: Bathing suits, boardshorts, or bikinis.
- Cover-ups: Sarongs, beach wraps, or a light cover-up for sun protection.
- Comfortable Footwear: Flip-flops, sandals, or water shoes for beach walks and hiking.
- Seasickness remedies if doing boat tours
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen (high SPF), sunglasses (UV blocking)
- Insect Repellent: Protection against mosquitoes and other bugs.
- Waterproof bag: A small bag or tote for carrying essentials to keep your phone and other items safe while on boats and the beach.
Safety
The Phi Phi islands are generally a safe place for solo travelers, including solo female travelers. However, petty theft can happen so keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist spots. Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach or carry excess cash when partying.
As a solo female, take reasonable precautions like never leaving your drink unattended at bars. While rare, drink spiking has occurred so maintain awareness. It is good to be aware of general safety tips regardless of where you’re traveling. By taking basic safety measures, being aware of surroundings, making smart decisions, and using common sense, Koh Phi Phi can be safely enjoyed solo.
Use good judgment if partying. Buckets of liquor can be dangerous.
Violent crime is uncommon but theft does happen. Trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe.
In summary, with its stunning scenery and variety of activities, the Phi Phi islands offer an ideal island getaway for travelers looking to soak up the sun and the sights. Just be ready to pay for this island paradise.
Additional Thailand Resources
Check out my video on the Phi Phi Islands!
