Our Koh Phi Phi Island travel guide will prepare you with all of the information you need to plan your next trip.
Topics we cover:
- Where is Koh Phi Phi?
- When is the best time to go?
- How many days in Koh Phi Phi?
- Is Koh Phi Phi expensive?
- How do you get there?
- Things to do in Koh Phi Phi
- Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi?
- Best Bars
- Best Beaches
- Is Koh Phi Phi safe?
Where is Koh Phi Phi Island?
Koh Phi Phi is a small island group in southern Thailand between the Straits of Malacca and Phuket.
When is the best time to go to Koh Phi Phi?
The most ideal time to visit Koh Phi Phi is during the dry season between November and April. Consequently, that is also peak tourist season.
The weather for Koh Phi Phi during the dry season is between 75°F (24°C) and 93°F (34°C).
How many days should you stay on Koh Phi Phi Island?
Generally, 2-3 days was more than enough time on Koh Phi Phi island for us. That’s more than enough time to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and see most of the things the island has to offer. Of course, if you prefer island life you can spend more time on the island relaxing on the beaches, and soaking up the sun.
Is Koh Phi Phi Island expensive?
Koh Phi Phi island is one of the most expensive islands in Thailand. The party scene and high volume tourism have driven up the prices compared to other islands. Plus, if you frequent the bars you’ll likely spend more.
Koh Phi Phi is still inexpensive compared to some destinations outside of Thailand, but is slightly higher compared to other Thailand locations.
How do you get to Koh Phi Phi Island?
Koh Phi Phi can be reached by ferry, or private speed boat, from nearby Krabi or Phuket. If you’re coming from Bangkok, see our article on common travel routes in Thailand here. It will cover routes to get to Krabi or Phuket easily.
How to get from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
The main ferry pier in Krabi is Klong Jirad Pier. It’s located about 30 minutes drive from the Krabi airport.
It takes the ferry about 1.5 hours to get from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi. You can book ferry tickets at the pier or do it online beforehand.
We booked through Expedia and it worked well. We were actually staying in Ao Nang, near Krabi, and the online booking included a free shuttle that picked us up from our hotel. It’s one less thing to coordinate.
How to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
The Rassada Pier is the main ferry pier in Phuket. This is where the Phuket to Phi Phi ferry can be booked and will take about 2 hours travel time. You can buy ferry tickets at the pier or ahead of time online.
Otherwise, you can also book a private speed boat. This will cost more but it is quicker.
What are the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi?
You’ll never get bored with our list of the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi below.
1. Climb up to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
The stairs and path to Koh Phi Phi viewpoint are paved. Regardless, it’s still a decent workout to get to the top since it’s all uphill. Go at your own pace and take breaks to enjoy the sweeping views of the island as you climb. The workout will help you burn any excess calories from the restaurants and bars.
Start climbing in time to make it to the top for the sunset. It doesn’t take too long to get to the top, but you won’t want to miss it. Don’t forget your camera!
2. Relax on the beach
During the day, Phi Phi’s visitors flock to the beaches to relax and recover from the previous night’s fun. Loh Dalum Beach is the long, main beach where many of the hotels and restaurants are located. For that reason, it’s also the busiest beach.
There are options for more remote beaches on Phi Phi or on other nearby islands. See our list of best beaches in Phi Phi below for recommendations.
3. Indulge in one of Phi Phi’s famous bucket drinks
Sunset means the party is just beginning on Koh Phi Phi island. Right on queue drink vendors will start setting up the bucket stands. The colorful buckets come with different liquors and soft drinks or juice to mix. Add some ice and a straw and you’re good to go. Drink responsibly!
4. Attend a fire show on the beach
Several of the beach bars are famous for the fire shows they have every night. The admission is free and is a great activity for the whole family. If you like what you see, tip the talented performers at the end of the show.
5. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in Koh Phi Phi
There are many great places to go diving in Koh Phi Phi. There are several dive shops in town to book excursions even if you’re not open water certified yet. You can complete short dives with a dive master and even get open water certified while you’re on vacation!
If you’re not interested in a full dive, you can still go out and snorkel. It’s a great way to enjoy the water and see lots of marine life.
If you’ve never been snorkeling or scuba diving, I highly recommend at least trying it once. It’s a pretty amazing feeling to observe things up close underwater. Diving in Koh Phi Phi is one of the best things to do because of the variety of marine life.
6. Take a long-tail boat to see other nearby islands or Monkey Beach
Long-tail boats line the beaches of Koh Phi Phi island offering to take you on tours of other nearby islands, or Monkey Beach.
Monkey Beach -Phi Phi’s Monkey Beach is located near the main tourist hubs, but you can’t walk to it do to the dense forest and steep cliffs. If you do go to see the monkeys, remember that they are wild animals and as such you should be careful. Also, they might try to take loose items if they get curious so keep your guard up!
Viking Cave – The Viking Cave is a naturally formed limestone cave with wall paintings. Note that you are allowed to walk in the cave, but you’ll get a great view from the boat making it worth the stop. Plus, it’s a good spot to see lots of fish in the water.
Bamboo Island – Bamboo Island is known for it’s beautiful white sand beach. You’ll can also admire the lizards and marine life.
Maya Bay – Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Ley, is famous for it’s turquoise water, pristine beach, and being surrounded by limestone cliffs. It gained popularity after the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
In recent years the coral and beach have suffered damage from the increase in tourism. For that reason, it was closed down temporarily to let the area recover, but has since reopened. Still it’s best to check with your guide or boat to see if the beach is accessible as it experienced other brief shutdowns throughout the past year.
7. Walk around Loh Dalum Bay bay during low tide
During low tide you can walk a couple hundred yards out into the bay at Loh Dalum Beach. You can watch the birds stalk crabs in the shallows, or play soccer on the now exposed sand with the locals.
8. Rent a kayak for the day to explore Koh Phi Phi island
Rent a kayak on Loh Dalum Beach to paddle out into the Andaman Sea. You can set out on your own self-guided adventure around Phi Phi. Stick close to the island’s shore to admire the beauty of the cliffs and forest.
You never know what marine life or other things you’ll discover. This is one of the most fun and cheap things to do on Phi Phi island. There are remote beaches along the north shore where you can stop to relax. Plus, if you bring snorkel gear you can get even more out of this activity.
9. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants
Phi Phi has a decent offering of restaurants. You can enjoy a meal on the beach at one of the restaurants right on Loh Dalum Bay. These restaurants tend to be more Western, but are still good.
Otherwise, if you choose somewhere a little ways away from the main beach you can find a few authentic restaurants. They are smaller venues but the food is great! Or if you just want to grab a slice of pizza in between bars, there are several pizza vendors.
10. Relax with a Thai Massage
Don’t leave Thailand without getting one of the famous Thai massages. Phi Phi has several great massage spas that will help relieve your stress. I recommend getting one when you first arrive to start your vacation off with a relaxing activity. Then get at least one more right before you leave and head back to reality.
What are the best hotels in Koh Phi Phi?
There are lots of hotels on Koh Phi Phi and where to stay will come down to your budget. Below are the best hostels for backpackers, hotels for couples, and hotels for families with kids.
Best Koh Phi Phi Hostels for Backpackers on a Budget
Koh Phi Phi is a well traveled party island full of backpackers. For this reason, there are lots of great options when it comes to cheap hostels. These are just a couple of options.
- Ibiza House – Ibiza House is all about fun and good vibes. They have three pool parties every week. They have a live DJ and both a pool and beach bar for cocktails. Guests should know the party tends to go late into the night, so sleeping is difficult due to the noise.
- @The Pier 519 – @The Pier 519 is a great option if you want to sleep at night. Many of the hostels are located near the bars and restaurants, which is really loud at night. This hostel is close enough to the action that you don’t have to walk too far, but far enough that you’ll be able to rest. All of the rooms have wifi and air conditioning.
Check out Hostelworld for full listings of available hostels on Koh Phi Phi.
Best Koh Phi Phi Hotels for Couples or Families with Kids
Mama Beach Residence – This is a good option if you’re looking for a compromise between a luxury hotel and a cheap one. It’s affordable but still has some nicer amenities. It’s a bit of a walk to Phi Phi’s central bars and restaurants, but has options nearby if you aren’t concerned with the main party.
Zeovola Resort – Looking for a tropical paradise to relax with your family. Look no further than Zeovola Resort. This luxury resort has just the right amount of amenities and it’s own private beach. Plus, the staff go the extra mile to provide excellent service.
What are the best bars in Koh Phi Phi?
The streets of Phi Phi are lined with great bars. Whenever you get bored of one you can find another within minutes. Here are a few of the best Koh Phi Phi bars.
The Slinky Bar – If you’re looking for entertainment to go with your drinks, you’ll find it here. They have fire shows, dancing, loud music, face painting, and a mechanical bull.
Hippies Bar – This bar is great if you’re looking for something a little more laid back. After spending the day in the sun it’s nice to get a drink, watch live sports, and play some pool.
Phi Phi Reggae Bar – The Reggae Bar is one of the oldest bars in the village. It includes live sports, loud music, and Muay Thai fights every night. The fun starts when they invite spectators into the ring!
What are the best beaches in Koh Phi Phi?
I’ve excluded Koh Phi Phi Leh’s Maya Beach from this list since it has experienced temporary closures in recent years due to damage from too much tourism. If it is open during your visit, it’s worth checking out!
Loh Dalum Beach
Loh Dalum Beach is the main beach hub on Phi Phi. Sometimes it gets a little too busy, but if you can find a spot the view is great. Plus, you can get drinks at a beach bar or catch a fire show after dark. During low tide you can even walk out in the bay or partake in a game of soccer.
Long Beach
Long Beach faces southwest and tends to be less crowded than Loh Dalum. This beach also includes bungalows on the shore, some of which belong to the resorts. It’s possible to walk to the beach during the day, but not recommended. You have to walk over some rocks, or through small jungle trails that might make it difficult for some. It’s easier to catch a few minute ride on a long-tail boat.
Bamboo Beach
Bamboo Beach on Bamboo Island is one of the most picturesque beaches in the area. You’ll need to take a long-tail boat to get there, but it’s worth the ride. The island is more remote than Phi Phi which creates a calm setting. Enjoy a day of lounging, admiring the colorful fish, and watching the island’s lizards.
Is Koh Phi Phi safe?
Koh Phi Phi island is relatively safe. Crime exists everywhere, so it’s still a good idea to be alert at all times, and keep precious items tucked away. If you’re partaking in the party scene, it’s a good idea to stay in groups or don’t drink too much if you have a long walk back to your hotel. Phi Phi doesn’t have cars, so it’s all walking traffic.
Additionally, it was hit by a tsunami in 2004. There is always the chance that it could happen again. Like many coastal regions, this is a known risk.
Love to go!