Known for ethereal gorgeousness, the cluster of six islands between Phuket and Krabi came to the world’s notice after the British-American film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Now holding the title of being a tourist spot, Phi Phi Island is revered for its unique vibe and unparalleled natural lushness. And if you plan on visiting the Phi Phi islands anytime soon, this blog has an extensive delve into what you must know!
Phi Phi Island Travel Guide
Table of Contents
The 6 Islands of Phi Phi
- Koh Phi Phi Don
- Koh Phi Phi Leh
- Koh Bida Nai
- Koh Bida Nok
- Ko Yung
- Ko Mai Phai (Bamboo Island)
Koh Phi Phi Don is the only island that is inhabited. Other islands are limestone rocks jutting out of the sea and are accessible by speed and long-tail boats.
Best Time To Visit
The island has only two noticeable seasons, and it is usually warm all year round. The temperature ranges between 22℃ and 32℃ throughout. The summer months last from January to April, and the monsoon season is between May to December. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is during November and December, when the weather is pleasant, and there is minimal rainfall.
Few Things To Note About Koh Phi Phi Don
- Koh Phi Phi Don is 8 Km or 5 miles long and 3.5 Km or 2.2 miles wide.
- The entire island is free for pedestrian use. Vehicles are used only for emergency purposes like police and ambulances. Grab doesn’t work here.
- Koh Phi Phi Island is an isthmus. The two bays – Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay shape the Koh Phi Phi Don.
- Swimming and kayaking are allowed in Loh Dalum Bay and nowhere else. The ferries and speed boats arrive and depart from Ton Sai Bay pier. The long tail boats are available at both the bays.
- A treat for family and those who prefer the quiet, Ton Sai Bay is beautiful and inviting. On the other hand, with loud music and pool parties, which go on until 2 AM every day, Loh Dalum Bay is a party heaven for young adults.
- Although the island is rich with marine life, the only land animals you can see are the cats and dogs.
- Due to over-tourism, aquatic and marine ecosystem conservation, and COVID-19 preventive measures, Koh Phi Phi Ley Island, where Maya Bay is located, was closed to tourists from 2018 to 2022.
Internet & Wi-Fi
4G/5G internet is available throughout the island with good internet speed. All the restaurants and accommodations provide free Wi-Fi services. The Phi Phi Viewpoint has a free Wi-Fi connection. You can also buy SIM cards at 7-Eleven stores spread across the island.
Hospitals/ Medical centers
There is a Koh Phi Phi General Hospital and several other private clinics across the island. You can utilize the services.
How To Dress?
There are no restrictions or strict rules to follow concerning the dress codes. We suggest that you dress comfortably according to the weather. And whatever you look the cutest in! Wearing bikinis on the streets and the beaches is common on Phi Phi Island.
What To Pack?
There are no seaplane restrictions on the weight you can carry on the ferry or speed boat. But do not overload as you might not need as much as you think. Here are a few things that you should consider packing.
- Cotton clothes and swimsuits
- Toiletries and towel
- Hats and sunglasses to ward off the heat
- Snorkeling gears if you own
- Do not miss sunscreen as it is pretty hot around the clock
- Carry mosquito repellants as they are everywhere, even on the beaches.
Drinking Water
Buying drinking water on Koh Phi Phi Island is expensive. 1 L of water costs around 20 Baht. Considering the import and service charges, the price is understandable. Additionally, buying bottled water adds up to the waste. An effective solution is to refill your water bottles from the water refill machines for 1 Baht/L, kept at different places on the island. Simple to operate, all you have to do is insert a 1 Baht coin and press the green button. The water flows automatically and stops at 1 L.
Consumption of Alcohol
Phi Phi is a party town, so the consumption of alcohol and cannabis is legal on Koh Phi Phi Island. Several shops and bars sell drinks, cookies, and cigars.
Currency Exchange
The Siam Commercial Bank is located on Ton Sai Bay, next to McDonald’s. Several ATMs and currency exchange agencies like Western Union offer currency exchange and money transfer services. However, the rates are comparatively poor compared to other places in Thailand.
Tsunami Hazard Zones
After the terrible tsunami that hit Phi Phi Island in 2004, several warning signs were kept everywhere on the island. The direction signs indicate the nearest evacuation point or a high elevated location you will need in case of emergencies.
Where To Stay?
From hostels to beachfront resorts, Koh Phi Phi offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit various budgets. Some resorts boast private and exclusive locations accessible solely by boat. Your choice of stay can be tailored to your comfort preferences. During our visit, we opted for Phi Phi Paradise Hostel and were pleased with our experience. The restrooms were notably spacious. If you’re considering other options, here are a few additional recommendations.
- Dee Dee Sea Front
- The View Hostel
- Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort
- Viking Nature Resort
- Phi Phi Holiday Resort
- SAii Phi Phi Island Village
Where To Eat?
A plethora of eateries grace the island. As you step off the pier, you can see the familiar major fast-food giants, McDonald’s and Burger King, catch your eye. Koh Phi Phi truly has it all – whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack from a local supermarket, street food that captures the essence of the locale, or diverse international cuisines ranging from Italian and Hungarian to German, Indian, and continental delights. The options include fresh fruits, vegetables, refreshing smoothies, tempting ice creams, and delightful bakeries. The sheer variety and quality of facilities on this small island left us pleasantly surprised.
Activities To Do
Phi Phi Island beckons travelers with an array of activities for those in pursuit of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Explore these 10 activities for an unforgettable escape, tailored to every type of traveler, and make the most of your time on this idyllic island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phi Phi Island too touristy?
With its stellar marketing and stunning drone shots, the island is a magnet for crowds. Nabbing a decent spot on the beach becomes quite a challenge, especially during peak season. Long-tail boats and speed boats dot the waters around this island, creating a lively scene. Post the 2004 tsunami, the island saw a surge in the number of restaurants and accommodations. If you’re a party enthusiast, Koh Phi Phi is your haven. However, if you prefer steering clear of the hustle, consider skipping Phi Phi Island and exploring quieter, more remote islands instead. Personally, we had a great time in Phi Phi, and perhaps you might too. Why not give it a shot and discover the charm for yourself?
Can I visit the other 5 islands apart from Koh Phi Phi Don?
Absolutely. You can go on a half-day trip to explore the second largest among the six, the Koh Phi Phi Ley, and a full-day tour that covers Bamboo Island as well. You can find detailed information about touring the nearby islands here.
Is it ok to visit Phi Phi Island on a day trip?
In our opinion, a day trip to Koh Phi Phi Island from Krabi or Phuket is not worth it. The tour agencies will hardly give you a couple of hours to get around the island, which is insufficient. There is so much more to see and experience on the island. We highly recommend you stay at least two nights to get the most out of it.
Related Posts
- Top activities you shouldn’t miss at Phi Phi island
- The best viewpoint in the Phi Phi Island
- How to reach Phi Phi Island?
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