Koh Phi Phi
Back
Koh Phi Phi: Getting there & Things to do
About Koh Phi Phi
Next to Phuket and Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi is probably the most famous island in Thailand. Koh Phi Phi is an archipelago consisting of overall 6 islands, each about 45 km from Phuket and Krabi. The two most known islands of the archipelago are Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Koh Phi Phi Ley. As there are many hotels, hostels, guesthouses, restaurants and bars in the main village of Tonsai, Koh Phi Phi Don is the main tourist destination of the islands. All other islands in the Phi Phi archipelago are uninhabited.
How to get to Koh Phi Phi
The only way to get to Koh Phi Phi is by boat and the only pier is located on the main island of Koh Phi Phi Don. From Phuket, Koh Lanta, Krabi and some more places in southern Thailand there are daily several ferry connections to Koh Phi Phi Don. In Phuket the ferries depart from Rassada Pier and stop at Tonsai, Koh Phi Phi Don. You can also even book tickets to Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok or Koh Samui.
Once on Koh Phi Phi Don, you will be picked up by your accommodation, if you booked one in advance. As there are no cars on the island, you can only walk to your accommodation. Directly by the pier there is a tourist information center where you can ask for accommodations. In case you stay in a hotel that is located on the other side of the island, you might have to continue with another boat.
If you don't want to stay on Koh Phi Phi, you can also just book a day trip to the islands from a few places in southern Thailand, for example Krabi or Phuket. Many of these tours also visit islands like Bamboo Island, see below.
Things to do on Koh Phi Phi
1. Visit the world-famous Maya Bay
There's nothing much to say about this magical place! Since Di Caprio's movie 'The Beach' this is doubtlessly one of the most famous beaches of Thailand. The Maya Bay is located on the smaller island of Koh Phi Phi Ley and if you want to visit this place, make sure to go in the early morning. Otherwise there will be many tourists and the beach will get too crowded. Just hire a long-tail boat on Koh Phi Phi Don and go as early as you can.
2. Climb the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints
Koh Phi Phi Don, the main island of the two small Phi Phis has to offer more things than you probably think. One of them is the viewpoint 1 and 2, where you can enjoy wonderful views at the two islands. You just have to follow the signs in the village of Tonsai and climb some stairs to get to the viewpoints. There is a small admission fee however. If you want to have the most beautiful view, make sure to go during high tide so the waters of Koh Phi Phi will shine turquoise. Another good time is the sunset, but you should keep in mind that it might get very crowded. Especially in the high season.
3. Visit Bamboo and Mosquito Island
These are two offshore islands near the Phi Phi Islands: Ko Mai Phai and Koh Yung. A boat trip there is definitely worth a visit. The beaches are very beautiful, the area is ideal for snorkeling as many fish can be observed. The water is crystal clear.
You can either book a day trip for around 500 baht and go with a larger group. An alternative would be the private rental of a long-tail boat for around 1000-1500 baht (this is also depending on your negotiation skills). Long-tail boats including drivers are available at Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalam Bay.
4. Go on a booze cruise
Get on a party boat and enjoy the amazing spots around Phi Phi with some cool people. Visit some places like Maya Beach, Monkey Beach (see point 7) and Loh Samah Bay and have fun with your friends. The best booze cruise is probably Captain Bob's Sailing Booze Cruise.
5. Viking Cave
The Viking Cave is located north of Koh Phi Phi Ley. It's a hotbed of swallows whose nests are an expensive delicacy in Asia. You can book individual trips anywhere on Koh Phi Phi Don but mostly the Viking Cave is a part of an organized day tour. The perfect place for a change if you are bored of beaches.
6. Go partying
Koh Phi Phi is a paradise for backpackers and therefore many parties take place here. Not only the booze cruise is a great opportunity for making some new friends during your backpacking trip in Thailand. Also in the village of Tonsai there are many nice bars and places to go out. Especially at the Loh Dalam Bay there are some chilled bars with great fire shows and loud music. The beach on Loh Dalam Bay can certainly be called the party center on Koh Phi Phi Island.
7. Play with the monkeys
A trip to the Monkey Beach is definitely a part of the standard program on Koh Phi Phi Don. Here you can observe monkeys of all kinds in the wild and up-close. Some of then even stay on the beach and are not shy to come close to the tourists. But be careful and keep an eye on your personal belongings as the cute little monkeys might suddenly become nasty thievs. Also, don't touch the monkeys and be extra careful with kids.
8. Go rock climbing
This is definitely something for the athletic and adventurous people. There are many beautiful limestone cliffs that are real natural landmarks in the area of Krabi. Also on the Phi Phi Islands there are several places where you can try some rock climbing. Don't miss this adventure if you want to do some thrilling stuff on your trip.
Book tickets to Koh Phi Phi
You can easily book boat tickets to Koh Phi Phi online but also buy them directly at the numerous travel agencies in the tourist areas in Bangkok and the south of Thailand. Book cheap tickets to Koh Phi Phi here. If you want to know about departure and arrival times of major tour providers like Lomprayah, Seatran, Songserm or Raja Ferry, kindly check our time table.
Popular routes from Koh Phi Phi
Photos: Home is where your Bag is
