Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide: what to do and where to stay

By Paula Parker

Ko Phi Phi is renowned for its spectacular beaches, in fact it is one of the most inspiring holiday destinations you will find in Thailand.

The scenery is truly amazing with sheer limestone rock formations that rise dramatically from the turquoise colored waters which are teeming with colorful marine life.

With all this natural beauty, it’s no wonder that the Phi Phi Islands are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. 

About Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi lies halfway between Phuket and Krabi.

Many people think that this group of islands are part of Phuket, however the Islands are considered part of Krabi province.

Six islands make up the Ko Phi Phi archipelago, the six islands are known as Ko Phi Phi Don, which is the largest island covering an area of 28 square kilometres and is the only island in the group that has resorts.

Phi Phi Ley is where you will find Maya Bay; other Islands in the archipelago are Bamboo Island, Yung Island, Bida Nok and Bida Nai.

To visit the other islands, there are organized day trips from Phuket or Krabi or long-tail boats available for hire from Ko Phi Phi Don.

Tonsai Bay at Phi Phi Don

Tonsai Bay is a hive of activity as it is the main arrival and departure point; there is a constant flow of ferries, yachts, speed boats, dive boats and long tail boats either arriving or departing.

Tonsai Village

The main tourist hub is Tonsai Village which attracts plenty of back packers and party goer's.

There are no roads or cars, just footpaths and the only mode of transport you will find is a push bike.

Tonsai Village has an abundance of bars and restaurants, their is casual beach side dining around the beaches and loads of delicious restaurants dotted throughout the streets and alley ways.

If you love to shop, you won’t be disappointed as there are loads of shops around Tonsai Village.

With everything from handmade jewellery, boutique clothing, handicrafts to sunglasses, DVD's and CD's.

Many visitors come to the islands for a day trip from Phuket or Krabi, but the reality is that there is no possible way that you can do and see all what these stunning islands have to offer in just one day.

The best way to see all of the attractions and do all the fun and adventurous activities on and around the Islands is to stay a couple of nights.

Pee Pee Viewpoint

Something that you must do while on the larger island is the walk to  Pee Pee viewpoint, here you will see some of the most incredible views of the Islands.

Whilst the walk is a little tough especially in the heat, the sunset views from the lookout are simply amazing.

Best Beaches on Ko Phi Phi 

Ko Phi Phi has many hidden beaches and bays to explore, some you can discover on foot while others can be easily reached via long-tail boat. 

1. Long Beach is absolutely beautiful, with soft white sand. The beach faces Phi Phi Ley and is much quieter then Loh Dalum Bay. 
   
   
2. Laem Tong Beach is located along the north east coast of Phi Phi Don, the beach is absolutely beautiful,  with soft white sand and easy access via long-tail boat to Bamboo Island.
3. Loh Ba Gao Bay is located along the north east coast, the beach is picture perfect and is home to a couple of upmarket resorts.
   
   
4. Pak Nam Bay is a secluded bay located south of Loh Ba Gao Bay on the east coast of Phi Phi Don.
   
   
5. Nui Beach is located on the west coast of Phi Phi Don with a tropical back drop and crystal clear water. You can get there by long boat or kayak from Lo Dalum Bay, or by foot. 
   
   
6. Monkey Beach is beautiful with soft white sand, one of the best ways to explore this hidden beach is by kayaking from Loh Dalum Bay. You can read more about Monkey Beach here. 
   
   
7. Loh Dalum Bay is without a doubt one of the most stunning beaches at Phi Phi, however the  downside is that it gets very busy. 
   
   
8. Bamboo Island is a top spot to spend a few hours or the whole day. Reached via longtail boat.
   
   
9. Maya Bay is one of our favorite beaches. Maya Bay was made famous by the movie "The Beach" and is located on the smaller island of Phi Phi Ley. You can read more about Maya Bay here.

Phi Phi Activities

The Islands are an ideal spot for a scuba diving vacation, with exceptional dive sites for all levels of experience from complete beginners to qualified divers.

For an adrenaline rush you could try some other adventurous activities such as cliff jumping, rock climbing or swimming with sharks.

Or hire a long-tail boat or kayak and explore some of the hidden bays and beaches such as Monkey Beach or Monkey Bay, at either of these two locations you will find groups of crab eating cheeky monkeys.

There is a colorful array of nightlife on Phi Phi Don, with plenty of bars and pubs that provide nightly entertainment and music including soul, hip hop, reggae and dance music.

Maybe you would like to take in a fire show or chill out on the beach, relaxing under the stars.

Koh Phi Phi can be very busy throughout the high season, a great vacation spot for backpackers, but is also an ideal destination for a romantic getaway.

You really should include Koh Phi Phi in your Thailand vacations.

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There are many resorts and hotels available at Phi Phi Don to suit all tastes and budgets.

Including upmarket resorts and water-front bungalows, that are located on the quieter beaches of Phi Phi Don.

Backpackers flock to Phi Phi Don as there are numerous cheap hotels and affordable guesthouses throughout Tonsai Village.

Ko Phi Phi Travel Tips

Some resorts are only accessible by boat transfer from Tonsai Pier. Guests that are staying at the following resorts are transferred by boat to their resort.

Most of these resorts don’t have piers, so leave your good shoes at home and wear a pair of flip flops.

The cheapest way to get to the islands from Phuket or Krabi is by scheduled ferry. The trip on the ferry takes around 90 minutes, depending on the conditions and runs every day all year round.

Another option is to take a speed boat which is the fastest way to reach the islands. Speedboats take as little as 45 minutes from Phuket, and are ideal if you are going on a day trip.

If you have pre-booked your accommodation, when you arrive at Tonsai Bay there will be transfers waiting on the pier to help you with your luggage and to escort you to your resort.