The Phi Phi Islands are one of the most famous places in Thailand, and with good reason. I enjoyed the laid back vehicle free nature of Koh Phi Phi not to mention the turquoise lagoons, limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, viewpoints, boat trips, snorkeling spots and the world-famous Maya Bay.
It is however no hidden gem. It gets crowded, prices are higher than in other parts of Thailand, and if you only visit on a rushed day trip, you might leave thinking it is overrated. That is why I stayed here for 2 nights and I recommend you to do the same at least for one night.
Once the day-trip boats leave, the island becomes much more enjoyable. You can watch the sunset, hike to the viewpoints, see the fire shows at night, and start your Maya Bay boat trip early the next morning before the biggest crowds arrive.
This guide I cover all of the above and more about all the best things to do in Phi Phi Islands, how to get here from Phuket and Krabi and where to stay depending on your travel style.
Things to Do in Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands offer unique attractions of its own as well as others which are a short boat ride away. Here are the highlights of these beautiful islands.
Visit Maya Bay
Maya Bay is the main reason many people visit the Phi Phi Islands. This is the main attraction and the most touristic. It is the reason people do day trips to the Phi Phi islands.
This is not a beach to swim in. You are mainly going there for the view, the photos and the experience of standing in one of Thailand’s most iconic places.
It costs around 400 Thai Baht to enter the national park, and any other tour costs.If you want the best experience, stay overnight on Phi Phi Don and book an early morning longtail boat tour from the island. This gives you a much better chance of seeing Maya Bay before it becomes packed.
I went more in depth on this and the best ways to come here in my how to visit Maya Bay post!
Swim in Pileh Lagoon
Pileh Lagoon is one of the most beautiful places around Phi Phi, and unlike Maya Bay, this is where you can usually swim. The lagoon is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, and the water is incredibly clear.
Most Maya Bay boat tours include Pileh Lagoon, and I would argue it is just as memorable as Maya Bay itself. The big difference is that Maya Bay is more famous, but Pileh Lagoon is where you can enjoy yourself. Make sure that any tours you book include this swimming stop. Here are some suggestions which do so:
Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoints
Back on the Koh Phi Phi mainland The Phi Phi viewpoints are one of the best things to do in Phi Phi Islands, especially if you want that classic postcard view.
The hike starts from Tonsai Village and takes you up above the narrow strip of land between Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay. From the top, you can clearly see the two bays curving around the island, with limestone cliffs in the distance.
There are several viewpoints, usually referred to as Viewpoint 1, Viewpoint 2 and Viewpoint 3.
Viewpoint 1 is the easiest to reach and has a landscaped garden area. Viewpoint 2 is the famous one with the best classic view. Viewpoint 3 is higher and quieter, but it takes a bit more effort.
The climb is not very long, but it is steep, and the heat makes it harder than expected. I would not suggest climbing in flipflops. Don’t worry it is not as strenuous as the hike up to tiger cave temple in Krabi, but it still takes some energy climbing up stairs in the tropical heat
Time needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours return depending how far you go
Cost: Around 30-50 THB depending on the viewpoint
Best time: Sunrise or late afternoon
I went for sunset times and there were already a lot of people at viewpoint 2 but I managed to find a quiet corner by doing some parkour and managed to enjoy the most spectacular view. If you want a quieter time then wakeup early and do the climb for sunrise.
Take a Longtail Boat Tour
A longtail boat tour is probably the best overall activity in Phi Phi.
You can either join a shared tour or hire a private longtail boat. If you are travelling with two or more people, a private boat can be surprisingly good value once you split the cost.
A typical Phi Phi boat tour may include:
Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Shark Point, Bamboo Island and snorkeling stops.
The exact route depends on the tour duration, weather and sea conditions.
Shared tour cost: Around 700-1,500 THB per person
Private longtail cost: Around 1,500-4,000 THB per boat depending on hours and route
Time needed: Half-day or full-day
If your budget allows, I would choose a private longtail boat early in the morning. It gives you more control and avoids being stuck with a large group tour.
Visit Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island is another popular stop on Phi Phi boat tours.
Unlike Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, Bamboo Island is flatter and more open, with a wide sandy beach and clear shallow water. It is a great place to swim, relax and snorkel if the sea conditions are good.
The downside is that it is not right next to Phi Phi Don, so it usually costs more to include it on a private longtail boat tour.
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Cost: Usually included in longer boat tours, but National Park fees may apply
Best for: Swimming, beach time and snorkeling
If you only have a short half-day tour, you may need to choose between spending more time around Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon or adding Bamboo Island.
Relax on Long Beach
Long Beach is one of the best beaches on Phi Phi Don.
It is quieter than Tonsai and Loh Dalum, but still close enough that you do not feel completely isolated. You can walk there from Tonsai Village in around 25-30 minutes, or take a short longtail boat ride.
The beach itself is much nicer for swimming than the central beaches, especially if you want a more relaxed afternoon.
Time needed: 2-4 hours
Cost: Free, unless taking a boat taxi
Boat taxi cost: Usually around 100-200 THB per person depending on time and negotiation
Long Beach is a great option if you want to stay somewhere quieter but still have access to the main village.
Visit Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is a small beach where wild macaques often come down near the shore.
It is usually included on boat tours, or you can kayak there from Loh Dalum Bay if conditions are calm. The beach itself is beautiful, but the monkeys are the main attraction.
Be careful here. Do not feed them, do not touch them, and do not hold food or plastic bags near them. They are wild animals, and they can become aggressive if they think you have something they want. I made the mistake of getting too close to the monkeys and one of them attacked me and scratched my leg. I had to take 5 rabies shots for my troubles.
Time needed: 20-30 minutes
Cost: Included in tours or kayak rental
Best for: Quick stop and photos
Watch a Fire Show at Slinky Bar
Phi Phi is famous for its nightlife, and the fire shows are one of the best parts of the evening.
Most fire shows happen on or near Loh Dalum Beach. Performers spin flaming ropes, staffs and poi while music plays in the background. Some bars make it more interactive, but you can also just sit back and watch.
I personally found the fire show at Slinky Bar the most fun and interactive. You can just sit back relax sip on a cocktail or a beer and watch the action unfold. Ask your hotel receptionist for the most up to date fire shows and times.
Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Cost: Usually free if you buy a drink
Best time: From around 8 PM onwards
Experience Phi Phi Nightlife
Phi Phi has a reputation as a party island and it lives up to that reputation with cheap buckets of alcohol.
The main nightlife area is around Loh Dalum Beach, where you will find beach bars, music, buckets, dancing and fire shows. If you want a lively night out, you will have no problem finding one.
If you do not want nightlife, choose your accommodation carefully. Staying directly beside Loh Dalum Beach can mean loud music late into the night. You will also find some pretty wild parties in peak season as evidenced by this sign.
Should You Visit Phi Phi on a Day Trip or Stay Overnight?
You can visit Phi Phi on a day trip from Phuket or Krabi, but I do not think it is the best way to experience the islands.
I visited Phi Phi Islands and spent 2 nights here to get up bright and early for the Maya bay tour. Staying overnight gives you a big advantage. You can hike the viewpoints at sunrise or sunset, enjoy the fire shows, take an early boat to Maya Bay, and experience Phi Phi when the day-trippers leave.
Anything more than 3 nights may feel too long unless you are diving, partying or just want beach time and are really staying in Thailand for a long time that you can afford to sit and relax in certain places.
However if you are planning on visiting other spots in Thailand like Krabi, Phuket, Khao Sok, Chiang Mai and more and have less than 3 weeks then I wouldn’t suggest spending more than 2 nights here.
How to Get to Phi Phi Islands
There is no airport on the Phi Phi Islands, so the only way to get there is by boat.
Most travelers arrive from either Phuket or Krabi. You can also reach Phi Phi from Ao Nang, Railay, Koh Lanta and other nearby islands, but Phuket and Krabi are the two main routes.
Most boats arrive at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, which is the main inhabited island. When you arrive, you may need to pay a small local cleaning fee of around 20 THB in cash.
You can book ferries and speedboats and check timetables for all companies via 12Go
From Phuket
Phuket is one of the most popular starting points for Phi Phi.
Boats leave from Rassada Pier, which is near Phuket Town. If you are staying in Patong, Kata or Karon, you will need to factor in the drive to the pier. I have
You have two main options: ferry or speedboat.
The ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi usually takes around 2 hours depending on the operator and conditions. It is the cheaper and more comfortable option, especially if you are carrying luggage.
The speedboat is faster, usually around 45-60 minutes, but it is more expensive and can be rougher.
Typical ferry cost: Around 400-700 THB one way
Typical speedboat cost: Around 700-1,500 THB one way
Main departure pier: Rassada Pier
Best for: Travelers coming from Phuket, Patong, Kata, Karon or Phuket Airport
If you are going straight from Phuket Airport to Phi Phi, check your arrival time carefully. You need enough time to get from the airport to the pier, and boats do not run all night.
For most budget travelers, the ferry is the better option.
From Krabi
Krabi is another easy and often cheaper way to reach Phi Phi.
Boats usually leave from Klong Jilad Pier near Krabi Town, with some services also running from Ao Nang or nearby piers depending on the season and operator.
The ferry from Krabi to Phi Phi usually takes around 1.5-2 hours. Speedboats can take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Typical ferry cost: Around 350-600 THB one way
Typical speedboat cost: Around 600-1,200 THB one way
Main departure pier: Klong Jilad Pier
Best for: Travelers staying in Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Railay
Krabi is often the better base if you are trying to keep costs lower. Accommodation, food and local transport can be cheaper than Phuket, and the journey to Phi Phi is straightforward.
If your Thailand route includes Railay Beach, Ao Nang or Koh Lanta, Krabi makes more sense than Phuket.
Difference Between Speedboats and Ferry
Choosing between a speedboat and a ferry is one of the main decisions when visiting Phi Phi.
The simple answer is this: ferries are cheaper and more comfortable, while speedboats are faster but rougher.
Ferry
The ferry is the best option for most people.
It is slower, but it is more stable, usually cheaper, and easier if you have luggage. You can sit inside, move around more comfortably, and enjoy the journey without feeling like you are bouncing across the sea.
A ferry is especially better if you get seasick easily or if you are travelling during rougher sea conditions.
Speedboat
The speedboat is all about saving time.
It is faster and can be useful if you are short on time, joining a day trip, or trying to maximize your hours on the island.
However, the ride can be bumpy. During rough sea conditions, it can be uncomfortable, especially if you are sitting near the front.
The downside is the price and comfort. A speedboat can be much more expensive than the ferry, and the journey is not always pleasant.
Where to Stay in Phi Phi Islands
Where you stay in Phi Phi can completely change your experience.
The island is small, but the areas are very different. Some places are loud and social, while others are quiet and remote. Do not just book the cheapest room without checking the location. In my experience dont look for the best. I recommend staying central in one of these 3 main areas.
Tonsai Village
Tonsai Village is the most convenient place to stay in Phi Phi.
This is where the main pier is located, so you can walk to your accommodation after arriving. You will also be close to restaurants, shops, tour agencies, bars and cheap food options.
It is not the most peaceful or beautiful area, but it is the most practical to make the most use of your time.
Loh Dalum Beach
Loh Dalum Beach is the party side of Phi Phi.
This is where you will find many beach bars, fire shows and loud music at night. During the day, the bay is pretty and shallow, but it is not always the best beach for proper swimming, especially at low tide.
Stay here if you want nightlife. Avoid staying directly here if you want sleep.
It is best for party travelers, solo backpackers and nightlife.
Long Beach
Long Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Phi Phi if you want a balance between beach and convenience.
It is quieter than Tonsai and Loh Dalum, but still close enough to reach the main village by walking or boat. The beach is also better for swimming, and the area feels more relaxed.
Long Beach is not usually the cheapest area, but it is one of the nicest choices if your budget allows.
Conclusion
Phi Phi Islands are touristy, busy and more expensive than many other places in Thailand, but they are still worth visiting if you do it properly.
The mistake many people make is rushing Phi Phi on a crowded day trip and only seeing the busiest parts. If you stay overnight, wake up early, take a boat tour before the crowds, hike to the viewpoints and enjoy the island after sunset, the experience is much better.
The best things to do in Phi Phi Islands include visiting Maya Bay, swimming in Pileh Lagoon, hiking to the viewpoints, taking a longtail boat tour, relaxing on Long Beach, snorkeling at Shark Point, watching a fire show and experiencing the nightlife around Loh Dalum Beach.
If you are coming from Phuket or Krabi, the ferry is usually best for overnight stays, while speedboats make more sense for day trips. For accommodation, Tonsai is best for convenience, Long Beach is best for a relaxed stay, Loh Dalum is best for nightlife, and Laem Tong is best for a quieter resort experience.
Phi Phi is not the untouched island paradise some people imagine, but it is still one of Thailand’s most iconic island destinations. Plan it well, stay at least one night, and it can absolutely be worth it.
