Phi Phi Islands are one of the most iconic places to visit in Thailand, located in the shimmering Andaman Sea. Phi Phi comprises six exotic islands of white sand shores and impossibly turquoise waters that will make your jaw drop. Paradise alert right here!
Only one of the islands, Phi Phi Don, is inhabited and offers accommodation to tourists, while the rest can be visited on day trips from either Phi Phi Don or Phuket. And they all boast stunning scenery and attractions worth the visit.
Phi Phi Islands became famous for their natural beauty when Maya Bay starred in the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio, and their popularity has only increased over the years. The excess of tourism it received, in fact, had a terrible impact on the local ecosystem and it caused Maya Bay to close down for a few years.
The beautiful bay reopened a couple of years ago, and tourism in the area is now regulated to keep both visitors and the environment happy. But contrarily to what you may think, Maya Bay isn’t the only gem of Phi Phi Islands, nor necessarily the prettiest!
In this article you’ll find the most iconic things to do in Phi Phi Islands, ensuring you get to see it all when you visit. Read on, and start planning your trip!
Table of Contents
How to Get to Phi Phi Island
There are two main locations from where you can get to Phi Phi Island: Phuket and Krabi. They both have international airports where you can fly from other Thai cities or countries in the area.
If you’ve just arrived in the country, you’ll probably fly in from Bangkok. Domestic flights in Thailand are usually very affordable, with prices starting at less than $20.
➤ Check out flights from Bangkok to Phuket and from Bangkok to Krabi.
Getting to Phi Phi Island from Phuket Island
It’s very simple to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket. All you need to do is make your way to Rassada Pier, and board one of the ferries or speedboats available! The choice between the two will depend on your budget, and whether you wish to wait for the schedule of the ship.
In Southeast Asia, I usually use 12Go to book transportation tickets in advance.
➤ You can BOOK HERE your ferry ticket from Rassada Pier to Koh Phi Phi.
If you’re heading straight to the islands from the Phuket International Airport, you can get to Rassada Pier in about one hour by bus. In this case, I recommend buying a joint ticket that includes both the bus and the ferry ticket to save money and time.
➤ You can BOOK HERE your ticket from Phuket Airport to Koh Phi Phi.
Be careful that when you buy a ticket at the pier, sometimes they will want to add additional charges to the price of the ticket by including a stay in a resort, or a meal in Phi Phi island. If you’re only looking for transportation make sure you only pay for the trip.
Getting to Phi Phi Island from Krabi Town
Just like Phuket Island, Krabi Town offers several ferry and speedboat rides to Phi Phi island throughout the day. You can go to Klong Jilad Pier and look for a boat heading to the islands, or book your ticket in advance to ensure your journey.
➤ You can BOOK HERE your ticket from Krabi to Phi Phi.
If you’re coming directly from Krabi International Airport, you can get to Klong Jilad Pier in about one hour by bus, and take the ferry from there.
➤ I recommend buying a combo ticket that includes both the bus ride and the ferry ticket. Otherwise, you can simply get a bus ticket from Krabi Airport to Klong Jilad Pier and arrange the ferry ride at the port.
READ ALSO: What to Pack for Thailand
Let’s Talk about Maya Bay
Ask anyone about Phi Phi and they’ll immediately associate it with Maya Bay. Maya Bay won fame through the filming of The Beach, providing a breathtaking backdrop for Leonardo DiCaprio’s adventures around the island.
It’s easy to understand why this bay became so popular: craggy cliffs plunging dramatically into the turquoise water, and with no accommodation anywhere in the area, a serene and peaceful atmosphere all around.
Well, that’s how it used to be before thousands of tourists every day came and ruined it, leaving all kinds of trash behind and creating severe environmental damage, with multiple species of marine wildlife leaving the area.
At first, the Thai government shut down Maya Bay from June to September 2018, then realized that it would take more time for the bay to get better, and shut it down again indefinitely. Maya Bay re-opened for tourists in 2022, and visits to the bay are now strictly regulated to prevent it from happening again.
The bay closes for two months every year, usually in August and September, as part of the efforts to fully restore and preserve the natural environment.
The number of daily visitors to Maya Bay is also capped, which is why you have to visit with a tour, and swimming is strictly forbidden. Boats aren’t allowed in the bay either, so they’ll drop you off on the other side of the island, and you’ll follow a well-marked trail toward the famous beach.
These measures seem to be having a great impact on the coral reefs, marine life, and vegetation of the bay, and other islands of the region are following its example.
Unfortunately, overtourism is a big issue that affects not only Thailand but also some of the most famous cities in the world such as Barcelona, Venice, and Dubrovnik. Please do your part in being a responsible tourist!
▶️ The Phi Phi: Avoid The Crowds Speedboat to Maya Bay at Sunrise takes you to the famous landmark first thing in the morning. You’ll have time to explore and snap photos at the bay, then move on to Pileh Lagoon, and go snorkeling in Viking Cave. You’ll then meet the cheeky inhabitants at Monkey Bay. Breakfast is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Phi Phi: Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay with Snorkeling is a great alternative. It can last anywhere between 3 and 7 hours, and will take you to your preferred attractions in Koh Phi Phi. Stop at Maya Bay, meet the monkeys at Monkey Beach, and swim in Pileh Lagoon. You can also opt for a trip to Bamboo Island. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
But can I be completely honest with you? I thought Maya Bay was overrated. I mean, it’s obviously a nice spot, but many other places in Thailand are, in my opinion, even more incredible. These include Pileh Bay Lagoon, also located in Phi Phi (keep scrolling down!), Ang Thong National Park, and Khao Sok National Park.
The Best Things to Do in Phi Phi
You’ll find that between the beautiful beaches, the activities beneath the sea, and the stunning views, Phi Phi is a paradise. Check out what to do in Koh Phi Phi!
Swim at the Stunning Pileh Bay Lagoon
This was my favorite spot in all of Phi Phi. Do you know those pictures of Thailand that look unreal? Imagine a magnificent bay surrounded by pristine emerald waters, steep limestone cliffs, and a gorgeous lagoon; that’s what Pi Leh Bay looks like! It’s also one of the best places to swim in Phi Phi Leh island.
You can get to Pi Leh Bay, one of the most exotic and stunning bays of the Phi Phi islands, in 30 minutes from the center of Koh Phi Phi Don. If you’re going on a one-day trip to the best spots in Koh Phi Phi like we did, I’m sure your trip will include this bay.
Hire a Longtail Boat and Visit Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway and enjoying this tropical paradise with fewer people, hire a longtail boat and visit Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island.
Ko Mai Phai, also known as the Bamboo Island, doesn’t have steep limestone cliffs, and the views might not be as captivating, but the beach is stunning, a spectacle of pure white sand and perfect turquoise waters. The sunsets are incredible here!
You can go for a day trip to Bamboo Island and spend the day basking in the sun and enjoying the beauty of the beach, or if you like snorkeling, you can book a tour of the Hin Klang coral reef.
Not far from Bamboo Island is Ko Yung, also known as Mosquito Island. It’s one of the best places for diving in Koh Phi Phi, as the coral reefs boast abundant and very diverse marine life.
The only downside of Ko Yung is its name… Mosquito Island is nicknamed after the mosquito concentrations that appear at sunset. They can get very uncomfortable, but you won’t have any trouble if you visit during the day or stick to diving.
From Laem Tong Beach you can rent a longtail boat for around 3000 baht for 4/6 hours, or 1500 for 2 hours. You can also join a tour that includes a stop at Bamboo and Mosquito Islands, as well as other gems of Koh Phi Phi.
▶️ The 7 Island Tour by Longtail Boat from Phi Phi lasts a full day, and it takes you on a comprehensive excursion around the islands. You’ll visit Monkey Beach, named after its furry residents, and learn about Viking Cave on your way to Pileh Lagoon. Stop at Bamboo Island and Maya Bay, see the sunset from the water, and snorkel with bioluminescent plankton. Lunch is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Private Full-Day Speed Boat Charter from Phi Phi is exclusive to your party. The itinerary is customizable, though it can include all the major hotspots in Koh Phi Phi, including Bamboo Island, Maya Bar, Pileh Lagoon, Shark Point, and Loh Samah Bay. Lunch and snorkel gear are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Hike to the Viewpoint at Phi Phi Don
Phi Phi Don is the major island of the group and the only one inhabited. If you’re staying in Koh Phi Phi, this is where you’ll be. And one of the major attractions in Phi Phi Don is the striking Phi Phi Viewpoint.
It’s the highest point of the island at 610 feet (186 meters) and it offers one of the most stunning sights of the region. It’s a bit of a climb to get there, but definitely worth it.
Start from Reggae Bar, where you’ll find signs pointing to the viewpoint. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint at the southern tip of Ao La Dalam, and from there a straightforward trek to the top.
From this viewpoint you’ll have unmatched views of the Loh Dalum Bay, with its turquoise waters and white sand beach. Moreover, there are snacks and drinks available at the top, and it makes for the perfect place to sit down and relax with fresh juice or a beer.
Go Snorkeling in this Natural Paradise
One of the most popular activities that you can’t miss when visiting the Phi Phi islands is submerging in the transparent waters and watching the hypnotic marine ecosystem that lies beneath. The water is warm, and the fish are abundant and colorful. There aren’t any excuses not to go snorkeling in Phi Phi!
Whether it’s on the Pileh Bay Lagoon, the Bamboo or Mosquito Islands, or the other various sites at Ko Phi Phi Don, snorkeling is a unique experience that you must experience at least once in this natural paradise.
In Hat Yao, a beach on the south coast of Phi Phi Don, you can spot clownfish and black-tipped sharks. It’s a 30-minute walk from Ton Sai, or you can take a long-tail boat for around 100 baht from Ton Sai pier.
At Loh Samah Bay you’ll be able to see plenty of coral and reef fish such as the angel fish, while in Ao Toh Koh, if you’re lucky, you might even be able to swim with dolphins!
Most resorts and hotels offer plenty of packages with snorkeling activities included (we went snorkeling through Zeavola Resort where we were staying), but you can also book a tour in advance to explore the underwater wonders of Phi Phi.
▶️ This Half-Day Longtail Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Phi Phi takes you sailing around the stunning islands as you make your way to Maya Bay. You’ll also visit the Viking Cave and the inhabitants at Monkey Beach before snorkeling in Pileh Lagoon. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
If you’re planning to do a lot of snorkeling while in Thailand (why wouldn’t you?), consider getting your own snorkeling kit before your departure. It’s more hygienic and basic sets are affordable.
Go Diving in Phi Phi
Ready to take it up a notch? Koh Phi Phi is very popular among divers, as it’s one of the best locations for diving in Thailand. It might not be as famous as Koh Tao for its diving scene, but the rich marine life and crystal-clear waters offer a world-class playground for diving enthusiasts.
One of the most iconic diving spots in the area is the 279-foot-long King Cruiser wreck located between Phuket and Phi Phi, and absolute delight to explore. There’s also Shark Point, where leopard sharks can often be spotted, and the coral formations at Bida Nok and Bida Nai, the smallest islands of the Phi Phi group.
You’ll find multiple diving centers on the island offering guided dives as well as PADI courses. Check out Zeavola Dive Center, or the centers around Tonsai Bay, but make sure to ask questions about safety standards before you go.
▶️ You can book a Discover Scuba Diving Course for beginners at Blue View Divers. In one day you’ll learn how to properly dive and you’ll go on two dives to a maximum depth of 12 meters. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you’re ready to dive like a pro, book a PADI Scuba Diver Course, PADI Open Water Diver Course, or PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course at Blue View Divers. These courses last 2 to 4 days and you’ll receive the official certification. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chill Out with Monkeys at Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is a 490-foot (150-meter) beach of powdery white sand in the southwestern side of Tonsai Bay. Besides being an excellent place for snorkeling, the beach gets its name from the monkeys that live in the cliffs nearby, and who come down to greet the visitors in search of food.
Please don’t feed the monkeys though (or any other animals). Not only can you get fined, but more than anything this is a National Park and you’re disrupting the animal’s natural environment by feeding them.
Keep in mind that in breeding season the monkeys can get quite aggressive, and it’s not recommended to visit the beach at this time.
You can also decide to kayak to Monkey Beach. I’ve been told that it takes about 45 minutes from Loh Dalam Bay and it’s a great workout.
Kayak in Phi Phi
If you’re up for some exercising, kayaking in Phi Phi is a great idea to visit some of the best beaches and bays at your own pace, and reach places unreachable by land without having to join any tour.
I love, love kayaking, and always have a great time exploring places this way. Lately, I loved kayaking during our cruise in Halong Bay, Vietnam. Being on the water gives you a beautiful new perspective on the landscapes around you!
You can rent kayaks both in Tonsai Beach and Loh Dalam Bay. If you’re staying at Zeavola Resort on Laem Tong Beach, where we stayed, you can take advantage of complimentary kayak rentals.
Kayaks can be rented by the hour, but you’re probably better off renting a kayak for the day, which will cost you 700-800 baht. You can also rent paddle boats in the same places.
Make sure you bring plenty of water with you and protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat. Also, don’t forget to protect your phone or camera in a waterproof bag!
Wander Around Tonsai Village
Tonsai Village is where you want to look for souvenirs – clothes, handicrafts, hippie jewelry, and all sorts of trinkets to take home. Prices might be higher than in Phuket or Krabi, however, since the island is smaller, so you might want to bargain or leave your shopping for the mainland.
You’ll also find a great variety of restaurants and cafes to enjoy the local cuisine, or get your dose of caffeine and Western cuisine if you’re craving it. Some great options include JaJa Cafe & Spice for international and Asian cuisine, Papaya Restaurant for local food and Indian specialties, and The Mango Garden for desserts, fresh juices, and breakfast meals.
You’ll walk past several tattoo parlors, sports bars, and tour agencies as well.
When walking around though, make sure that you’re covered (aka don’t walk around in your bikini). Even if it’s a beach tourist island, Thailand is a conservative country and it’s disrespectful toward the locals.
As an extra tip, avoid visiting Ton Sai Village in the morning and early afternoon. That’s when the massive crowds of tourists on day trips from Phuket and Krabi invade the town.
Party in Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi Don is the island where you’re going to be staying, the largest island in the group, and where all the fun begins. Evenings in Ko Phi Phi are moments of partying, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and open-air discos available.
One of the best places to party in Phi Phi is Slinky Bar, an open-air disco right on the beach where some of the wilder parties go on.
There’s also Apache Beach Bar on Loh Dalum Beach, another open-air disco venue with fire dancers’ shows, and the infamous Ibiza Pool Party which takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at Ibiza House.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed, laid-back evening of cocktails and sunset, check out Sunflower Beach Bar.
Discover the Best Beaches in Koh Phi Phi
Beach hopping in Phi Phi is the number one activity. With so many options of powdery white sand and warm, turquoise waters, it’s the main reason most people visit after all!
There are multiple beaches in Phi Phi, and the best one will depend on what you’re looking for.
Long Beach is one of the most popular beaches, with stunning views of Phi Phi Leh, and fine white sand shores. It’s possible to get here by walking from Tonsai in daylight, but in the evening it’s not recommended. You can take a longtail boat instead.
Laem Tong Bay is a tranquil stretch of sand on the northern end of Phi Phi. From Tonsai, you’ll need a longtail boat to get here, as there are no roads.
Moo Dee Bay, or Loh Moo Dee, is a long white sand beach with turquoise waters. It’s on the east coast of Phi Phi, and a great option if you want to get away from it all.
Watch a Muay Thai Fight
Watching Muay Thai is very popular all around Thailand, ranking as one of the best things to do in Bangkok and other major cities throughout the country. So, why not enjoy this martial art while in Koh Phi Phi?
In Reggae Bar, located in the heart of Tonsai Village, they have a boxing ring where nightly fights take place from around 9 PM on.
The bar organizes fights between famous and not-so-famous fighters, but you can also participate in a fight if you feel like it. Various prizes are offered to entice people to participate, but it’s at your own risk. Multiple accidents have happened here, and mixing alcohol with boxing is never a good idea!
Where to Stay in Ko Phi Phi
Book your accommodation by using the map below ⬇
Luxury & Boutique Hotels
OUR TOP CHOICE – Zeavola Resort: It’s the most luxurious hotel in Phi Phi Island, set in a secluded location. This barefoot resort combines luxury and beautiful accommodation with a special attention to sustainability. Trust me, you’ll never want to leave. Read a full review below.
SAii Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort: A 5-star resort with an incredible infinity pool on the beach. Featuring a private beach on Loh Bagao Bay, it’s a perfect place for couples and families to relax.
Luxury For Less: <$100 a night
Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort: 4-star resort with a beautiful infinity pool over the bay and breathtaking sea views. Huge rooms with a kitchenette and balcony, great value for money.
U Rip Resort: New, boutique rooms and nice pool near Long Beach Resort. Far from the chaos, yet within walking distance of the nightlife of Ton Sai Village.
Budget Options
Sunwaree Phi Phi Resort: Don’t expect any luxury, but the bungalows of Sunwaree Resort are clean and located on a cliff, with incredible sea views, and just a 15-minute walk to Ton Sai.
The Pier 519 Hostel: The hostel with the best reviews on the island. Right next to Ton Sai Pier and Ton Sai Beach, this hostel features dorms with curtains for extra privacy.
Zeavola Resort: A Full Review
If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway to paradise, yet you care about the trace you leave behind, then you need to stay at Zeavola Resort. This is hands down the most luxurious resort in Ko Phi Phi and one of the most sustainable hotels in all of Thailand.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Zeavola Resort Review | The BEST Hotel in Phi Phi Island
Don’t come here expecting butlers and red carpets though. Here you’ll find barefoot luxury – the resort is designed for you to take off your shoes when you arrive and relax until the minute you leave the island.
Zeavola is on Laem Tong Beach, at the north end of the island. No road connects this beach to Tonsai Bay, but you can easily rent a longtail boat to get there. The resort mostly caters to couples and families – if you want to party or visit Tonsai Village every day, this resort is probably not for you.
Zeavola offers a speedboat transfer directly to the resort from Phuket, which is how we got to the island. If you get seasick, make sure you take some Dramamine – the sea can be very rough!
We were welcomed personally by the general manager and the staff who brought us wet towels and a glass of butterfly pea flower tea.
Zeavola features 4 categories of rooms, with most of the rooms being 60-meter Garden Suites. Our Garden Suite was beautifully simple and luxurious. We had a king-size bed with full-length windows that offered stunning garden views.
But the magic was outside. There was a large outdoor living space to relax and unwind while feeling in the middle of the jungle. If you want some privacy, just roll down the bamboo blinds! You’re still gonna listen to nature sounds all around you, but hidden from view.
The room features a spacious indoor bathroom, but most of the time we chose to use the outdoor shower to feel closer to nature.
First-class sustainable products, fresh coffee, and refreshments complete the perfect stay.
If you’re looking for something even more special, you can stay in one of the 4 pool villas with incredible views over the bay and your own private infinity pool.
The breakfast was great, beachfront, and with a combination of buffet delights and made-to-order hot dishes. Asian, European, American, you got it all.
We also had the chance to have an all-you-can-eat barbecue at Zeavola restaurant which was great. But don’t worry, you won’t be stuck with only the resort’s restaurant. It takes just 5 minutes to reach the local restaurants at the beach if you’d like more options.
Another good thing about Zeavola Resort is that you won’t need anything else besides the services provided by the resort. You’ll have access to plenty of activities, ranging from excursions in the islands to a wonderful and relaxing day at the spa and PADI certification courses.
Sustainability at Zeavola Resort
We first heard of Zeavola Resort from Green Pearls, which is the leading source of sustainable hotels in the world. They are a communication and information platform for green, hand-picked, and truly unique places around the world.
With ecotourism becoming somewhat of a trendy concept, lots of hotels have started promoting themselves as sustainable, where in reality all they do is not change towels every day.
This is not the case with Zeavola, which as one of the most sustainable hotels in Thailand and Southeast Asia, has all sorts of sustainable business practices in place.
We had the pleasure of having a meeting with Florian Hallermann, the general manager of Zeavola, who showed us around the resort and explained their Corporate Social Responsibility.
At Zeavola, they have guidelines for sustainability in 3 areas, regarding their impact on the local community, the environment, and within themselves. For each of them, a bunch of initiatives are in place. Let’s take a look at some of the main ones!
Zeavola fosters the local community and respects the way of life of the Sea Gypsies who live in the area, chooses to buy local products like fish from the local fishermen, and organizes activities in schools and festivals for the community. They also have a very cool project to support Laem Tong School with Friday lunch sessions.
When it comes to being green, Zeavola has systems in place to reduce energy and water consumption, biodegradable practices to give back to nature, and the recycling process is handled by the staff that then sells the recyclable items and keeps the profits in the staff’s fund.
Other initiatives include the daily cleaning of Laem Tong Beach (not just in front of the resort), a complicated laundry system designed to save chemicals and energy, a rainwater collection system, and a reverse osmosis treatment that treats used water which is then utilized to watering the garden.
There are also guidelines regarding the staff. Zeavola celebrates the diversity of its workforce, has initiatives to improve the staff member’s safety, and promotes fairness in compensation and during the hiring process.
Rates at Zeavola start at $286 for a Village Suite and $325 for a Garden Suite.
Check out RATES AND AVAILABILITY at Zeavola Resort.
Disclaimer. We were kindly hosted by Zeavola Resort through Green Pearls in Phi Phi. All opinions are my own and cannot be influenced – I truly had a fantastic time at Zeavola!
