Koh Phi Phi, a breathtaking archipelago in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, is a tropical paradise renowned for its turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life. Famous for its role in the movie The Beach, this island group, particularly Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh, offers an idyllic escape for beach lovers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers. This 2025 travel guide provides essential tips for planning a stunning Koh Phi Phi getaway, covering how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and how to navigate the islands responsibly.
Why visit Koh Phi Phi?
Koh Phi Phi’s postcard-perfect scenery, from the iconic Maya Bay to the lively Tonsai Village, makes it a must-visit destination. Despite its popularity, the islands retain a laid-back charm, with no cars and a compact size perfect for exploration. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, thrilling water activities, or vibrant nightlife, Koh Phi Phi delivers. These tips will help you plan a seamless and unforgettable island escape.
Best time to visit
Koh Phi Phi’s tropical climate influences your experience:
- November–April (Dry Season): Sunny, calm seas, and ideal snorkeling conditions (25–32°C). Perfect for beach days and boat tours, but peak crowds raise hotel prices (~2,000–6,000 THB/night).
- May–October (Rainy Season): Frequent showers, fewer tourists, and lower costs (~800–3,000 THB/night). Snorkeling and diving are still possible, but rough seas may limit boat trips to Maya Bay.
Best for most travelers: January–March for clear skies and vibrant marine life. April offers a balance of good weather and fewer crowds. Avoid September (heaviest rains).
Tip: Book accommodations 2–3 months ahead for dry season via Agoda or Booking.com to secure deals.
Getting to Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi has no airport, so you’ll arrive by ferry or speedboat, typically from Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Lanta.
- From Phuket:
- Ferry: 1.5–2 hours, 400–800 THB one-way. Departs from Rassada Pier (multiple daily sailings).
- Speedboat: 45–60 minutes, 1,000–1,500 THB. Faster but bumpier.
- From Krabi (Ao Nang or Railay):
- Ferry: 1.5–2 hours, 400–700 THB. Departs from Ao Nang Pier or Krabi Town.
- Speedboat: 45 minutes, 900–1,200 THB.
- From Koh Lanta: Ferry, 1 hour, 300–600 THB.
Booking: Use 12Go Asia for ferry tickets or bundle with transfers via Klook. Arrive at Tonsai Pier (Koh Phi Phi Don), where a 20 THB entry fee supports island maintenance.
Tip: Take morning ferries to avoid rough afternoon seas. Pack dramamine for motion sickness and a waterproof bag for electronics.
Where to stay
Koh Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island with accommodations ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Most are near Tonsai or Loh Dalum Bay for easy beach and nightlife access.
- Budget:
- PP Charlie Beach Resort (~1,000–2,000 THB/night): Simple bungalows near Tonsai Beach, family-friendly.
- Blanco Beach Bar Hostel (~400–800 THB/night): Dorm beds for backpackers, vibrant social scene.
- Mid-Range:
- Phi Phi The Beach Resort (~2,500–4,000 THB/night): Hilltop villas with sea views, quiet Long Beach location.
- PP Erawan Palms Resort (~2,000–3,500 THB/night): Beachfront rooms, ideal for couples.
- Luxury:
- Zeavola Resort (~6,000–12,000 THB/night): Eco-luxury villas on Laem Tong Beach, with spa and diving center.
- SAii Phi Phi Island Village (~8,000–15,000 THB/night): Private pool bungalows, family suites, and kids’ club.
Tip: Book beachfront or hillside stays for quieter vibes, as Tonsai can be noisy. Check for free ferry transfers with resorts. Avoid rainy season for budget hostels due to potential flooding.
Top things to do
Koh Phi Phi offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences for all travelers.
Beach hopping and relaxation
- Loh Dalum Bay: Vibrant beach with shallow waters, perfect for swimming and sunset views. Free to visit, chair rentals 100–200 THB/day.
- Long Beach: Quieter, family-friendly with soft sand and snorkeling spots. Walk 20 minutes from Tonsai or take a long-tail boat (100 THB/person).
- Bamboo Island: Pristine, less crowded beach reachable by boat tour (800–1,200 THB). Ideal for picnics.
Tip: Pack your own towel to save on rentals. Visit early to avoid crowds.
Snorkeling and diving
Koh Phi Phi’s coral reefs teem with fish, turtles, and occasional reef sharks.
- Snorkeling Tours: Half-day trips to Monkey Beach, Shark Point, and Koh Phi Phi Leh (800–1,500 THB, includes gear and lunch). Book via Phi Phi Tour Shop.
- Scuba Diving: Day dives at Hin Muang or King Cruiser Wreck (3,000–5,000 THB for 2 dives, PADI certification 12,000–15,000 THB). Try Blue View Divers.
- Highlight: Spot blacktip reef sharks at Shark Point (safe for beginners).
Tip: Book diving 1–2 weeks ahead via DiveBooker. Non-snorkelers can join boat tours for sightseeing (500–800 THB).
Maya Bay exploration
Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, closed periodically for ecological recovery, is open in 2025 with strict regulations to protect its ecosystem.
- Access: Via guided boat tours (1,000–2,000 THB, includes park fee of 400 THB/adult, 200 THB/child). No swimming; visitors walk a boardwalk.
- Experience: Stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, best seen early morning to avoid crowds.
- Rules: Limited daily visitors, no touching coral, and biodegradable sunscreen only.
Tip: Book sunrise tours via Viator for fewer crowds. Combine with Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave for a full-day adventure.
Nightlife and dining
- Tonsai Village: Bars like Slinky Bar offer fire shows and cocktails (150–300 THB). Family-friendly restaurants serve pad thai (80–150 THB).
- Loh Dalum: Beach parties with live music at Apache Beach Club (drinks 100–250 THB).
- Dining Highlights: Anna’s Restaurant (mains 100–250 THB, kid-friendly) or Efe Mediterranean Cuisine (200–400 THB, seafood).
Tip: Families should dine early (6–8 PM) to avoid late-night party noise. Try mango smoothies (50–100 THB) for kids.
Hiking and viewpoints
- Phi Phi Viewpoint: A 30-minute hike from Tonsai (20 THB entry) offers panoramic island views, best at sunrise or sunset.
- Viewpoint 2 & 3: Longer treks (1–1.5 hours) for adventurous hikers, with quieter vistas.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water (10–20 THB). Avoid midday heat.
Practical travel tips
- Budget: Expect 1,500–3,000 THB/day/person for budget travel (hostel, street food, ferries) or 4,000–8,000 THB for mid-range (hotels, tours). Sample costs:
- Ferry: 400–800 THB.
- Meals: 50–300 THB.
- Tours: 800–2,000 THB.
- Accommodation: 400–6,000 THB/night.
- Getting Around: Walk or rent bicycles (100–200 THB/day) on Phi Phi Don. Long-tail boats (100–300 THB/ride) connect beaches. No cars or tuk-tuks.
- Health: Drink bottled water (10–20 THB), use reef-safe sunscreen, and consider hepatitis A/typhoid vaccines. Nearest hospital is in Krabi or Phuket (emergency boats available).
- Connectivity: Buy a DTAC SIM (300–500 THB for 15 days) at Phuket/Krabi airports or Phi Phi’s 7-Eleven for navigation and bookings.
- Packing: Swimsuits, lightweight clothing, water shoes, and a dry bag. Modest attire for village areas (cover shoulders/knees).
- Safety: Swim in designated areas with lifeguards (Loh Dalum, Long Beach). Watch for sharp coral while snorkeling. Keep valuables in hotel safes.
Responsible travel tips
Koh Phi Phi faces environmental challenges from over-tourism. Be a responsible visitor:
- Protect Marine Life: Avoid touching coral or feeding fish. Use biodegradable sunscreen (available at Phi Phi Dive Shop, 200–400 THB).
- Reduce Waste: Refuse plastic straws and carry a reusable bottle. Dispose of trash properly, as Phi Phi lacks robust waste management.
- Support Locals: Shop at family-run stalls (e.g., Tonsai Market, souvenirs 50–200 THB) and eat at local eateries like Pee Pee Bakery (50–150 THB).
- Respect Regulations: Follow Maya Bay’s no-swimming rules and stay on marked paths to preserve ecosystems.
Tip: Join eco-tours with PP Maya Bay Tours (1,500–2,500 THB), which include beach clean-ups and education on coral restoration.
Cultural and social insights
Koh Phi Phi’s residents, a mix of Thai Buddhists and Muslim sea gypsies, are warm and welcoming. Use “sawasdee” (hello) and “khob khun” (thank you) to connect. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up (10–50 THB) at restaurants is appreciated. Respect local customs by dressing modestly outside beaches and avoiding loud behavior in villages. Engage with the community by joining Songkran (April, water fights) or Loy Krathong (November, lantern releases) if your visit aligns.
Sample 5-day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive from Phuket, check into PP Charlie Beach Resort, relax at Loh Dalum Bay, and dine at Anna’s Restaurant.
- Day 2: Join a snorkeling tour to Monkey Beach and Phi Phi Leh (1,200 THB), evening fire show at Slinky Bar.
- Day 3: Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint, beach day at Long Beach, and dinner at Efe Mediterranean Cuisine.
- Day 4: Sunrise Maya Bay tour (1,500 THB), kayak rental at Tonsai (300 THB/hour), and sunset cocktails at Banana Bar (150–300 THB).
- Day 5: Morning swim at Bamboo Island (boat tour, 1,000 THB), shop for souvenirs, and ferry back to Krabi/Phuket.
Tip: Adjust for kids by skipping nightlife and adding family-friendly activities like sandcastle building or short boat rides.
Koh Phi Phi is a stunning island escape where turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, and laid-back vibes create an unforgettable getaway. With these travel tips, you can navigate the islands’ beaches, activities, and culture while keeping your trip affordable and responsible. Book your ferries and tours early, pack for adventure, and immerse yourself in Phi Phi’s tropical magic. Start planning your Koh Phi Phi journey today and dive into Thailand’s island paradise!
