Phi Phi Islands are one of the most famous destinations in Thailand. From the famous Maya Bay and the white sandy beaches to the lovely views and lively nightlife – it’s no wonder people flock to Phi Phi Islands each year. 

Despite the damage caused by the tsunami in 2004, Phi Phi Islands are today rebuilt into a delightful and beautiful place as it once was before the tsunami struck the islands.

Things to do on Phi Phi Islands

When it comes to tips on things to see and do in Phi Phi Islands, one can easily say that there’s no shortage of activities. From cool dive sites, snorkeling and hiking to the island’s fantastic vantage point – Phi Phi Islands offers something to suit your needs!

Hike to Phi Phi Island’s viewpoint

It takes about 20 minutes to hike up to the lookout point on Phi Phi Island. Every drop of sweat and effort is worth it since you get rewarded with fantastic views of Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don. The lookout point is around 185 meters above sea level, so be prepared it can be pretty exhausting – especially in the middle of the day.

Make sure to bring a large bottle of water as it will be needed when you climb the hundreds of steps and winding roads! The best time to visit is during sunrise or sunset – partly for the view, but also because it will be a much more comfortable temperature to walk in!

Relax at Monkey Beach

One of the finest beaches on Phi Phi Islands is Monkey Beach – a beautiful beach with white sand, turquoise water, and curious monkeys! Here are the monkeys tame, so you can feed them if you’re brave enough!

One tip is to keep an eye on your valuables since some of the monkeys are professional thieves. And don’t look them straight into their eyes or show them your teeth (they see it as a threat.)

Go Mountain Climbing

With its rugged mountains and steep cliffs – Phi Phi islands are a perfect destination for those who like to climb. Here you can go on tours that take you by boat to some of the island’s best limestone cliffs that are perfect for climbing.

The view is amazing from the top of the mountain, and the price is around 1000 Bath for half a day of adventures.

Explore the King Cruiser Wreck

One of the best dive sites around Ko Phi Phi is King Cruiser Wreck. This ship sank in 1997 after it hit the Anemone reef. This place is full of colorful fish (such as clown fish, tuna and barracuda). When you dive here, make sure to keep an eye out for the leopard sharks that sometimes swing by to say hello!

Watch a Thai boxing match

Reggae Bar offers boxing matches every evening for you to watch. Buy a drink, look at the game and if you’re brave enough – why not jump into the ring yourself?

The winner will receive free “buckets” to his/her table!

Enjoy the sunset from a kayak

On Phi Phi Island you can rent kayaks or go on a guided kayak tour. The tours during sunset are recommended since it’s truly magical and beautiful!

Many companies offer kayaking, so make sure to compare prices and negotiate about the price!

Snorkeling in Maya Bay

Maya Bay became famous from the movie “The Beach.” A film where Leonardo DiCaprio plays a starring role. Visiting Maya Bay is one of the most popular things to do while visiting Phi Phi Island, and is usually included in all tour packages offered on the island.

If you want to enjoy Maya Bay without people and boats, then you should spend the night there. Get up early in the morning and enjoy the beautiful beach, surrounded by 100-meter high cliffs in peace and quiet. It costs a little extra, but it’s totally worth the money to enjoy the privacy of this beautiful place.

maya bay

Nightlife

Are you a party animal? Then you simply can not miss the nightlife on Phi Phi Island. Phi Phi Island is a real party destination where the nightlife is crazy. Fire shows and Thai boxing is something that’s common among all the beach bars on Phi Phi Island. Sometimes they also arrange big beach parties on the beaches of Phi Phi Islands.

Rolling Stoned Bar

This is one of the most popular bars among tourists Tonsai Village. Here you can enjoy the best live music on the island; pop, blues, rock, hard rock and reggae. The musicians can play any music to make the audience as happy as possible!

Rolling Stoned Bar is located on Phi Phi’s Reggae bar street and has a relaxed atmosphere with wooden tables, dim lights, and a pool table. Here are the prices a bit higher than other bars on the island, but it’s worth the money – since this is one of the best bars on the island!

Apache Beach Bar

Apache Beach Bar is the second largest outdoor bar located on Loh Dalum Beach. A rather calm and quiet place during the day and afternoon. But after 21.00, this place turns into a great place for party animals. Here you can party until the wee hours and watch cool shows of dancers with fire!

Phi Phi Reggae Bar

This bar can be found in Tonsai Village – one of the oldest established clubs in the village. A cool bar with loud music, TV screens showing sports events, five bars, pool tables and a Thai boxing ring in the middle of everything!

Sip on drinks, watch a boxing match, dance to the music and have a fun night out on Phi Phi Reggae Bar!

Recommended Accommodation / Hotels

Phi Phi Natural Resort

Phi Phi Natural Resort lies on the paradise beach “Laem Tong Beach,” and is an excellent hotel. This is one of the most remote hotels on Phi Phi Island where you can feel one with nature. Wake up to birds singing in the morning, spend your night in one of their cozy bungalows and enjoy the glorious beaches which offer excellent snorkeling with colorful fishes!

Click here to see photos, reviews, and prices

Freedom Hostel at Phi Phi

Looking for one of the cheapest hostels island? Then Freedom Hostel is your best choice! Freedom Hostel lies 5 minutes away from the party zone of Tonsai Village, which is ideal if you want to stay in a little quieter part of the village but still close to the bars and clubs.

This hostel offers WiFi, large lockers where you can put a big backpack and comfortable beds.

Click here to see photos, reviews, and prices

Bay View Resort – Phi Phi Island

This excellent hotel is located midway between Long Beach and Tonsai Village. Bay View Resort offers good value for your money, clean rooms, a lovely pool area and a good breakfast.

If you’re looking for accommodation on Phi Phi Island with a little more privacy from the party zone and proximity to Long Beach, then this is the ultimate hotel for you.

Click here to see photos, reviews, and prices

Recommended Restaurants

Le Grand Bleu

This is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants on Phi Phi Island. A nice restaurant that offers fusion food from the French and Thai cuisine. It’s one of the most expensive restaurants on the island, but their creative dishes, amazing flavors, and impressive presentation is definitely worth every penny.

Do you want to be 100% sure of getting a table here during your stay? Then make sure to book a table!

Cosmic

Looking for a less expensive restaurant offering good food? Then you should head to Cosmic. This restaurant is located in Tonsai Village and serves pasta dishes for 130 baht and good pizzas for 150 Bath. This restaurant has no higher prices than 150 Bath, which is a great catch on Phi Phi Island. In addition to the good Italian food, they also serve traditional Thai dishes containing jasmine rice, coconut milk, vegetables and great soups as well!

A very nice restaurant located right in the center of the Tonsai village!

Only Noodles

Only Noodles serves the island’s best Pad Thai. The dishes at this restaurant is super delicious, the service is excellent, and it’s also good prices on their meals. The restaurant may not have the coziest decor or atmosphere, but the food is definitely worth the money. If you’re looking for a simple place to eat a delicious meal of noodles, then you just have to visit this restaurant on Phi Phi Island!

pad thaiPhoto: Shutterstock.

Get here

Via Boat

  • From / To Phuket: The ferries depart daily from Phuket (08:30, 11:00, 13:20 and 15:00) via Rassada Pier and Sea Angel Pier. It takes about 1.5-2 hours by boat and cost around 250-800 Bath.
  • From Ao Nang: Ferries depart once a day (09:30) from Nopparat Thara Pier and it takes about 2 hours to reach the Phi Phi Island.
  • From Rai Leh: The ferries depart once a day (9:45) from Railay Bay. The boat trip takes about 1h 45m. There is no pier at Railay Bay, so you have to go by long tail boat from the beach to the ferry (the same ferry that departs from Ao Nang).
  • From Krabi Town: The ferries depart daily from Krabi Town from the Klong Jilad Pier (09:00, 10:30, 13:30, 15:00 and 16:00) and it takes about 1h 30-45m to get to your final destination. It costs around 300-500 bath per person.
  • From Koh Lanta: Ferries depart from Koh Lanta daily at 08:00 and 13:00 from Saladan Pier. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Phi Phi Island and the ticket costs around 200-350 baht.

Via Flight

Krabi International Airport (KBV) is the closest airport to Phi Phi Islands and is located approximately 15 kilometers from the center of Krabi Town and 40 kilometers from Ao Nang. Thai Airways is flying daily from Krabi to Bangkok (and vice versa) – including Air Asia from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

Bangkok Airways flies directly from Bangkok to/from Krabi every day, and Nok Air offers daily flights to Krabi from Bangkok (Don Muang Airport).

Here you will find the cheapest flights to Krabi

Via Bus

The buses depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi and the bus ride takes about 12 hours. There are several price options for you to choose from:

  • VIP Bus: Departs 7:20 and costs 1055 Bath.
  • VIP Night Bus: Departs in the evening from Bangkok and cost around 1300-1400 Bath when you book through a tourist agency.
  • First Class: Departs at 19:00 and costs 680 Bath.
  • Second Class: Departs 07:30, 19:00, 19:30 and 21:00 – costs around 380 Bath.

Weather & Climate

Phi Phi Island is a tropical paradise that offers a warm and nice temperature all year round. The temperature rarely drops below 24 degrees Celsius or rise above 32 degrees Celsius.

The best time to visit Phi Phi Island is between November and March when there’s low humidity and a temperature around 28 degrees. During this period, there’s also some cool breezes – which makes it feel less hot and sweaty.

Between September and October, the Phi Phi Islands weather is slightly wetter, windier and cloudier. This is the period that should be avoided as it can rain heavily and blow up to storm.

Phi Phi Islands Inspiration

If you’re not sure if you want to visit Phi Phi Islands or not? Then check out this video filmed by a drone – I’m sure you’ll book your flight ticket and pack your bags right away!

Phi Phi Island Map

Below you can see a map of Phi Phi Islands. On this map, you will see the main island (the island that’s marked on the map) and also the nearby islands such as Koh Phi Phi Leh, where you will find the famous Maya Bay! Google Maps is really useful to find different attractions on Phi Phi Islands and also to find your hotel!