Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide: When people talk about Koh Phi Phi, they usually mean Phi Phi Don, the largest island in the Koh Phi Phi archipelago. It is inhabited and home to most of the hotels. Located off the coast of Krabi, this paradise was severely damaged by the 2004 tsunami but was quickly rebuilt. To better cope with such disasters, permanent bungalows were constructed. Phi Phi is a popular tourist destination and, after Phuket and Koh Samui, probably the most famous island in Thailand. With its fine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, cliffs, lush vegetation, three stunning viewpoints, and a seabed that fascinates divers of all experience levels, it offers a truly picture-perfect panorama. However, its success has also taken its toll: The village of Ton Sai, the largest on the island, lies on the isthmus between the two large mountains of the main island and has developed into a purely tourist resort. To an extent that might deter travelers seeking authenticity and a taste of local life. As soon as you arrive by boat at Ton Sai harbor, you're right in the thick of things – including a huge Burger King! The car-free village consists almost entirely of restaurants, dive shops, travel agencies for Koh Phi Phi excursions, a 7-Eleven, bars, supermarkets, souvenir shops, small hotels, guesthouses, and backpacker hostels: everything geared towards tourism. Most of the hotels are concentrated here and around the beaches of Tonsai and Loh Dalum. During peak season, Koh Phi Phi is very touristy. After that, there are smaller, somewhat more secluded, quieter, and more pleasant beaches, especially near the other small village on Koh Phi Phi, Bakao Bay. In my opinion, much nicer. For those seeking a lively island with beach parties, diverse activities and boat trips, wanting to dive at breathtaking dive sites, or wanting a family vacation away from the tourist crowds, Koh Phi Phi is perfect. Despite the prices, many backpackers come simply to have fun. The legalization of cannabis, which has led to a greater number of cannabis dispensaries on Koh Phi Phi than perhaps anywhere else, also attracts young tourists seeking a paradise with all the comforts and countless party opportunities. Phi Phi Leh, on the other hand, is uninhabited. Its beauty is world-renowned, having served as the main filming location for Danny Boyle's film "The Beach," which features the famous Maya Bay. All information on getting around Koh Phi Phi can be found in our "Getting Around Koh Phi Phi" section.
Accommodation on Koh Phi Phi: Koh Phi Phi offers a wide range of accommodation options for tourists, from simple hostels for backpackers to 5-star resorts like the SAii Phi Phi Island Village. Most guesthouses and hotels are located in the village of Tonsai, between Tonsai and Loh Dalum beaches. This is by far the most touristy part of the island, but it also offers everything you need and much more (even a Burger King). It's often noisy at night, so it's advisable to bring earplugs or party late into the night. However, those staying near the trailhead for the hike to Koh Phi Phi's viewpoints will hear the party noise from a distance, so it won't disturb their sleep too much. Be aware that thefts in hotel rooms do occasionally occur on Koh Phi Phi (often by other tourists), so exercise caution. Outside of Tonsai village, there are a few hotels scattered along the other beaches, often accessible only by boat. This is, in my opinion, the best way to enjoy Koh Phi Phi if you want to avoid large crowds. During the high season from December to March/April, it's quite difficult to arrive on Koh Phi Phi without a prior booking and hope to find accommodation without much effort. This is significantly easier during the low season. Prices skyrocket during the high season, even for a bed in a dormitory. Koh Phi Phi is one of the hardest places in Thailand to find truly well-rated hotels. This is probably due to the large number of tourists, who tend to neglect maintenance, cleaning, and even reception, and the fact that it's nearly impossible to have any noise in the village, especially at night. Find accommodation in Koh Phi Phi. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories from 300 THB to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // Grey The prices that are not available in the city selection ("All prices" are always available) function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for (var i = 0; i < categories.options.length; i++) { var val = categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled = !(val == "all" || val == "-" || (Math.pow(2, parseInt(val, 10))&price)); } } (function() { var forms = document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form = forms[forms.length-1]; if (form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Koh Phi Phi. SAii Phi Phi Island Village Hotel in Koh Phi Phi, Loh Ba Kao Bay, 8.6/10. Book now. More details. Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort Hotel in Koh Phi Phi, Hat Tonsay, 8.4/10. Book now. More details. Viking Nature Resort Hotel in Koh Phi Phi, Hat Yao, 8.3/10. Book now. More details. Mama Beach Residence Hotel in Koh Phi Phi, Hat Tonsay, 8.1/10. Book now. More details. PP Insula Hotel in Koh Phi Phi, 8.0/10. Book now. More details. View all accommodations in Koh Phi Phi.
Practical information about Koh Phi Phi: Like some other Thai islands, Koh Phi Phi levies an environmental tax of 20 THB per person upon arrival at Tonsai Pier (this tax is not charged upon arrival at other locations – shhh!). Koh Phi Phi is one of Thailand's most touristy islands, and Tonsai probably has the highest tourist density per square meter. The high season runs from December to March, followed by the low season from May to November. During the high season, expect large crowds, a lively atmosphere, and beach parties, especially at Loh Dalum Beach (Ibiza). Excursions to Koh Phi Phi, particularly to Maya Bay, are very popular at this time. If you're looking for a party island with stunning scenery and interesting excursions, you'll love Koh Phi Phi even during the high season. Otherwise, a visit during the low season or choosing a less crowded island is recommended.
How do you get to Koh Phi Phi? To get from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi, travelers usually fly to Phuket or Krabi and then take boats or ferries. Alternatively, you can travel the same route by bus, as Phuket and Krabi are not accessible by train. During peak season, there are also speedboat connections from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta, Koh Kipe, or the Trang Islands (Koh Kook, Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan). [arrow_circle_right] View all travel options to Koh Phi Phi
My selection of tours & activities on Koh Phi Phi: Jungle Trekking on Phi Phi Island (English-speaking tour): Hike through the jungle of Koh Phi Phi with a local guide and discover viewpoints and parts of the island off the beaten track, including a hidden cove for relaxing, swimming, and sunset viewing. Under favorable conditions, you can observe bioluminescent plankton at night. Details & Booking: Early Bird Trip to Maya Bay – Avoid the Crowds! (English-speaking tour): This boat tour departs early in the morning around 7:00 AM, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Maya Bay Beach before the crowds arrive. You'll snorkel and swim in the Phi Phi Leh Lagoon and visit the Viking Cave before the tour concludes at Monkey Beach. Spaces are limited, so reservations are recommended. Details & Booking: More Tours & Activities on Koh Phi Phi
How do you get around Koh Phi Phi? To get from beach to beach on Koh Phi Phi, you can either walk or hire a longtail boat. Look for the signs that say "Taxi Boat." The price depends on the distance. If you have luggage, luggage carts are available at the end of Tonsai Pier. This service is offered free of charge by some hotels on Koh Phi Phi. There are also mountain trails to explore around the island, including the three viewpoints of Koh Phi Phi. While the hikes are somewhat challenging, hiking enthusiasts and anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Tonsai and Loh Dalum will love them! There's even an agency that offers a very scenic trekking tour on Koh Phi Phi with a French-speaking guide.
Beaches on Koh Phi Phi: A short guide to choosing the perfect beach on Koh Phi Phi. Some beaches are only accessible by boat, others either by boat or via a mountain hike, the duration of which depends on the starting point. I'm referring here exclusively to the beaches of Koh Phi Phi Don, the island with the most resorts, and excluding Monkey Beach, as it's not ideal for relaxing on the beach. Tonsai Beach: With its harbor and Ton Sai Pier, Tonsai Beach might not initially seem ideal for swimming or relaxing. However, on the far left, when facing the island, near the cliff, is a particularly interesting section. For one thing, there's still enough water for swimming even at low tide, and for another, it's excellent for snorkeling and observing tropical fish (especially at low tide). The beach is also shaded in the late afternoon. If the tide is too low for swimming in Loh Dalum, Tonsai Beach is a good alternative. Loh Dalum Beach: This is the busiest beach on Koh Phi Phi. At low tide, the water recedes significantly, making swimming possible for only a few hours a day. In the evenings, it transforms into a party beach, offering kayak rentals, restaurants, and the famous Ibiza party scene. Long Beach: Just a half-hour walk from Tonsai village, Long Beach offers an excellent alternative to the bustling Loh Dalum Beach. Popular with travelers, this beach is notable for its proximity to Shark Point, a well-known snorkeling spot. It can also be reached by water taxi from Tonsai for approximately 150 THB. At low tide, caution is advised due to the rocks. Several hotels are located along this stretch of beach, providing a good alternative for those seeking respite from the crowds while still remaining close to the village. Laem Tong Beach: Situated on the northeastern tip of Koh Phi Phi, this beach is only accessible by boat, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful getaway away from the hustle and bustle. For a long time, this part of the island was inhabited by a community of sea nomads, whose village still exists today, though it now lies alongside several resorts on the beach. Viking Beach: Two private coves accessible via the Viking Nature Resort or by kayak from Long Beach. Fine sand and few visitors. Loh Moo Dee: This beach is a 15-minute walk from Long Beach and offers no facilities (please bring your own food and drinks). Loh Lana Beach & Loh Ba Kao: These two beaches are very close to each other but quite different: Loh Lana Bay is a small, 500-meter-long beach with natural sand, ideal for sunsets. There is a small village nearby. Loh Ba Kao Beach: This beach is located in front of the 5-star SAii Phi Phi Island Village hotel and is accessible to everyone. At low tide, the water is dry, so swimming is only possible for a few hours a day. At high tide, there are mangroves at the end of the beach (kayak rentals available at the resort) and a small snorkeling area. The small village is just a 5-minute walk away. From Loh Dalum, it can be reached by longtail boat (25 minutes). Rantee Beach is a small, exclusive bay with only one hotel. Snorkeling is possible between the emerald-green sea and the cliffs. The beach can be reached via a jungle hike (well-marked from the viewpoints) or by water taxi. Wang Long Bay is a ghost beach that disappears at high tide. It is only accessible by private boat. I have never been there myself.
Other sights on Koh Phi Phi: Monkey Beach (Ao Ling) ★★★ This small beach is home to a variety of monkeys. They are accustomed to people and can be observed at close range. The beach is easily accessible by kayak from the Koh Phi Phi pier. Viking Cave ★★ While this cave isn't particularly impressive, it is frequently offered by tour operators or boatmen on Koh Phi Phi Leh. The cave can only be visited during the high season.
How do you ask for directions to Koh Phi Phi in Thai? I want to go to Koh Phi Phi / Yak pai thi Go peepee. Where is Koh Phi Phi? / Look, yu thi nai?

Community
Comments 0
Start the conversation.