Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Phi Phi Don is the largest inhabited island in the Phi Phi group and the one where you will be staying. Its shape offers the famous view: two bays, Tonsai to the south and Loh Dalum to the north, meet almost in the middle. They are connected by a low, palm-fringed sandbar on which the village is situated. Ferries from Rassada Pier in Phuket and Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi take about two hours to reach Tonsai Pier. Since there are no roads or cars, you either travel on foot or by longtail boat.

Tonsai village is home to the pier, the most affordable accommodations, dive schools, and most restaurants. Loh Dalum, on the other hand, is the nightlife hub, with fire shows and beach bars open until 1 or 2 a.m. The viewpoint, a 20-30 minute boat ride from the village for 30-50 baht, offers the perfect postcard view of the twin bays – best enjoyed around 6 p.m. Long Beach, a 100-150 baht longtail boat ride from the village, boasts quieter nights and the finest sand. Laem Tong, at the northernmost tip, offers several exclusive resorts, reachable in 30-40 minutes by longtail boat.

Most boat trips depart from here, including the tour around Phi Phi Leh in the south to Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon. There is also a national park fee of 400 baht. The best time to visit is between November and April, as the sea is calmest then. If possible, you should stay two nights, as the island is most beautiful in the early morning and after the day boats have departed.