It took me a very long time to visit the Phi Phi Islands – almost a decade after my first trip to Thailand, to be precise. That was strange, because they had always been at the top of my Thailand wish list.

The problem was that I listened too much to what other people told me. "Koh Phi Phi has seen better days," a local told me back in 2010. "You'd be better off going to Koh Lipe or Koh Kood." And you know what? I actually visited those two islands first.

However, I've now been to the Phi Phi Islands countless times. And although they're not perfect, not even close, my answer to the question "Is a stay on Phi Phi Island worthwhile?" is a resounding "Yes." And here's why.

Is a stay on Phi Phi Island worthwhile?

Is it possible to stay overnight on Phi Phi? And, more importantly, should you? The accommodations here leave much to be desired. From budget hostels like Pier 519 to mid-range resorts like the Phi Phi Villa Resort, and even luxury hotels (well, if you can even call the Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort luxury) – it doesn't please me to say that most accommodations on Koh Phi Phi leave much to be desired.

On the other hand, a day trip to Koh Phi Phi is quite easy with a little planning and preparation. Some travelers book an organized tour from Krabi, while others independently reserve speedboats from Railay, Lanta, or even Phuket. However, I recommend booking these in advance to avoid ending up stuck on the island instead of island hopping.

Advantages and disadvantages of Koh Phi Phi

Advantage: It boasts one of the best views in Thailand.

Honestly, the view from the second viewpoint on Phi Phi (as opposed to the first viewpoint, which you pass on the way, and the third, which isn't worth the extra trip) is one of my favorites in all of Thailand. Even if everything else about a visit to Koh Phi Phi were negative, this view would make up for it.

Disadvantage: It's overcrowded.

What many Koh Phi Phi travel guides fail to make clear is just how overcrowded the island is. From the moment you arrive at Tonsai Pier, through the journey to your accommodation, to the beach in Maya Bay – the island is completely packed. Even worse: it's full of Russians, which is a real blow to any freedom-loving person.

Advantage: It's easy to take a day trip to Maya Bay.

Whether it's crowded or not, there's a reason why film footage of the aforementioned Maya Bay has inspired travelers to stay on Phi Phi Island for a quarter of a century. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to book a trip in advance. Instead, you can hire a longtail driver directly through your hotel or near Tonsai Pier.

Con: Thousands of others can do that too.

I admit that Maya Bay is significantly less crowded since the pandemic, which makes sense. Since 2018, the lake has had time to recover during the rainy season, not to mention the years it was closed due to Covid. It's understandable that the authorities want to better manage visitor numbers so their efforts aren't in vain.

Advantage: It's easy to get in and out.

Regardless of whether a stay on Phi Phi is worthwhile, getting there is straightforward. Speedboats run regularly from both the west (Phuket and Railay) and the east (Koh Lanta); you can even take a ferry from Khlong Jilad Pier on the mainland of Krabi. This allows you to arrive whenever you want – and leave whenever you've had enough.

Alternatives to Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a beautiful place, but not for everyone. If you're looking for places that offer the advantages of Phi Phi (but, more importantly, avoid the disadvantages), consider these islands instead:

  • Koh Lipe: Although Lipe is not quite as spectacularly beautiful as Koh Phi Phi, it is smaller and less crowded than Phi Phi and can be explored in a more stress-free way.
  • Koh Lanta: The tranquil Lanta with its large Muslim community seems like a different world than Koh Phi Phi (although it is only on the other side of the water).
  • Similan Islands: Overnight stays are not possible here, but a day trip from Phuket or Phang Nga to Koh Similan gives you the feeling of being on Phi Phi, only 50 years ago.
  • Koh Tao: This infamous island certainly has its downsides, but in terms of its natural beauty, it is in some respects most reminiscent of Phi Phi.

    • More frequently asked questions about visiting Koh Phi Phi

    Why is Koh Phi Phi so popular?

    Koh Phi Phi first gained popularity in the early 2000s following the Leonardo DiCaprio film "The Beach". Since then, the trend has more or less self-reinforced, primarily through social media posts highlighting the sublime beauty of both Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay (where the aforementioned film was shot).

    Is Koh Phi Phi better than Krabi?

    Koh Phi Phi belongs to the much larger province of Krabi, which has far more to offer than just islands. However, if you compare Koh Phi Phi to individual beaches in Krabi like Ao Nang or Railay, the difference is, in my opinion, limited – each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and unfortunately, none of them are perfect.

    How much time should you spend on Koh Phi Phi?

    On the one hand, Koh Phi Phi can easily be visited as a day trip from Railay Beach (on the mainland) or from Koh Lanta if you are well-organized and motivated. On the other hand, a stay of one or two nights on Phi Phi offers several advantages if you are well-organized and not bothered by the crowds (or the tourists associated with them).

    Conclusion

    Can you stay overnight on Phi Phi? Yes. Should you? Probably – but maybe not. Admittedly, there are a few things I don't like about Koh Phi Phi, from the crowds to the tourists you encounter there. Many of my criticisms of Phi Phi have worsened over the years, and there's no improvement in sight. At the same time, it's undeniable that the Phi Phi Islands are breathtakingly beautiful and, objectively speaking, among the most beautiful islands in Thailand. Many things can be true at once. Do you need help planning your island-hopping itinerary through southern Thailand? Request your personalized Thailand travel itinerary today!