It is said that Phi Phi Island is one of the most famous and beautiful islands in Thailand. And I have to agree. The Phi Phi Islands archipelago lies in the Andaman Sea, between Phuket and Krabi, and is synonymous with tropical vacations, white beaches, crystal clear seas, and dramatic limestone cliffs. If you are planning to travel around Thailand, Phi Phi should definitely be on your list.

WHAT ARE THE PHI PHI ISLANDS (KOH PHI PHI)?

Before I tell you what to do on the islands, it would be nice to say something about them. 🙂 It is an archipelago located in the Andaman Sea. It consists of several islands, mainly Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The only permanently inhabited island is Phi Phi Don. Here you will find hotels, restaurants, bars, beautiful white beaches, and a beautiful turquoise blue sea. Few people live on the island, but it gets quite crowded during the high season. There is no shortage of unforgettable experiences here. You can laze on the beach, explore the underwater world, or just enjoy the nightlife every evening and go to karaoke, for example. 🙂

WHERE IS PHI PHI AND HOW TO GET THERE

Transportation to the islands is easy and is even one of the most popular excursion routes in Thailand. So how do you get there?

By ferry:

From Phuket or Krabi, you can get to Koh Phi Phi mainly by ferry. Ferries run frequently and the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The ferries offer comfortable seating, and you can enjoy beautiful views as you arrive at the islands.

Speedboat:

For a faster option, you can take a speedboat from Phuket, Krabi, or Ao Nang. The trip usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. But you will pay extra.

Buy at: www.andamanwaveferry.com

DOVOLENÁ NA PHI PHI: VŠE, CO POTŘEBUJETE VĚDĚT PŘED CESTOU — I chose to travel by ferry.

MY TIP:

Especially during peak season, book your ferry/speedboat tickets in advance to secure your seats and possibly get better prices. Once you arrive on Koh Phi Phi, getting around is easy, as the main areas are pedestrian-friendly.

There are no cars on the island, so the main modes of transport are walking or long-tail boat. Some accommodations can only be reached by boat or a long walk. Be prepared for this. But even that can be a great experience. 🙂

ENTRANCE FEE FOR THE NATIONAL PARK

The Phi Phi Islands are part of Phi Phi National Park. When entering the island, you will pay an entrance fee of 50 baht. So don’t forget to bring cash with you. This fee is not included in the transport that brought you to the island. So as soon as you get off the boat, you will be asked to pay it, otherwise you will not be allowed on the island.

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND ON PHI PHI

Before you start planning your trip to Phi Phi, first decide how many days of your entire itinerary in Thailand you want to spend on this island. It is relatively small, but there are plenty of things to see. And it is quite possible that the island will enchant you and you will decide to stay longer than you originally planned.

Phi Phi Island is not exactly the cheapest place to stay. I personally spent five nights here and found that to be just right. I had enough time to thoroughly explore the island and relax. I think that no matter what type of traveler you are, you will have time for a few drunken mornings. 🙂 And if you take a day trip to some amazing place, you’ll enjoy it to the fullest. The island is simply an absolute paradise. I actually returned here after 15 years, and this island still never ceases to amaze me.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PHI PHI?

Like most of Thailand, Phi Phi has two main seasons, dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from December to the end of April. During this period, the days are hot, dry, and sunny, and it is the peak tourist season. For this reason, many accommodation providers increase their prices per night, so you may end up spending a little more than you planned.

However, this is true pretty much everywhere you travel in the world. I spent Christmas here and loved it. It rained occasionally, but only for a short time. And somehow, I didn’t mind at all.

The rainy season is less crowded, but you may encounter heavy rain and rough seas, which can of course affect some activities. However, the island is beautifully lush and green during this period and offers a different kind of beauty. It is said that the worst months to visit are May, September, and October. These are the rainiest months. Thailand also does not have the same safety regulations as Western countries, so ferries here may be poorly equipped for such conditions. And you may find that the ferry simply will not run.

So, in my opinion, the best time for a vacation on Phi Phi is from November to April, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm.

THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLAND

Phi Phi is not just about beaches. Among the most popular activities on Phi Phi are:

snorkeling and diving
boat trips around the islands
kayaking
trekking to Viewpoint, which offers an iconic view of the entire island

In the evening, Phi Phi Don transforms into a lively place full of bars, fire shows, and nightlife, making the island a popular destination for young travelers as well.

PLÁŽE A PŘÍRODA, KTERÉ BEROU DECH

Jedním z hlavních důvodů, proč je Phi Phi tak populární, jsou jeho pláže. Oblíbenými místy jsou Long Beach, Loh Dalum Bay nebo klidnější Laem Tong Beach. Ideální pro ty, kdo hledají odpočinek a relaxaci. Milovníci přírody ocení šnorchlování a potápění, protože místní korálové útesy patří k nejhezčím v oblasti.

VIEWPOINT: VIEW OF THE ENTIRE ISLAND

If you want to understand the shape of the island, you have to go to Viewpoint. The hike is more challenging, but the view of two bays connected by a narrow isthmus is one of the most beautiful panoramas in Thailand. It is recommended to come early in the morning or at sunset, when the light is softest and there are fewer tourists. However, many tourists know this, so don’t be surprised if you are not alone there.

And don’t be surprised that you have to pay for the view. Admission is 50 baht. But it’s definitely worth the small price. There is also a small bar at the top where you can buy drinks. There are actually three viewpoints, connected by a single path. If you walk from the first to the second, you’ll have to climb quite a few stairs.

The center of the island lies on a narrow isthmus between Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay. Just walk a few dozen meters and you will find yourself at a completely different sea. One is busier, full of boats and arrivals, the other is quieter, ideal for swimming and sunsets. This geography is one of the reasons why Phi Phi Don is so photogenic.

MAYA BAY BEACH: A REAL-LIFE FILM SET

The most famous of these is Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Despite regulated access, it retains its natural beauty and is one of the icons of the Thai islands. But beware, it is not located directly on this island, you have to take a trip to get there.

It’s a little difficult to avoid the crowds at such popular places. But if you want to enjoy Maya Bay all to yourself, it’s better to arrange a private trip or have a taxi driver take you to Maya Bay around sunrise.

Currently, boats are not allowed in Maya Bay. Therefore, they stop at the pier on the opposite side of the island. From there, it takes about 5 minutes to walk along a wooden platform until you reach the bay.

Souostroví Phi Phi Islands nabízí mnohem víc než slavnou pláž. Je to místo plné kontrastů, vyhlídek, jeskyní, lagun i nečekaných tichých koutů. Maya Bay je bezpochyby nejfotografovanější místo. Vysoké vápencové útesy, tyrkysová voda a bílý písek působí téměř nereálně. Méně se ale ví, že jen pár minut lodí odsud se nachází Pileh Lagoon, úzká laguna obklopená skalami, kde je voda klidná jako zrcadlo. Zkrátka ideální na koupání. Nedaleko leží také Loh Samah Bay, menší a často klidnější zátoka, která je skvělá na šnorchlování.

HIDDEN BEACHES AND MORNING PHI PHI

Most tourists set off on excursions around ten o’clock in the morning. But if you set off early in the morning, you will discover a completely different island. The beaches are empty, the sea is calm, and the light is soft. Less visited beaches such as Ao Lo Moo Dee or smaller bays accessible only by boat are worth mentioning.

LONG- TAILED BOATS

There are two ways to get around the island. Longtail boats are traditional Thai wooden boats. Although they are great for taking photos, they are very noisy and slow, but usually cheaper than motorboats. Motorboats are usually more comfortable and faster, but bumpier than long-tail boats. They are also more expensive than the long-tail option.

MY TIP:

You have to realize that if you go on a trip to more remote islands, you will spend a considerable amount of time on the boat. That’s why I recommend taking a speedboat. I think this option is really very comfortable.

MONKEY BEACH AND UNDERWATER WORLD

Another interesting place is Monkey Beach, where wild monkeys roam the beach. It is a popular but somewhat treacherous place. The monkeys are cute, but they can be aggressive. Under the surface, you will find rich marine life, colorful fish, and corals. Monkey Beach is not just a tourist attraction. The monkeys actually live here and function as unique “island inhabitants.” Interestingly, they often move to the surrounding rocks and smaller beaches, where tourists cannot normally reach them.

If you like diving, you will enjoy locations such as Shark Point or Bida Islands, where you can see reef sharks and sea turtles.

NIGHT SNORKELING AND PLANKTON

One of the lesser-known experiences is night snorkeling with bioluminescent plankton. As you move through the water, tiny points of light light up around you, creating an almost magical effect. This experience is one of those that you will never forget on your vacation in Thailand.

MY TIP:

If you are not a strong swimmer but do not want to miss out on the opportunity to see the vibrant marine life, do not worry. With a life jacket, you can safely snorkel even if you cannot swim.

KAYAKING

Much of Phi Phi’s beauty is revealed from the sea. Kayaking along the cliffs, paddling into small caves and lagoons, or simply swimming around the rocks allows you to see the island from a perspective that you cannot experience on foot. It is from the water that the monumentality of the limestone walls stands out. I highly recommend this activity. However, if you are not used to doing this sport regularly, keep in mind that your arms may hurt. So don’t overestimate your strength. 🙂

MY TIP:

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen thoroughly! And I mean that very seriously. I only applied it sporadically and in the evening I was surprised at how sunburned my legs were. 🙂

ISLAND AFTER DARK

In the evening, Phi Phi Don transforms. Fire shows take place on the beaches, bars play music, and the island has an almost festival-like atmosphere. Yet there are still quiet places where you can have dinner by the sea and listen to the waves. Or you can do what I did and go to a karaoke bar and sing familiar hits along with other “singers” from around the world.

FIRE SHOW

The perfect way to end a busy day on Koh Phi Phi Island is to have a drink and watch a fire show. These take place every evening on Loh Dalum Beach. There are several bars along the beach, and each of them puts on a fire show as soon as it gets dark.

It’s quite impressive, but I would think twice about participating. 🙂 Jumping over a flaming rope seems a little dangerous to me. Combined with a few drinks, it’s never a good idea. 🙂

MUAY THAI OR THAI BOXING

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is one of the toughest combat sports. And you have the opportunity to watch it for free. Well, you have to buy a drink. In addition to classic punches, kicks, and knees, merciless elbow strikes are also allowed, which have a devastating effect.

Classic fights last 5 rounds of 3 minutes each. It’s quite an experience, and if you think you’ll only be sitting there surrounded by men, you’d be wrong. It’s about 50-50. But it’s more or less entertainment for tourists, and if you’re brave enough, they’ll let you into the ring.

PHI PHI DON: ISLAND WITHOUT CARS

One of the most unusual things about Phi Phi Don is that there are no cars or motorcycles. You get around on foot or by boat. This gives the island a special pace. Everything is close by, there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the sea, boat engines, and music from the beach bars in the evening.

SAFETY ON THE ISLAND

Koh Phi Phi is a relatively safe place. And how can you stay safe here? By using common sense and not putting yourself in dangerous situations. Just like anywhere else in the world.

ACCOMMODATION

Phi Phi offers a wide range of accommodation options in Thailand. From cheap hostels to boutique hotels and luxury beach resorts.

LOCAL THAI CUISINE

The local Thai cuisine will delight lovers of seafood, fresh fruit, and classic dishes such as pad thai, curry, and tom yum. And while you’re on the islands, be sure to try the fish, because you can be sure that it’s fresh.

Even though Phi Phi is touristy, there is still local life here. Early in the morning, you can watch fishermen bringing in fresh fish or visit small markets selling fruit and street food. You can try grilled fish, shrimp, or simple Thai dishes, which taste best right by the sea.

TSUNAMI 2004: THE STORY OF RENEWAL

Few people realize that the island was severely affected by the tsunami in 2004. Much of Phi Phi Don was destroyed, but the island has recovered. Today, you will find memorials and subtle reminders of this event, which give Phi Phi depth and respect for local history.

Phi Phi Island is the perfect combination of an exotic vacation, and I am sure that you will be enchanted by its atmosphere and beauty just as I was. It is no wonder that it is one of the most visited islands in Thailand and the dream destination of many travelers around the world. It is one of the icons of travel in Thailand, but it would be a shame to perceive it only as “the island from the movie.” And it is certainly not just a backdrop for perfect photos. It is a place of contrasts. Busy and quiet, wild and fragile, famous and intimate. And it is precisely these details that make Phi Phi one of the most interesting stops on a trip around the Thai islands. And now you can discover it just like I did.