KOH PHI PHI

Koh Phi Phi

A beautiful archipelago of 6 small islands located around 38km from Krabi in the Andaman Sea, Koh Phi Phi is part of Thailand’s Hat Nopparat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park

Koh Phi Phi in a nutshell

A beautiful archipelago of 6 small islands located around 38km from Krabi in the Andaman Sea, Koh Phi Phi is part of Thailand’s Hat Nopparat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park. There are 2 main islands – Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh, and 4 smaller uninhabited isles. These islands are ancient, and date back to prehistoric times.

The main island, Koh Phi Phi Don, is where people arrive from Phuket or Krabi, just a 45-minute ride by speedboat. Completely destroyed in a tsunami in 2004, the island has been rebuilt and now boasts plenty of accommodation, entertainment and dining offerings.

Part of the island’s charm is that there is no traffic at all – but that’s not a problem, as you can easily explore on foot. New Moon parties are big business and Koh Phi Phi Don comes alive at this time every month.

The second largest island, Koh Phi Phi Leh, which is magnificent and uninhabited, was thrust into the limelight, after the movie The Beach starring Leonardo di Caprio was shot on spectacular Maya Bay there. This picture-perfect island offers superb secluded beaches, snorkelling and diving.

The Phi Phi islands are renowned as some of the most magnificent in South East Asia with their exquisite limestone cliffs and spectacular stretches of white sand fringed by turquoise sea.

A holiday there is a quintessential paradise island experience, complete with plenty of water activities, rock climbing and exploring. Relaxed pursuits are also on offer, from being pampered at numerous spas to bird watching and sailing to explore the other islands.

Best time to visit: January and February are peak season, so visit in December, or in March and April, when the weather is still glorious and the rain hasn’t started. Avoid monsoon season, July and August.

Best Area for Sightseeing: Koh Phi Phi has so many charms. For some inspiration, see Things to do in Koh Phi Phi below.

Shopping in Koh Phi Phi: You’ll find plenty of trinkets and souvenirs to buy around the main island.

Food & Restaurants in Koh Phi Phi: The Thai food is good and there are plenty of eateries to choose from. Hotel restaurants offer a variety of cuisines.

Nightlife: Nightlife is frantic and fun, with bars open till the wee hours, fire dancing and late-night swims. The Full Moon parties are great fun for the younger crowd.

You can see traditional Thai boats in Koh Phi Phi that are lovely and picturesque.

Beaches: Choose from a selection, each more exquisite than the last. Stunning Loh Dalum Beach is situated close to Tonsai Village. It’s a popular beach with a beautiful stretch of sand. Long Beach is more secluded and offers excellent snorkelling. Then there’s Loh Bagao Bay, an 800m-long stretch of glorious sand on the island’s east coast and tranquil Laem Thong Beach, 45 minutes from Tonsai by boat. Magnificent Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh needs no introduction thanks to the film The Beach. It’s accessible by boat from Koh Phi Phi Don. Let’s not forget Money Beach, accessible from Loh Dalum Beach, home to a population of monkeys, who aren’t always friendly.

Things to do in Koh Phi Phi:

• Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of Koh Phi Phi Don.
• Explore the tiny fishing village of Pak Nam, home to beautiful Pak Nam Bay, accessible by boat or on a long hike.
• Enjoy swimming on Rantee Bay’s beach, accessible from the Phi Phi Viewpoint or by boat.
• Discover the magic of Koh Phi Phi Leh, home to magnificent Maya Bay.
• Shop for souvenirs in Tonsai Village.
• Enjoy snorkelling in coral reefs. 
• Jump off the islands’ exquisite limestone cliffs.
• Go scuba diving to explore coral reefs or the shipwreck of the King Cruiser ferry.

Best way to get around: You won’t need any transport on the islands, which are traffic-free. Boats and longtail boats will take you to less accessible beaches and other islands.

Best Area for Families: Long Beach Situated in the southwestern part of Koh Phi Phi Don, this beautiful beach area offers a laidback air and plenty of activities.