A tropical paradise right out of a postcard, Phi Phi Islands in the Krabi province of Thailand is one of the most popular archipelagos in the world. Vibrant marine life, pristine beaches, uncrowded lagoons, towering cliffs, stunning sunsets, and a crystal-clear turquoise sea make it one of the most sought-after holiday destinations. Located in the Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Islands are a haven for beach babies and adventure enthusiasts. Comprising six islands in total, the archipelago promises a unique blend of fun nightlife, party vibes, and unbelievable dive sites. Before planning your trip to this stunning destination, take a look at some of the best things to do on Phi Phi Islands.
The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands
The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands in Thailand is from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier. The sea remains clear and calm during this time, so it’s great weather for indulging in water sports and island-hopping.
I visited the islands in December and it seemed the best weather ever! Sunny blue skies, a cool breeze off the coast, and the calm sea made sure I spent the day outdoors.
Things to do at Phi Phi Islands
Go hiking
Plenty of great hiking trails on Phi Phi Islands take visitors across lush forests and sandy beaches. From offering breathtaking seascapes to views of eerie abandoned bungalows, these diverse hiking trails are meant to suit people from all walks of life. Some of the easiest treks on Phi Phi Islands include the trek to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint and Loh Lana Bay. The West Koh Phi Phi Coastal Trail and West Koh Phi Phi Coastal Trail are ideal for those looking for a semi-tough trail. For experts and professionals, the Khao Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail and Railay Lagoon Trail are ideal.
Love hiking? Check out our story on the best hiking trails in Hong Kong.
Visit Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh
Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are two of the largest islands in the archipelago. While both islands promise stunning beaches and tourist spots, there is a major difference between the two. Koh Phi Phi Leh is an uninhabited island. Koh Phi Phi Don is where visitors stay, and take a boat to visit the picturesque wonders of Koh Phi Phi Leh. Visit these islands to enjoy sunset tours, coral diving, and cave explorations.
Explore Maya Bay
Sheltered by 100-metre-high cliffs from three sides, exploring Maya Bay is one of the most popular things to do here. One of the primary shooting locations for Danny Boyle’s The Beach, Maya Bay is breathtakingly beautiful. Expect white sand beaches, crystal clear blue seas, towering limestone cliffs, lush forests all around, and the chance to indulge in scores of water activities. I spent nearly a day here and still wasn’t through with taking photographs. It gets crowded here by mid-day, so I planned an early morning boat trip to reach Maya Bay before everyone else did. It worked like a charm, and I had the entire place to myself for nearly half an hour.
Maya Bay is closed for visitors occasionally to combat environmental concerns. Its 2024 closure dates are August 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024.
Go snorkelling at Monkey Bay
If watching vibrant marine life up close is what you have been wishing for, snorkelling at Monkey Bay is the thing for you. A coral reef lies close to the beach, so even novice snorkelers can catch a glimpse of the gorgeous underwater world. Some of the marine life you can expect to see here include huge schools of parrot fish, giant clams, clownfish, angelfish, lobsters, groupers, and baby sharks.
Love the sea, sand, and sun life? Check out our story on islands in Thailand that you might not have heard about to elevate your trip.
Enjoy a longtail boat ride off Bamboo Island
Another great place for snorkelling, Bamboo Island is perfect for people who simply want to lay back and relax. Pristine beaches, verdant forests, clear blue waters, and a couple of beach shacks make it a little slice of heaven, away from the hustle and bustle of other touristy spots. Enjoy a ride on a traditional longtail boat, from Koh Phi Phi Don to Bamboo Island and other nearby beaches and islands. You can tailor the journey to your liking on a private longtail boat tour, stopping at picturesque spots, discovering secret lagoons and coves, and going snorkelling.
Embark on a shark-watching tour
Phi Phi Islands are a great place to catch a glimpse of whale sharks and Black-tip reef sharks. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy a boat ride to spot these sharks in their natural environment. It is advisable to go with established tour operators who exercise the correct safety precautions and use proper equipment. Some of the best places to enjoy shark-watching include Shark Point, Phi Phi Small Shark Point, and Loh Samay Bay.
Go scuba-diving at Viking Cave
One of the most popular things to do here is scuba diving at Viking Cave. As someone who has always been fascinated with the underwater world, all I wanted to do was go snorkelling in these caves. It had a spooky vibe, and I could see colourful fish from the boat itself. Swimming was not my forte back then, so I had to hold myself back from the activity. But, I have good news for all you non-swimmers out there. The water was super clear, and I saw schools of fish making their way under our boat.
Read our story on beautiful destinations with the best scuba diving in the world.
Go beach-hopping
Phi Phi Islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. Pristine white sand beaches, vibrant turquoise waters, towering cliffs in the distance, calm lagoons, and lush greenery anywhere you look. Likewise, beach activities are plenty, from watersports and beach-hopping to sampling the freshest seafood and lying down on a hammock for some ‘me’ time. Some of the best beaches on Phi Phi Islands include Maya Bay, Laem Tong Bay, Nui Beach, Tonsai Beach, and Moo Dee Bay.
Enjoy a relaxing spa day
If all the adventure is having you crave a quiet break, head over to one of the massage centres or spas of Phi Phi Islands. Spend a blissful day soaking up the rejuvenating oils and creams, while feeling all the travel stress leave your body as expert fingers knead your tired muscles. Choose from a host of pampering body scrubs and wraps, feel at one with your surroundings with a traditional Thai massage while enjoying breathtaking views.
Nightlife on Phi Phi
Phi Phi Islands come alive at night, with plenty of quirky bars, classy establishments, and beach shacks offering fire shows, live music, party games, DJ sets, and more. Some pubs and bars, mostly on the beach, offer Thai boxing shows as well. Expect unlimited cocktails, excellent food, and a rocking party vibe when exploring the nightlife in Phi Phi Islands. Some of the best and most popular bars, pubs, and clubs in Koh Phi Phi include Slinky Beach Bar, Dojo Bar,
Hotels on Phi Phi Islands
Being the popular tourist haunt, Phi Phi Islands are home to some of the best properties in Thailand. From homestays to luxury resorts to boutique properties, this place has it all. Some of the best hotels on Phi Phi Islands include Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel, Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort: SHA Extra Plus, The Cove Phi Phi, and HIP Seaview Resort @ Phi Phi.
Visitors can choose from lagoon or beach access rooms, with stunning views from every angle. Expect seamless services, modern amenities, varied global cuisines, and plenty of entertainment and leisure activities to keep everyone engaged.
Book your stay at Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort: SHA Extra Plus via Booking.com
Book your stay at Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort: SHA Extra Plus via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel via Agoda.com
Restaurants on Phi Phi Islands
Home to some of the freshest seafood in Thailand, Phi Phi Islands undoubtedly have great eateries that offer delicious seafood, meats, and vegetarian fare. Some of the best restaurants at Phi Phi Islands include ACQUA Restaurant Phi Phi for local cuisine, P P Wang Ta Fu for Japanese cuisine, the Efe Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant for Mediterranean cuisine, Italiano Bar & Restaurant Koh Phi Phi for Italian delicacies, and October Resto for seafood.
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Beaches on Phi Phi Islands
Whether looking for white sandy shores or a calm sea for snorkelling, the beaches on Phi Phi Islands will blow your mind. Enjoy plenty of watersports here, from scuba diving to boat rides to fishing off the coast. Sample local Thai dishes at the beach shacks, enjoy a relaxed afternoon soaking up the sun, view stunning sunsets with a fruity cocktail in hand, or go rock climbing. The choice is yours. Some of the best beaches here include Maya Bay, Laem Tong Bay, Long Beach, Phak Nam Bay, Nui Beach, Tonsai Beach, and Moo Dee Bay.
(Feature image credit: Claudio/Flickr)
This story first appeared here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Enjoy kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, and long-tail boat rides when visiting Phi Phi Islands.
Some of the best hiking trails on Phi Phi Islands include the trek to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint and Loh Lana Bay for beginners, the West Koh Phi Phi Coastal Trail for those looking for an easy but longish trail, and the Khao Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail for experts looking for something a little more challenging.
Go rock-climbing, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, and snorkelling for your daily dose of adventure on Phi Phi Islands.
Some of the best beaches on Phi Phi Islands include Monkey Beach, Laem Tong Bay, Nui Beach, and Long Beach, among others.
Phi Phi Islands have one of the most active and enjoyable nightlife in Thailand.
Yes, you can go island hopping when here. There are several smaller islands and beaches nearby that you can visit from Phi Phi Islands.
You can enjoy fire shows and Thai boxing matches at some of the pubs and bars of Phi Phi Islands.
To get between islands, a kayak, speedboat, or a long tail boat would suffice, and for land, get a bicycle or ask your hotel for a golf cart or tuk-tuk.
Make sure to indulge in watersports and other adventure activities only with reputed agencies and tour companies. Do not venture out into the water alone, and make sure it is ok to swim in the sea since coral damage has led to some restrictions.
Pack as you would for a beach destination, with sunscreen, hats, scarves, swimwear, flip-flops, and cotton outfits that cool you down. Pack a few waterproof covers and bags for your valuables as well.
Several restaurants on Phi Phi Islands serve great vegan and vegetarian dishes. Some of the best ones are JaJa Cafe & Spice, Dow Restaurant, and Papaya Restaurant.
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Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.
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