What to do in Phi Phi: the Ultimate Guide

Updated: 30 October, 2024

The ultimate guide to Phi Phi: what to do, how to get there, where to eat, where to stay, and tips for visiting the most beautiful islands in Thailand.

Phi Phi Islands is a dream destination for many travelers, and for good reason. They are islands of incomparable natural beauty.

These islands with fine white sand beaches are bathed by crystal clear waters, a true paradise to forget about all your worries.

This guide to Phi Phi will ensure you don't miss a single hidden gem on this paradise island. And don't worry, I've even included a map with all the must-visit spots marked!

Where are the Phi Phi Islands?

The Phi Phi Islands are located in the Andaman Sea in the Krabi province of Thailand, halfway between the island of Phuket and the mainland.

Therefore, you can reach them from either Ao Nang in Krabi or from Phuket.

The Phi Phi Islands archipelago consists of 4 islands (green on the map):

1. Phi Phi Don: it is the main island and the only one inhabited. It is where the port where the boats arrive and the hotels are located.
2. Phi Phi Leh: is the most famous for Maya Bay, which became known in the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio.
3. Koh Mai Phai: is a small island known as Bamboo Island, due to the number of bamboos that grow on the island and its waters are a paradise for snorkeling.
4. Koh Yung: also another small island, better known as Mosquito Island, is as beautiful as the others and the number of mosquitoes does not seem to be greater than on the other islands.

✅ Friend's Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 15% off!

What to do in Phi Phi Don?

Phi Phi Don Island is the largest in the archipelago and the only one with an infrastructure to welcome tourists.

Although these islands started to receive mass tourism after the movie The Beach, they still retain all their beauty.

The island is characterized by its limestone cliff landscape and two large paradisiacal beaches, as well as other smaller beaches.

1.- Tonsai, the town

Tonsai is the small town on Phi Phi Don, and if you decide to stay, probably, it's where you'll be staying.

When you arrive at the island, the town is located on the right, just a 100-meter walk along the promenade.

The town is small but charming, with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and everything you could need, including agencies to book tours.

At night, the bars in town get quite lively, enough for those looking for nightlife, but not so much as to disturb those who want to rest.

In recent years, the Phi Phi Islands have been aiming for a tourism with less nightlife and partying, and more relaxed and family-friendly tourism to enjoy the relaxation. This is very noticeable in Tonsai's nightlife.

2. Tonsai Beach

This is the first beach you will see when you arrive at Phi Phi Don, because it is next to the port where the boats arrive and has the same name as the town.

Tonsai Beach is gorgeous with a high cliff in the background and turquoise water.

It's the liveliest beach in Phi Phi with water activities and nightlife with fire shows and music.

3. Loh Dalum beach

On the other side of the island, you'll find the other big beach on the island: Loh Dalum. It's less than 5 minutes away, so it's not as far as it sounds.

Loh Dalum and Tonsai are the two main beaches on the island, and they're actually the reason why the islands are called Phi Phi.

Loh Dalum is one of the best beaches in Phi Phi, with white sand, crystal clear water, and cliffs that hug the bay.

4. Other beaches on Koh Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don Island is home to several beaches and coves that you can visit at your own pace if you decide to stay on the island.

Here are some of the most beautiful ones (marked in blue on the map):

– From Tonsai beach

These beaches are located on the left side of Tonsai, if you're looking out at the sea. You can walk to almost all of them:

1. Viking beach: from Tonsai, you'll find a small beach and two coves. If you keep walking, you'll reach Viking Beach, a small and beautiful beach.
2. Long beach: if you go on along the coast, you'll reach Long Beach, known for its stunning sunsets. One way to get there is to walk from Tonsai, but there's a rocky section that requires proper footwear, sneakers-type shoes or hiking sandals like the ones in the link, or these other men's ones that I also include in my article What to bring to the Southeast Asian? – 47 Essentials in your Backpack . Another option is to take a long boat from Tonsai Beach.
3. Loh Moo Dee beach: To get to this beach, you can either walk along the inland path from Long Beach or take a long boat. This beach is worth the effort because it's more secluded and there are usually fewer people.

There's another beach on the opposite side of the bay: Monkey Bay (Ao Ling) (4). It's a small but interesting beach.

The best way to get there is to hire a boat or rent a kayak from Tonsai Beach. Alternatively, many tours that take you to Phi Phi Leh Island also stop there.

– From Lo Dalum beach

There are three more beaches worth visiting in the northeastern part of the island:

5. Nui beach
6. Loh Lana beach
7. Loh Ba Kao beach

These three beaches are quieter than the main beaches, and you'll need to hire a long boat from Loh Dalum to get there.

Nui Beach is my favorite. You can also kayak there. It's breathtaking and a great place to snorkel.

Finally, there is one more beach, but on the other side, that is, to the left of Loh Dalum beach.

This beach is called Monkey beach (8) and it is a quiet beach where you can see macaques. You can get here by kayak from Loh Dalum beach.

5. Phi Phi Don Viewpoints

Phi Phi has some amazing places to visit, but the viewpoint is the best. It's got the best view of the whole island, including the town, mountains, and two main beaches.

The path to the viewpoints starts from Tonsai and there are several routes. I recommend the one that goes from Cafe Amena.

Actually, there are three viewpoints in total. The first one requires climbing a steep staircase, but it's not too bad. Just be prepared for some heat and humidity!

To get to the second viewpoint, which in my opinion has the best views, you'll need to follow a much easier path than the first one. It takes about half an hour to get there.

It costs 30 baht (about €0.8 / 0.9USD) to go up, which includes viewpoints 1 and 2.

There's a third viewpoint if you keep walking, but it's not well sign-posted, and I don't think it's worth it. It takes about 10 more minutes to get there and costs another 20 baht (about €0.5 / 0.6USD).

– Phi Phi Viewpoint Tips

• Beat the heat: Rise early and enjoy the views before the heat and crowds get too intense.
• Comfortable shoes: The hike is easy, but sneakers will make it more enjoyable.
• Pack snacks and water: There's a cafe and shop at viewpoint 2, but it's always a good idea to bring your own refreshments.
• Protect yourself: Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential.
• Nighttime descent: If you're going for sunset, bring a flashlight or a headlamp for the way down.

6.- Sunsets in Phi Phi

Prepare to be blown away by the jaw-dropping sunsets in Phi Phi. These stunning displays of nature are a must-see for any visitor to the island.

The best spot on Phi Phi Don to watch the sunset is Long Beach. Grab a refreshing coconut or a delicious cocktail from one of the beach bars and soak up the magical atmosphere.

Longtail boats offer rides to Long Beach for a slightly higher price at sunset, but it's a convenient and scenic way to get there.

– Here are some other great spots to watch the sunset in Phi Phi:

• Nui Beach: This secluded beach offers a quieter and more intimate sunset experience.
• Viewpoint 2: While it can get crowded, the panoramic views from this viewpoint are unbeatable.

7. Nightlife in Phi Phi

Planning to stay overnight on Phi Phi Don? Don't miss the opportunity to experience fire shows or live music! Here are some of my favorite spots:

• Slinky Bar: This is my favorite spot, boasting a lively atmosphere and plenty of fun, this bar offers fire shows, interactive games, and dancing later into the evening. Be aware that drinks are slightly more expensive here.
• Carlito's bar: Located on the other side of the island near the port, this bar features fire shows, live music, and delicious cocktails. 🍹😋
• Kong Siam: For a more relaxed setting with quality live music, head to this bar.

👍 My two cents: If you’re looking to stay connected during your trip, 🤳 I recommend this eSIM for Thailand or this one for Asia both with unlimited data and work perfectly. Just use that link for a 5% discount.

What to do in Phi Phi Leh?

Phi Phi Leh is the most spectacular island in the Phi Phi archipelago and the real reason to visit!

This island is a protected area, like the other Phi Phi Islands, is part of the Hat Noppharat Thara National Park – Mu Ko Phi Phi.

To reach this paradise, you have two options:

• From Phi Phi Don: Take a boat trip from the main island.
• From Krabi or Phuket: Join a day trip to visits all the islands.

No matter which tour you choose, visiting Phi Phi Leh is a must. This island is the crown jewel of the archipelago and will take your breath away. I'll provide you more details on how to get to Phi Phi Leh later on this article.

Keep in mind that you'll need to pay a 400 baht (about €10.4 / 11.3USD) National Park fee to visit the Phi Phi Islands.

1.- Maya Beach

Maya Beach is a stunning beach with emerald-green waters and a lush jungle setting. Many people consider it to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The beach was also the filming location for the movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

⭐ Check this article, where I share other locations in Bangkok and Phuket of The beach and others Movies Shot in Thailand.

The filming of the movie "The Beach" didn't do Maya Beach any favors. It brought in hordes of tourists and destroyed the coral reefs.

The beach was closed for four years to give it a chance to recover.

It finally reopened in January 2022 but with some restrictions. Visitors can go to the beach, but swimming is not allowed because they are still trying to bring back the marine life.

You can swim and snorkel at the entrance to Maya Bay, where there are plenty of fish.

Even some blacktip reef sharks have returned, which is great news because the seabed at Phi Phi was once a mess due to all the garbage.

A visit to Maya Bay is still worth it, though. Its beauty is overwhelming, and I didn't see any trash when I was there.

2.- Other Spots on Koh Phi Phi Leh

Here are the top spots on Phi Phi Leh tours:

• Monkey bay: Located south of Tonsai, this bay is a great place to snorkel. Once you're on the beach, you'll be greeted by a bunch of crab-eating macaques. If you don't see any when you arrive, look at the vertical rock wall because you're sure to see them climbing down. These macaques are not shy at all and will approach you looking for food. Be careful because they can bite, so I recommend keeping your distance. By the way, they are excellent swimmers and can even dive! 😍
• Phi Leh bay: This is one of the two largest bays on the island, along with Maya Bay. The most striking thing about this bay is the emerald green color of the water, making it one of the best things to see in Phi Phi.
• Viking cave: This cave got its name from the cave paintings of Scandinavian ships. In addition, swiftlet nests are collected here, which are very popular in traditional Chinese medicine for various purposes, including as an aphrodisiac. While this is not a designated stop, boats usually slow down as they pass by the cave so you can take a picture.

⭐ You might also be interested in this article about the 6 Best Tours from Phuket or this one about the 7 Unmissable Excursions from Krabi.

3.- Snorkeling and Diving in Phi Phi Leh

The Phi Phi Islands are home to a variety of marine life, making them a great place for snorkeling and diving.

The best place to snorkel in Phi Phi Leh is Maya Bay. However, swimming is prohibited on Maya Beach, so boats usually only make a stop there for snorkeling.

If you prefer diving in Phi Phi, I have some good news: Phi Phi Leh has some amazing spots, and you can also obtain an Open Water diving certification there.

The course usually takes 2 or 3 days. You can book this diving course in Phi Phi with insurance included or this diving baptism.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi

No worries finding accommodation in Koh Phi Phi! There are plenty of hotels in Ko Phi Phi Don to choose from.

The best area to stay is in the north, on Loh Dalum Beach. The most popular hotel there is the Princess Resort.

The best thing about Loh Dalum is that it's a quiet place to sleep, stunning, and still close to everything.

Another great option is to stay at The Beach Resort located on Long Beach.

This hotel in Phi Phi is charming and a bit quieter than Tonsai. You'll also have the advantage of enjoying the sunset every day.

But if you really want to experience paradise, look no further than the Phi Phi Phu Resort in Loh Ba Kao Bay.

It's very peaceful, and to get there you need to take a long-tail boat from Tonsai (the resort provides free service).

Where to eat in Phi Phi

Craving some delicious Thai and international food? Tonsai has your back! Here are a few of my personal favorites:

• Pirates House: This spot dishes up both Thai and Indian cuisine. Their green curry is a winner, although portions might be a tad small for the price.
• Garlic 1992: If you're looking for a wide variety of delicious Thai food, some international options, and good breakfast, this is your place. Think classic Thai vibes with plastic chairs, great eats, and budget-friendly prices.
• Acqua Restaurant: This gem boasts stylish decor and food that looks good enough to eat (and tastes even better!). 😋 Perfect for a special dinner out, but keep in mind it can get busy, and the prices are a bit higher for Thailand. But hey, sometimes you need to treat yourself!

Map of Koh Phi Phi

* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

When to visit Phi Phi

While you can visit these islands any time of year, there are two distinct periods with pretty different weather:

• Dry season: it is from November to April and best time to visit them.
• Wet season: Runs from May to October, but don't let the rain get you down! It might sometimes rain, but it's not as bad as the monsoon season in the Gulf of Thailand islands. You can still enjoy your Phi Phi trip without any major issues.

How to get to the Phi Phi Islands

The only way to reach Phi Phi is by sea, either by ferry from Krabi or Phuket or joining a tour.

1. Ferry to the Phi Phi Islands

Dreaming of a Phi Phi Island escape with some chill vibes and island hopping?

So, to get there, you can hop on this ferry from Krabi which takes about 1.5 hours, or catch the one from Phuket that takes around 2 hours.

2. Phi Phi Day Trip

On the flip side, if you're short on time or just not in the mood to stay on the islands, the most convenient way is to go for a full-day tour from Krabi, which happens to be the budget-friendly choice. Down below, you can check out availability and make a reservation:

Another option is to take the trip from Phuket; here, you can book the most popular Phi Phi Islands excursion.

3. Rent a boat

Another option to explore the Phi Phi Islands at your own pace is by renting a boat.

The best bet is to rent a sailboat or a catamaran in Phuket, the country's top nautical destination, with numerous marinas and a wide range of boats at reasonable prices. I've even managed to snag boats for less than €200 (about 216USD) per day.

If you're traveling with a group, it can be a real cost-saver, possibly even cheaper than going on a guided tour.

If you're considering renting a boat in Thailand I recommend this search engine that partners with reputable companies, ensuring the boats are in excellent condition.

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about 3 Best Places to Rent a Boat in Thailand.

How to get around the Phi Phi Islands

If you decide to crash on Phi Phi Don for a few nights, you can pretty much stroll around the entire island since it's so small.

Now, for those more remote beaches or the ones only accessible by sea, just hop on a boat or grab a kayak.

But, if you're determined to check out Phi Phi Leh, you'll need to make a deal with one of those long-tail boat operators or grab a spot on a boat tour like this one.

Personally, I'd say one of the coolest options is this boat tour at sunset around the Phi Phi Islands, where you get to snorkel with bioluminescent plankton.

How long to stay? & Itineraries

This is a tough question to tackle because it really depends on what you're looking to do and see on the islands.

For instance, if you just want to hit the highlights in a day, that should be plenty. But, if you're keen on exploring every corner and crevice of Koh Phi Phi Don, it's best to stick around for a couple of nights – that's a total of 3 days.

Below, I've got some itinerary suggestions for 1, 2, and 3 days in Phi Phi:

Phi Phi in 1 day

Let's get straight to the point—if you've got just one day to explore the Koh Phi Phi, you've got to go with a tour, or you won't have enough time to catch all the best spots.

The issue with taking the ferry is that it drops you off at Phi Phi Don, and then you'll need to hire a long-tail boat or book a tour to get to Koh Phi Phi Leh and the other islands.

👉 Book this tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi, it's the budget-friendly choice, or from Phuket.

2 days in Phi Phi

Day 1

• Excursion from Phi Phi Don to the other 3 Phi Phi islands by traditional boat, book here .
• Enjoy the sunset at Long beach.
• Check out a fire show.

Day 2

• Hike up to viewpoint 2 for some amazing views.
• Rent a kayak in Loh Dalum to visit Monkey beach.
• Grab lunch in the village.
• Chill out at Loh Dalum Beach.

What to do in Phi Phi in 3 days

Day 1 is the same as for the 2-day itinerary, then add the following:

Day 2

• Hike up to viewpoint 2 for some amazing views.
• Rent a kayak in Loh Dalum to visit Monkey beach.
• Grab lunch in the village.
• Join the sunset tour around the Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and witnessing bioluminescent plankton, book here.

Day 3

• Rent a kayak to visit Monkey bay and explore the cave nearby.
• Explore Loh Moo Dee Beach.
• Chill out at Loh Dalum Beach.

Final Thoughts

Now is the best time to visit Phi Phi because even though some time has passed since COVID, they haven't fully regained the tourism levels they had before the pandemic.

Plus, it's a destination you won't regret exploring, and as you've seen in this article, there are plenty of things to do in Phi Phi amidst a uniquely beautiful natural environment.

In this guide to Thailand you can keep reading the main articles I’ve written about this beautiful country.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Thailand and Southeast Asia

• What to do in Phuket: 22 best plans
• 7 Unmissable Excursions from Krabi
• Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand: ethical or just a business?
• 4 best Yoga Teacher courses in Thailand
• What to see in Koh Samui: 14 best plans
• What to do in Bali: 18 essentials
• 5 Hotels in Phuket: resorts with the best value for money