The Phi Phi Islands are one of the most picture perfect paradises in the world, and one of the most famous tourist destinations in Thailand, and even the whole of Southeast Asia!
After all, this is where you’ll find soft white sandy beaches, dreamy turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs and the famous Maya Bay where ‘The Beach‘ movie was filmed.
Even though I’d dreamt of traveling to Thailand and finding a hidden hippie community on a secret beach ever since I first saw ‘The Beach‘, I put off visiting Koh Phi Phi for a long time because I’d heard it was overcrowded, overpriced, overhyped and wasn’t worth visiting.
Then Maya Bay was closed due to the environmental damage caused by overtourism, then Covid happened and I thought I’d never get to tick The Beach off my Thailand bucket list!
Now it’s possible to visit Maya Bay again so I decided it was time to find out once and for all if Koh Phi Phi is worth visiting, and to write an honest Koh Phi Phi travel guide to share my experience and tips if you’re also on the fence about whether to go or not.
My Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide
From my experience, I think that one of the main reasons why travellers are disappointed when they visit the Phi Phi islands (or any other super famous tourist destination) is because they have unrealistic expectations. So it’s important to do some research so that you understand the place and can manage your expectations better – I think this is key to having the best possible experience and this is why I wrote this blog.
So, is Koh Phi Phi worth visiting in 2025? In my opinion, yes it can be, but only if you know a bit more about what to expect (and what to avoid) carefully choose where to stay, what to do and keep in mind that what you see on Instagram is not always the reality.
So here’s how I experienced Koh Phi Phi and what I’d suggest if you’re planning to go…
Where is Koh Phi Phi?
The first thing you need to know is that Koh Phi Phi / the Phi Phi islands are a group of 6 small islands that jut out of the Andaman Sea in the Krabi province of southern Thailand. These “gems of the Andaman” are part of the Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
There is no airport in the Phi Phi islands. The only way to get here is by boat, and there’s plenty of ferries and speed boats that run from Phuket and Krabi (and other nearby islands like Koh Lanta) making it easy to get to.
I’ll explain more about the different options for getting to Koh Phi Phi later in this post but first – let’s get to know more about the Phi Phi islands…
A Quick History of the Phi Phi Islands
I think that knowing a bit about the history of the Phi Phi islands is important because it helps you understand and appreciate where the island is today, manage your expectations, and be more sympathetic if things don’t always go exactly how you dreamed they would.
Koh Phi Phi is one of Thailand’s most controversial islands – when you see photos it looks like paradise yet a lot of travellers and travel blogs will tell you that it’s totally ruined and not worth visiting – and maybe that was the case before the pandemic, but I think these islands are just a bit misunderstood.
The Phi Phi islands are part of a submerged mountain range that are now famous as an idyllic island hopping and party destination, but they have been home to Muslim fishing communities and Chao Lay (sea gypsies) for much longer.
The only inhabited island, Koh Phi Phi Don, saw its first tourist development in the 1980s. This was mostly basic simple beach huts that hosted a trickle of adventurous backpackers who were blown away by the pristine island paradise they found.
This all changed, almost overnight, after the 2000 film ‘The Beach’ featuring Leonardo DiCaprio brought international fame to Maya Bay on the uninhabited Koh Phi Phi Ley. It instantly became a bucket-list destination and tourists started flocking in their thousands to the Phi Phi islands.
Shortly after came the 2004 tsunami, which devastated most of the island. As tourism dominated the economy, and people desperately needed money after the disaster, Phi Phi Don rebuilt cramming more hotels onto the tiny island than ever before.
By the late 2010’s the Phi Phi islands were speeding towards ecological disaster and in 2018 the Thai government had to shut Maya Bay due to over-tourism.
Then in 2020 tourism (now essentially the island’s lifeblood) ground to a halt due to the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotels closed down, boats stopped running and many people who relied on tourism for work were left without any income.
Maya Bay reopened in 2022 with new rules in place to protect the environment, and I finally got round to visiting in 2025 (more than 10 years after I first visited Thailand!)
Arriving on Koh Phi Phi Don
After a comfortable 2 hour ferry ride from Phuket, I got my long awaited first glimpse of the Phi Phi islands. Even though I’d seen many photos of the Phi Phi islands before, when I arrived I was still awe struck by just how beautiful it was – impossibly clear blue waters, gently bobbing longtail boats with colourful garlands, and bright white sandy beaches surrounded by towering jungle covered limestone cliffs.
Photos can’t do it justice, it was even more gorgeous than I had dreamed – but this is no longer a pristine tropical paradise island. As soon as you step off the boat you’re greeted by a Burger King, McDonalds, endless boat touts, noisy bars, and crowds of confused tourists packed like sardines into the narrow streets.
Don’t worry, it gets better – but you need to choose what to do and where to stay in the Phi Phi islands carefully if you are going to enjoy your experience!
Where to Stay in the Phi Phi islands
Whilst the Phi Phi islands consist of six islands, the only inhabited island is Koh Phi Phi Don which is is the biggest island and the only one you can stay on. The island developed very quickly to meet the demands of mass tourism, and continues to add and improve infrastructure, but it’s not an easy task.
Phi Phi Don is a fairly small and rugged island, so most things are packed into a narrow flat isthmus between Loh Dalum Beach and Ton Sai Bay where the pier is. This area is called Ton Sai Village and it feels really crowded and chaotic. It’s a maze of narrow paths jam packed with hostels, bars, fast food joints, travel agents, tattoo shops and souvenir stalls – probably not your idea of paradise!
Just a few minutes walk away on the other side of the island is Loh Dalum Bay, a beautiful beach with shallow waters surrounded by forested cliffs home to the popular PP Princess Resort. The scenery is idyllic by day but at night it’s lined with neon beach bars, fire shows, booze buckets and thumping loud music.
If you are a young backpacker and enjoy a lively nightlife scene you might love it – but I still recommend staying at somewhere like Dee Dee Seaview Hostel rather than right in the thick of it. However, if you are seeking a tranquil island escape, or just want to get some sleep, I suggest avoiding staying in this area, or at least staying on the quieter western side of the bay, somewhere like Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort.
Thankfully there are other areas to stay on Koh Phi Phi. Though one thing to note is that there are no roads or cars on the Phi Phi islands which adds to the charm but means you’ll either need to catch a boat taxi (which can be expensive) or walk which can be tiring with the heat and crowds all shuffling along the narrow pathways.
If you’re a budget traveler that wants to save money and doesn’t mind climbing a few steps you’ll find the cheapest rooms around the backside of Ton Sai on the way to the viewpoint – here you’ll be far enough away to get some peace but only 15 minutes walk from the craziness.
If you want to escape from it all and feel like you are truly immersed in a tropical paradise, head to the luxury resorts which are located on secluded palm tree fringed beaches on the other side of the island like Zeavola Resort on Laem Tong beach and Phi Phi Island Village Resort on Lo Bakao beach.
You’ll also find a couple of mid range resorts on Pak Nam beach and Rantee beach like Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort which has a peaceful private beach, although it’s not the best beach on the island.
These hotels usually offer a free boat transfer from the main pier to the resort but note that food, drinks, activities and tours are pricier at the resorts than in Ton Sai village and it can be difficult and expensive to access other parts of the island. So that’s something to be aware of.
The Best Place to Stay on Koh Phi Phi – My Top Tip
If you want to be close enough to explore Ton Sai village, but far away enough to get some sleep, I recommend staying somewhere like Phi Phi Villa Resort on the nicer, quieter side of Ton Sai beach.
In my opinion this is the most conveniently located area as it’s right on a nice beach yet only a 10 minute walk from the village. One thing to be aware of it that it’s near the mosque so you might hear the sunrise call to prayer – a good alarm clock for early morning boat trips!
Another good option is Long Beach, a quiet stretch of white sandy beach with a handful of relaxed mid range hotels like Phi Phi The Beach Resort and the secluded Viking Nature Resort and the chance to snorkel with harmless black tip reef sharks.
You can take a short 200 baht taxi boat ride from Ton Sai Pier or hike to Long Beach in about 30 minutes so it feels like the best of both worlds and, in my opinion, is the best place to stay on Koh Phi Phi Don.
Due to both the small size and the popularity of the Phi Phi islands, most things, especially accommodation, is over priced for what you get compared to other islands in Thailand. And as there is so little space for the island’s infrastructure not everything works perfectly all the time. I didn’t find it dirty or smelly (as other travellers have said) but don’t expect unparalleled luxury either.
Also, because everything has to be brought in and out by boat and transported around the island with hand pulled carts this, understandably, pushes prices up too. This means sometimes things take longer than expected or some things might be unavailable – it’s just the reality of life on a tiny tropical island! It’s not Disneyland!
It’s these things, combined with people’s unrealistically high expectations, that means many hotels on Phi Phi have bad reviews. So bear this in mind, manage your expectations accordingly and choose where to stay on Koh Phi Phi carefully as it will have a big impact on your experience.
Remember that this is just a small island of fishermen so don’t expect world class service but please be kind to the locals who’ve had their home overrun by (often disrespectful) tourists – they are doing the best they can with limited resources!
What to do on Koh Phi Phi
Even though the islands are small, there are plenty to do in the Phi Phi islands. From enjoying the beaches, soaking up the stunning natural beauty on an island hopping boat trip, exploring the underwater world and hiking to epic viewpoints.
Even if the main village feels a bit intense, the islands still deliver some unforgettable (in the literal sense) experiences and absolute wow moments — especially if you make the effort to get out early to beat the crowds, or just go slightly off the usual path. Here’s the best things to do in the Phi Phi islands:
Take a Boat Trip to Koh Phi Phi Leh
Most travellers are drawn to visit Koh Phi Phi because of the stunning natural beauty of places like Maya Bay and Pi Leh Lagoon. These beautiful places are actually are found on the island on Koh Phi Phi Leh – an uninhabited island a short boat ride away from Koh Phi Phi Don.
This means that the most popular activity in the Phi Phi islands to is to take a boat trip to Phi Phi Leh. These boat tours take you around Phi Phi Leh (and often some other islands too) for a day of beach and island hopping, swimming and snorkeling, and soaking up the stunning out-of-this-world scenery. Most trips include the must see Maya Bay and Pi Leh Lagoon among some other stops.
Most boat trips also pass by the Viking Cave which gets its name from the 400 year old boat wall paintings and is now a place where daredevils collect the valuable swifts nests to make birds nest soup. You can’t go inside, you can just see if from the outside, but it’s quite impressive.
Visit Maya Bay (Early)
Maya Bay is a beautiful beach on Phi Phi Leh surrounded by towering cliffs that was a filming location for ‘The Beach’ movie. It’s probably the reason most people come to Koh Phi Phi so I recommend heading to Maya Bay early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.
And yes, it’s natural beauty really is worth the hype, especially if like me you loved the film. But if you show up with the crowds at midday it’s more likely to be a crowded, stressful, Instagram-influencer-jockeying-for-position kind of experience than a dreamy secret beach in paradise so it’s really worth going there early.
I hired a private longtail boat at sunrise and got there before the big tour groups arrived and it really did feel a bit magical. The bay was quiet and shady, the water a crystal clear emerald colour, the silky soft white sand fresh and soft between my toes and it actually did feel like something out of a movie! It’s definitely one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen – and I’ve seen a lot!
After The Beach was filmed here in 2000 the popularity of this island surged, so much so that Maya Bay was closed for 3 years due to over tourism to allow this beautiful beach to recover.
Nowadays, new rules are in place to protect the environment – no swimming or camping is allowed, visits are capped at certain hours, and there’s a limit on daily tourists.
To avoid pollution, boats are no longer allowed to dock directly on the beach, instead, visitors arrive at a floating pier in nearby Loh Samah Bay and walk over via a wooden path. It is also closed for 2 months each year during the low season from 1 August – 30 September.
At first I was disappointed that I couldn’t swim at Maya Bay but actually it’s a good thing because now the beach looks clean and beautiful again and you can even see baby reef sharks swimming in the water. (Don’t worry they are harmless)
I feel these measures have worked – the beach is once again clean and pristine, marine life has returned and coral reefs have recovered. I’m glad that I held off to visit Koh Phi Phi until after these changes had been made to make my visit more enjoyable and more sustainable. Visiting Maya Bay was a highlight of my trip to the Phi Phi islands and was well worth it.
From about 10 am the beach starts to get packed with day trippers from Phuket and Krabi so by staying on Phi Phi Don you can hire a private long tail boat and make an early start to beat the crowds. For this reason alone it’s worth staying overnight in Koh Phi Phi. Note that it is part of a national park so you’ll need to pay 400 baht fee in cash to visit in addition to the cost of the boat.
While you can no longer camp at Maya Bay or stay on the beautiful island, you can spend the night on a sleep aboard boat in Maya Bay for a unique experience – you might even get to see the magical, sparkling bio luminesant plankton and of course you can be the first one on the beach in the morning.
Be Stunned by Pileh Lagoon
Another highlight of the Phi Phi islands is the incredible Pileh Lagoon – it’s a turquoise inlet surrounded by limestone cliffs with crystal clear water in such a bright shade of turquoise it seems unreal.
As expected, Pileh Lagoon gets busy with boats as it’s one of the most instagramable spots in Thailand and one every long tail boat tour itinerary – so another reason to go early!
I got some of the best photos of my Thailand trip at Pileh lagoon, plus you can also swim and snorkel in Pileh Lagoon. I couldn’t quite believe how many colourful little tropical fish I saw – it was an incredible sight, you can even see them from above the water!
Visit Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island
Full day trips often stop for lunch at Koh Pai (Bamboo Island), a tiny uninhabited tropical island surrounded by a reef with a small cafe and toilet facilities. It’s an unspoilt picture-perfect paradise island and is generally very peaceful (unless a big tour group has just arrived!)
The shallow water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling with an interesting variety of marine life, or you can just relax on the powdery white sand and enjoy the natural island vibes. (It’s also part of the national park but you only have to pay once per day.)
Just across the water is Koh Yung (Mosquito Island) another great place for snorkeling with colourful corals and a more deserted island castaway vibe. Don’t worry too much about the name – the pesky biters usually only come out at dusk!
Skip Monkey Beach
Another thing that most boat tours include is a visit to Monkey Beach, this is a small strip of sand surrounded by rocky jungle that is home to wild monkeys. It’s a beautiful spot, the sea is a blissful blue and yes it’s cute to see monkeys, but I don’t recommend stopping here – for your sake and theirs.
The tiny beach is packed with boats and tourists crowding round, feeding and disturbing the monkeys – which may bite if aggravated which could lead to a serious infection that could ruin your whole holiday.
After seeing the circus and watching a little boy get bitten, I opted to not leave the boat and moved on. I feel that visiting Monkey Beach is dangerous for both the monkeys and visitors. I suggest you give this a miss and let the monkeys live in paradise in peace.
Top Rated Phi Phi Island Boat Tours
Taking a boat trip is pretty much the reason to visit Koh Phi Phi and luckily there are plenty of options for different budgets. These range from:
- Hiring a private traditional long tail boat (most flexible but most expensive),
- Joining a group speedboat tour to save money and travel time,
- And even a boozy sunset cruise in a pirate ship to have fun and make new friends while soaking up the incredible scenery.
Some Phi Phi islands boat trips start early at sunrise to skip the crowds while others include sunset cruises with the chance to see bioluminescent plankton viewing after dark.
If you speak Thai you could try negotiating with a boat driver, if not it’s better to visit a local travel agency or book in advance online somewhere like Viator or Get Your Guide where you can read reviews before you book so you know what to expect.
Here’s the best tours to book (by review score)
Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint
For one of the most epic views in all of Thailand head to the legendary Phi Phi Viewpoint! Getting there requires a bit of effort, but it’s well worth it, especially if you go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat, or for sunset where you’ll see the sky light up with incredible colours (just don’t expect to have it all to yourself!)
There’s 3 viewpoints and the local land owners do charge a small fee ( 20 – 50 baht) for entrance to help with cleaning and maintenance. The hike up is not a long one but it’s steep and, combined with the heat and humidity, can be quite challenging.
The first viewpoint you come up after climbing the steep stairs is Viewpoint 1 which isn’t so impressive and is covered with random fruit statues and ‘I Love Phi Phi’ signs, so I highly recommend carrying on a bit further to Viewpoint 2 – the most iconic view of Koh Phi Phi.
It takes about 15 – 30 minutes to reach by climbing the steps, or 45 minutes by going the longer way around which is less steep. It’s worth checking the tide times beforehand and going when the tide is high for the most beautiful blue colours.
Once you reach the top you can enjoy a well deserved cold drink, soak up the view and take some amazing photos. It’s the best way to see the unique isthmus shape of the island with the stunning turquoise water on either side and really appreciate this unique tropical island.
It was super peaceful up at the viewpoint in the early morning. There’s a large viewing deck, lovely gardens and rocks to sit on, and toilets. And thankfully they haven’t spoiled the view with Instagram props! I could have spent all day up here gazing over the landscape.
If you want to carry on further, there’s also viewpoint 3 which also has a cafe. As most people (including me!) don’t make it to viewpoint 3 it’s a great place to escape the crowds and soak up the stunning natural beauty.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
The Phi Phi islands have some amazing snorkeling and scuba diving spots and the marine life is still surprisingly abundant and vibrant, especially considering how popular and busy the island is.
Most boat trips include a snorkeling stop, often at Bamboo island, where you can explore the underwater world and see coral reefs, colourful tropical fish, and often even black tip reef sharks and turtles. Shark Point, just off Long beach on Phi Phi Don is another great snorkeling spot if you want to see reef sharks.
There are several dive schools on the island offering everything from fun dives (if you’re already a certified diver) to PADI Open Water certification courses (which take about 3 days.) You can even do a Discover Scuba Diving if it’s your first time and you just want to test the waters! (sorry!)
There are numerous dive sites around the islands, including shipwrecks, and the marine life includes leopard sharks, hawksbill turtles, barracuda, clownfish and much more.
Explore the other Beaches
Aside from busy Ton Sai beach and Loh Dalum, Koh Phi Phi has plenty of beautiful beaches and activities to enjoy. If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a more chilled beach day or just feel like an adventure then it’s worth making the effort to explore some of the other beaches.
As these beaches are harder to get to (only accessible via a sweaty hike or a boat taxi) so they are much less crowded and much more relaxed than the main beaches. Just check the tide time first as some bays are very shallow so you can’t swim at low tide.
Long Beach is one of the best beaches in Koh Phi Phi it’s lined with low key beach resorts and there’s also great snorkeling just off shore but it’s not as busy as the main beaches. You can get a water taxi for 200 baht or it’s an easy 30 minute hike from Ton Sai. On the other side of Long Beach you’ll find Loh Moo Dee – a pristine beach with just one small drink stand.
You can also hike over from the viewpoint to reach the more remote beaches including Pak Nam Bay, Loh Bakao beach and Loh Lana Bay, home to an abandoned resort. There’s also Nui Beach, a tiny sandy cove, which is only accessible by boat.
Other things to do include kayaking (there’s loads to rent in Loh Dalum Bay), stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing and cliff jumping. So if you get bored just lying on a beach don’t worry – there’s other activities available on the Phi Phi islands.
How Long To Spend In The Phi Phi Islands
Accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Don is expensive and day trips are quite affordable – so how long should you spend in the Phi Phi islands? Does it even make sense to stay overnight in Koh Phi Phi or is it better to just take a day trip there?
Well, it depends on what sort of experience you’re after and your budget.
If you want to take your time, avoid the crowds at Maya Bay, get the best light for photos, hike up to the viewpoint, witness an amazing island sunset, go scuba diving, explore hidden beaches, and experience Phi Phi’s lively nightlife then it’s worth staying for at least 1 night, ideally 2.
By staying overnight you have more flexibility and time to experience the beauty of the islands beyond the highlights (busiest places) crammed into a single day.
Plus, you can explore early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the day trippers are gone and it gives you to option to hire a private longtail boat to explore Phi Phi Leh. This is what I did, I set out just after sunrise and was one of the first people on Maya Bay.
Yes, it’s more expensive this way but I got to enjoy this super famous spot in a more peaceful, serene way that made it feel magical and special instead of a crowded Instagram circus.
However, if you’re short on time, or on a tight budget, and just want a quick glimpse of the most famous places then you could do a day trip from Phuket, Krabi or Koh Lanta. Day trips are easier to organise and quite affordable (the bigger the boat and the bigger the group = the cheaper the tour) so it’s a very popular option.
However, these tours usually arrive in the late morning or early afternoon—right when the islands are at their hottest and most crowded so you’ll be visiting with hundreds of other tourists.
If you decide to do a day trip I recommend going for an early bird small group tour for the best possible experience. Just manage your expectations and know that you’ll be sharing the experience with a lot of people, and it might feel a bit rushed.
Here are the top rated Koh Phi Phi day trips:
My Koh Phi Phi Itinerary
While you could see the highlights with 2 days and 1 night on Koh Phi Phi this doesn’t actually give you a full day to explore and could still feel a bit rushed. In my experience, spending 3 days and 2 nights on Koh Phi Phi was the sweet spot.
I had plenty of time to explore without rushing and was able to avoid the worst of the crowds by heading to the famous spots early in the morning or late in the afternoon. I was also able to hike up to the viewpoint, visit some of the lesser-known beaches, go kayaking and soak up the amazing sunsets.
If you want to avoid the crowds and have the best experience possible you’ll need to plan your itinerary for Koh Phi Phi to get up early and go easy on the booze buckets!
Here’s my itinerary for Koh Phi Phi:
- Day 1 – Arrive on morning ferry, explore the main beaches, watch the sunset and a fire show.
- Day 2 – Early morning boat trip to Maya Bay and Koh Phi Phi Leh
- Day 3 – Early morning hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint, explore other beaches, onward ferry in afternoon.
Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?
Another thing that put me off visiting Koh Phi Phi was the cost. It is more expensive than other islands in Thailand, especially when it comes to accommodation – most of which has seen better days and is a bit overpriced for what you get.
I guess it’s simply just supply and demand – Phi Phi is very popular and very small, so prices are naturally going to be higher, especially during the peak season (November–April). But that’s the price of paradise!
Here’s a breakdown of costs to expect if you want to visit Koh Phi Phi:
Accommodation (book early to get the best ones):
- Hostel bunk beds average around ฿450–650 ($14–20 USD),
- Basic private rooms usually go for ฿800–1500 ($25–45 USD) per night.
- Mid-range beach bungalows or nicer guesthouses generally range from ฿2500–4500 ($75–135 USD).
- Luxury resorts like Zeavola or SAii Phi Phi Island Village can easily cost ฿5000+ ($150+ USD) per night.
Food & Drink:
- A cheap local meal (like fried rice or a Thai curry) might set you back ฿120–200 ($3.50–6 USD), while Western food or beachfront restaurants can easily cost ฿300–600+ ($9–18 USD) per person.
- Beers start around ฿100 at a bar, cocktails around ฿150–250. There’s usually a happy hour deal or two, though.
- Expect to pay more for food and drinks on the more remote beaches — Laem Tong and Long Beach are gorgeous, but their beach bars are more expensive than the ones near Tonsai.
Tours & Activities:
- A half-day longtail tour (like the classic Maya Bay + snorkeling trip) can cost ฿600–1000 ($16–27 USD) if you’re joining a shared boat, or ฿2000–3000+ for a private one.
- Kayak rental is around ฿150–300 per hour, depending on the beach.
- Diving trips are on the pricier side, often ฿3000–4000 for a two-dive package.
Other costs:
- There’s a ฿20 “island fee” when you arrive at the pier.
- Maya Bay has a national park entrance fee of ฿400 (about $11 USD), which is not always included in tour prices, so double-check.
- A taxi boat from Ton Sai pier to the other beaches ฿1500 – ฿ 2,000 one way.
Note that prices and exchange rates change so do your own research too!
When to Visit Koh Phi Phi
The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi is between November/December to April which is the dry season. This is when you’ll get the best weather—clear blue skies, calm seas, less humidity, and ideal conditions for boat trips, diving, beach days and great photos.
The thing is this is also high season (especially mid December – February) so it’s the busiest and most crowded time and accommodation options are in high demand so prices are higher. Make sure you book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit during peak season!
I visited in April, and while it was pretty hot it was still dry and wasn’t unbearably busy, I found that heading out early in the morning made it much more pleasant. Sunrise trips to Maya Bay or early hikes to the viewpoint were not only cooler but also far less crowded.
May to October is the rainy season which is also the low season. While you might be lucky and get some nice weather you should expect regular showers and rougher seas, which can affect boat tours. However, the islands are much quieter during the monsoon season and accommodation is MUCH cheaper, so it can still be a good time to visit if you’re prepared for some rain.
If you want to avoid the crowds but still have decent weather, early November or late April can be a sweet spot but the weather can be unpredictable these days.
Getting to Koh Phi Phi And Getting Around
There’s no airport on Koh Phi Phi, so you’ll need to get there by boat. The closest airports are Krabi and Phuket, and from either one, the journey is pretty straightforward.
If you’re flying into Krabi, it’s about a 30-minute drive from the airport to Klong Jilad Pier. You can also stay at Ao Nang or Krabi Town and easily get a transfer to the port. From there, ferries and speedboats run to Koh Phi Phi several times a day. The ferry takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, while a speedboat can get you there in about 30 – 45 minutes, weather permitting.
Phuket has a better connected international airport, if you’re coming from Phuket, head to Rassada Pier, which is about a 45-minute drive from Phuket Airport. The ferry from Phuket takes around 2 hours, and the speedboat is usually 1 hour or less, depending on sea conditions.
Ferries and speedboats can sell out during peak season so I recommend booking in advance. The easiest way to book is on 12Go Asia.
My Top Tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, go for the bigger ferry over the speedboat — it’s a bit slower but much more stable, especially during choppier weather in low season.
Once you arrive at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, there are no cars or motorbikes in the village so it’s best to travel light as you’ll either be walking everywhere or taking a longtail boat to get to beaches and bays that aren’t accessible by foot.
There are guys with wheelbarrow-style carts to help with luggage if you’re staying somewhere a bit further out and most of the resorts on other beaches offer a free boat transfer from the main check – but check before booking because boat taxis are expensive.
Alternative Islands to Consider
If you’re unsure about whether Koh Phi Phi is the right fit for you, don’t worry, there are still many more amazing islands in Thailand to explore. Here’s some great alternative nearby islands:
- Railay Beach – While not an island, Railay Beach near Ao Nang in Krabi is only accessible by boat and offers the same towering limestone cliffs and tiny island vibe. It’s famous for rock climbing, stunning beaches, and a more laid back, relaxed atmosphere without the noisy nightclubs.
- The Hong Islands – An uninhabited national park just a short boat trip from Ao Nang. The Hong islands reminded me of Koh Phi Phi Leh with a gorgeous blue lagoon and stunning beach surrounded by towering cliffs – but with much less crowds.
- Koh Lanta – A short ferry ride away from Phi Phi, Koh Lanta feels like a different world. It is much less developed, more laid-back and less commercial island. It has long, peaceful beaches, a national park, a cute old town, a friendly local community, and plenty of nature to explore.
- Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai – These two islands are real hidden gems that sit in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. They are much less developed with no nightlife just unspoilt beaches, mangroves and nature. They’re perfect if you want to experience traditional Thai island life without crowds.
- Koh Tao – A diver’s paradise island on the other side in the Gulf of Thailand near Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Koh Tao is a bit more developed than Koh Lanta and has a fun nightlife scene but is still much more relaxed and less crowded than Phi Phi Don.
So Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion
I hope this blog has given you enough honest information so that you can make up your own mind if Koh Phi Phi is the right destination for you. If you’re still unsure, here’s my honest opinion.
Yes, Koh Phi Phi is worth visiting – if you do it right – but there are plenty of better Thai islands too!
I genuinely think Koh Phi Phi is worth visiting at least once, but how much you enjoy it depends a lot on your expectations, where you stay and how you plan your time. I highly recommend spending at least one night so you can experience the island at sunset and early in the morning, outside the peak tour boat hours.
Avoid peak periods like New Years Eve and stay away from the noisy party scene in Loh Dalum if crowds and noise are not your vibe. Opt for somewhere quieter like Long Beach or visit in the off season. Hire a private longtail boat to visit Maya Bay and snorkel around Phi Phi Leh before the tour groups show up. And don’t miss the viewpoint at sunrise or sunset.
Phi Phi might not be the laid-back pristine secret beach paradise it was 30 years ago, but it’s a lot better than it was 5 years ago! Steps are being made to conserve these beautiful and unique islands and improve infrastructure. There’s still something magical about Koh Phi Phi—it’s an amazing place if you can avoid the crowds and manage your expectations.
But equally, there are plenty of other beautiful islands in Thailand that are cheaper and less crowded. Yes, Phi Phi might just be the most jaw droppingly gorgeous island but I’m sure you’ll be just as happy (maybe even more so) on another less famous but equally beautiful island.
So, yes, go to Koh Phi Phi if you want to visit Maya Bay and see what all the fuss is about – it’s not as bad as I’d heard – but don’t forget there are plenty of other Thai islands to love too. (See my guide to island hopping in Thailand for more inspiration)
Planning a longer trip around Thailand? Check out my other Thailand travel guides:
