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Best Things to do in Koh Phi Phi Island – 2023 Complete Travel Guide
Searching for the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi on your dreamy vacation? Here is the ultimate Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide and my top-secret tips for visiting the gorgeous Thai island.
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Koh Phi Phi is a tropical haven with stunning limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. Regarded as one of Thailand’s most mesmerizing destinations, this postcard-perfect island offers an unforgettable getaway.
While Koh Phi Phi is known as a backpacker’s party paradise, there is much more to do on this island aside from drinking buckets and cheering on amateur Muay Thai fighters (AKA teenage British tourists) at the local bars.
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The Ultimate Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide
Koh Phi Phi Essentials
About Koh Phi Phi
Believe it or not, backpackers and sunbathers were not the original founders of Koh Phi Phi! This stunning archipelago has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Originally, the islands were settled by sea gypsies who relied on fishing to thrive in this tropical region.
In recent decades, Koh Phi Phi’s popularity as a tourist destination soared with its beauty captivating travelers from around the world.
Is Koh Phi Phi Worth a Visit?
I heavily debated penciling Koh Phi Phi in my Thailand itinerary. I had heard mixed opinions, that this island was only to be enjoyed only by young drunk tourists. Yikes!
While I did visit during a somewhat off-season, I found that any type of traveler will love Koh Phi Phi regardless if they participate in the parties or not.
During my six weeks in Thailand, I felt that Koh Phi Phi had the most beautiful beaches.
In short, Koh Phi Phi is absolutely worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season between November – April is the best time to visit Koh Phi Phi. This is when you will find sunny days, clear skies, and relatively low humidity,
However, if you can’t visit during this time don’t fret!
Koh Phi Phi can be explored at different times of the year. I visited at the end of May and there were a couple of hours in the day where it rained, but it quickly went back to sunbathing weather.
How to Get There
Phi Phi doesn’t have an airport, so the only way to get to the island is by boat from Phuket or Krabi.
If you just want to see the surrounding beaches of the island such as Monkey Beach and Maya Bay, check out these day trip boat tours that depart from Phuket or Krabi.
Getting Around on the Island
Everything on Phi Phi Island is very walkable, so you don’t need to worry about flagging down taxis or renting a car. Whether you’d like to walk or rent a bicycle, you’ll have no problem getting around on the island,
How to See the Hidden Beaches
A few of the most iconic spots in Koh Phi Phi like Nui Bay and Monkey Beach can only be accessed by boat. You can book a boat tour at the Tonsai harbor, or rent your own longtail boat. If you’re feeling super adventurous, rent a few kayaks and paddle to the beaches.
Alternatively, any of the boat tours will include the hidden beaches.
Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi has loads of different kinds of accommodations for all sorts of budgets. Since this isn’t exactly a luxury destination, most of the hotels on the island are mid-range-rated hotels and hostels.
$ – Voyager Hostel
$$ – Sea View Bungalow
$$$ – SAii Phi Phi Resort
Where to Eat
Garlic 1992 (Thai)
Patcharee (breakfast/lunch)
Atom – (Italian)
Basil Bistro – (Thai)
Best Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi
Get ready to dive into the irresistible charm of Ko Phi Phi and discover a bunch of adventurous and beautiful activities to do. Think white sandy beaches begging for your footprints, epic snorkeling spots to hang with colorful creatures, and hikes that lead to jaw-dropping views.
Here are 8 of the best things to do in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand.
1. Book a Boat Tour
Cruise along the crystal-clear waters of Phi Phi with a must-do boat tour. Discover the most magnificent snorkeling spots and hidden beaches like Monkey Beach and Mosquito Island. Throughout your day you’ll be served lunch, snacks, and drinks depending on which tour you book.
I personally booked the full-day tour with plankton snorkeling (only there was barely any plankton) and I honestly felt the day was too long. I’d recommend just booking the half-day tour.
2. Climb the Viewpoints
Ko Phi Phi is filled with several viewpoints if you’re looking for a bit of hiking and stunning views.
Viewpoint 1 is the easiest to get to and the most crowded. While viewpoints 2 & 3 offer a bit more adventure and even more beautiful views.
Monkey Beach also has a viewpoint but you may have to climb through the jungle to see it! I’ll leave this one up to the true adventurers.
3. See a Fire Show
Fire shows in Ko Phi Phi are like stepping into a mesmerizing, otherworldly spectacle. As the sun sets and the sky turns into a canvas of vibrant hues, the beach transforms into a playground of fire and light. Whether you plan on going to a fire show or not, you will likely walk past them wandering around the outskirts of the main village.
Catch a fire show at Slinky’s, Carlito’s or Sunflower Beach Bar.
4. Go Kayaking
Whether you’re exploring sea caves or basking in the breathtaking vistas, kayaking in Phi Phi is a great way to explore the turquoise waters of the island.
If you’re looking for kayaks to rent, check out Loh Dalum Beach to see if you can snag some.
5. Check out the Village Markets
Find your favorite treasure among the ample shops and stalls within the village markets. As you walk near the port, you’ll be presented with all things ankle bracelets and swimsuits!
6. Watch the Sunset
Catch a sunset to remember in Ko Phi Phi.
Some of the best sunset spots on the island are Viewpoint 1, Sunflower Beach Bar, and Panorama Viewpoint.
7. Sunbathe on Loh Dalum Beach
Loh Dalum Beach in Phi Phi is a slice of heaven. Here is where the vibrant energy of the island converges with the serenity of the sea. As you step onto the soft, powdery sand, you’re greeted by a lively scene of beachgoers enjoying the sun, playing volleyball, or simply lounging under swaying palms.
8. Watch Muay Thai
Engage in the exhilarating world of Muay Thai on Ko Phi Phi, where the rhythmic thud of gloves hitting pads echoes against the backdrop of palm trees. Reggae Bar is the best spot on the island to watch both professional and tourists Muay Thai.
I hope you found this Koh Phi Phi travel guide featuring the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi helpful! With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking underwater wonders, truly deserves its spot on every traveler’s bucket list.
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