The Phi Phi Islands are a group of islands in southern Thailand. Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and long tail boats, Phi Phi is absolutely beautiful and a must visit for anyone in Thailand.
I spent two days exploring Phi Phi during my 3-week journey through Thailand. Here is my guide for visiting Koh Phi Phi Island.
How to Get There
Taking the ferry is the most popular and easiest method to get to Phi Phi. Ferries depart about every few hours from Rassada Pier in Phuket and the ride takes about 2 hours. It is about an hour drive to the pier if you are arriving from the Phuket Airport. The ferry also runs from Krabi island and takes about 90 minutes.
You can also hire a speedboat separately if the ferry times do not work for you.
Once you reach Phi Phi Island there is a 20 Baht fee to enter the island. Everyone has to pay this fee, there is no way around it. They’ve even conveniently placed an ATM on the pier so you can pull out cash if you don’t have any with you.
Where to Eat
Unni’s Restaurant
Unni’s Restaurant is a great restaurant in the heart of Phi Phi Island that serves Thai and Mexican cuisine. They have generous portions for cheap prices! I had their steak fajitas which were delicious.
Phi Phi Bakery
Phi Phi Bakery is also located in the ‘downtown’ of island. They have plenty to choose from breakfast, pastries, desserts, and salads. A great place to start off your day if you’re looking for something fresh and tasty.
What to Do
Viewpoint
Hiking the to the Koh Phi Phi view point is by far the best thing to do while you are on the island. It is not so much of a hike as it is a 20-minute climb up hundreds of steps. (I tried to count, but quickly decided it was better not to know) It costs 30 Baht to enter the first viewpoint and another 30 Baht to enter the second viewpoint which is about 15 minutes further up the mountain. The second viewpoint gives you the best views of Phi Phi Island. There are also small stores at each point where you can purchase food and drink.
Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is a quick long-tail boat ride away. The shoreline of the cove is lined with adorable (but wild) Macaques monkeys. The monkeys will be calm as long as YOU keep calm and show respect. (Think the Golden Rule, but with monkeys!) They will eat right out of your hand if you bring them peanuts. Don’t bring anything else that you wouldn’t want to lose with you to the island! I watched a monkey steal a lady’s iPhone and disappear into the trees before she could get it back.
Maya Bay
Maya Bay is another island cove on the Phi Phi Island that is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides. It was made famous after the 1999 cult classic ‘The Beach’ (with Leo DiCaprio) was filmed here. I suggest getting there early if you want to beat the crowds because the shores were lined with boats when I visited!
Nightlife
Phi Phi may be a small island, but there is definitely no shortage of nightlife. The parties can start from 2pm and last way into the morning. One of the best parts of Phi Phi’s nightlife is the cheap alcohol. Buckets start at just 300 Baht (about $9USD).
Captain Bob’s Booze Cruise
If you want to combine exploring all the Phi Phi has to offer as well as party at the same time, look no further than Captain Bob’s Booze Cruise. Captain Bob’s will take you all around Phi Phi island; to Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, the Viking Cave, and more, and will give you unlimited drinks while doing so. Honestly, I hadn’t heard of this cruise before I arrived on the island but they flagged me down as I was walking by, needless to say I was not disappointed. Plus, the cruise starts at 1pm so its perfect if you’re still nursing the hangover from the night before. I am speaking from experience when I say that you should have a BIG breakfast and lunch!
Final Thoughts
I had an absolute blast during my time exploring Koh Phi Phi. Too much fun actually, I stayed an extra day after the booze cruise because I missed my ferry. I would recommend spending 2 days on the island to see and do everything that there is to offer. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, then Phi Phi is definitely your place! Otherwise, you could easily just do a day trip from Phuket or Krabi.
Have you visited Phi Phi? Let me know your experience in the comments!
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