Koh Phi Phi Island

The six Phi Phi Islands are located in the Andaman Sea some 40 kilometers south of Krabi and 50 kilometers east of Phuket; the largest, Koh Phi Phi Don, is the only island that is inhabited. Irregular in shape, Koh Phi Phi Don offers white sandy beaches, tropical jungle vegetation, and extraordinary snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact, much of Koh Phi Phi Don has been designated as a marine preserve. High season for travel to the Phi Phi Islands is November through April, although prices are lower during Monsoon season, which runs from from May through October.

A large part of Koh Phi Phi Don’s attraction involves the island’s attitude; with no roads of which to speak and few schedules to keep, the inhabits and visitors alike embody a laid-back vibe. The northern part of the island is the most secluded area; visitors who value peace and quiet tend toward the resorts in this location. The downside to staying in the north is that access to Tonsai Bay and the town is only by hired long tail boat.

Getting to Koh Phi Phi

Most travelers to the Phi Phi Islands choose to catch one of the regularly-scheduled ferry boats from Phuket or Krabi. Ferries from Phuket at Rassada Pier depart at 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM; the 1.5 to 2 hour one-way trip costs 550 baht (about US$18) for adults and 400 baht (about US$13) for children under 12. Children under 4 years of age are free. During the high season, travel experts recommend buying ferry tickets well in advance to ensure a spot on the boat. Ferry schedules are subject to modification due to weather conditions and tide schedules.

From Krabi’s Klong Jirad Pier, the ferries depart for Phi Phi at 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM; the trip takes approximately 1.5 hours one way. Passenger fares are the same as the fares from Phuket to Phi Phi

In addition to the ferry fare, visitors to Koh Phi Phi Don must pay a 20 baht (about US$0.70) entrance fee to help pay for the maintenance of the pier at Tonsai Bay.

Although travel by ferry is generally safe, there have been several occurrences of overcrowded ferries sinking, which can result in fatalities. Look for signs that state the maximum number of passengers allowed, and if a ferry looks to be overfilled, wait for a later ferry or consider taking a private speedboat instead.

Some travelers prefer to travel by charter speedboat for the journey to Koh Phi Phi Don; this option is more expensive, but it is also faster — taking only one hour — and means that the journey can take place at a more convenient time. Most speedboat charters also arrange for snorkeling stops along the way at selected spots; stopping to take in the underwater sights makes for a slower trip but adds to the enjoyment of the day. Prices for charter trips to Phi Phi vary depending on the charter service, time of year, number of stops, and type of boat.

Seaplane shuttles are yet another option for travel to and from Koh Phi Phi Don; at up to 6,000 baht (about U$200 per person) for passage, this option is quite pricey.

Sights and Activities on Koh Phi Phi

For many visitors to Koh Phi Phi Don, the local snorkeling and scuba diving are the big attractions, and the Phi Phi Islands offer plenty of places for both activities. Top-rated dive shops on Koh Phi Phi Don include P.P. Aquanauts Scuba, Blue View Divers, and The Adventure Club. Diving/snorkeling equipment rentals and dive/snorkel trips vary considerably in pricing depending on what equipment is needed, the size of the boat, the length of the dive trip, and the dive/snorkel locations.

The underwater inhabitants of the Phi Phi islands range from sea horses and turtles to rays and leopard sharks; the most popular dive and snorkel sites include:

• Koh Phi Phi Ley, with its scenic Maya Bay that served as the location for the popular Leonardo Dicaprio film “The Beach,” now serves as a snorkeling hot spot. In addition to Maya Bay, visitors find the caverns, sparrow nests, and limestone pillars of Viking Cave to be well worth a visit.

• Mosquito Island, also known as Koh Yung Island, is a favorite of divers and snorkelers for its extensive network of coral gardens, which host millions of brightly colored fish. The island gets its name from the swarms of mosquitoes that populate the island at sunrise and sunset.

• Bamboo Island, also called Koh Phai Nok Island, features several small but lovely beaches as well as underwater coral formations with abundant sea life. This island is a part of the national park preserve.

For visitors who prefer their activities out of the water, the Sailing Booze Cruise Day Trip is a popular option. This journey includes visits to Monkey Beach, Loh Samah Bay, Pi-Leh Bay, Maya Bay, and Viking Cave. Lunch, snacks, fruit, and unlimited beer are included in the price of the cruise. A sunset cruise is also available; prices range from 1,000 to 2,000 baht (US$33 to 66) per passenger.

Many visitors spend pleasant hours just lounging on the beach on Koh Phi Phi Don. Yao Beach to the south of Tonsai Bay, Lanti Beach, and Hin Khao Beach are favorites with locals and visitors alike. Some beaches are reachable only by canoe or long tail boat, which renders them generally less inhabited than other more easily accessible beaches.

Monkey Beach, also known as Ao Ling, is popular with many island visitors; as its name implies, local Macaques that inhabit the area like to accept fruit from tourists and amuse visitors with their antics. Be aware that these monkeys are wild, however, and have been known to bite occasionally. The snorkeling just off the shore at Monkey Beach allows excellent viewing of the colorful coral reef and its many underwater creatures. Monkey Beach is most easily reached by canoe or by long tail boat hire.

Laem Tong Beach National Park inhabits the northern end of Koh Phi Phi Don. This is a peaceful and scenic area that is some distance from the main town; visitors here enjoy lovely beaches and beautiful scenery rather than the busy restaurants and bars of the more developed Tonsai Bay area.

After the sun sets, many venues on Koh Phi Phi Don offer fire shows, complete with fire twirlers, dancers, and jugglers. Some of the more well-known shows can be seen at Apache Bar, Carpe Diem, Carlito’s, Hippies, Sunset Bar, and The Tia and Millie Sunflower Bar.

Where to Stay

Zeavola Resort (from US$277 per night) features a private beach setting and a full-service spa. Guests can visit the two on-site restaurants, swim in the sparkling pool, and enjoy the steam room and sauna. The guest rooms, of which there are 52, include balconies, minibars, in-room safes, complimentary bottled water, and bathrobes.

Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island (from US$198 per night), located on the white sands of Ao Ton Sai Beach, offers guest bungalows underneath a grove of tall palm trees. In addition to a pool and Jacuzzi, guests can use the on-site fitness facility and arrange for spa treatments. The 80 guest rooms feature balconies, satellite televisions, CD players, refrigerators, and coffee/tea makers.

Phi Phi Palm Tree Resort (from US$102 per night), located approximately halfway between Lohdalum Bay and Ton Sai Bay, is right in the center of Phi Phi’s shops and restaurants. With guest rooms on three floors, the resort features an on-site pool and complimentary breakfast. The 40 guest rooms include televisions, in-room safes, and beach towels.

Phi Phi Sand Seaview Resort (from US$69 per night) nestles on the white sandy beach of Ton Sai Bay. Guests can choose to stay in beachfront or deluxe bungalows or in standard guest rooms. The bungalows and guest rooms feature private balconies, televisions, refrigerators, and in-room safes.

Erawan Palms Resort (from US$63 per night), with its location on the northern part of the island, provides more seclusion than many other Phi Phi hotels. The resort features a restaurant with a complimentary breakfast buffet and a swimming pool. The guest rooms, of which there are 46, include Internet access, televisions, minibars, and private terraces.

Phi Phi Natural Resort (from US$62 per night) is located on a secluded beach with its own swimming pool. The resort also features two restaurants, room service, and a poolside bar. The 70 guest cottages and rooms include refrigerators and minibars.

Phuttachot Resort Phi Phi (from US$42 per night) is a value-priced accommodation that features a hillside location that is close to the Ao Ton Sai Beach. Guest amenities here include wired and wireless high speed Internet access, and it’s only a 5 minute walk to the local restaurants, shops, and bars. Guest rooms (23 in all) include air conditioning and balconies.

PP Ingphu Viewpoint (from US$34 per night), while not fancy, offers basic guest rooms at bargain prices. Located on a hill that is a ten-minute walk from the beach, the 25 guest bungalows are situated around the property’s swimming pool. Complimentary breakfast is included in the room rates.