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Phi Phi Islands Travel Essentials

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"Island Paradise for the Beach Lover"

Phi Phi Islands Tourism

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands located in Thailand's Andaman Sea. They are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. Only 40 km from Phuket, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are the two most famous islands of the six. With their pristine waters and vibrant parties, these islands are a wonderful way to spend a few days in Thailand.

With four other islands besides the large ones, Phi Phi houses Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and Ko Mai Phai, also known as Bamboo Island. The largest and most developed island, Phi Phi Don, is a bustling hub with lively beach bars, vibrant nightlife, and a variety of accommodations ranging from budget hostels to luxurious resorts. It is popular amongst youngsters, families, and honeymooners alike.

Phi Phi Islands became famous after the 2000 Hollywood flick The Beach, which was shot in Ko Phi Phi Le. It is just a short boat ride away from Phi Phi Don. This uninhabited island is a protected national park, offering pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and hidden lagoons. It is also famous for diving and snorkeling. Ko Phi Phi Leh houses the "Viking Cave," which is a thriving industry that sells edible bird nests.

Phi Phi Island's striking cliffs, white sand beaches with jungles all around and clear blue waters make it look nothing short of paradise. None of the islands has roads, and most of the islands are humanly inhabited, making Phi Phi Islands one of the few untainted beautiful landscapes left in the world. These easily accessible islands can be reached from both Phuket and Krabi by a speedboat in just 45 minutes or by a ferry in 90 minutes.

Must Know Before You Travel to Phi Phi Islands

  • Phi Phi Islands can only be reached via ferry or speedboat. It is mostly visited on a day tour from Phuket or Krabi that covers most of the highlights
  • Day Tours to Phi Phi: These can be booked online in advance or through the local tour operators spread throughout Phuket and Krabi
  • Getting Around: The only way of getting around the island is on foot or bicycle
  • Advance Booking: Book your accommodation in advance if visiting during the peak season of December and January. Read more about the best time to visit Phi Phi Islands 
    Book ferry tickets in advance during the peak season as they are cheaper and get booked up faster than speedboats
  • Where to Stay: The only island you can stay on is Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited and a declared natural reserve
  • Avoid speedboats during the rainy season from September to November when the water is much rougher.

Top Hotels In Phi Phi Islands

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Shopping at Phi Phi Islands

Buying on Phi Phi Islands is not just limited to some pretty hippy necklaces and food anymore, shopping options have boomed in recent years, and it has a lot to offer.

Specialized Stores
Clothing stores on Phi Phi Islands tend to be more like minimarts that sell a host of other knick-knacks. You can find some great books at coffee shops, and in general, there are no watertight compartments for which store sells what. You can find the most exciting things in the most unexpected places here.

1. 7 Eleven's
If you are looking for a trusted store, there is a 7 Eleven on Phi Phi Islands. However, as everything is brought to Phi Phi Islands by boat from the mainland, the prices will be much steeper.

2. Kunstone
Chiang Mai silver jewellery is known around the world for its craftsmanship, beauty and use of gemstones. If you are looking for some artisanal Thai jewellery Kunstone is the place on Phi Phi Islands.

3. Namlily
This small boutique behind Phi Phi Banyan Villa in Tonsai is one of the most original shops in Phi Phi Islands. A young French woman runs this place, which sells customised vintage dresses. You can also pick up some unique handbags and vintage silver jewellery here.

4. Mr Rum Boutique
This unpretentious shop on Tonsai Village Main Street is not as small as it appears at first glance. It has a more extensive showroom upstairs and sells a variety of things ideal for a beach holiday like sarongs, beachwear, fisherman pants, dresses and much more.

5. Tonsai East Shopping Alleyway
If you are looking for some good deals and are willing to bargain, head to Tonsai East Shopping Alleyway located on the main path near the Phi Phi Mosque. From T-shirts to bags, sunglasses to souvenirs, you can find all the touristy stuff here.

6. Phi Phi Tattoo Shops
Getting a tattoo on a holiday is the hottest new trend. There are more than 20 Tattoo shops in Tonsai Village in Phi Phi Islands. If you are in the mood for a lifelong souvenir, this is the perfect place for you.

7. Phi Phi Market
Located right in the centre of Tonsai Village it is the perfect place to get a slice of the local flavour. Formerly a typical Thai market, it was renovated in 2014-2015 and today is a high ceilinged building that has an open, modern and clean environment, which makes shopping here much more pleasant. You can find some of the best street food here, along with a lot of fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables.

Nightlife in Phi Phi Islands

The best thing about the nightlife in the Phi Phi Islands is that it is not sleazy. The young and vibrant crowd has a lot to enjoy at the pubs and bars here, which are open till 2:00 AM every night.

Alcohol Highlights 
An exciting thing available in Phi Phi Islands is 'buckets'. These 'buckets' include – a can of Red Bull energy drink, Ice, half a bottle of the spirit of your choice, mixer and straws. If you want to get smashed, buy one these 'buckets', create your own drinks and enjoy the night. The prices for these range from THB 200 for Sang Som, which is a local sugar cane rum, to THB 500 for Jack Daniel's whiskey.

Reggae Bar Phuket

The Reggae Bar stands out amongst other places in Phi Phi Islands for its Muay Thai kickboxing matches in the middle of the pub! The pub provides excellent offers to get people to give it a go in the central ring, and a lot of customers do that. Locals and even professionals often fight here for both sport and entertainment.

Restaurants and Bars by the Beach

1. Sun Flower Beach Bar & Restaurant
This hippy-looking shack situated near Loh Dalum Bay is right on the beach. Hammocks and mats set around a bamboo and thatch building here give it an authentic hippie vibe. Live acoustic music and fire shows will keep you entertained here in the evenings.

2. Hippies Bar
Hippies Bar is a trendy bar and restaurant in Tonsai East. It was destroyed in the tsunami in 2004 but was rebuilt and reopened in 2011. Set slightly above the beach on a terrace, it's has a building made of driftwood and other recycled materials that houses the bar. With live music performances, DJs and fire shows this is one of the best places to spend a fun evening.

Open-Air Bars

1. Ibiza Beach Club on Loh Dalum Beach
This is the most famous discotheque in Phi Phi Islands. With a dance floor made of sand, reasonably priced drinks and some fantastic music, it is the perfect place to party all night. Pool parties are also often hosted here.

2. Apache Beach Bar
Apache Beach Bar is the second-largest open-air disco on Loh Dalum Beach, and if also known for its wild parties. It has a wooden stage for fire jugglers and grabs one's attention with its young vibe and expert DJs. The famous 'buckets' are available at this beach bar.

3. Carlito's Beach Bar & Nightclub
Carlito's Beach Bar and Nightclub is a fun and loud party place, located along the path leading to Tonsai Bay. You can sit on the beach here and practice 'Poi', the local unlit-fire chain handling, play backgammon or learn Yoga during the day. At night you can dance to some great music and enjoy fire shows that start around 10:00 PM.

4. Slinky Bar
Slinky Bar is another fun open-air disco set right on Loh Dalum Beach. This place offers more than just dancing. From a mechanical bull ride to fire skipping, face and body painting to fire-limbo, you can try a host of things here.

5. Stockholm Syndrome
Right in the middle of all the hip nightspots of Tonsai Village, Stockholm Syndrome doesn't just have a dance floor, but also pool tables and beer pong tables and a comfortable lounge above.

6. The Dubliner Irish Pub
Another great pub in Tonsai Village is the Dubliner Irish Pub. Apart from occasional live music, they have a pool table, football table and televise many live sports events. It is also the only air-conditioned place around here.

7. Banana Rooftop Bar
This rooftop bar has one of the best locations and views. Banana Rooftop Bar is located on top of a Sombrero Mexican Restaurant in Tonsai Village, on the path to Loh Dalum Beach. It has stunning views of Loh Dalum, cheap drinks at just THB 120 for all cocktails, fire shows and even hula-hoop contests!

What to Eat at Phi Phi Islands

1. Try Some Street Food in Phi Phi Market
The vast and modern Phi Phi Market complex in Tonsai Village is not such great for shopping but a paradise for food lovers. It has the best street food in the Phi Phi Islands. There are also many excellent restaurants here.

2. Have Breakfast at Phi Phi Bakery
Hailed as one of the best places to eat on Phi Phi Islands; Phi Phi Bakery stands in hallowed fame on Tonsai Village's Main Street. This old bakery that started in 1989 is any bread and a pastry lover's dream come true. Choose from a range of cakes, bread, home-baked croissants, sandwiches, burgers and pizzas for breakfast. The raisin bread here is particularly good, and this place also has some delicious vegetarian options, including a Vegetarian Omelette.

3. Indulge in an Exotic Meal at Efe Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant
This Mediterranean newcomer has quickly become a favourite on the Phi Phi food scene with its sizzling kebabs. Try them or falafels, hummus, salads and many other exotic things at this pleasant little place.

4. Go Tropical at The Mango Garden
This is another interesting eatery in Phi Phi Islands, and as the name suggests, it has a variety of Mango dishes. You can try the king of Thai desserts Mango with sticky rice here or stick to a safer Mango smoothie or Mango juice at The Mango Garden.

5. Unni's Restaurant
This quaint little wooden place in the central lane heading north to PP Palmtree Resort in Tonsai Village, has a beautiful alfresco wooden terrace, which is an excellent spot for people-watching and a spacious dining room below. Apart from Thai, they offer English, Swedish and Mexican food. Great cocktails and free WiFi make this place even more perfect.

6. Lunch by the Sea at Jasmine BBQ Restaurant
If you are looking for a place by the sea that serves finger-licking food, Jasmine BBQ Restaurant at Laem Thong Sea Gipsy Village in the northeastern area of Koh Phi Phi Don is the place to go to. They serve many delectable Thai dishes, including Vegetarian options.

7. Dine With a View at Mama Resto
This picture-perfect place on Tonsai Beach near the western end of the bay is not just a treat for the eyes but also serves some fantastic French, international and Thai food. Built entirely with natural materials like bamboo, wood and thatch, bamboo Mama Resto has a rustic feel, with a great view of the horizon.

Phi Phi Island History

The islands were called Pulau Api-Api, meaning the fiery isle, due to the fiery tree or the grey mangrove found across the island. The name caught on, and over time, became Phi Phi. The islands have always been on the radar for local Thai tourists. In recent times, a lot of attention is being garnered from foreign tourists as well, especially after its quick resurrection post the 2004 tsunami.

Tips

  • Share Long Tail Boats while going to Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island or other remote places to reduce costs.
  • Carry water and snacks with you while visiting the smaller islands, as they have nothing there.
  • Wear comfortable easy to get out of clothes and beachwear underneath if you plan to swim, dive or snorkel.
  • If you want to save money, you can take one half-day or full-day tour and see many places for a much lesser amount.

Suggested Itinerary for Phi Phi Islands

Day 1
Take a ferry from Phuket or Krabi to Phi Phi Islands.
Explore the two main islands Koh Phi Phi Don & Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Swim and take a walk along Tonsai beach.
Have lunch with a view at Banana Rooftop Bar or by the sea at Jasmine BBQ Restaurant
Walk up to the Viewpoint in Koh Phi Phi and further along to Rantee Beach if you have the energy.
Have some tea or coffee at Unni's Restaurant and watch people go by.
Check out s shops around Tonsai Village and take a look at Phi Phi Market at night.
Party till by the beach whichever place suits your taste – Hippies Bar, Ibiza Beach Club or Sun Flower Beach Bar & Restaurant.

Day 2
Have breakfast at Phi Phi Bakery
Kayak to Pileh Bay Lagoon
Hire a Long-tail boat for the day and head to Maya Bay, Mosquito Beach and Monkey Beach, and swim, snorkel and dive there.
Have lunch at a cosy restaurant like The Mango Garden or Efe Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant
Take a quiet walk on Bamboo Island, carry some snacks and make a picnic of it.
Watch the sunset from Loh Dalum Beach.
Wrap up the day with some good food and a match at the Reggae Bar or if you want a quiet evening to have dinner with a view of the ocean at Mama Resto.

Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Islands

How to Reach Phi Phi Islands

How to Reach Overview

Phi Phi doesn't have an airport. Since it is a group of islands the standard way is to reach by ferry which will take approximately two hours from Phuket and one and a half hours from Krabi.

How to reach Phi Phi Islands by waterways

Ferries run to and from major places like Phuket, Ao Nang, Rai leh, Ko lanta and Krabi. Private water vessels and tour operators also run at a regular frequency.

Local transport in Phi Phi Islands

Few motorcycles can be seen rushing around the island. However, the best way to get around the island is on foot or bicycle as all areas are within 10 minutes of each other in this small land.

Most frequently searched routes to Phi Phi Islands

Route Name Distance Time
Phuket to Phi Phi Islands 45.3 km 2-4 hrs
Krabi to Phi Phi Islands 40.8 km 1-2 hrs
Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands Photos

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

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FAQs on Phi Phi Islands

What is the best time to visit Phi phi islands?

November and April is the best time to visit Phi Phi Islands. The weather is pleasant around this time. December is the coldest month in Phi Phi Islands, while February is the driest month. Temperatures also ideally range between 23°C and 30°C, making this the perfect weather touristy activities.

Alternatively, if you want to save money and want some peace, you can travel to Phi Phi Islands towards the end of the monsoon season in October. Temperatures will start to cool down, staying in the late twenties, and humidity too will begin tapering off. As it is right before season time occurs, you can make the best of both weather and the best deals around this time.
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What are the places near Phi phi islands?

The top places near to Phi phi islands are Krabi which is 39 km from Phi phi islands, Phuket which is located 52 km from Phi phi islands, Surat thani which is located 164 km from Phi phi islands, Khao lak which is located 119 km from Phi phi islands, Koh lanta which is located 35 km from Phi phi islands

How much does a package cost for Phi phi islands?

The packages for Phi phi islands start at INR 7903 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the best way to reach Phi phi islands?

Phi Phi doesn't have an airport. Since it is a group of islands the standard way is to reach by ferry which will take approximately two hours from Phuket and one and a half hours from Krabi.
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What is the local food in Phi phi islands?

The food in Phi Phi is not spicy like some other places in Thailand. However, if you wish to avoid spicy food altogether, learning how to say 'mai phet', meaning non-spicy, can be helpful. Fresh seafood is always on the chef's menu at Phi Phi and the catch of the day is mostly highlighted at small stalls and roadside eateries too.

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What is not so good about Phi phi islands?

Long-tail boats, speedboats or kayaks are the only modes of commute, and all of them are expensive. Since most islands are uninhabited, you need to carry your own food and water along. Daily needs are expensive here since everything other than the coconuts are brought from land via boat. Accommodation is quite costly as well. Some of the beaches can get explosively crowded.

What is famous about Phi phi islands?

The breathtaking beauty of nature surrounds the island, and since most of the islands are uninhabited, they are extremely clean. Ko Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh are exceptionally maintained offering some fantastic viewpoints. Watersports is a huge attraction here as well. With cheaper alcohol options, the local eateries serve other cuisines as well.

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Phi Phi Islands Reviews

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Taniya Batra

6 years ago
The phi- phi islands in Thailand live up to all the hype. The islands are ideal for travellers looking for a vacation spent relaxing on beaches or in the water. While visiting these islands the speed (Read More)boat excursions are not something to lose out. The excursion lasts an entire day but makes it worth your time. This includes visiting nearby coves and islands and many optional water activities such as parasailing, snorkelling etc. It is imperative to note that the speedboat excursion is not suitable for those who get seasick easily as the waters can get quite wild. Another option to the boat is, therefore, a cruise, which is comparatively slower and more time-consuming.
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