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Koh Phi Phi, ประเทศไทย - Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi

Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi, ประเทศไทย - Complete Travel Guide

Koh Phi Phi is a breathtaking archipelago in the Andaman Sea, located between Phuket and Krabi in southern Thailand. This tropical paradise consists of six islands, with Phi Phi Don being the main inhabited island and Phi Phi Leh famous for Maya Bay, featured in the movie 'The Beach.' The islands are renowned for their dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life that attracts snorkelers and divers from around the world. Despite its relatively small size, Koh Phi Phi offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from bustling beach bars and fire shows on Tonsai Bay to secluded coves perfect for romantic sunsets. The car-free environment creates a unique laid-back atmosphere where longtail boats serve as taxis and walking is the primary mode of transportation. While the islands can get crowded during peak season, their natural beauty remains undeniably spectacular, making them one of Thailand's most iconic destinations for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience tropical paradise at its finest.

Top Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi

Island Hopping and Snorkeling Tours

Explore the stunning islands around Phi Phi, including visits to Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and Monkey Beach. These tours typically include snorkeling stops at vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, swimming in crystal-clear lagoons, and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches. Most tours provide snorkeling equipment and lunch, making it a full-day adventure through some of Thailand's most beautiful seascapes.

Booking Tip: Book tours for 1,500-2,500 THB per person through reputable operators on Tonsai Bay. Early morning departures (8-9 AM) avoid crowds and offer better snorkeling visibility. Look for operators with good safety records and newer boats with shade coverage.

Viewpoint Hiking

Climb to the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the twin bays of Tonsai and Loh Dalum, connected by a narrow strip of land. The 30-minute hike through tropical jungle leads to multiple viewpoints, with the highest offering 360-degree views of the entire island and surrounding Andaman Sea. The sunset views from here are particularly spectacular and considered among the best photo opportunities in Thailand.

Booking Tip: The hike costs 30 THB entrance fee and is best done in early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid midday heat. Bring water, wear good walking shoes, and allow 2-3 hours total including photo time.

Scuba Diving Expeditions

Dive into some of Thailand's best underwater worlds with sites like Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck, and Anemone Reef offering encounters with leopard sharks, manta rays, and colorful reef fish. The warm, clear waters provide excellent visibility year-round, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. Many sites are suitable for Open Water divers, while advanced sites offer thrilling drift dives and deeper explorations.

Booking Tip: Two-tank dive trips cost 3,000-4,500 THB, while PADI courses range from 12,000-15,000 THB. Book with PADI-certified shops and check equipment quality. Best diving conditions are November to April with 20-30m visibility.

Sunset Longtail Boat Tours

Experience the magic of Phi Phi's golden hour aboard a traditional longtail boat, cruising around the islands as the sun sets over the Andaman Sea. These intimate tours often include stops at secluded beaches, snorkeling spots, and the famous Pileh Lagoon with its emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The peaceful evening atmosphere provides a perfect contrast to the daytime crowds.

Booking Tip: Private longtail boats cost 2,500-4,000 THB for 3-4 hours (up to 8 people), while group tours are 800-1,200 THB per person. Book directly with boat operators on the beach and negotiate prices, especially for multi-day stays.

Fire Shows and Beach Parties

Experience Phi Phi's legendary nightlife with spectacular fire shows on Tonsai Beach, where skilled performers create mesmerizing displays with flaming poi, fire limbo, and acrobatic stunts. The beach transforms into a vibrant party scene with beach bars offering everything from cocktail buckets to live music. The atmosphere is electric, with travelers from around the world gathering to dance on the sand under the stars.

Booking Tip: Fire shows are free and typically start around 9-10 PM on Tonsai Beach. Drinks range from 100-300 THB at beach bars. Arrive early to secure good viewing spots and be prepared for crowds during high season (December-March).

Getting There

Koh Phi Phi is accessible only by boat, with regular ferry services operating from Phuket (1.5-2 hours), Krabi (1.5 hours), and Koh Lanta (1 hour). High-speed ferries and traditional boats run multiple times daily, with tickets costing 350-900 THB depending on the departure point and boat type. The main arrival point is Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don island. During monsoon season (May-October), sea conditions can be rough, and some services may be cancelled. It's advisable to book ferry tickets in advance during peak season and check weather conditions before traveling.

Getting Around

Koh Phi Phi is completely car-free, making walking the primary mode of transportation on the main island. The island is small enough to walk from one end to another in about 20-30 minutes. For longer distances or reaching beaches on the other side of the island, longtail boats serve as water taxis, costing 100-200 THB per person for short trips. Motorbike taxis are available for carrying heavy luggage up steep paths to hillside accommodations. For exploring other islands, longtail boats can be hired privately or you can join group tours departing from Tonsai Bay.

Where to Stay

Tonsai Village
Loh Dalum Beach
Long Beach
Laem Tong Beach
Loh Bagao Bay
Rantee Bay

Food & Dining

Koh Phi Phi offers a diverse dining scene ranging from beachfront seafood restaurants to casual backpacker-friendly eateries. Fresh seafood is the highlight, with grilled fish, prawns, and crab available at reasonable prices (200-500 THB per dish) at restaurants along Tonsai Bay. Thai street food stalls offer pad thai, som tam, and curry dishes for 80-150 THB. For international cuisine, numerous restaurants serve pizza, burgers, and Western breakfasts catering to the tourist crowd. Upscale beachfront restaurants provide romantic dining experiences with stunning sunset views, though prices are significantly higher (800-1,500 THB per person). Don't miss trying the local specialty of grilled fish with Thai herbs and the famous mango sticky rice for dessert.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Thailand

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi is during the cool, dry season from November to March, when temperatures are comfortable (24-30°C), rainfall is minimal, and sea conditions are ideal for boat trips and water activities. This is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded attractions. April and May are hot but still good for visiting, with fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates. The monsoon season from June to October brings heavy rains, rough seas, and some businesses may close, though this period offers the lowest prices and a more authentic local experience for those who don't mind occasional downpours.

Insider Tips

Book accommodation well in advance for December-February as the island fills up quickly during peak season
Bring cash as ATMs charge high fees (200+ THB) and many places don't accept cards
Pack light and use a waterproof bag - you'll need to wade through shallow water when arriving by longtail boat

Explore Activities in Koh Phi Phi