About Phuket

Accomodation

Explore Phuket

Your Phuket

Things to Do

Thailand

Ko Phi Phi Islands

Krabi

E-Shop

Site Information

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide

Phi Phi Island Travel Tips

Ko Phi Phi is renowned for its tranquility and spectacular beaches; in fact it is one of the most inspiring holiday destinations you will find.

The scenery is truly amazing with sheer limestone rock formations that rise dramatically from the turquoise colored waters that are teeming with colorful marine life.

Tonsai Bay

It’s no wonder that the Islands are the most popular islands around Phuket.

And often listed in the top ten of beautiful islands around the world.

The Phi Phi Islands is by far one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

Ko Phi Phi lies halfway between Phuket and Krabi, only 48 kilometres southeast of Phuket in the Andaman Sea.

Many people think that this group of islands are part of Phuket, probably because many visitors travel from Phuket to the islands, however they are considered part of Krabi province.

Six islands make up the Ko Phi Phi Island group, known as Ko Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Ley, Bamboo Island, Yung Island, Bida Nok and Bida Nai.

Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest island covering an area of 28 square kilometres and is the only island with permanent residents.

To visit the other islands in the group, there are organized day trips from Phuket or Krabi or longtail boats available for hire from Ko Phi Phi Don.

Tonsai Bay looking towards Phi Phi Ley

Tonsai Bay

Is a hive of activity with a constant flow of ferries, yachts, speed boats, dive boats and long tail boats.

The main tourist hub is Tonsai Village which attracts many visitors.

There are no roads or cars, just footpaths and the only mode of transport you will find is a push bike.

Tonsai Village

Has an abundance of bars and places to eat, there is casual beach side dining around the beaches.

And loads of delicious restaurants dotted throughout the streets and alleys ways, or more up market restaurants within the resorts.

Streets in Tonsai Village

If you love shopping, you won’t be disappointed there are loads of shops on PP Don.

With everything from handmade jewelery, boutique clothing, handicrafts to sunglasses, DVD's and CD's.

Many visitors come to the islands for a day trip from Phuket or Krabi, but the reality is that there is no possible way that you can do and see all what these stunning islands have to offer in just one day.

The best way to see all of the attractions and do all the fun and adventurous activities on and around the Islands is to stay a couple of nights.

View from Pee Pee Viewpoint over Tonsai Village

A must do while on the larger island of PP Don is the walk to the Pee Pee viewpoint, here you will see some of the most incredible views of the Islands.

There are resorts and hotels on PP Don to suit all budgets and tastes.

From upmarket resorts and water-front bungalows, that are located on the quieter beaches of Phi Phi Don, to the cheap hotels and guesthouses that can be found in Tonsai Village.

Koh Phi Phi has many top beaches that are worth exploring. In fact I would have to say that they are among some of the best beaches in Thailand.

The beauty of Maya Bay

One of our favorite beaches is the stunning “Maya Bay”, which is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions around the islands, more so since the movie The Beach was filmed here in 1999. Maya Bay is located on the smaller sister island of Phi Phi Ley.

The Islands are an ideal spot for a scuba diving vacation, with exceptional dive sites for all levels of experience from complete beginners to qualified divers.

For an adrenalin rush you could try some other adventurous activities such as cliff jumping, rock climbing or swimming with sharks.

Or hire a longtail boat or kayak and explore some of the hidden bays and beaches such as Monkey Beach or Monkey Bay, at either of these two locations you will find groups of crab eating cheeky monkeys.

There is a colorful array of nightlife on PP Don, with plenty of bars and pubs that provide nightly entertainment and music including soul, hip hop, reggae and dance music.

Maybe you would like to take in a fire show or chill out on the beach, relaxing under the stars.

Koh Phi Phi is still a dream vacation spot for backpackers, but is also an ideal destination for all age groups as it offers exciting and fun activities for kids and adults alike.

The islands are also one of the top honeymoon spots offshore of Phuket.

You really should include Koh Phi Phi in your Thailand vacations.

Ko Phi Phi Travel Tips

Some resorts are only assessable by boat transfer from Tonsai Pier.

Guests that are staying at the following resorts are transferred by boat to their resort.

Most of these resorts don’t have piers, so leave your good shoes at home and wear a pair of flip flops.

PP Natural Island Resort is a 3 star resort located on Laem Tong Beach. There is a good choice of rooms, cottages and pool villas available with resort facilities that include a swimming pool and a sea-view terrace and bar.

Zeavola Hotel is also located on Laem Tong Beach, with a fantastic selection of beach front suites, garden villas and pool villas. Facilities include a swimming pool,a health spa and two restaurants.

Holiday Inn Resort has a fantastic selection of rooms, consisting of bungalows and studio rooms. Onsite facilities include two swimming pools, a kid’s pool, Jacuzzis, a sauna room and more.

P.P Erawan Palms Resort is set on the beach with a good selection of rooms and bungalows. Some of the facilities include a swimming pool, beachfront restaurant and friendly staff.

PP Island Village Resort and Spa is perfect for a romantic getaway,located on Loh Ba Gao Bay. The resort features a mix of rooms, beach front suites and hillside pool villas.

Villa 360 Resort and Spa is an all villa resort which is also located overlooking Loh Ba Gao Bay. The villas are situated on the a hill with fantastic views a great spot if you don't mind steps.

PP Relax Beach Resort is located on Phak Nam Bay with a range of Garden and beachfront bungalows.

Getting To Ko Phi Phi

The cheapest way to get to the islands from Phuket or Krabi is by scheduled ferry.

The trip on the ferry takes around 90 minutes, depending on the conditions and runs every day all year round.

Another option is to take a speed boat which is the fastest way to reach the islands.

Speedboats take as little as 45 minutes from Phuket, and are ideal if you are going on a day trip.

If you have pre-booked your accommodation on PP Don, when you arrive at Tonsai Bay there will be transfers waiting on the pier to help you with your luggage and to escort you to your resort.