The Ko Phi Phi Islands make up a spectacular archipelago in the Andaman Sea off the West Coast of Thailand. Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest island, where all of the development and infrastructure is located. These islands are renowned for their beauty and isolation, but the main draw is what lies beneath the water- world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. Tourists flock to Ko Phi Phi from nearby Krabi and Phuket to take advantage of some of the clearest water and pristine dive sites in the world. The beaches aren’t bad either- the beach on Phi Phi Leh was the setting for the 2000 blockbuster ‘The Beach’, and is visited by hundreds of tourists daily. As with any other island in Thailand, there are innumerable secluded beaches to be discovered, and ample opportunity to find your own private paradise...
Getting There
Ko Phi Phi is serviced by ferries departing from both Krabi on the mainland and the nearby island of Phuket. Check out http://www.phi-phi-islands.com/phi-phi-getting-here.php for more details on getting to and from Ko Phi Phi.
Maya Bay
Things to do on Ko Phi Phi
- Chillax. Ko Phi Phi somehow moves at a slower pace than most of the other islands in Thailand, which makes it a great spot to relax and regroup after a few wild weeks on the SE Asian Backpacker Trail. Slow down, unwind, and take it easy...
- DIVE- Chances are, that’s what you’re there to do anyway, so we might as well call it out. Ko Phi Phi has some of the premier dive sites in all of Thailand- shop around among the countless dive shops to find a good deal on a course or a dive package, and then get amongst it!
Great dive sites surround Koh Phi Phi
- Visit ‘The Beach’- made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film, the beach on Phi Phi Leh is a popular destination for a day trip. Often, the companies that organize these day trip s will offer scuba dives and/or snorkeling stops on the way to and from the island- again, shop around for the best deal.
- Go for a hike. Ko Phi Phi is GORGEOUS, and there are ample trails to take on that end in some of the most spectacular lookouts imaginable. Ask at your accommodation for tips on where to go.
- Check out the Muay Thai boxing show- sure, its staged, but it’s a good show, and takes place in the bar that is the typical starting point to any night out on Ko Phi Phi. Later in the night, those that have bolstered their liquid courage can get into the ring to throw down with oversized boxing gloves. This is a show worth seeing all on its own...
Insider Tips
- As with everything else, shop around. All prices are negotiable, so when you’re looking for a place to stay, a place to dive, a place to book a day tour, etc., shop around, compare prices, and break out the charm/negotiating skills. You may save a few baht...
- A lot of the local restaurants prepare your food right in front if you- if you’re convincing enough, you might get a free Thai cooking lesson out of the cost of dinner...
Learning to cook authentic Pad Thai
- Ko Phi Phi was ravaged by the tsunami in December 2004. The island was almost completely wiped out, and the building-back process has been long and arduous. Several establishments on Phi Phi have photos of the destruction and portraits of those lost in the disaster on display. Visit the Tsunami Memorial Garden- a stark reminder of the power of nature, and a testament to the spirit and resilience of the locals.
- There are two main beaches on Phi Phi Don, and they’re separated by a pretty long walk. As always, when you’re out at night, walk in groups, and use common sense.
- Sunsets on the west side of the island are second to none- STUNNING. Same goes for sunrise on the east side. Don’t worry- you’re sure to see at least one sunrise while on Ko Phi Phi...
Sunset on Koh Phi Phi