The Phi Phi Islands, located in the Andaman Sea, are a tropical paradise that attracts travellers from all over the world with their stunning landscapes, crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life. World famous for being the setting for the film ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the islands are actually much more than that and offer an unforgettable experience for those looking for the perfect getaway in Thailand.
The Phi Phi Islands, a protected natural paradise in a national park
The Phi Phi Islands are made up of six main islands, of which Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are the best known and most visited. Phi Phi Don, the only inhabited island, is well known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, while Phi Phi Leh is famous for the amazing Maya Bay, the natural setting for the film ‘The Beach’. The landscape of the islands is spectacular, with impressive limestone cliffs rising dramatically out of the sea, creating a stunning view from any angle.
The Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park protects much of the islands, ensuring the conservation of their biodiversity and natural beauty. The marine fauna is rich and varied, with colourful coral reefs hosting abundant marine life, including tropical fish, reef sharks and sea turtles. In addition to their underwater beauty, the islands are covered in lush tropical vegetation, offering nature trails and panoramic views.
Historically, the Phi Phi Islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements dating back thousands of years. The influence of various cultures, from the marine nomads or sea gypsies known as Chao Leh to the Arab traders, has left a rich cultural heritage in the region. In the 1980s, the islands began to develop as a tourist destination, attracting travellers from all over the world with their natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
Excursions and routes: from the unavoidable tourist photo in Maya Bay to relaxing getaways on the quiet island of Bamboo
The excursions and routes on the Phi Phi Islands are numerous and varied, offering something for all types of travellers. One of the most popular trips is to visit Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, famous for its idyllic landscape and crystal clear waters. Although bathing is currently restricted so that the marine ecosystem can recover, it is a place that remains iconic and can be admired from the shore.
Another recommended route is to go up to the Phi Phi Don viewpoint, known as Phi Phi Viewpoint. From there, visitors can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the islands, especially at sunrise or sunset. From Loh Dalum Bay, it takes about 20 minutes on foot to reach the summit, which is about 185 meters high. The hike to the viewpoint can be somewhat demanding, but the spectacular views are worth it.
For those looking for a more relaxing experience and away from the crowds of the two main islands, Bamboo Island offers a serene getaway with its white sand beach and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The best thing to do is clearly go snorkelling since it has a shallow beach with spectacular blue corals full of fish.
You can also go on boat trips to the Viking Cave, which is located in the north of the island and is inside a cliff. There you will see some famous paintings which, although they look old, are relatively recent and were painted by sailors who hid there during a storm. The longtail or speedboat ride from Tonsai Bay on the neighbouring island of Koh Phi Phi Don takes about 30 minutes.
Top beaches on the Phi Phi Islands: choose your own paradise
The Phi Phi Islands are famous for their idyllic beaches, each offering a unique experience. Loh Dalum Beach, located on Phi Phi Don, is one of the most popular thanks to its shallow waters and lively atmosphere. There, visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and beach parties.
Monkey Beach is another must since it is known for the monkeys that inhabit the area. Although you must keep a safe distance from the animals, the beach provides a unique experience with its natural setting and coral reef, which are ideal for snorkelling.
Long Beach is a great option for those looking for a more relaxing environment. With its white sand and clear waters, it is the perfect place for relaxing and enjoying the sun. The beach also offers stunning views of the sunset over the Andaman Sea. In addition to the lively bar scene, the beaches on the Phi Phi Islands often host fire shows until after midnight, with artists doing all kinds of pirouettes and juggling with torches.
Water activities: kayaking, relaxing on a longtail boat and scuba diving among a shipwreck
The Phi Phi Islands are a paradise for those who love water activities. Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities, with numerous diving centres providing courses for beginners and excursions for experienced divers at a very good price. Popular diving sites include Bida Nok, Bida Nai and the King Cruiser shipwreck, where you can see an incredible variety of marine life.
Snorkelling is another highly recommended activity, especially in the clear waters of Shark Point and Bamboo Island. Visitors can rent snorkel equipment and explore the vibrant coral reefs at their own pace.
Kayaking and paddle boarding are ideal activities for exploring the islands’ hidden coves and beaches. These activities enable visitors to enjoy the landscape at their own pace, exploring places that are not accessible by boat. Additionally, traditional Thai boat tours, known as longtail boats, offer an authentic and relaxed way to explore the islands and their surroundings.
How to get to the Phi Phi Islands: ferries and speedboats from Phuket and Krabi
Getting to the Phi Phi Islands is relatively easy, with several options available to travellers. The most common way is to take a ferry or speedboat from Phuket or Krabi, both with regular and fast connections to the islands. Ferries are a slower and cheaper option and offer a panoramic view of the journey, while speedboats are faster and more comfortable.
From Phuket, the ferry ride usually takes around two hours, while from Krabi it takes about an hour and a half. You can also take a ferry from Koh Lanta island, with a similar travel time. You should book tickets in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure availability and avoid waiting a long time.
Once on Phi Phi Don, visitors can easily get around on foot, as the island is small and motor vehicles are not allowed. To explore the nearby islands and more remote beaches, you can rent longtail boats or go on organised trips.
Where and what to eat: pad Thai, green curry and other Thai delicacies at ridiculously low prices
Dining options on the Phi Phi Islands are varied and delicious, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, the islands offer a large variety of Thai and international dishes.
On Phi Phi Don, the night market is a great place to try local food at very cheap prices. There, visitors can enjoy classic Thai dishes such as pad Thai, green curry and fresh grilled seafood. There is also a large variety of tropical fruits and fresh juices available.
For a more sumptuous dining experience, restaurants at luxury resorts offer a mix of Thai and international cuisine, often with spectacular sea views. Recommended restaurants include Phi Phi Don Cafe and Restaurant plus Atom Resto Phi Phi in Tonsai Bay, both known for their excellent food and charming atmosphere.
