The turquoise blue water, limestone cliffs, bleached golden beaches and coral reefs beautify this island no less than a paradise. Yes, I am talking about the Island Koh Phi Phi in Thailand, which is at number one in every traveler’s list. Moreover “The Beach” movie and star Leonardo Di Caprio brought this beautiful, bluish green water island to the limelight and fame.
Island Koh Phi Phi archipelago consists of two islands –Phi Phi Lee/Leh/Ley an uninhabited island 1.5 km away from Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Don is a permanently habituated island made of limestones.
Recent History of Koh Phi Phi Island
The Koh Phi Phi islands were completely devastated by the Indian Ocean 2004 tsunami. Ton Sai village on Koh Phi Phi Don was nearly wiped out. With new building codes to preserve views, Koh Phi Phi’s infrastructure has been rebuilt.
How to reach?
The Phi Phi Island lies around 45 kilometers from the mainland coast of Krabi and 48 kilometers from the island of Phuket. They are accessible by ferry and speedboat on daily basis. From both Krabi and Phuket province, there are fixed timetables for ferry take off and it usually takes around 90 minutes whereas speedboat takes around 30 -45 minutes.
Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi?
Ton Sai Village is the place to stay if you want fun, party, nightlife and more action. Most of the hotels, budgeted accommodation, party places and restaurants are located here. If you are looking for a relaxing stay with much fewer crowds, then Long Beach is the ideal location with picturesque beaches, tall island cliffs, and good food. The proper signage will lead you to the long beach through uphill- downhill and forest paths. There are no night parties at the long beach. You can walk down or go by boat to Ton Sai Village for the same.
What to do?
- Relax and get mesmerized by the beauty of this secluded place
- Give yourself a treat with sunbath
- Munch over seafood and Thai food
- Go for day trip to the nearby islands
- Do swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear water
- Dip in the beauty of coral reefs
- Party whole night on the beach with the bucket of drinks
- Dance on sand without shoes
- Watch enchanting crazy fire shows and observe people who jump and walk on fire
- Get lost in the neon colors of beach at night
- Watch sunset before and sunrise after party
- Stroll around the local market
- Color yourself with the pretty prints of beach dresses
- Get yourself inked if you have been thinking about it for a long time
- At the end of the day, go for Thai massage and fish spas. They are actually relaxing
Do also read the complete Phi Phi Tour Guide, before heading to Island.
Must Carry Essentials
- Swim Suit, Beachwear & Towel
- Shorts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Sunshades
- Hat
- Comfortable flip flops
- Underwater Camera
- Anti-mosquito lotion or cream
- Water bottle and some handy eatables
Don’t forget to check detailed post on Beach Packing list.
How do you ever leave a place like this?? I am dying to visit Thailand and it’s exquisite islands. When is the best time to visit? I think Long Beach would be more my style 😛
Koh phi phi is awesome and long beach is too too good. I visited Thailand in September end. Thais consider Aug- September as off season time but i completely enjoyed.
Koh phi phi seems like a lovely destination and a good place to surf. Is surfing allowed? Also, what are some restaurants you can recommend to try out Thai food?
Hi Ess. Not sure about surfing. But I tried Oasis Bar; Buffalo Head, Pad Thai for food. They all were good.
This place has such a cute name! It’s great to see that this place has recovered from the tsunami. Looks so beautiful. I hope to make it one day to Thailand!
Include this in your bucket place. This place is serene. You will have fun.
What are some of the day trips you did from there? I’ve heard that Koh Phi Phi can get a little busier than other beaches (which is fine), but I’d love to spend some time in the quieter areas too. It looks gorgeous there though!
Hi Melissa. I think my this post will help you out – http://www.allgudthings.com/phi-phi-tour-bucket-list
You are right, the Phi Phi islands are paradise found in Thailand! Best to go to the lest popular ones that don’t have tons of tourists.
Ya I personally feel they are good for the day trips.
My sister was there last week and I have been drooling over the pics ever since! It’s right on top of my list for Thailand, whenever my first trip there happens 🙂
Quick question – what was your budget for the trip?
Hi Siddhartha. Koh Phi Phi is actually to get lost and droll over. I traveled in off season, so could avail cheap accommodation. The whole trip we (me and hubby) did in around 1.5 lakh including tickets.
One really attains nirvana at this island. I definitely would make it my home. It is a perfect escape to nature. And I would love to try the fish pedicure. A great place which pulls you to it again and again.
Yeah Sandy agree with you, a perfect place for Nirvana. Even i wanna have my home there.
Looks like you had great fun at Koh Phi Phi. Sunsets, Coral reefs, and seafood are what I would love to try when I m there. Dancing on the soft sand barefoot is so much fun. I tend to do it every time I m in a beach. btw, I totally love your Tattoo.
Yeah you can enjoy all this at Koh Phi Phi and will love the bluish green water. Thank you so much
Oh I love Phi Phi island 🙂 It’s so beautiful and lively over there. The parties are absolutely insanse. And I loved the fire shows too. Also, you should include the hike to the view points during sunset. The views are just gorgeous!
Raksha I agree with your each word here. I have included the hike in other one . the link is here http://www.allgudthings.com/phi-phi-tour-bucket-list
I have been avoiding Koh phi phi because I have heard stories of it being too crowded. is that a real tattoo or something like the ones they do on Goan beaches? I have been fascinated with this place even since I saw the beach many years ago.
Ya it is crowded but much better in off seasons. This is the real tattoo. I recommend you to at least see once with your eyes, it is that beautiful.
Oh, we went there a couple of years ago 🙂 It’s very pretty and was lots of fun for scuba diving 🙂
Yeah it is very beautiful.
I love that there are so many options of things to do here in Koh Phi Phi island. The color of the water and the limestones in it make the scenery look so dreamy! No matter it calls you to go back over and over again.
Ya Joanna its beautiful and I can visit N number of times
Looks like an amazing beach destination. I never saw the Leonardo DiCaprio film but I can see why they would want to film there. It’s good to hear they are recovering from the tsunami.
Ya a lot of recovery this place has done in such a less span.
Good practical tips! It is amazing how the island has developed after the tsunami.
They do seem to be catering to a good number of tourists.
I traveled in off season. That time there were some hundreds off tourist. Now you can well imagine the scene during full season. Because of tourists only this island has recovered that fast.
Wow Koh Phi Phi looks incredible, like a real paradise! I haven’t been in Thailand but I’m planning to go there this year. Thanks for tips and inspiration 🙂
Glad you enjoyed this post.
We have heard so many good things about Phi Phi islands that we cannot just wait to visit and explore its marvels. Those views of the rocky cliffs sprouting from the deep blue waters are awe-inspiring to behold. Snorkeling and scuba diving would be something we would not want to miss here. And also the intriguing Fireshows where people jump on the fireworks? Something new we got to hear 🙂
Have heard a lot about Koh phi phi… great to see such a detailed post. It should be helpful for my planning. Won’t mind taht fish spa after a tiresome trekking season.