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Everything You Need to Know About Phi Phi Islands
Phuket To Phi Phi Island ToursAbout Phi Phi Islands
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Discover Phi Phi Island
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Quick facts about Phi Phi Island
- Official name: Ko Phi Phi or Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
- Landscape type: Island archipelago
- Total number of islands: 6
- Famous for: Maya Bay (beach featured in 'The Beach' movie), limestone cliffs, vibrant nightlife (on Phi Phi Don), natural beauty, snorkeling and diving.
- Official language: Thai
- Distance from Phuket: 46 kilometers (29 miles) southeast
- National park area: 38,789.9 hectares (95,852 acres)
- Activities: Boat tours, snorkeling, diving, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking (viewpoints on Phi Phi Don)
- Marine Life: Coral reefs, butterfly and angelfish, blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles (especially hawksbill turtles)
- Function: National park and tourist destination.
- Number of visitors per year: 14 million + visitors
Plan your visit to Phi Phi Island
Tour timings
Best time to visit
Location
Most Phi Phi Island tours start between 7am to 7:30am with some starting at 9am and 10:30am.
Sunrise tours have an early start so be prepared for an early departure.
- Sunny escape (Nov-April): This peak season delivers the best weather for swimming, diving, and soaking up the sun. Expect clear skies, cool nights, and calm seas - perfect for exploring the islands. However, you'll also encounter larger crowds and potentially higher prices.
- Shoulder season (May & Oct): Seeking a balance? May and October offer decent weather with fewer crowds. May might see occasional rain showers, while October experiences the tail-end of the monsoon with rising humidity. It's perfect if you don't mind the possibility of some passing showers.
Nestled amidst the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Island lies off the coast of southern Thailand. Mainland Krabi embraces this captivating archipelago to the east and the ever-popular island paradise of Phuket to the north. As Phi Phi Island is an island chain, the only way to reach its shores is by boat. Travel time and distance vary depending on the departure point:
- From Phuket, a speedboat whisks you away to Phi Phi Island in about 45 minutes, while a ferry takes roughly 1.5 hours, covering a distance of approximately 46 kilometers (29 miles).
- Krabi offers a closer starting point, with a boat trip to Phi Phi Island ranging from 1 hour to 1.5 hours, depending on the specific departure location within Krabi. The distance is roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles).
Top things to do at Phi Phi Island
Relax on white sand beaches
See Long Beach which boasts powdery white sand, calm waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Or, dine at Tonsai Bay offering a vibrant scene lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Spot vibrant coral reefs
Hin Daeng & Hin Muang are renowned dive sites for deep underwater pinnacles, strong currents, and diverse marine life. Expect to encounter colorful fish species, playful turtles, and majestic manta rays. Aow Leuk Bay & Shark Point are shallower snorkeling spots that boast abundant coral formations as well.
Unlock Phi Phi viewpoints
Hike through lush vegetation and ascend a series of steps to reach this viewpoint offering views of the island's bays, turquoise waters, and the vast Andaman Sea. The Koh Phi Phi Le viewpoint is a more challenging hike rewarded with stunning views of Maya Bay and the surrounding limestone cliffs.
The famous Maya Bay
Accessible by boat, Maya Bay, made famous by the movie "The Beach," boasts a picturesque horseshoe-shaped cove with soft white sand, turquoise waters, and towering limestone cliffs.
Delve into Viking Cave's history
Located on Phi Phi Le, Viking Cave features ancient paintings depicting boats, some believed to be Viking vessels. Glide by the cave chambers and discover the swallows' nests clinging to the walls, a historical source of income for local communities.
Uncover hidden gems by Kayak
Go on a kayaking adventure and explore the hidden coves and lagoons dotting Phi Phi Island's coastline. Witness the bioluminescent plankton illuminate the water at night for a magical experience. Or paddle through Pileh Lagoon on Phi Phi Le, a stunning emerald lagoon enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, accessible only by boat.
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Frequently asked questions about Phi Phi Island
What are the best things to do in Phi Phi Island?
Phi Phi Island offers something for everyone. Relax on pristine beaches, explore vibrant coral reefs, or hike to viewpoints for stunning vistas. Visit the famous Maya Bay, delve into Viking Cave's history, or kayak through hidden lagoons. Challenge yourself with rock climbing, or explore the islands by longtail boat tour.
When is the best time to visit Phi Phi Island?
The best time to visit Phi Phi Island depends on what you prefer. For perfect weather and clear water, visit between November and April, but expect crowds. Shoulder seasons (May & Oct) offer decent weather with fewer people, but some rain is possible. The most affordable option is the monsoon season (June-Sept), but expect occasional downpours.
Can I stay overnight on Phi Phi Island?
Yes, Phi Phi Don has various accommodations, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Phi Phi Le is a national park and doesn't allow overnight stays.
Is Maya Bay open to visitors?
Yes, Maya Bay reopened in 2022.
What is the currency used in Phi Phi Island?
The Thai Baht (THB, ฿) is used in Phi Phi Island.
What language is spoken in Phi Phi Island?
Thai is the primary language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
What are the 6 islands of Phi Phi Island?
The 6 islands of Phi Phi Island are: Phi Phi Don (the largest and most developed island), Phi Phi Le (home to Maya Bay), Bamboo Island, Koh Mai Phai, Monkey Island (Koh Phi Phi Leh), Ngai Island (Koh Yung).
Is Phi Phi Island suitable for families with young children?
Phi Phi Island is suitable for families, especially with its beautiful beaches.
What are some alternative activities or hidden gems to explore beyond the popular attractions?
While Phi Phi Island's famous beaches and Maya Bay are a must-see, venture beyond the crowds to discover hidden gems. Explore the vibrant Tonsai Village with its shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere. Seek serenity on Ngai Island's secluded beaches with hidden coves and limestone cliffs. Immerse yourself in Thai culture with a cooking class, or challenge yourself with rock climbing adventures at Railay Beach, accessible by boat from Phi Phi Island. Browse the local markets for unique souvenirs and handicrafts to bring home a piece of Phi Phi Island's charm.
What are the best options for diving and snorkeling around Phi Phi Island?
The underwater world around Phi Phi Island is teeming with life, offering exciting options for divers and snorkelers of all levels. Experienced divers can explore the world-renowned Hin Daeng & Hin Muang dive sites, famous for deep underwater pinnacles, strong currents, and encounters with diverse marine life like manta rays and turtles. Aow Leuk Bay and Shark Point offer shallower snorkeling havens with abundant coral formations bursting with colorful fish, a perfect choice for beginners and families.
Is it possible to hike or explore viewpoints on Phi Phi Island?
Absolutely! Hiking and exploring viewpoints are fantastic ways to experience Phi Phi Island's natural beauty from a different perspective. Hike up to Phi Phi Viewpoint and be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the entire island chain, turquoise waters, and the vast Andaman Sea. The Koh Phi Phi Le Viewpoint offers a more challenging trek but stuns with breathtaking views of Maya Bay and the surrounding limestone cliffs. Several other trails lead to viewpoints with unique perspectives of the island, so lace up your shoes and get exploring!