Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Phi Phi Island

Exploring Phi Phi Island with a guided boat tour unlocks a world of benefits. Local experts guide you through hidden coves and navigate trickier waters, ensuring a safe and informative adventure. Their knowledge breathes life into the island's history and culture, while they handle logistics like transportation and sometimes meals (depending on the tour) so you can relax. Plus, they often act as translators, bridging any language gaps and ensuring a smooth and unforgettable experience.

• Using drones is prohibited in Maya Bay. Be mindful of signs regarding photography restrictions in specific areas.
• Look for designated bins and avoid leaving waste on beaches or natural areas.
• For insurance purposes, always have a copy of your passport on you, whether digital or paper.
• Pregnant women and children under 4 are not advised to take tours of Phi Phi Island. 
• Travelers who have physical impairments or medical issues should proceed with caution and see a physician prior to making a reservation.
• For some activities, there may be age restrictions. Adults must accompany children under the age of 12.
• You can’t bring pets to your Phi Phi Island tour.
• Strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted on tours.
• Avoid feeding wild animals; this disrupts their natural feeding patterns and can be harmful to their health.
• If your tour excludes National Park fees, you will need to pay the fare in cash when you arrive (approximately 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children).
• Depending on the season and what is in stock, lunch menus can change. Halal and vegetarian options are offered.
• The weather and sea conditions may cause changes to the tour itinerary.
• For a perfect time, do not forget to bring your sunscreen, hats or sunglasses, beach towel, and swimsuit. When visiting temples or sacred sites on Phi Phi, opt for clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

• Beat the crowd: Aim for early morning or later afternoon tours, especially for Maya Bay and Phi Phi Don piers. This allows you to experience these popular spots with fewer people. Plus, you get better photographs. 
• Pack smart: Bring a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a quick-drying towel for swimming and snorkeling. Purchase a dry bag to keep your camera, phone, and other important items safe from spills. 
• Respect the environment: Phi Phi Island is known for its natural beauty. Be mindful of your waste, avoid touching coral reefs, and try not to use plastic bags. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day to stay hydrated and help the environment.
• Bring cash for emergencies: While some vendors accept cards, having cash on hand is always a good idea for smaller purchases or unexpected situations.
• Explore beyond Maya Bay: Phi Phi offers more than just stunning beaches. Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint for panoramic vistas, discover Viking Cave's historical significance, or visit Monkey Beach for a playful encounter (from a safe distance!)
• Dress comfortably: Prepare for the tropical weather by bringing light, airy clothing, cozy walking shoes, and a cover-up for religious sites. Carry an umbrella or a fast-drying shirt in case of rain.
• Embrace island time: Relax and adjust to the slower pace of life on Phi Phi. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, unplug from technology, and savor the island's laid-back atmosphere.

• Tonsai Village: This is your one-stop shop for everything you might need on your Phi Phi Island trip. It's famous for its vibrant market atmosphere with a wide variety of souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, and beach essentials. Think handcrafted jewelry, colorful Thai shirts, beach bags, and those must-have swimsuits.
• Phi Phi Pier Shops: This is all about convenience. Since it's the first sight that greets you, these shops are famous for offering grab-and-go essentials like snacks, drinks, and last-minute souvenirs.
• Phra Nang Beach: With its limited number of shops, Phra Nang Beach focuses on providing essentials for beach bums. This is where you can pick up a quick beach cover-up, a refreshing drink, or a postcard to remember your time here.
• Ao Maya (Maya Bay): Similar to Phra Nang Beach, Ao Maya, the location of the famous Maya Bay, has a limited number of shops. These shops are famous for catering to tourists with souvenirs and drinks. Grab a quick refreshment or a Maya Bay t-shirt to commemorate your visit to this stunning location.

Traveler tip: It's important to remember that most shops on Phi Phi Island are small, independent stalls. Be sure to bring cash, as many shops may not accept credit cards.

Depending on the tour you choose, there are different meal options for each tour. Based on your tour selection, here's a general idea of what to expect:

• Soft drinks, snacks, a buffet of Thai food, and seasonal fruits.
• A gourmet meal at Phi Phi Resort that includes water, soft drinks, fresh fruit, and your selection of two beers or regional wine.
• Savor a breakfast buffet, a lunch buffet (typically at Phi Phi Don Island), and snacks and coffee/tea throughout the day. International buffets and BBQ options might be available on some tours.

• Viking Nature Resort: Nestled on a quiet cove, Viking Nature Resort offers a secluded escape away from the main pier but with stunning beachfront access. Located on Long Beach, a scenic bay about a 2.5 km drive from Phi Phi pier.
• Phi Phi Phuchalet Resort: Relax in style at Phi Phi Phuchalet Resort, a beachfront haven located directly on Loh Bagao Bay, a short longtail boat ride from the pier. Nestled on a cliffside overlooking Loh Dalam Bay, a relaxing spot about a 3.5 km longtail boat ride from the pier.
• P2 Wood Loft: P2 Wood Loft boasts a central location in Phi Phi Don, in the heart of Tonsai Village, just a short walk (around 300 meters) from the bustling Phi Phi pier.
• Blue Flow Hostel: Enjoy a social atmosphere at Blue Flow Hostel, located conveniently approximately 500 meters away from Phi Phi pier.
• Phi Phi The Beach Resort: Phi Phi The Beach Resort provides a luxurious beachfront experience on Long Beach, situated in the Graces Loh Bagao Bay, a secluded paradise about a 2 km longtail boat ride from the main pier.

• Bamboo Island (Ko Mai Phai): This picturesque island, known for its clear waters and soft sand, is a popular stop on Phi Phi Island tours. It's known for its relaxed atmosphere and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. While the name suggests bamboo, Casuarina trees dominate the landscape.
• Maiton Island: A tiny, limestone island near Phi Phi Leh, Maiton Island is known for its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. While not accessible for landings, it's a common stop for sightseeing and admiring the scenery during Phi Phi Island tours.
• Monkey Beach:  Located on the southern tip of Phi Phi Leh, Monkey Beach is a small bay with a resident troop of macaque monkeys. You can observe these playful creatures from a distance, but feeding them is not recommended.
• Maya Bay & Beach: Made famous by the movie "The Beach," Maya Bay boasts stunning scenery with towering limestone cliffs framing a crescent-shaped beach with silky soft sand and clear turquoise waters. Due to environmental concerns, visitor access to Maya Bay is currently restricted, with limited time allowed for sightseeing only.