Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi (หมู่เกาะพีพี) is a small archipelago in Krabi Province, Southern Thailand, that has become one of Southeast Asia's most iconic island destinations. The archipelago consists of six islands, the most important being Ko Phi Phi Don (the only populated island) and Ko Phi Phi Leh (uninhabited, home to Maya Bay made famous by the film The Beach). Most development is concentrated on the low, sandy isthmus of Ton Sai Village on Phi Phi Don, with quieter resorts on Long Beach, Laem Thong, and other coves.

Ko Phi Phi was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, which nearly wiped out the island's infrastructure, but redevelopment was swift and the island has since regained its status as a bucket-list destination. The island is popular with package tourists, backpackers, and day-trippers — expect crowds in high season. The climate is tropical with a hot season (January–April) and a rainy season (May–December), though rain typically falls in short, heavy bursts.

By Plane

Krabi International Airport (KBV IATA) and Phuket International Airport (HKT IATA) are the main air gateways. From either, you continue by road and then ferry. Krabi Airport is about 4 hours door-to-door including ferry time; Phuket Airport about 3 hours. Air Asia and others offer combined flight+ferry "Island Transfer" tickets.

By Car / Road

As an island, you cannot drive to Ko Phi Phi. The nearest road access is to the ferry piers in Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or Phuket (Rassada Pier). Buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi take about 12 hours (VIP 1,055 baht, first class 680 baht).

By Boat

Ferries are the primary way to reach Phi Phi. From Krabi Town or Phuket, ferries take 1.5–2 hours and cost 300–600 baht. From Ao Nang, 400 baht. From Ko Lanta, 350 baht (1 hour). Speedboat tours from Phuket and Krabi run daily. The main pier is at Ton Sai Village. Ferries are subject to weather and demand; services are more frequent in high season.

Phi Phi Don is small enough that most places are walkable. Ton Sai Village and the beaches are connected by paved paths and a network of sandy tracks. During high tide, getting between Ton Sai and Long Beach may require wading or a short longtail ride. Longtail boats ferry passengers between beaches and to Phi Phi Leh for about 100–200 baht. Motorbikes are limited and not needed.

• Maya Bay (Ko Phi Phi Leh) — The iconic crescent-shaped bay enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, made famous by The Beach. Now managed with timed visitation and limited visitor numbers to allow ecological recovery. Accessible by speedboat or longtail tour from Phi Phi Don.

• Viewpoints — The main viewpoint (Phi Phi Viewpoint) offers a stunning panorama of the island's twin-bay isthmus. A steep 30–40 minute climb from Ton Sai. A secondary viewpoint continues further up for an even better angle.

• Viking Cave — On Ko Phi Phi Leh. A large cave with ancient paintings, accessible by boat. Known for the edible bird's nests harvested from its ceilings.

• Loh Samah Bay (Phi Phi Leh) — A beautiful bay with clear water and excellent snorkelling just around the headland from Maya Bay.

• Pileh Lagoon (Phi Phi Leh) — An emerald-coloured lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs, reachable only by boat. One of the most photographed spots in Thailand.

• Snorkelling and diving — Phi Phi has outstanding snorkelling right off the beaches. Ko Phi Phi Leh, Ko Mai Phai (Bamboo Island), and Ko Yung (Mosquito Island) are top spots for coral and marine life. Numerous dive shops on Phi Phi Don offer courses and day trips to sites like Hin Bida and King Cruiser wreck.

• Boat tours — Day trips by longtail or speedboat circumnavigate Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, stopping at Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island, and snorkelling spots. Typical price 1,000–1,600 baht.

• Rock climbing — The limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Don offer bolted climbing routes for various skill levels, with several climbing schools in Ton Sai.

• Nightlife — Ton Sai Village comes alive after dark with fire shows, live music, bucket cocktails, and beachfront bars. The main bar street is loud and lively until late.

• Sunset from the viewpoint — The climb is worth it for the sunset view over the Andaman Sea.

• Papaya Restaurant — Ton Sai Village. Reliable Thai food including green curry, pad thai, and fresh seafood. Mid-range.
• Anna's Restaurant — A family-run spot serving authentic Thai dishes at budget-friendly prices.
• Sea Gypsy House — Long Beach. Seafood barbecue and Thai classics with your feet in the sand.
• Oasis Bar & Restaurant — On the hill near the viewpoint. Good food with panoramic island views. Mid-range.
• Beach barbecue stalls — Along the Ton Sai beachfront, several stalls grill fresh fish, squid, prawns, and chicken in the evenings.

Tap water is not safe. Bottled water and fresh fruit shakes are widely available. The bar scene centres on the "party strip" in Ton Sai Village, where venues compete with fire shows and cheap buckets (Sangsom, Coke, and Red Bull). Reggae bars and beachfront chill-out bars offer a quieter alternative. During low season (May–November), many bars close.

• Budget: Phi Phi Bungalow Palace — Basic fan bungalows on Long Beach from 500 baht. Blanco Hostel — Social hostel in Ton Sai with dorms from 400 baht.
• Mid-range: Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort — Long Beach. Rooms from 2,500 baht with pool. PP Palms Residence — Ton Sai. Modern rooms from 1,500 baht.
• Upscale: Phi Phi The Beach Resort — Laem Thong. Luxury resort with private beach, pool, and spa, from 5,000 baht. SAii Phi Phi Island Village — Stunning resort on the north of the island with overwater spa, from 7,000 baht.

Ton Sai Village is lined with souvenir shops selling T-shirts, beachwear, snorkelling gear, and crafts. Prices are higher than on the mainland. A small convenience store (7-Eleven) stocks essentials at marked-up prices. For serious shopping, buy in Krabi Town or Phuket before arriving.

• Ko Lanta (1 hr by ferry) — Laid-back island with long beaches, excellent diving, and a more relaxed vibe.
• Krabi Town (1.5 hr by ferry) — Provincial capital with night markets, Tiger Cave Temple, and budget shopping.
• Ao Nang (1.5 hr by ferry) — Mainland beach resort with restaurants, bars, and easy onward connections.
• Phuket (2 hr by ferry via Ko Phi Phi) — Thailand's largest island with Patong nightlife, numerous beaches, and Phuket International Airport.
• Ko Jum (30 min by longtail) — Small, undeveloped island between Krabi and Ko Lanta, perfect for a quiet escape.
• Bamboo Island (Ko Mai Phai) (20 min by boat from Phi Phi Don) — Low-lying islet with excellent beaches and snorkelling, popular as a day trip.