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The Phi Phi Islands consist of 2 small islands, south of Phuket,
famous for their fine sandy beaches and limestone cliffs which soar
out the sea to form spectacular scenery. Add crystal clear water,
no traffic and a tropical laid back lifestyle, and it's easy to
see why Phi Phi is one of southern Thailand's most popular destinations.
Although easy access from Phuket attracts hundreds of visitors daily,
by 3pm it's quiet and absolutely gorgeous. At least an overnight
stay is recommended to really enjoy the islands, especially in the
early morning and evening when the magic of the place really comes
alive. Snorkelling around the many coral reefs or climbing to one
of the karst limestone lookouts is an brilliant experience.
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Phi Phi Don Island
The larger of the two islands. Most of the budget and standard
accommodation is located around the main ferry port of Tonsai -
also the place for nightlife with films and music at the local bars.
Other beaches on the island can be easily reached by local boat,
and accommodation tends to be more upmarket with better quality
hotels in the more secluded areas. Local dive companies offer diving
and snorkelling trips around Phi Phi and the neighbouring islands
with equipment for hire. Breakfast with the sharks is becoming very
popular! For more information about diving and dive sites, please
click here.
Phi Phi Ley Island
Consists of 90 % limestone cliffs dotted with caves and passages,
surrounding shallow blue-green lagoons full of multi-coloured fish
and shallow coral gardens - ideal for snorkelling. Located south
of Phi Phi Don and uninhabited, the island also has 2 magnificent
beaches, Loh Samah and Maya Bay - used as a location for the Hollywood
film "The Beach."
Although it is not possible to stay on Phi Phi Ley which has no
accommodation, day tours leave every day from Phi Phi Don offering
snorkelling, kayaking, or diving trips.
Neighboring Islands
Koh Yung Island - (Mosquito Island)
North of Phi Phi Don has some well preserved offshore coral
gardens. Good for snorkelling. The island gets it's name from
the black clouds of mosquitoes at sunset.
Koh Phai Nok Island - (Bamboo Island)
A tiny island 700 metres surrounded by coral reef. Next
to Koh Yoong. Small beaches on the north and east side and coral
gardens off the south end.
Koh Pida Nai and Koh Pida Nok
Small islands visited mainly by divers for their underwater
scenery. Ko Pida Nok is very good for both advanced and beginners
with both shallow and deep dive sites.
How to Get There
From Phuket
Tour agencies can arrange transport including transfer from your
accommodation to the jetty, and the boat to Phi Phi. If you simply
want to get there and back for an overnight stay, expect to pay
around 400 Baht return. Tickets can be used for any return trip
and are not tied to a specific date, so you can be flexible with
your plans. Normally it is not necessary to book in advance, although
during holidays, especially Christmas and January, it is advisable
to be at the pier 20 minutes before departure.
Day Trips from Phuket
If you're staying in Phuket but would like to visit Phi Phi Island
for the day, there are a number of tours available. Prices vary
between 500-1,200 Baht including lunch and depend on the type
of boat, quality of lunch, and options offered e.g., snorkeling
and glass bottomed boat. Tours
normally start in the early morning around 7.00 am and usually
return by about 6.00pm.
From Krabi Province
Boats depart from Krabi town and Ao Nang beach around 4 times
daily (subject to change) The journey takes about 90 minutes depending
on weather conditions. During the low season (May - October) departures
may be delayed.
From International Destinations
The last boat from Phuket to Phi Phi leaves at 13.30 so you must
allow time to get a taxi from the airport to the boat dock. Tickets
should be booked in advance through travel agencies as it is not
always possible to buy tickets on arrival. Allow around 1 hour
from the airport to the ferry. As connections can be subject to
delay it is advisable to stay overnight in Phuket before continuing
your journey to Phi Phi. See (Schedule)
Where to Stay
Most of the tourist accommodation and services on Phi Phi Don
are located around Tonsai Bay, the main ferry destination with
the more exclusive and upmarket hotels around the eastern and
northern side. There is nowhere to stay on Phi Phi Ley.
Accommodation varies from simple bungalows to upmarket international
resorts. During the high season (October to March) it is not possible
to pre-book budget and standard accommodation. Prices are subject
to demand and can be changed depending on how many guests arrive
at any particular time. If you want to book in advance, you can
check availability on this site.
Thai Holidays & Festivals
Many Thais travel during festivals and holidays, so boats can
be crowded and flights, especially from Bangkok, fully booked.
Below are some of the more important festival dates to check with
before making your travel plans.
- January - New Year - Busy until around 6th January
when it calms down!
- February - Chinese New Year - varies with the calendar
- around the 2nd full moon. Ferries are busy.
- April 13/14/15 - Songkran Festival or Thai New Year.
This is the water festival when many Thais return to their home.
Don't expect to travel easily around this time as buses, flights
and ferries are very busy. This is a major holiday in Thailand.
- November Loy Kratong around the 12th. A beautiful festival
where floating kratongs (literally "leaf cup" with lighted
candles are placed on water to take away bad luck. Not too many
people travelling at this time of year.
- December - Christmas - High season. Expect full flights,
buses and busy boats.
Weather
Phi Phi weather follows the same basic weather pattern as Phuket.
- October - March - Generally good weather, low rainfall
and average temperatures 30-32C(90F)
- April - May - Very hot and humid. Temperatures reaching
38C(95F+)
- June - September - Variable. Temperatures average 30C
(90F) About an 80% chance of rain in June and September, but
remember, it doesn't rain all the time! Also the rain is warm
and there are some excellent value hotel rooms in this season.
Other Information
For information on getting around, shopping, etc., see travellers
tips
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