Everything you need to know about Phi Phi Islands
Updated 2022! Looking for a perfect destination on your post-covid Thailand getaway? Then the Phi Phi Islands are the place for you!
Are you still looking for things to do in Phi Phi Islands? Visiting the Islands will give you memories to last a lifetime.
So, you have decided to visit the idyllic Phi Phi Island? There are a few important things you will need to know before you go such as, ‘How far is Phi Phi Island from Phuket?’, ‘How to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket?’ and once you are there you’ll want to know ‘What to do on your visit?’ and also you’ll want to find out about all the Phi Phi Island Activities you need to know.
Read on to discover the most important information about the Phi Phi Islands before booking your tour with Simba Sea Trips!
How to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket?
The Phi Phi Islands are situated 50 km from Phuket. How to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket you ask? Well, there are a few different options. We think that a speedboat is the most efficient way how to get to there from Phuket. A speedboat ride will take you only one hour and prices start around 1,000 THB per person. A speedboat is a great option since you can stop at different locations rather than just visit one area of the island. You can get there quick and in ultimate style with a Phi Phi Island speedboat tour of the region.
Now that you’ve made it, you’ll be looking at what to do in Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi is a relatively small island but there are plenty of Phi Phi Island activities to check out and keep you entertained. When in Phi Phi island things to do come along as you experience the area more and more.
Phi Phi islands are packed with experiences you can have! Not only are there plenty of hotels in Phi Phi where you can stay, but there is also a whole lot of perks that come with the area. You will find yourself walking along beaches with white sand and next to these white sand beach locales you will find nature that is of unmatched beauty.
Here are some of our favorite things to do.
Snorkeling in Phi Phi Islands
Once you once you figured out how to get to Phi Phi island and arrive there, you will find yourself in an area of land that is surrounded by water. Naturally, that means that there is plenty of space for you to go snorkeling at.
Phi Phi Island – Favourite Snorkeling Locations
- Hin Klong
- Shark Point
- Loh Sama
- Bamboo Island
- and Pileh Lagoon.
Hin Klong is often referred to as Coral Mountain and is located in the north of Phi Phi. The reef area is 90m long and 60m wide so there is plenty to see and explore. In our opinion, this is the best snorkeling spot in Phi Phi Islands.
Shark Point is another great snorkeling spot at Phi Phi islands as you don’t need a boat to get there. You can snorkel straight off the beach. At approximately 200m off the beach, you can see a rock protruding from the sea. It is here where the name Shark Point comes from as several small blacktip reef sharks can be found swimming in the morning or late afternoon. Loh Sama is well known for both snorkeling and diving.
It’s a very picturesque spot that is located on the eastern side of Phi Phi Islands. Bamboo Island not only has some great snorkeling but also boasts the best beach in our opinion. It is located 5km from Phi Phi so you’ll need to hire a boat to get there. Also, get there early to avoid the crowds. Pileh Lagoon is Nature’s very own swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by 100m high cliffs that reflect the sunlight in all different shades. It is simply stunning and there’s some great snorkeling around the entrance to the lagoon.
Hiking on Phi Phi Islands’ viewpoints
Put on your sports shoes (if you brought them) and get ready to hike to the viewpoints. This is totally worth it and best done in the early morning while it is still cool or otherwise late in the afternoon to watch the sunset. After a good night’s sleep, you can start going to the Ko Phi Phi viewpoints. There are 3 main viewpoints you can visit. They are not hard to locate, but can be challenging to get to. Getting to the viewpoints of Phi Phi Islands can be a little tricky and you need to be prepared for a steep hike. If you feel like whipping out on a bit of the hike you can flag down a dirt bike taxi who will charge you around 20 THB to get most of the way up the hill. You will still need to hike the last bit of it though.
Once you have done that you can then explore the three different viewpoints. Don’t forget that there is an entrance fee also. This does change on occasion though and we have heard of people being charged on average 30 THB per person. There are a few little stalls selling water too if you forget to take your own. We really recommend making it all the way to viewpoint 3 as this is definitely the best view and most iconic of Phi Phi Islands. Remember if you decide to go for sunset, you’ll need to bring some form of light to guide to home.
Kayaking in the clear warm waters of Phi Phi Islands
There are several places where you can hire a kayak and go exploring around Ko Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh islands. If you feel like getting off the beaten path and getting ‘lost’ exploring then you should definitely consider this high on your list of must-do Phi Phi Island activities. There is so much to explore on your own from secluded beaches to caves and undiscovered snorkeling stops.
Thinking of visiting Phi Phi Lee? Check out the best things to do in Phi Phi Lee.
You will need to consider the tide though for some of the caves and snorkeling spots. The lower the tide, the better as this will unearth some real wonders such as caves that are usually hidden during high tide. Just remember the Phi Phi islands are a lot bigger than you may think so allow plenty of time and take loads of water with you as well as snorkeling gear.
Rock climbing at Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands – Tonsai Village Bay Wall
There are some awesome rock climbing Phi Phi Island activities to consider. Here are our favorite locations. Tonsai Bay Wall, in the Tonsay Village, is by far the most popular with its 200m rock face. This is a great area as it caters to all levels from beginner to extreme.
Phi Phi Islands – Ao Ling Wall close to Monkey Beach
South of Tonsai Bay Wall, you’ll find Ao Ling Wall. Currently, it’s only accessible by longtail boat and because of this, it is generally quiet. There are some quite tricky climbs to master for the adventurous. Pileh Lagoon has seven routes to conquer. It’s the most stunning scenery but does require a 20 min longtail boat ride to get there.
Phi Phi Islands – Drinking Wall
Finally, there’s Drinking Wall that is situated before Tonsai West. You’ll recognize it by the open area with the mock football field that the locals use after school and work. Due to the rock formation, it is best to get there before lunchtime so that you have enough sunlight to complete the climbs. There are over 20 routes to choose from.
Phi Phi Islands are a Scuba Diving paradise
Check out some of the reputable dive companies based on the island. You do need to check your facts and make sure the company you choose is a safe one and maintains their gear. Scuba diving in Phi Phi is world renowned. The island has clear warm waters all year round making it a very attractive option. Phuket and Krabi have great scuba diving spots with clear and warm waters! Pick a company that is safe and start diving! There is so much marine life also and all within a 30 min, or less, boat ride off Phi Phi. Many people who travel to the island are first time divers and go on to get their diving certificates or licenses. The top dive sites are very similar to the snorkeling sites.
Cooking Class with the flavours of Phi Phi islands
Cooking classes are great for a rainy day at Phi Phi islands, or if you’d love to learn how to cook your favorite Thai dish. For Thai cooking classes, we recommend Pum’s Cooking School. Pum has a few different locations in Thailand and is very experienced in not only cooking but teaching people how to cook. At the cooking school, you can choose from over 40 recipes from curies to noodle dishes your favorite is bound to be on the list. If you have the time it’s best to do the 4hr workshop which includes a tour of the local market.
During the tour, you will learn about different Thai herbs, spices, and ingredients. You’ll also learn a bit about the Thai culture and the way markets are held and run. The best bit about attending a cooking school is that you’ll get to eat what you’ve made! This activity is one of the most delicious out of all things to do in Phi Phi Island since you can enjoy tasty dishes while improving your cooking skills at the same time!
Phi Phi Island Hopping
One of the best things to do in Phi Phi island is to visit the surrounding islands as well! It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the Andaman sea by doing some island hopping to idyllic beaches and vistas that you will remember forever. Since speedboat is the best option for how to get to Phi Phi island, you can use a speedboat to travel to the neighbouring islands as well.
If you want to make up your own itinerary then hire a traditional longtail boat and get the captain to take you where you want to go. Here is what we suggest are the must see things. Maya Bay (although you can’t land on the beach here anymore) Pileh Bay, Bamboo Beach, Mosquito Island (you can’t get off here either and you wouldn’t want to as it’s riddled with snakes) and lastly, just going past the tall limestone cliffs and taking in all their beauty.
Phi Phi islands:
- Ko Phi Phi Le
- Ko Phi Phi Don
- Ko Bida Nok
- Ko Mai Phai
- Ko Yung
- Ko mai
Phi Phi Islands nightlife
Phi Phi’s best bars can be found in the main areas of Phi Phi which are Loh Dalum, Tonsai East and Tonsai Village. Phi Phi is renowned for its drinks served in buckets. Start the night off right by visiting the Slinky Bar. This is our top pick where party goers can dance on the tables. If you are looking for something a little more chilled out and relaxed then look no further than Sunflower Bar. It has a stunning beach view and is a great place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand on the sand. Banana Rooftop Bar has an awesome terrace that is set up with bamboo salas with comfy cushions and mats.
Kick back in one of the salas and enjoy the spectacular view of Phi Phi Islands! Drinks here are pretty reasonably priced and tasty. If you’re looking for a night of entreating games and drinks then look no further than Stockholm Syndrome. Beer pong is the game of choice here for young travelers from all over the world. It has a fun vibe all night long.
Everything you need to know
Well, there you have it! All you need to know about the island and things to do in Phi Phi Islands so that you can enjoy the most amazing experience ever.
Feel free to check the best Islands near Phuket as well.