Phi Phi islands or Ko Phi Phi, is a small group of islands located south east of Phuket and southern west side of Krabi mainland. Consisting of 6 small islands, Phi Phi islands offer pristine white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and the perfect island lifestyle for travellers! If you want to experience the same and are planning to visiting this tiny archipelago, one of the most important question would be: How to reach Ko Phi Phi? Don’t worry! In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know before visiting the islands and most importantly, how to reach Phi Phi islands from Krabi, Phuket and Bangkok. So let’s get started!
About Phi Phi Islands
As said above, Phi Phi islands is a group of 6 islands in Andaman Sea—between Phuket and Krabi. There are 2 main islands in this archipelago, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. While Phi Phi Don has all the hotels and resorts, Phi Phi Leh is known for its famous attractions like Maya Bay and Pi Leh Bay. The best thing about exploring and staying at Ko Phi Phi, according to us, is the lack of motorized vehicles. That’s right! The streets of Phi Phi Don are only meant for walking and handcarts, adding to the unique charm of the islands. Exploring outside of Phi Phi Don is equally fun as you board the long-tail boats for your snorkeling trips and island exploration.
- The most famous attractions in Phi Phi Islands are:Maya Bay
- Bamboo Island
- Pi Leh Bay
- Viking Cave (closed for visits)
- Nui Beach
- Phi Phi Viewpoints
- Monkey Bay
Top Things To Do In Phi Phi Islands
Let’s discuss the best activities and attractions for your Ko Phi Phi trip in detail!
Long-Tail Boat Tour
Experience the traditional way to explore the Phi Phi Islands by joining a long-tail boat tour for the day. Most tours include key spots like Maya Bay (made famous by “The Beach” movie), Pileh Bay, and Monkey Beach, with time for swimming and snorkeling at each location. One of the most popular tours in Ko Phi Phi and Krabi is the Seven Island Tour which lets you explore the archipelago and surrounding islands in its entirety. The day trip also offers meals and a mesmerizing sunset view at the end of the tour. Book your 7 island snorkeling trip fro Ko Phi Phi here!
Experience the vibrant nightlife
When the sun sets over the Phi Phi Islands, it transforms from a beach paradise into a vibrant nightlife destination, offering beachfront nightclubs, fire shows, and laid-back bars. Slinky Beach Bar and Phi Phi Reggae Bar are some of the most popular party destinations on the islands, along with Ibiza Beach Club, which is known for its famous pool parties! We also recommend visiting the ‘Walking Street’, a lively area where you can find tons of shops, restaurants, and bars—especially vibrant at night!
Climb to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints
There are 3 main viewpoints for Koh Phi Phi that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the archipelago and the surrounding Andaman Sea. Reaching these Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints requires a short hike but we promise that the view from the top is absolutely rewarding! We recommend visiting the viewpoint in the early morning to avoid crowds and heat, and get a spectacular view of the rising sun!
Long Beach
Long Beach offers a peaceful one-kilometer stretch of white sand on Phi Phi Don’s shore. Unlike the busy beaches near Tonsai Village, it offers less crowd and plenty of space to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy stunning views. The clear waters offer amazing visibility for snorkeling with some beautiful corals located just near the shore! Though quiet, it’s only a 15-20 minute trek through a jungle or a boat ride away from the main village, offering a balance of peace and convenience! At night, this beach transforms into a vibrant party spot, perfect for an evening out on an island!
How To Reach Phi Phi Islands: From Krabi
To reach Phi Phi islands from Krabi, you can take a ferry or a speedboat from Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi.
Ferries from Krabi to Phi Phi Islands take about 1.5 to 2 hours and are generally more crowded, but they offer lower prices and a scenic ride! Speedboats, on the other hand, take you to Phi Phi Islands in about 45 minutes to an hour and are less crowded, but the tickets are a little more expensive. So choose your mode of transport based on your preference! While Klong Jilad Pier is the most popular pier with the most frequent rides, Ao Nang Pier and Krabi Town Pier also offer ferry departures to Phi Phi Islands. We recommend booking your ferry/speedboat ride in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles, and some providers even offer hotel pickup shuttles to take you to the pier!
- If you are looking to book a Krabi to/from Phi Phi ferry that includes hotel transfer, you can book it here.
- If you are looking to book a Krabi to/from Phi Phi speedboat that includes hotel transfer, you can book it here.
How To Reach Phi Phi Islands: From Phuket
Phuket, another famous destination among tourists, has connectivity to Phi Phi Islands. Again, the only way to reach Phi Phi Island from Phuket is via the sea, with departure points for ferry and speedboat transfers from Rassada Pier to Phi Phi Islands.
Ferries are a budget-friendly option, with a 2 hour ride and are a little more crowded. Speedboats offer a much faster transfer at a slightly higher price, with rides taking just 50 minutes and are less crowded. While you can book your tickets directly at the pier, we recommend booking them in advance to avoid any hassles, as during peak season, both ferries and speedboats tend to get completely booked out very quickly.
- If you are looking to book a Phuket to/from Phi Phi ferry that includes hotel transfer, you can book it here.
- If you are looking to book a Phuket to/from Phi Phi speedboat that includes hotel transfer, you can book it here.
How To Reach Phi Phi Islands: From Bangkok
If you’re looking to travel to Phi Phi Islands from Bangkok, the route is not direct as there are no direct ferries or other modes of transport from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands.
However, you can still get to Phi Phi Island by any of these routes:
- Fly from Bangkok to Krabi, then book a ferry or speedboat from Krabi to Phi Phi Islands
- Fly from Bangkok to Phuket, then book a ferry or speedboat from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands
- Take a 16 to 20-hour bus ride from Bangkok to Krabi, then book a ferry or speedboat from Krabi to Phi Phi Islands
- Take a 13-hour bus ride from Bangkok to Phuket, then book a ferry or speedboat from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands
Pro Tip: If you want to visit the Phi Phi islands from Bangkok, it would be better to add Krabi and/or Phuket to your Thailand itinerary as you will get your money’s worth by exploring 2-3 locations instead of just one!
Upon Reaching Phi Phi Island: Where To Stay?
Phi Phi Islands offers accommodation for every type of traveler, from budget-conscious to travelers seeking luxury getaways. Here are properties categorized into budget, mid-range, and luxury. Explore this curated list based on your preferences!
Budget Accommodations in Ko Phi Phi
Phi Phi Islands or specifically Phi Phi Don is a heaven for backpackers and budget travelers! You will find a lot of hostels and budget friendly private accommodation. Here are a few Borderline Nomad curated budget-friendly stays in Phi Phi Island:
The View Hostel
The View Hostel is a great option for budget travelers who want a comfortable stay at an affordable price. It offers clean, comfortable dorm rooms, with a fantastic view of the ocean—hence the name! It is one of the highly rated hostels of the island so you will definitely get a bang for your buck! Book The View Hostel here!
Ibiza House Phi Phi
If you’re looking for an affordable stay with superior amenities and amazing parties, Ibiza House Phi Phi is the place to go for the ultimate nomad experience! This property offers shared dorm rooms, private rooms, and villas along with its on-site restaurant and bar, and famous pool parties. So if you are on a budget and still want a party vibe, book the shared dorm rooms at Ibiza House! Book Ibiza House Phi Phi here!
Phi Phi Cozy Seafront Resort
Staying in budget doesn’t always mean hostels and dorms! Stay at Phi Phi Cozy Seafront Resort for an affordable price and take advantage of resort amenities like air-conditioned rooms with an amazing view of the sea, a great swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and even private beach access! Book Phi Phi Cozy Seafront Resort here!
Mid-Range Accommodations in Ko Phi Phi
If you want the best of both worlds—the casual, party vibes of budget accommodation and amenities of higher-end resorts, mid-budget accommodations are perfect for you! Here are the curated stays for mid-range accommodations in Phi Phi Islands:
PP Charlie Beach Resort
If you’re looking for a comfortable stay with all amenities at a great location without hurting your wallet, then PP Charlie Beach Resort is your best bet! The hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms and provides a large outdoor pool with a poolside bar. Not only are the rooms quite affordable, but the hotel is also close to the happening places like Slinky Bar and Ibiza Beach Club. Book PP Charlie Beach Resort here!
Phi Phi Bayview Resort
Located in a quieter area, this hotel is close to the popular landmarks but still away from the noise! Phi Phi Bayview Resort offers stylish rooms, great amenities, and a fantastic outdoor pool. It’s also located close to attractions like Love Beach and Viking Beach! Book Phi Phi Bayview Resort here!
Phi Phi Natural Resort
Are you looking for a laid-back nomad experience at an affordable price? Phi Phi Natural Resort is located near the Laemtong Pier, which is located in the northernmost, much quieter area of Phi Phi Don. The hotel provides great Wi-Fi connectivity(a must for nomads) and offers a close-knit experience where you can socialize with other fellow travelers. Great amenities, private beach access, and a nice view from the outdoor pool add a cherry on top! Book Phi Phi Natural Resort here!
Luxury Accommodations in Ko Phi Phi
Even though The White Lotus season 3 was not shot on Phi Phi island, you can still experience a luxurious retreat here at Koh Phi Phi! Want to do luxury right? Here are Borderline Nomad curated resorts for luxury travelers!
Phi Phi The Beach Resort
Phi Phi The Beach Resort sits on the peaceful Long Beach, away from the busy main village. The resort offers Thai-style rooms with beautiful ocean and garden views. Guests can walk right onto the white sand beach via private beach access, and the beach has clear blue water, making for a good snorkeling spot! The restaurant serves a variety of seafood, international and Thai cuisine. Phi Phi The Beach Resort is perfect for people who want to experience Phi Phi’s beauty without the crowd. Book Phi Phi The Beach Resort here!
PP Princess Resort
PP Princess Resort enjoys a prime location in the heart of Phi Phi Don’s main area, just steps from Tonsai Bay. This modern resort offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning and balconies overlooking either the ocean or the lush greenery of the island. Guests can easily walk to shops, restaurants, and beaches while still having a peaceful place to retreat from the island’s busy nightlife. The resort features a restaurant serving both Thai and international cuisine, and its central position makes it perfect for travelers who want to be close to everything, including boat tours, diving centers, and beach parties! Despite being in the busy part of the island, the resort provides a relaxing atmosphere with helpful staff who can arrange all island activities for you. Book PP Princess Resort here!
Centara Villas Phi Phi Island
A newly opened villa resort, Centara Villas is perfect for a ‘The White Lotus’ inspired peaceful retreat! This secluded luxury resort features villas with sea views, all-you-need amenities, and even suites with private pools. The property offers two private beaches, a larger pool area, and an amazing spa! Despite its peaceful location away from crowds, the resort provides easy access to island attractions through organized boat tours. Centara Villas Phi Phi Island is ideal for travelers seeking a premium, tranquil escape while still experiencing the natural beauty of Phi Phi! Book Centara Villas Phi Phi Island here!
So this was our ultimate guide on how to reach Phi Phi Islands, attractions and activities on the islands, and Ko Phi Phi accommodation for every budget! So all you have to do now is book your tickets and have the best time on these islands. Happy Travels
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