Phi Phi Islands is the name of one of Thailand’s many world-renowned destinations. The islands are Koh Phi Phi Don which offers numerous resorts, bungalows, restaurants, and party places, just everything you can ever dream of while Koh Phi Phi Leh, the smaller one, is only for excursions. Phi Phi Islands are found between Phuket, Koh Lanta, and Ao Nang and can be reached from any of those locations.
With amazing beaches and scenery as taken right from a postcard with the classic limestone rock formations rising straight up from the perfect turquoise water, this destination is one of the most amazing places there is. These famous islands got a big buzz after the movie The Beach with Leonardo Dicaprio and this is with no doubt the most famous islands in this area.
Phi Phi Islands get visitors of all ages but the islands are extremely popular among younger people which you will probably notice already on the ferry and if you don’t you will when you step on to the pier. The island has plenty of beaches and great mountain views.
Phi Phi Dons most famous beaches are Ton Sai Bay, Loh Dalam Bay, Loh Lana Bay, and Loh Ba Kao Bay but there are plenty more wonderful beaches. The most famous sites on Phi Phi Leh are Maya Bay and Pileh where the last mentioned one is not a beach but a lagoon situated 500 meters (1700 feet) in from the open water with high mountains along the sides. At the most narrow part, it is only 60 meters (180 feet) between the walls.
The island does not have any traffic worth mentioning which empowers the island feeling. Traffic is something that you will encounter at almost all other destinations in Thailand. Parts of the island do not have electricity all 24 hours or at all which can be a good thing to ask if you choose a room with a fan. Places with air-conditioning will most certainly be able to provide electricity all the time.
The beaches at Phi Phi Islands are so far not occupied by Jet-Skis but at the Loh Dalam Bay, you will find some water attractions, on smaller beaches the only unnatural sound is a long-tail-boat that arrives or depart. With its great diving spots and snorkeling, you will be able to see everything from rays to reef sharks and all other colorful fishes here.
Phi Phi Islands can be the perfect destinations for a complete holiday or for a shorter period. Without a doubt, the islands will give you a strong impression.
TRANSPORTS ON Koh Phi Phi
Getting around on Phi Phi is a little different from most other places because there aren’t the usual pickups and taxis. Here you will have to walk or rent a bike, not a motorbike but a bicycle. If you are too tired for a hike to any of the more distant beaches you can always get a ride with a long-tail-boat which acts as a taxi on Phi Phi Islands.
Most people find it very relaxing not having the busy roads everywhere and that you can actually walk in a safe environment only enjoying nature when it is as best.
If you want tips about the best way to reach a specific location, don’t be afraid to ask either staff at the hotel or just anyone else, they will most certainly help out.
SEASONS
Weather For Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi Islands are literally exploding during the high season while during the low season it can sometimes be impossible to get here depending on the weather conditions. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is between November to April. As in all locations in this area, the November and April month sometimes can be unstable but usually, it is around these months the season’s changes.
However, the low season is the time when many people really think that Phi Phi Islands is best. The beautiful nature is still there but the islands can really give that calm feeling that some people longing for.
BEACHES
The most famous beaches on Koh Phi Phi are:
Loh Dalum Bay – The white sand on the north side of the Phi Phi Island isthmus (narrow land path) belongs to the Loh Dalum Bay. The sand in contrast to the perfect calm and colorful water is like taken from a dream. The water here is shallow and you can walk very far out and still not need to swim, this dreamy beach never gets any visits from waves.
Snorkeling along the cliffside is a great adventure and if you rent a kayak you can go to Monkey Beach which is set just around the left mountain wall. The distance is only 1 km (0.6 miles) and Monkey Beach can not be reached from the land. Another thing that might draw your attention to Monkey Beach is the name that doesn’t come for no reason. I think you get what I mean.
Loh Dalum Beach is about 700 meters (2300 feet) long and for those who want some water fun, you find the classic banana boat and paragliding.
Behind the beach you find the resorts and restaurants making this a very convenient place to stay at. In the evening you can dine and relax in fantastic surroundings and it is only about 140 meters (450 feet) to get to Ton Sai Beach on the south side of the isthmus. The Ton Sai Village is set on the east side of the beaches.
Ton Sai Bay – This is where the main harbor is set. Boats come and go, and many excursions depart and arrive throughout the day. In the afternoon after the last ferries arrive, the pier becomes ore relaxed. The beach here is very beautiful but people tend to like not having boat traffic close by. On the east side of the beach, there is very calm and beautiful. Here you can find a place to drink or eat and still be within very close distance to Tonsai Village and the pier.
Long Beach – This beach lies only 5 minutes southwest from Ton Sai by long-tail-boat and about 30 minutes by walk. The cost to come here by long-tail-boat is around 100 bath. This is a perfect paradise with the feeling of being far away from everything. There are many bungalows to choose from, both low-budget and more classy ones.
From the beach that is facing southwest, you have a perfect view of Phi Phi Leh which you of course have to visit as well. Snorkeling is perfect from this beach and there are many rocks and chorals that attract fish. During low season there are common waves here since the beach doesn’t have any shelter. Long Beach is about 0.5 km (1700 feet) long.
Loh Lana Bay – This 460 meters (1500 foot) long beach is set on the north side of Koh Phi Phi Don. Behind the beach rests a big coconut forest and the bay is protected by long mountain arms. It is about 4 km (2.5 miles) away from Ton Sai why this beach is very calm. It is only a few minute’s walks to Loh ba Kao Bay where many of the options of bungalows are good.
In the other direction, you can visit the very small and beautiful Nui bay. Looking out into the ocean from Loh Lana Bay you are facing northwest which means that from here you can enjoy a perfect sunset. Do I have to mentions that snorkeling is great from here? If so, snorkeling is very good here too.
Ao Toh Ko Beach – This secluded beach stretches about 200 meters (640 feet) along the west coast right north from Loh Moo Dee Bay. It takes a good hike to get here by foot from Ton Sai and it will probably take about an hour.
As mentioned before long-tail-boats are working as taxis and will be able to take you here as well. Don’t expect to see many people here even if there is one set of bungalows at the beach. You will also be able to get food from a restaurant here.
Rantee Beach – Many people claim this to be the most perfect spot on all Koh Phi Phi Don. Snorkeling is just amazing at the reef which is set right from the beach. This beach is easier to reach than for example Ao Toh Ko Beach. Here you find some bungalows and also a few different laid back bars.
Thanks for checking out our Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide! If you’d like to read more about other Thai Islands, check out our Krabi/Ao Nang Guide here.
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