The reason people visit Koh Phi Phi is clear, as it offers resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and romance.
Some of the most popular sights include:
- Maya Bay for $50
- Bamboo Island for $30
- The Phi Phi Viewpoint (Free)
- Monkey Beach for $30
Koh Phi Phi Ley, the island to the south, is one of the main attractions of the archipelago. Made famous by the movie "The Beach," this beautiful island is now overrun during the day by visitors on tour boats who come to see Maya Bay, as well as snorkelers and divers. The beauty of the island is what draws the crowds in, and is worth the hassle.
Various scuba diving and snorkeling spots around the islands are also quite popular, and offer a glimpse into the tropical undersea wildlife. However, the number of visitors in recent years has taken its toll on the natural scenery.
The beaches on the main island consist of white sand, are usually wide, and lead into calm, clear blue waters. The main beach is in the middle of the island adjacent to the town, and is therefore the busiest. Various other beaches, some quite small, can be found amongst the steep cliffs of the east and west sides of the island. Some can only be accessed through hotel properties, while others are easily accessible from public paths.
A few lookout points can be found on the higher grounds around the island, and the primary viewpoint charges an admission fee.
Scuba diving is extremely popular around the Phi Phi islands, as the water is clear, warm, and the wildlife is generally healthy. Dive shops can be found throughout the town of Ton Sai, and are sometimes quite aggressive with their sales pitches as you walk along the main paths. Do not believe their supposedly amazing claims of seeing whale sharks on every trip or other profound statements, which are too good to be true. Go with a dive shop that will take you to nearby locations to see the nearby reefs, and you won't be disappointed. Many of the dive shops are honest and friendly. Ask about equipment and safety.
Many dive shops also offer dive certification courses.
If you'd rather snorkel, that is a completely realistic option as well, because much of the surrounding waters are somewhat shallow. Dive shops also run snorkeling trips, as so hotels and hostels and other tour agencies in town.
Another popular activity, offered by hotels and hostels, is a boat tour around the islands. These trips usually include lunch and snorkeling, and stop at a few beaches, snorkeling spots, Maya Bay at Phi Phi Ley, and sometimes a short walk up a hill with a viewpoint. As boats are generally needed to get to many spots on the island anyway, these tours are a great way to see the stunning scenery and get an overview of everything. After all, many little beaches and snorkeling spots on the island are only accessible by boat due to the very high vertical cliffs that surround most of the main island.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
One of the key highlights in Koh Phi Phi is its popular scuba diving scene. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.
Beaches:
Numerous beach lovers choose Koh Phi Phi as their destination for unwinding. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.
Hiking:
The hiking around Koh Phi Phi offers breathtaking views. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.
A nice way to explore destinations in Koh Phi Phi is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi for $114 details
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser for $18 details
- Phi Phi Half Day Tour Speed Boat Tour for $113 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Koh Phi Phi. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Longtail boats around Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Phi Phi can be a bit more pricey than other Thai islands. We found hotels and food here to be a bit more expensive. But it's still cheaper than home. Some of the boat tours can get to be up to $100 per day or so, but the island and the snorkeling is all so beautiful that it's worth it.