To say “Phi Phi” is to say “party party.” The Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Phi Phi, make their way onto nearly every list of must-visit beaches in Thailand, which is no small feat considering the remarkable competition. Some would even call them Thailand’s most famous islands of all. A dynamite destination beloved by backpackers, rabble-rowsers, and nature-lovers alike, Koh Phi Phi offers one of the best beach party scenes in Southeast Asia and is praised for its ethereal tropical beauty and unique geographical formation.
When it comes to the reputation of Thailand’s iconic beaches, the bar is already high, but Koh Phi Phi is a stand out. Floating in the Andaman Sea, this archipelago of six immaculate islands is home to astounding white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, lush forests, and mountainous terrain like you’ve never seen or set foot on before. Only the largest, main island, Koh Phi Phi Don, plays host to visitors with a plethora of hotels and restaurants, while the other islands are accessed by daily boat trips.
You’ll stay in the lively village of Ton Sai, which rests on a slender strip of land, the width of which takes about 30 seconds to cross between the northern and southern beaches. Both tail ends of Koh Phi Phi Don widen dramatically into rugged peaks and abundantly green forest begging to be explored. Millions of visitors come from all over the world every year to take part in the phenomenal marine recreation and festivities on this little party island — an incredible number considering that Koh Phi Phi Don is less than 4 square miles.
The coolest recreation to take part in on the Phi Phi Islands
Party culture is alive and well on Koh Phi Phi
With an infamous reputation for liveliness, Ton Sai Bay is poppin’ day and night. From marijuana pop-ups to EDM pool parties to late-night tiki bars to beach bars that start serving at 10 a.m., there is no want for entertainment. The Reggae Bar is a longtime favorite where you can catch a Muay Thai fight, and the Sunflower Beach Bar is the perfect place for tropical cocktails and sunsets. A majority of hostels on Phi Phi are essentially party hostels, but there are affordable outliers if you prioritize a guaranteed solid night’s rest. The lively maze of Ton Sai is populated with vibrant, quirky bars alongside sizzling street food stalls, delicious restaurants with coastal views, and intriguing shops to browse.
If you’re not a partier, fear not: Koh Phi Phi can still be a great option for you. There are low-key luxury resorts, hippy beach rental houses tucked away in hidden nooks, and remote beaches. There is plenty to do on the island for nature lovers who prefer to explore this remarkable destination away from the crowds. Just browse for a rental or hotel on the outskirts of Ton Sai.
How to get to and around this tiny remote paradise
Hopefully, you’ve got some steady sea legs because there is only one way you’re getting to Phi Phi. Multiply ferry and speedboat companies set out from two popular ports in Phuket and Krabi throughout the day, and the journey across the sea takes between one and two hours, depending on sea conditions. Both Phuket and Krabi have accessible airports that connect with daily Bangkok flights. While getting to the Phi Phi Islands might be considered time consuming, it is relatively accessible since it is a highly trafficked route, and after all, let’s remember it is an island. Paradise is worth the trouble.
Once you have arrived in Koh Phi Phi Don, you will have no issue getting around. Everything is within walking distance, and everyone is on foot! You won’t find cars, but you will see locals pushing carts through the busy winding streets. Due to its popularity, as well as its proximity to other extremely popular destinations like Phuket and Krabi, visitors can expect prices in Phi Phi to be higher than in other parts of mainland Thailand. That being said, trips to Phi Phi are comfortably and affordably made by solo travelers, budget backpackers, and families. An average weeklong vacation on the Phi Phi Islands for a pair of two is estimated to be around $1,200.
The most popular time of year to visit the islands is December through April, due to the dry climate and calm ocean. The rainy season from May through October brings torrential downpours and choppier seas. No matter what time of year you go, Koh Phi Phi is still paradise.
