Thailand

Koh Phi Phi is an archipelago of six islands on the southwest coast of Thailand. The two main ones are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley, while the other four are uninhabited and consist of rocks. Located in the Andaman Sea, Koh Phi Phi is 50 km from Phuket and 40 km from Krabi.

One of Thailand's most beautiful islands will captivate you at first sight with its white sandy beaches, turquoise blue sea, limestone mountains, and steep cliffs. Known as a tourist island, it mainly interests divers, trekkers, and nature lovers. Phi Phi Don is the island for accommodation, dining, and partying.

History

In 1950, immigrants from Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, and other provinces settled in Koh Phi Phi for the first time. They were mainly Muslim fishermen and turned the island into a coconut plantation.

Koh Phi Phi today

Today, the arrival area near Tonsai Bay is particularly noisy and lively. Given its tourist character, it is very crowded, and the noise persists until the early morning to witness a festive nightlife.

In the past, the archipelago was a destination for backpackers, but due to its breathtaking landscapes and its fame, especially due to the famous film The Beach, several resorts and luxury hotels have settled there.

However, several small beaches enjoy great calm. Specifically, Phi Phi Leh, Bamboo Island, Yung Island, Biba Nok, and Bida Nai. These are paradisiacal places lulled by the sound of waves and the cries of animals around.

Visiting Koh Phi Phi or avoiding it?

For some time now, Koh Phi Phi, like many other islands in Thailand, has been the subject of controversy. Many travelers wonder whether it is better to avoid the island or to experience Phi Phi.

Koh Phi Phi has indeed become a very touristy island, which has led to some restrictions: certain bays like Maya Bay are now closed to help marine flora and fauna regenerate.

Despite the few restrictions and quotas imposed, Koh Phi Phi still deserves a visit. The beauty of the island is such that no visitor regrets their stay. Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, this small archipelago offers magnificent white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and extremely dense vegetation. With a little searching, it is entirely possible to discover some secluded corners and beaches, perfect for relaxation. Its transparent waters offer magnificent scuba diving sites with incredible fauna and flora. The key is to remain responsible during your stay and respect the environment around us.

With your local guides, you can discover some small deserted islands and avoid the tourist crowds by going early in the morning or at sunset.

Maya Bay

Made famous by the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Virginie Ledoyen, Maya Bay was closed for three years before gradually reopening in 2022. The reason? Many damages to fauna and flora were caused by mass tourism.

Every day, a wave of boats landed on the beach with about 5,000 tourists on board, coming to discover the splendor of this bay. The impact of climate change but also the unconscious behavior of some travelers quickly caused an ecological catastrophe: the beach suffered severe erosion and a large part of the coral reefs were damaged due to engine pollution.

With the ecosystem now in danger, the authorities decided to ban swimming and limit the number of visitors to the beach.

Climate

It is essential to know the weather conditions of this beautiful island to fully enjoy your vacation on Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi has an equatorial climate. This means that rain is very present, even during the driest months. The average annual precipitation is 3,450 mm.

The rain calms down for two months, from January to February, and this is the best time to visit Kho Phi Phi. During this so-called cold season, the average temperature is 28.6°C compared to an annual average of 29.7°C. The sun is still there even in winter. To reassure you, the average precipitation in February is only 64 mm.

How to get to Koh Phi Phi?

To get to Koh Phi Phi, you generally have to pass through Phuket, located 50 kilometers away, or Krabi, which is 40 kilometers away. For this, you can take a plane, bus, or train from Bangkok.

From Phuket

The ferries depart from Rassada Pier, and the crossing takes about 2 hours to Tonsai Pier at Ko Phi Phi Don. To save time, it is possible to take a speedboat and arrive on the island in 45 minutes.

From Krabi

Ferry boats from Klong Jilad Pier regularly connect Krabi and Koh Phi Phi in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Speed boats, on the other hand, make the trip in just 45 minutes.

From Ao Nang and Koh Lanta

Ferries from Ao Nang and Koh Lanta only reach Koh Phi Phi during the tourist season.

How to get around Koh Phi Phi

As there are hardly any cars or motorcycles on Koh Phi Phi, the best way to explore it is on foot or by bike.

To go around the island or to reach the nearby beaches, you can still rent a boat or take a boat taxi.

Discovering Koh Phi Phi

The island of Koh Phi Phi, or the "gems of the Andaman Sea," offers several maritime and mountain activities to animate your stay on the island. As you disembark at Tonsai port on Phi Phi Don, you can start your discoveries there. It is where everyone gathers. It is the center of all restaurants, bars, shops, and even tattoo and piercing salons… For maritime activities, you can scuba dive from the village or snorkel in Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalam.

If you prefer to explore the terrestrial nature, you can visit Viking Cave on Phi Phi Leh, monkey beach at Loh Dalam, trek in the mountains, or climb the island's stunning cliffs.

There are as many relaxing activities such as excursions, relaxing at Maya Bay, cruising on the Andaman Sea, bird watching, fishing, taking a yoga class, relaxing at the spa, or simply on the paradisiacal beaches.