Should You Visit Koh Phi Phi?

Is Koh Phi Phi worth visiting?

Koh Phi Phi is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the island has to offer. Koh Phi Phi is actually made up of six islands, but Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited island. This island is popular with day trippers, but it's also a fun and beautiful island to visit independently. The snorkeling and diving is world class. There's a popular backpacker area around Tonsai, but there's also a quieter, resort-filled area to the north. In addition to stunning natural beauty, visitors enjoy snorkeling and dive trips, rock climbing, and hiking. During our first trip to Koh Phi Phi in 2011, we fell in love with the dramatic beauty and striking blue water. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Touropia's Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia.

Longtail boats around Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Reasons to Visit Koh Phi Phi

Resorts
Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
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
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.

Nightlife
Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

Hiking
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.

Food
Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Koh Phi Phi might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Koh Phi Phi here or see if Koh Phi Phi is expensive here.

Is Koh Phi Phi worth visiting in the Summer?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

The low season for travel in Koh Phi Phi is during the summer. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Phi Phi looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, take a hike, and enjoy the amenities of a resort. Also, you can experience the nightlife and the beautiful scenery.

Is Koh Phi Phi worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Koh Phi Phi. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Phi Phi looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, go hiking, and lounge on the beach. Also, you can relax at a luxurious resort.

Is Koh Phi Phi worth visiting in the Winter?

The high season for travel in Koh Phi Phi is the winter, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.

The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 28°C (82°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Phi Phi looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the cuisine, the nightlife, and the beaches. Also, you can check out the resorts, the beautiful scenery, and the hiking.

Is Koh Phi Phi worth visiting in the Spring?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 29°C (84°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Koh Phi Phi, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Phi Phi looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, enjoy the evening activities, and relax at the beach. Also, you'll be able to enjoy the amenities of a resort and get out into nature.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Koh Phi Phi

Museums
Koh Phi Phi isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

Shopping
Koh Phi Phi isn't exactly a shopper's destination. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Lots of Tourists
Koh Phi Phi sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Koh Phi Phi most famous for?

Koh Phi Phi is most famous for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. People visit this impressive island for its great resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. It's also known for nightlife and hiking. And many travelers come for the food, as well. It is often described as dramatic, stunning, beautiful, rustic, remote, and tropical.

What is the most famous sight in Koh Phi Phi?

The most popular sight in Koh Phi Phi is Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Koh Phi Phi on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay and other attractions here.

How touristy is Koh Phi Phi? Is it a popular island to visit?

Koh Phi Phi is a very touristy island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $107
• Phuket Trick Eye 3D Museum Admission Ticket: $14
• Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
• PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
• Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
• Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $69
• Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
• 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $160

How long should I spend in Koh Phi Phi?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Koh Phi Phi is two to three days. Since Koh Phi Phi has a variety of activities such as resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Koh Phi Phi?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Koh Phi Phi?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Koh Phi Phi?.