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Phi Phi Islands (Thailand)
The Phi Phi Islands are Thailand’s crown jewel, known for towering limestone cliffs, turquoise bays, and vibrant nightlife. Explore Maya Bay, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and soak in the stunning Andaman Sea beauty.
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Summary
Did you know?
Movie Star Fame – The stunning Maya Bay beach was the iconic filming spot for The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Overview
Months
01. January, 02. February, 03. March, 04. April, 05. May, 06. June, 07. July, 08. August, 09. September, 10. October, 11. November, 12. December
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Hiking, Nature
Expenses
<100€, <200€, <150€, Over 200€
Temperature
25-30°C, Over 30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm
Safety
Very safe
Continent
Asia
Currency
Thai baht
Languages
Thai
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands is from November to April.
- Weather: This is the dry season with sunny skies, low humidity, and calm seas — perfect for beach days, snorkeling, and diving.
- Sea conditions: The water is clear and calm, ideal for exploring underwater life and taking boat trips around the islands.
- Crowds: While this is peak season, visiting just before or after (November or April) means fewer tourists but still great weather.
Avoid May to October, when the monsoon season brings heavy rain, rough seas, and some ferry services may be suspended.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season December to April
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 7 to 9 hours.
Rain Frequency: Low, with mostly dry and clear days.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Generally light to moderate showers, occasionally a short downpour.
Duration: Rain is usually brief and passes quickly, often within an hour.
Off-Peak Season May to November
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 4 to 6 hours.
Rain Frequency: Frequent, especially from May to October.
Rainy Hours per Day: 3 to 5 hours.
Intensity: Moderate to heavy tropical rain, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms.
Duration: Rain tends to come in intense bursts, especially in the afternoon, and can last a few hours.
Climate Chart
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: November – April (Dry Season)
Peak season with sunny weather, calm seas, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving. Most popular months are December to March.
Budget Vacation ($50–$90/day)
Accommodation: $15–$30/night (budget hostels, basic bungalows).
Food: $10–$20/day (street food, local eateries).
Activities: $5–$15/day (beaches, snorkeling, hiking to viewpoints).
Transportation: $5/day (walking or longtail boat rides).
Other Costs: $5–$10/day (entrance fees, snacks).
Mid-Range Vacation ($90–$180/day)
Accommodation: $50–$100/night (mid-range resorts, beachfront hotels).
Food: $20–$40/day (restaurants, seafood dining).
Activities: $15–$30/day (snorkeling tours, island hopping, diving).
Transportation: $5–$15/day (boat taxis).
Other Costs: $10–$20/day (drinks, massages).
Luxury Vacation ($180+/day)
Accommodation: $120–$300+/night (luxury resorts, villas).
Food: $40+/day (fine dining, cocktail bars).
Activities: $30+/day (private boat charters, diving excursions).
Transportation: $15+/day (private transfers, speedboats).
Other Costs: $20+/day (spa treatments, guided tours).
Off-Peak Season: May – October (Green Season)
Rainy season with occasional heavy showers and rough seas. Fewer tourists and discounted prices.
Budget Vacation ($40–$70/day)
Accommodation: $10–$25/night (discounted hostels and guesthouses).
Food: $8–$15/day.
Activities: $5–$10/day (beaches, short hikes).
Transportation: $5/day.
Other Costs: $5–$10/day.
Mid-Range Vacation ($70–$140/day)
Accommodation: $30–$70/night.
Food: $15–$25/day.
Activities: $10–$20/day.
Transportation: $5–$10/day.
Other Costs: $10–$15/day.
Luxury Vacation ($140+/day)
Accommodation: $100–$250+/night.
Food: $30+/day.
Activities: $20+/day.
Transportation: $10+/day.
Other Costs: $15+/day.
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Ton Sai Village
- The only significant village on the islands, where most accommodations, restaurants, and shops are located.
Ton Sai Village
Did you know?
Nighttime Bioluminescence – On some nights, the water around Phi Phi glows with magical bioluminescent plankton.
Islands
1. Phi Phi Don
- The larger, inhabited island with villages, beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s the base for most visitors.
2. Phi Phi Leh
- The smaller, uninhabited island famous for Maya Bay (from The Beach movie), stunning cliffs, and excellent snorkeling spots. Overnight stays aren’t allowed, but day trips are a must.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Phi Phi Don
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi Leh)
- Famously featured in The Beach, Maya Bay is more than just cinematic—it’s a sheltered cove surrounded by 100-meter limestone cliffs and brilliant turquoise water. While it's regulated now due to overtourism, the reef regeneration and visitor limits have made the water noticeably clearer and the reef healthier.
2. Pileh Lagoon
- A jade-green lagoon surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs. Best visited by longtail boat or kayak, especially early in the morning when it’s empty and the water looks like glass. Locals sometimes refer to it as the “Emerald Bowl.”
3. Viking Cave
- On the northeast coast of Phi Phi Leh, this cave isn’t just a photo stop—it's still active in the harvesting of edible bird's nests, a centuries-old practice rooted in Chinese medicinal traditions. You’ll also see faint, ancient drawings of ships—some say they’re pirate ships; others think they're merchant vessels.
4. Viewpoints on Koh Phi Phi Don
- The trail to Phi Phi Viewpoint 1, 2, and 3 is sweaty but rewarding. From the top, you see the narrow sandy isthmus connecting the island’s twin bays—an iconic image, especially at sunrise or golden hour.
5. Loh Sama Bay
- A lesser-visited snorkeling gem behind Maya Bay with excellent coral formations and reef fish. Calm conditions make it ideal for freediving.
Historical & Cultural Attractions
1. Sea Gypsy Community (Chao Ley)
- While the Phi Phi Islands have become heavily tourist-oriented, there's still a small population of Chao Ley (Moken) sea nomads who live on Koh Phi Phi Don. You can observe their fishing practices and hear stories of their navigation skills passed down without written maps.
2. Wat Koh Phi Phi
- This small Buddhist temple sits quietly away from the main hustle, used by locals and a few monks. It's not elaborate, but it's genuine. If you catch a ceremony here, you’ll see monks and locals offering candles, flowers, and rice—simple, powerful moments of spiritual practice.
3. Tsunami Memorial Garden (Tonsai Village)
- A poignant reminder of the 2004 tsunami that devastated Phi Phi Don. This small garden with a statue and plaque is one of the few places that respectfully acknowledges the island's tragic history. Some locals still carry stories of survival and rebuilding.
4. Old Fishing Jetty at Laem Tong Beach
- Far from the chaotic party scene, Laem Tong is still tied to traditional fishing. The wooden jetty here has been used for generations, and if you chat with local fishermen in the early morning, you might hear about how tides and moon phases still dictate their routines.
5. Traditional Thai Longtail Boat Culture
- The longtail boats that line the shores aren’t just transport—they're part of a craft and livelihood. Many are family-owned, with engines mounted by hand and decorated with sai sin (blessed threads) and flower garlands for safe journeys.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Pileh Lagoon
How to get around
1. Phi Phi Don (main inhabited island)
- No cars or motorbikes: The entire island is pedestrian-only, especially in the central village of Tonsai.
- Walking is the main mode of transport. It’s flat in town but steep if you're hiking to viewpoints or beaches.
- Bicycles are rare but can sometimes be rented in town. Not very useful due to narrow paths and steps.
2. Longtail Boats
- The main way to get around the islands or to access remote beaches.
- Can be hired privately (around 1,000–2,000 THB for a few hours) or by the trip.
- Common routes: Tonsai → Long Beach, Loh Dalum, or other hidden beaches.
- You’ll also use these to access diving/snorkeling spots and nearby uninhabited Phi Phi Leh (Maya Bay).
3. Kayaks
- Rentable from the beach to explore nearby coves, Monkey Beach, or for sunset paddles.
4. Speedboats
- Used mostly for tours or transfers to other islands (e.g., Phuket, Krabi).
- Can be booked for private day trips around Phi Phi or out to Bamboo and Mosquito Islands.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Monkeys as Locals – Wild monkeys roam freely on the islands and are known for playful antics and sometimes cheeky encounters.
What to eat
1. Grilled Seafood Platters
– Freshly caught prawns, squid, fish, and shellfish grilled right on the beach, often served with spicy seafood dipping sauce. Best enjoyed at seaside stalls or beach BBQ nights.
2. Tom Yum Goong
– A hot and sour shrimp soup packed with lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, chili, and fish sauce. Bold, aromatic, and perfect after a long beach day.
3. Pad Thai with Prawns
– Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, peanuts, and jumbo prawns. Island versions often add fresh lime and local seafood.
4. Massaman Curry
– A southern Thai specialty, rich and mildly spiced with coconut milk, potatoes, cinnamon, and tender chunks of chicken or beef. Often served with rice.
5. Mango Sticky Rice
– Sweet ripe mango with sticky rice soaked in coconut milk. Simple and refreshing, it’s a local favorite for dessert.
Tom Yum Goong
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
Main Access: No airport; access via ferry or speedboat from Phuket or Krabi.
Flight Prices and Seasons to Phuket or Krabi
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost to Phuket (HKT): €400–€900
- Cheapest Months: January to March, September to November
- Peak Prices: June to August, December holidays
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost to Phuket (HKT): $500–$900
- Cheapest Months: January to March
- Peak Prices: June to August, December holidays
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost to Phuket (HKT): $200–$600
- Cheapest Months: January to March, September to November
- Peak Prices: June to August, December
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost to Phuket (HKT): A$700–A$1,400 (~US$450–900)
- Cheapest Months: January to March, September to November
- Peak Prices: December holidays, June to August
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost to Phuket (HKT): $500–$1,200
- Cheapest Months: January to March, September to November
- Peak Prices: June to August, December holidays
Transfer to Phi Phi Islands
- Ferry from Phuket or Krabi to Phi Phi Islands:
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Cost: $15–$25 one-way
- Speedboat (faster, more expensive):
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Cost: $25–$50 one-way
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
The Phi Phi Islands are part of Thailand, so Thai visa rules apply.
- Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of many countries (like the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days when arriving by air, or 15 days if arriving by land or sea. You must have:
A valid passport (at least 6 months remaining)
Proof of onward travel
Sufficient funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family)
- Visa on Arrival: Nationals of certain countries (e.g., India, China) can apply for a Visa on Arrival, valid for 15 days. Application can be done online in advance (recommended).
- Tourist Visa: If staying longer than the visa-free period, apply for a 60-day tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate before arriving. It can be extended once by 30 days at immigration offices in Thailand.
- Overstays: Strictly penalized. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or blacklisting.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- Thai Baht (THB); cards accepted in resorts, but cash is best in small places.
2. Tap Water
- Not safe to drink — always use bottled water.
3. Electricity
- 220V, 50Hz; plug types A, B, C.
4. Tipping
- Not mandatory, but appreciated (e.g., 10% in restaurants).
5. SIM Cards
- Easy to buy at airports or in town; AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove are top providers.
6. Driving Side
- Left-hand side (though motorbikes and boats are more common than cars).
Souveniers
1. Maya Bay & Island-Themed Merchandise
- T-shirts, caps, magnets, and bags featuring the iconic Maya Bay (famous from The Beach movie) are popular keepsakes. They capture the beauty and fame of Phi Phi in fun, colorful designs.
2. Handmade Shell & Pearl Jewelry
- Locally made from sea shells or freshwater pearls, these necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are elegant, affordable, and carry the natural charm of the islands.
3. Thai Beach Sarongs & Cover-Ups
- Lightweight, vibrant sarongs with tropical prints or traditional Thai patterns are widely sold in the markets. They're perfect for the beach and make easy-to-pack souvenirs.
Thai Beach Sarongs
Location
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