In 48 hours, you can experience the true Thai culture, breathtaking views and delectable food as well as the nightlife you won’t want to miss.
Where is it?
The Phi Phi Islands are made up of two islands: Koh Phi Phi Leh (where ‘The Beach’ was filmed on Maya Bay) and Koh Phi Phi Don which is the only inhabited island. They are located in the middle of the Andaman Sea and only a couple hours ferry away from the mainland.
How to get around?
As you step off the ferry, you’ll find you can’t hear the beeping of mopeds or shouting of impatient locals. This is because it is a vehicle-free island so bring some comfortable shoes because the only way to get around here is to walk. Luckily, everything is very central on the isthmus. You’ll find hotel workers usually carry luggage by pushing carts around.
Where to stay?
You should bear in mind, Koh Phi Phi is very expensive compared to the rest of Thailand however when I visited, I managed to find a very reasonable hotel for a budget price (even though it was still the most expensive hotel I paid for during my trip in Thailand).
Maiyada Resort is only a 10-minute walk away from the pier which is in my opinion the perfect distance away from the noisiness of the centre and only a 2 minute walk to Loh Dalum beach. The rooms start at £20 a night with the option to add breakfast.
Zeavola Resort is the islands most luxurious hotel with it’s aesthetic jungle-themed décor, you’ll truly feel like you’ve just stepped foot into a sandy paradise. It is only accessible by boat which guarantees ultimate tranquillity. Room starts at £165 a night including breakfast.
The Cove has an onsite restaurant serving all your Thai favourites overlooking Rantee Beach. The accommodation is set up of several bungalows for you to enjoy that secluded privacy. Rooms start at £47 a night including breakfast.
What to do?
Hike Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints
If you fancy an active afternoon (I say afternoon because it rains most mornings), you should hike to the three viewpoints on the island. They provide the most amazing panoramic views of the island but are definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Beach Massage
For a more relaxing activity, you can experience a traditional Thai massage by the beach. Imagine a peaceful half hour massage whilst you listen to the gentle sound of the water lapping up on the beach with the warm afternoon rays beating down on your back.
Fire Shows
Also, on Loh Dalum beach there are several fire shows in the evening attached to beach night clubs and bars. Due to the little health and safety measures in place, these shows can be quite dangerous but very entertaining.
Snorkeling
Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave are only a few impressive snorkelling spots surrounding Koh Phi Phi. With the potential to see bioluminescent plankton at night or the colourful coral during the day, there are several flexible tours you can book onto on the island or through Get Your Guide
Kayaking
You can rent a kayak at Loh Dalum beach and explore the surrounding bays. Monkey Bay is around the western side of the headland where you can watch the wild monkeys chase each other for their precious scraps of food. Beware of their behaviour since people started feeding them, so now they expect food and may bite or scratch you.
Where to eat?
As a result of the high demand of visitors this island endures annually, the average prices on Koh Phi Phi are generally higher than the rest of Thailand. However, I found the independent, family-run restaurants, although cheap, were usually the best meals. Such as the restaurants in Tonai Village which sometimes felt like you were eating at their house.
The Clover House doesn’t look like much on the outside but the bustling atmosphere inside is what drew me in. The food was delicious and the staff were so friendly. After most meals in Thailand, I finished with a nutella roti pancake and The Clover House did not disappoint.
Pirates House serve Indian and Thai food and was where I had one of the best curries I’ve ever eaten! There is occasionally a live band playing here which created a fun ambiance and they also have an extensive cocktail list to choose from.
Anna’s Restaurant is conveniently located near the pier making the perfect post-ferry meal. They serve European and Thai food. The pineapple fried rice was so flavoursome and creative since it was served in half a pineapple.
How to get there?
- By ferry from Phuket: £20pp and takes approximately 2 hours
- By speedboat from Phuket: £36pp and takes 1 hour
- By ferry from Krabi: £22pp and takes approximately 2 hours
You can book all ferry tickets online at Direct Ferries or in person at the pier ticket stalls.
- A return trip from London to Phuket Airport starts from £600 with Cathay Pacific. Find you flights through Skyscanner