Making the most of Ko Phi Phi Islands
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships moor or anchor offshore, with tenders carrying passengers to land.
Bring the available printable map.
Heavy visitor numbers and island construction are making Ko Phi Phi progressively less attractive, yet it remains exceptionally beautiful and is still considered worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. Its beaches are not Thailand's finest, but the atmosphere, nightlife and dozens of dive centres remain appealing.
The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004 devastated Ko Phi Phi and destroyed almost all island infrastructure. Electricity, water, Internet access and ATMs returned quickly during redevelopment, although bringing waste-handling services back took considerably longer.
- Climb to the Viewpoint, 186 metres above sea level, for a broad island panorama, especially at dawn or sunset. The steep ascent takes between 10-25 minutes according to fitness; bring a torch. From above, the narrow sand strip joining the island's two main sections is striking.
- Reach Monkey Beach on foot, hire a canoe or charter a Long-tail boat. Bring bananas for the monkeys but take care, as they can become aggressive.
- Skilled fireshows take place nightly at venues including Carlito's, Apache Bar, Hippies, Carpe Diem, and The Tia and Millie Sunflower Bar on Lohdalum.
- Beside the Tia and Millie Sunflower Bar, Tsunami Memorial Garden offers a peaceful setting for reflection and remembrance of those lost in the recent tragedy.
Getting around
Phi Phi officially has no motorised transport, although a small number of motorcycles with truck sidecars carry goods and building materials. People travel overland by bicycle or on foot, and no point in populated Tonsai is more than about ten minutes' walk from another. Long-tail taxi-boats serve every beach, while all Phi Phi Don beaches are also walkable. An afternoon trip from Ton Sai to Long Beach costs 40 Baht/person, rising to at least 80 Baht at night. A private boat costs a minimum of 100 Baht.
Money
The Thai Baht is the local currency, divided into 100 satang, and ATMs are found everywhere.
Staying connected
Thai is the national language, although English is understood widely and some Chinese dialects are spoken.