Ko Phi Phi
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
Ko Phi Phi is worth visiting for the limestone scenery, provided you accept that it is crowded and focused on nightlife. Plan your trip between November and March to avoid the monsoon season. Most people find three days enough to cover the main beaches and boat tours.
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Most visitors stay for three days to balance activity and travel time.
Ferries and speedboats run daily from Phuket and Krabi.
You must pay a mandatory island entry fee at the pier upon arrival.
The island entry fee at the pier is cash only, so have exact change ready.
The reality of the islands
Expect heavy foot traffic on Ko Phi Phi Don. The main village area is a dense grid of hostels, dive shops, and bars. It is loud at night and moves at a fast pace during the day.
The surrounding islands are quieter, but you will share them with hundreds of others on day trips. You are rarely alone here. The beauty of the cliffs is real, but you have to look past the crowds to appreciate it.
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When to visit
The dry season runs from November through March. This is when the sea is calmest and boat trips to nearby reefs are reliable. You will have better visibility for snorkeling during these months.
Avoid the rainy season if you want to be on the water. Ferries are frequently canceled due to rough seas during the monsoon. You do not want to be stuck in a hotel room for days waiting for a boat.
Budgeting for your trip
Expect to spend about 4000 THB per day. This covers a mid-range room, a few boat excursions, and standard meals. You can spend less if you stick to street food and hostels, or much more if you prefer private villas.
Everything is imported to the island, so prices for alcohol and snacks are higher than on the mainland. Budget extra for the constant need to pay for boat transfers to reach different beaches.
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The mandatory island entry fee paid at the pier is cash-only.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
The Phi Phi Islands (Thai: หมู่เกาะพีพี, RTGS: Mu Ko Phiphi, pronounced [mùː kɔ̀ʔ pʰīː.pʰīː]) are an island group in Thailand located in the Strait of Malacca between the large island of Phuket and the Straitscoast in the Krabi Province The islands are administratively part of Krabi Province. Ko Phi Phi Don (Thai: เกาะพีพีดอน, RTGS: Ko Phiphi Don) (ko Thai: เกาะ 'island') is the largest and most populated island of the group, although the beaches of the second largest island, Ko Phi Phi Le (Thai: เกาะพีพีเล, RTGS: Ko Phiphi Le) are visited by many people as well. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and Ko Mai Phai, are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea. The islands are reachable by ferries, speedboats or long-tail boats, most often from Krabi town or from ports in Phuket Province. Phi Phi Don was initially populated by Thai Malay fishermen during the late-1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. The resident Thai population of Phi Phi Don remains more than 80 percent Muslim. The current population however, if counting transient workers, is more Buddhist than Muslim. The resident population is between 2,000 and 3,000 p
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Questions people ask
Is Ko Phi Phi too touristy?
Yes, it is very touristy. If you want a secluded beach experience, look at smaller islands further south.
Can I swim at Maya Bay?
Swimming is often prohibited to allow for coral recovery. Check current local regulations before you book a tour.
Is there a lot of nightlife?
The nightlife is intense, especially on the main beach. Expect loud music and parties until the early morning hours.
Do I need to book my ferry in advance?
It is safer to book at least a day ahead during the high season. Boats do sell out during peak travel times.
Are there cars on the island?
There are no cars on Ko Phi Phi Don. You will walk everywhere or take a long-tail boat to reach different parts of the island.



