Best time to visitAll destinations
What to see
Top Ten Natural WondersTop Ten Ancient WondersTop Ten Modern WondersBeachesIslandsMountainsNational ParksCitiesWaterfallsLakesDesertsWildlifeUNESCO Sites
Where
EuropeAsiaAfricaNorth AmericaSouth AmericaOceaniaMiddle East

Ko Phi Phi

Thailand · Asia
Phi Phi Islands
Photo: Luxure, CC BY 3.0 au
The short answer

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.

Real tours in Ko Phi Phi, booked on GetYourGuide

Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

How long to allow

Most visitors stay for three days to balance activity and travel time.

Getting there

Ferries and speedboats run daily from Phuket and Krabi.

Tickets

You must pay a mandatory island entry fee at the pier upon arrival.

What catches people out

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.

Planning Ko Phi Phi?

These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.

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.

Tickets and tours in Ko Phi Phi
Find a place to stay

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.

Check flights

Hotel and flight search by Trip.com. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

What a trip to Ko Phi Phi costs
THB 12,000
3 days

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

More of Ko Phi Phi


Phi Phi party
Photo: Kroisenbrunner, CC BY-SA 4.0
Phi Phi Don in Mar 05
Photo: Self. GainLine at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Ko Phi Phi after sunset, as seen from the Viewpoint.
Photo: Htkava, CC BY-SA 3.0
View of the northern part of Ko Phi Phi Le.
Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0

Guides that include Ko Phi Phi


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.