VISITING THE PHI PHI ISLANDS IS AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE…

Many people warned us against overcrowded, touristy places like Phi Phi. But how bad can it be? Ok, let put it this way –  If you’re dreaming of serene, secluded beaches where the only sound is the pages of your book turning lazily in the breeze, then Phi Phi might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re all about those bustling night streets, day and night vendor markets, and dining with your toes in the sand, then welcome to your playground!

How to Get to Phi Phi Island

Arriving by ferry from Koh Yao Noi (via Phuket), we stepped off with our suitcases and stroller, expecting a quick tuk-tuk ride to our hotel—only to realize there are no cars or tuk-tuks on this island paradise! Thankfully, most hotels send staff with trolleys to help guests transport their luggage through the bustling streets—or, in our case, across sandy beaches. BOOK HERE

• Phi Phi Island is only accessible by boat from Krabi or Phuket.
• While we bought our tickets on the spot, many recommend booking online in advance for a smoother experience.
• There is a 20 baht entrance fee upon arrival at Ko Phi Phi Don.

Where to Stay on Phi Phi Island

Hotel Tip: Book your accommodation sooner rather than later—good hotels at reasonable prices get snapped up fast! If you like being in the middle of the action, where you can easily stroll to dinner or grab a drink, stay near Ton Sai Pier. The further you go, the quieter it gets. And if you book as far as Long Beach, be ready to hop on a water taxi (around $3 per person each way) to get back to town.

Where We Stayed: Phi Phi Bayview Resort

We chose Phi Phi Bayview Resort, and honestly? No regrets. It’s just the right distance from the center—close enough to walk but far enough to enjoy some peace and stunning balcony views. BOOK HERE

If you’re traveling with kids and a stroller, though, be warned: the last stretch is sand. And if you’ve ever tried pushing a stroller through the beach, you know it’s about as fun as wrestling a coconut off a tree. Now, add a backpack, swim gear, and a scorching 40-degree day, and you’ve got yourself a comedy show starring you.

Other Great Hotels Near Ton Sai Pier

PP Princess Resort – A beachfront stay with a great mix of convenience and tranquility. Close to the action but still relaxed, with a pool overlooking the ocean. BOOK HERE

Chaokoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort – Modern, stylish, and just a short walk from the pier. A great pick if you want comfort without breaking the bank. BOOK HERE

Phi Phi Banyan Villa – Perfect for those who like a bit of everything. It’s near the pier, has a pool, and even a gym (if you fancy working out between island-hopping and beach lounging). BOOK HERE

Wherever you stay, Phi Phi Island is pure magic—just be ready for the adventure!

Booking a Boat Trip on Phi Phi Island

As soon as you step off the pier, you’ll spot plenty of travel guides selling boat trips. It’s a great option if you’re unsure about your plans or just want some guidance (because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t?).

We went with VisaTravelPhiPhi, partly because they had a Czech girl on their team (a nice bonus for us!) and also because you can check out their tours online and chat with them on Facebook beforehand—super handy for getting a sneak peek of what to expect. Their tours typically include stops at:

Maya Bay
Loh Samah Bay
Pileh Lagoon
Monkey Bay
Viking Cave
Shark Point
Loh Moo Dee Beach

DIY Boat Trip: Renting a Longtail Boat

Another option—and the one we ended up choosing—is hiring a local with a longtail boat to take you around. It’s more flexible, usually cheaper if you’re in a group, and lets you explore at your own pace. The only catch? You’ll need to do a bit of research beforehand to map out exactly where you want to go.

Whichever route you take, expect jaw-dropping scenery, crystal-clear water, and a day you won’t forget!

Maya Bay: A Must-See Paradise

Once the playground of Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach, this dreamy destination has become a bucket-list staple for travelers worldwide. With its towering cliffs, powdery white sand, and crystal-clear emerald waters, Maya Bay is nothing short of breathtaking.

While swimming isn’t allowed, you can still walk along the shore, snap incredible photos, and soak in the unreal beauty of this iconic spot.

Getting to Maya Bay

Maya Bay is easily accessible from:
✅ Phi Phi Don
✅ Krabi
✅ Phuket
✅ Koh Lanta
Multiple daily tours run from these locations, making it a breeze to visit.

Important Info

💰 Entrance Fee: 400 THB (~$12) for adults, 200 THB for kids.
🚤 Boat Rules: Boats can’t stay docked at the floating pier, so you’ll need to arrange a pickup time with your driver. If needed, pier workers can help call them for you.
🚻 Facilities: There’s a restroom on-site—always a plus when exploring!

Maya Bay is a place that lives up to the hype—just be ready to be blown away by its beauty!

A Little Heads-Up: Maya Bay Gets Busy!

Don’t expect to have the whole bay to yourself—Maya Bay is no hidden gem anymore! Daily crowds flock here, so be prepared to share the beauty with fellow travelers.

Some say early morning is the best time to visit to avoid the rush, but keep in mind that the sun and shadows might affect your photos. That said, no matter when you go, you’ll still capture some stunning shots—just embrace the moment!

While swimming isn’t allowed, you can wade in up to your knees, which makes for dreamy, postcard-perfect photos. Just focus on the beauty, soak it all in, and enjoy the experience!

Maya Bay in a Movie 

Hiking to the Phi Phi Viewpoint: A Must-Do!

For breathtaking panoramic views of the Phi Phi Islands, take a scenic hike up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint—especially at sunset! The climb is short but rewarding, offering some of the most iconic vistas on the island.

Hike Details:

Duration: About 30 minutes to reach Viewpoint 2 at a relaxed pace.
Entry Fee:

• 50 THB total for access to Viewpoints 1 & 2
• 20 THB for Viewpoint 3 (optional)

The effort is totally worth it—just bring some water, your camera, and get ready to soak in the beauty!

Kayaking to Monkey Beach: An Unforgettable Adventure

Rent a kayak and paddle your way to Monkey Beach, one of Phi Phi’s hidden gems. If you time it right and arrive later in the day, you might just have the place to yourself—like we did. Watching the sunset paint the sky while standing on an empty beach? Pure magic.

Monkey Warning! These little guys may look cute, but they can be cheeky and territorial. We learned this the hard way when one snatched my son’s milk bottle! Let’s just say a banana bribe helped smooth things over. 😅🐒

As twilight set in, we paddled back, leaving only footprints behind—a perfect end to an unforgettable day.

Strolling to Long Beach

The stroll from town to Long Beach was a bit of a mixed bag. As we passed once-vibrant resorts like Vikings, now abandoned and littered with trash, it was hard not to feel a little disheartened. However, Long Beach itself was a peaceful oasis—the perfect escape from the island’s busy vibe. The quiet hotels here offered a stark contrast to the island’s usual hustle.

For the way back, you can always take a taxi boat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, Long Beach is right next to Shark Point, a prime spot for snorkeling with blacktip reef sharks! Just a heads-up: be cautious about the currents—they can get pretty strong, especially around the point

Relaxing at Ao Ton Sai

If you’re looking to swim and unwind, Ao Ton Sai is the place to be. The water is crystal clear and shallow, making it ideal for a relaxing dip. Plus, it’s surrounded by convenient shops and serves the best coconut ice cream you’ll ever taste! 

Just a heads-up: when the boats start arriving from every direction, the area can get a bit crowded, noisy, and smelly. But if you time it right, you can still enjoy the peaceful vibe before the crowds roll in.

NO MATTER WHAT YOU CHOOSE, YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THIS PLACE! IS PHI PHI WORTH VISITING? ABSOLUTELY! BUT DON’T JUST MAKE IT A DAY TRIP—STAY FOR A FEW DAYS, EXPLORE THE ISLAND, AND MAKE SOME UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES!

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