How to Navigate Koh Phi Phi Like a Local Without Missing the Iconic Sights: A Guide to Attractions and More!
Koh Phi Phi is one of those places that makes you ask yourself, ‘Is this real?’ With emerald waters, limestone cliffs, and charming beaches, it attracts those who know what true tropical beauty is. If you want more than just the usual tourist experience, you're in the right place. In this guide, you'll learn how to explore Koh Phi Phi like a local would – never missing a single thing that makes it the wonderful tropical paradise it is.
Quick Facts
For sunny skies and calm seas, visit between November and February. This is when the weather is at its best – warm, dry, and perfect for exploring the islands. It’s important to remember that it’s also the peak season, so expect large groups of tourists and higher prices, especially around Christmas and New Year. From March to May, the weather gets much hotter, with April being the hottest of them all. That said, if you don’t mind the heat and humidity, it’s still a decent time to go. The island quiets down a bit, which means fewer people and lower prices. June to November is the rainy season. You might get lucky with sunshine, but there’s a lot more rain during these months.
Places to Stay
There’s a good mix of places to stay, both luxury and budget-friendly, so take your pick depending on your budget and preferences. If you want a place with everything onsite –not only accommodation but also dining, spas, and dive centres – go for a place like SAii Phi Phi Island Village, which is often associated with Koh Phi Phi villas. Think about the location too – you should be able to get to attractions without too much effort on your part.
Image via SAii Phi Phi Island Village
How Many Days to Spend in Koh Phi Phi
How long to stay depends on what you want out of your trip. If you're short on time or just want to tick off the main attractions, you can do all that in one day. Plenty of tours run from Phuket and Krabi, and they cover the highlights pretty well. For many people, a quick visit is more than enough, but if you want to slow down and take your time exploring the islands, staying a bit longer is totally worth it – most would plan for three to five days.
Visit Maya Bay
Can you even say that you’ve visited Koh Phi Phi without a visit to Maya Bay? You’ll find it on the smaller island, Koh Phi Phi Leh – it really is as beautiful as the pictures. The beach is framed by tall limestone cliffs, and the water is crystal clear. Maya Bay became a sensation after the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed there. People have been filing into the area ever since. Overtourism did damage the marine environment, so the government stepped in to put rules and regulations in place. Boats can no longer go into the bay; you’ll have to get off in a different spot. Swimming isn’t allowed, but you can step into the water. Even with restrictions, Maya Bay still dazzles.
Snorkelling and Diving
If you're keen to dive or snorkel, there are plenty of dive sites around the islands. Both beginners and experienced divers can enjoy these spots. Diving is possible all year round. Shark Point, Bida Nok, and Kled Gaeow are the most popular. If you'd rather stay closer to the surface, snorkelling is just as rewarding. Bamboo Island and Monkey Beach offer warm, clear waters and plenty of marine life.
Beach Hopping
Koh Phi Phi is home to a set of stunning beaches. Many of these beaches are easily accessible. Loh Dalum Beach, right in Tonsai Village, is loved by both locals and visitors for its soft sand and shallow waters. It’s perfect for swimming. For a bit of peace and quiet, head to Loh Lana Bay or Nui Beach.
Try Local Food
The local cuisine features bold flavours, and you’ll find plenty of street vendors and small restaurants offering delicious local dishes. Must-tries include Green Curry, Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Som Tum. Of course, you shouldn’t miss the fresh seafood, which is a highlight of the local cuisine. Beachside restaurants are the best places to try seafood.
