Some tips for Koh Phi Phi Island on what to do on day time/ night time, avoid the crowded beaches, book a day trip to Maya Bay (when to go, etc) as well as on where to stay on the Island.
If you guys follow me on Instagram or Facebook you probably saw that I was in Surin, Thailand before going on the second part of my journey, Koh Phi Phi Island
So first of all I always said that I will never go to Phi Phi Island because I saw pictures on the internet and it looked so crowded. But luckily I have friends who travel a lot through South East Asia and most of them told me Phi Phi is the nicest Island in Thailand so I decided to give it a try and see for myself. Those same friends told me as well how to choose my hotel and which beach to go to etc. I am really thankful for their advice because you can have an amazing time on Phi Phi but you can also have the worst time.
Thailand is very often associated with mass tourism and Phi Phi Island has this reputation as well. But at the end it’s up to you to make the best out of it.
Even though it is a very small Island, the island has two faces. A very crowded and loud one, and a very relaxing and paradisiac one. As I said, even if it is a very small Island it is very easy to miss both parts. I had the chance to see and enjoy both sides, thanks to the recommendations that were given to me. If any of you are planning to go to Phi Phi Island or want to know more, I will share some tips for Koh Phi Phi Island with you (I will also do a ‘What to wear on Phi Phi Island’ in a next article).
My recommendations for Phi Phi Island to have a great time:
Accommodation tips for Koh Phi Phi Island
I would suggest to stay 3 nights. Book a hotel that is not on Ton Say Bay or Loh Dalum Bay, preferably a hotel in the hills. It’s a bit of walk to the island center but the way is really cool? At least you will be away from the party crowd.
We stayed at
Beaches on Koh Phi Phi Island
Avoid Loh Dalum Beach as it is too crwoded and also a bit dirty as the party takes place on the beach during the night. For a quiet beach, go to Long Beach instead
Day Trip to Maya Bay
Book a very early (we went at 7AM to avoid the mass of tourists coming for a day trip) trip to Maya Bay, Lo Sama Bay and Pi Ley Lagoon. Maya Bay is nice but I would not stay there too long since Lo Sama Bay and Pi Ley has much more to offer if you like snorkeling.
If you book a private tour (I would suggest to do so, it’s worth the time and money), you will be asked if you would like to go to Monkey Island or the Shark Point. Definitely go to the shark point and skip Monkey Island as is it way too touristic.
Hike to view Point on Koh Phi Phi Island
Early morning or at the end of the afternoon when it is not too hot walk up the hills to the View Point.
Night tips for Koh Phi Phi island
- Take a tour to go swim with the plankton (I didn’t do it but would definitely do it if I go back to Phi Phi one day)
- Finally go to Loh Dalum Bay, buy a bucket and watch the fire show or dance a bit on the beach. (I know it’s cliché but come on, when in Rome…)
- Go watch a Thai Boxing match!
Tips for Koh Phi Phi island. Is it worth going?
If you are still hesitating whether to go or not, I would say it like this. When you’re in France for the first time, you know France is a beautiful country and there is plenty to see but what do you want to see first? Probably Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Do you regret it after? I don’t think so. Well it’s the same with Phi Phi, you won’t regret it if you follow my suggestions! It’s perfect for a start.
After Koh Phi Phi we went to the beautiful island of Koh Yao Noi where we stayed at the Six Senses Koh Yao Noi and then finally we went back to Bangkok where we slept at the Hilton Riverside!
