Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Koh Phi Phi. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi photo 2
Koh Phi Phi photo 3
All photos

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand, combines limestone islands, Maya Bay, turquoise waters, coral reefs, beaches, diving, longtail boats and lively Phi Phi Don nights.

An Island Landscape

Koh Phi Phi is a small archipelago in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, between Phuket and the mainland province of Krabi. Its best-known islands are Phi Phi Don, the only permanently inhabited island, and Phi Phi Leh, a largely uninhabited sanctuary of steep limestone cliffs, narrow inlets and clear marine waters. Together with smaller islets such as Ko Mai Phai, commonly called Bamboo Island, the group forms part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. The scenery is defined by dramatic karst formations, sheltered bays, white-sand beaches and reefs supporting a busy coastal ecosystem.
Read more about Koh Phi Phi

Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh

Phi Phi Don is the practical centre of the archipelago, with arrivals concentrated around Tonsai Bay and accommodation, restaurants, shops and tour services centred on the narrow settled area between Tonsai and Loh Dalum bays. Beyond this strip, the island becomes quieter and more rugged, with forested hills, viewpoints and beaches reached by footpaths or boat. Phi Phi Leh is known for Maya Bay, made internationally recognisable by the film The Beach, as well as Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave and Loh Samah Bay. Access arrangements, swimming rules and conservation controls can change, so visitors should follow current national-park guidance.

Marine Life and Island Culture

The archipelago is primarily a destination for swimming where permitted, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and longtail-boat excursions, although weather, tides and marine conditions affect every outing. Its atmosphere shifts from busy daytime boat traffic around Phi Phi Leh to relaxed evenings on Phi Phi Don, where beachfront dining and informal bars sit close to quieter local lanes. There is little conventional sightseeing infrastructure beyond the islands’ natural features, but the combination of dramatic geology, marine recreation and a compact island community gives Koh Phi Phi a character distinct from larger Thai resort centres.

When is the best time to visit Koh Phi Phi?

Best: December–February · 31°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)3150
February (best)3150
March3180
April32150
May32250
June32250
July31250
August31250
September31250
October31150
November3180
December (best)3150

Getting to and around Koh Phi Phi

How to get there

Koh Phi Phi is reached by sea rather than by road or rail. Regular ferry and speedboat connections commonly link Phi Phi Don with Phuket and with Krabi-area piers such as Klong Jilad, while some services operate from nearby coastal resorts and islands. Phuket International Airport and Krabi International Airport are the principal air gateways; neither is on Phi Phi itself, so an onward road transfer to a pier and a boat journey are required. Routes and sailing frequency vary by season, operator and weather, and rough seas can cause delays or changes.

Transportation

Phi Phi Don is compact in its settled area and has no conventional road network or cars for visitors. Most movement around Tonsai and Loh Dalum is on foot, with luggage often handled by local porters or transported by small carts near the pier. Longtail boats and other excursions connect beaches and bays around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, while organised trips may depart from Phuket or Krabi. Inland paths can be steep and uneven, particularly near the viewpoint, and boats should be used only with appropriate regard for sea conditions and current access rules.

Best attractions in Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi’s principal attractions are its contrasting islands and marine landscapes. On Phi Phi Don, the path to the famous viewpoint overlooks the narrow isthmus between Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay, while quieter coves and beaches can be explored by boat or on foot where routes are open. Phi Phi Leh provides the archipelago’s most recognisable scenery: Maya Bay is enclosed by towering cliffs, Pileh Lagoon forms a deep sheltered inlet, and Loh Samah Bay offers striking limestone surroundings. Viking Cave, known for its coastal position and bird’s-nest harvesting traditions, is generally appreciated from the water rather than treated as a conventional visitor site. Nearby Ko Mai Phai, or Bamboo Island, is valued for its pale beach and clear shallows, subject to national-park conditions. Snorkelling and diving sites around the islands reveal coral communities and reef fish, although visibility and marine conditions vary.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Koh Phi Phi

The defining landmarks of Koh Phi Phi are chiefly natural. The limestone walls of Phi Phi Leh rise around Maya Bay, a nationally recognised coastal setting whose fame increased after The Beach brought it to global attention. Nearby Pileh Lagoon is enclosed by steep karst cliffs, while Loh Samah Bay and the narrow passages around the island demonstrate how erosion and the sea have shaped the archipelago. On Phi Phi Don, the elevated viewpoint is a prominent human-access landmark because it reveals the island’s unusually narrow central isthmus and the contrasting waters of Tonsai and Loh Dalum. Viking Cave is another notable coastal feature, associated with the harvesting of edible bird’s nests and visible from boat excursions. Ko Mai Phai is distinguished by its low, sandy profile in contrast to Phi Phi’s high cliffs, although all these sites remain subject to national-park management and changing visitor rules.

Show more landmarks

Explore Koh Phi Phi on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Koh Phi Phi

Dining is concentrated on Phi Phi Don, particularly around Tonsai, Loh Dalum and the lanes linking the two bays. Thai staples such as curries, stir-fries, rice and noodle dishes sit alongside fresh fruit, seafood and international food shaped by the island’s long-established tourist economy. Small local eateries and street-style food stalls are useful for simple meals, while hotel restaurants and waterfront establishments provide more extensive menus. Seafood availability and sourcing can vary, so visitors should ask what is locally supplied rather than assuming every catch comes from nearby waters. Phuket and Krabi offer a broader range of regional southern Thai cuisine before or after the ferry journey, but there are no comparable dining facilities on Phi Phi Leh or the smaller islands, where excursions normally require visitors to bring water and food or rely on arrangements made with their operator.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Koh Phi Phi

Evening entertainment is centred on Phi Phi Don rather than the wider archipelago. Around Tonsai and Loh Dalum, visitors find informal beach bars, music-led venues and late-night establishments associated with the island’s backpacker and resort scene, while quieter restaurants and hotel bars provide a slower alternative away from the busiest lanes. The atmosphere can change considerably by location and season, and sound levels are not uniform across the island. Phi Phi Leh, Bamboo Island and the other uninhabited or lightly developed islands have no conventional nightlife, so evening activities there are generally limited to returning by boat before dark or joining a sunset excursion where conditions and regulations allow. Visitors should take care around crowded waterfront areas and remember that boat transfers do not operate like an urban public-transport system.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Koh Phi Phi

Evening entertainment is centred on Phi Phi Don rather than the wider archipelago. Around Tonsai and Loh Dalum, visitors find informal beach bars, music-led venues and late-night establishments associated with the island’s backpacker and resort scene, while quieter restaurants and hotel bars provide a slower alternative away from the busiest lanes. The atmosphere can change considerably by location and season, and sound levels are not uniform across the island. Phi Phi Leh, Bamboo Island and the other uninhabited or lightly developed islands have no conventional nightlife, so evening activities there are generally limited to returning by boat before dark or joining a sunset excursion where conditions and regulations allow. Visitors should take care around crowded waterfront areas and remember that boat transfers do not operate like an urban public-transport system.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Koh Phi Phi

Shopping on Koh Phi Phi is concentrated in Phi Phi Don’s compact settlement, where small stores and stalls sell beachwear, sun protection, snacks, drinks, souvenirs and everyday travel necessities. Visitors may also find locally produced food items, handicrafts and casual clothing, although the island’s retail scene is primarily geared towards tourism rather than specialist regional craft production. Pharmacy and convenience facilities are available in the main built-up area, but the range is more limited than in Phuket or Krabi, making it sensible to bring essential medicines and equipment. Phi Phi Leh and the smaller islands have no meaningful retail infrastructure. For more substantial purchases, southern Thai food products, traditional crafts and independent shops, Phuket Town and Krabi provide a wider choice before or after travelling to the archipelago.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Koh Phi Phi, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Koh Phi Phi essentials

Currency and Payment
Thailand’s currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards and contactless payments are accepted by many established hotels, restaurants, dive businesses and larger tour providers on Phi Phi Don, but smaller food stalls, longtail-boat arrangements and independent vendors may prefer cash. Cash machines are available in the main settlement, though visitors should not rely on finding banking facilities at every beach or on neighbouring islands. Carrying some baht in small denominations is practical, particularly for local transport, snacks and purchases away from the busiest commercial streets.
Safety
Heat, strong sun, slippery surfaces and sudden rain are everyday considerations. Take care on steep paths and viewpoint stairs, and use extra caution around cliffs, rocks, boat piers and changing tides. Sea conditions can become rough during monsoon weather, so follow crew instructions and use the safety equipment provided on boat trips. Coral, sea urchins and other marine life can cause injury if touched. Phi Phi Don is busy and densely settled around the harbour, so keep valuables secure and take care near crowded piers and nightlife areas.
Emergency Situations
Thailand’s main emergency numbers are 191 for police, 1669 for medical emergencies and 199 for fire and rescue. On an island, response and medical transport may take longer than on the mainland, particularly in poor weather. Tell accommodation staff or boat crews immediately if assistance is needed, and provide the bay, beach, pier or GPS location as precisely as possible. For serious illness or injury, local responders may arrange transfer to a larger medical facility on the mainland; travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is prudent.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully away from beaches and avoid entering temples or local buildings in swimwear. Do not touch coral, feed fish, collect shells or leave litter, and follow instructions in the national park and marine areas. Keep clear of nesting or resting wildlife and never climb on fragile limestone formations. Use marked access routes where provided, take care around private property and respect residents in the settled parts of Phi Phi Don. At sea, follow boat-crew guidance, avoid standing in unstable positions and do not assume that every beach or lagoon is open for swimming.
Local Tips
Phi Phi Don works best as a base for exploring the island group, while Phuket and Krabi are useful for day trips or overnight connections on the mainland. Visit popular bays early or outside the busiest excursion periods when possible, but check current access rules rather than relying on old photographs or itineraries. The island’s exposed viewpoints are most rewarding in clear weather, whereas mornings can offer calmer conditions for boat-based activities. Allow time for ferry transfers and keep plans flexible during the wetter, windier months.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloสวัสดี[sawasdee]
Goodbyeลาก่อน[laa kon]
Yesใช่[chai]
Noไม่[mai]
Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดีต้อนรับ[proht/yin dee dton rap]
Thank youขอบคุณ[kop khun]
Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ[kor toht]
How are you?สบายดีมั้ย[sabai dee mai]
Fine. And you?สบายดีค่ะ คุณล่ะ[sabai dee ka khun la]
Do you speak English?พูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม[poot paa saa ang grit dai mai]
I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ[chan mai khao jai]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อยค่ะ[kor duu menu noi ka]
I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ[chan mai gin neuua]
Cheers!ชนเหยาะ[chon yao]
I would like to pay, pleaseขอจ่ายเงินหน่อยค่ะ[kor jai ngern noi ka]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!ช่วยด้วย[chuay duay]
Go away!ไปห่างๆ[bpai hang hang]
Call the Police!โทรหาตำรวจ[thor haa tam ruat]
Call a doctor!โทรหาหมอ[thor haa mor]
I'm lostฉันหลงทาง[chan long tang]
I'm illฉันไม่สบาย[chan mai sabai]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...ฉันต้องการซื้อ...[chan tong gaan seuu...]
I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดูอย่างเดียว[chan kae duu yang diao]
How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่[raa kaa thao rai]
That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป[paeng gein pai]
Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม[lot raa kaa dai mai]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?เวลาเท่าไหร่[welaa thao rai]
It's one o'clockเวลาหนึ่งโมง[welaa neung mong]
Half past (10)สามครึ่ง[saam khrung]
Morningเช้า[chao]
Afternoonบ่าย[bai]
Eveningเย็น[yen]
Yesterdayเมื่อวาน[meua waan]
Todayวันนี้[wan nee]
Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้[proong nee]
1หนึ่ง[neung]
2สอง[song]
3สาม[saam]
4สี่[si]
5ห้า[ha]
6หก[hok]
7เจ็ด[jet]
8แปด[bpaaet]
9เก้า[gao]
10สิบ[sip]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน[...yoo tee nai]
What's the address?ที่อยู่อย่างไร[tee yoo yang rai]
Can you show me (on the map)?ช่วยแสดงบนแผนที่ให้หน่อยได้ไหม[chuay sa-deng bon pae n tee hai noi dai mai]
When's the next (bus)?รถต่อไปเมื่อไหร่[roht dtor bpai meua rai]
A ticket (to ....)ตั๋วไป...[dtua bpai...]

History of Koh Phi Phi

Karst Islands and Marine Formation

Koh Phi Phi’s landscape belongs to the limestone karst geology characteristic of the Andaman coast. Over geological time, marine limestone was uplifted and shaped by weathering, producing the sheer cliffs, caves, enclosed lagoons and narrow channels that distinguish Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. The islands’ dramatic forms are therefore the result of long physical processes rather than a single historical event. Their sheltered bays also reflect the interaction between limestone coastlines, tides, monsoon seas and marine erosion.

Early Island Communities

Before international tourism transformed the islands, Phi Phi Don supported a small maritime community whose livelihoods were connected with fishing, coastal gathering and small-scale agriculture. The settled area around Tonsai developed as a practical harbour and meeting point, while much of the island remained covered by forest, coconut cultivation and rugged hills. The wider Andaman coast has long been connected to seaborne movement between mainland ports and islands, although the surviving built environment on Phi Phi is comparatively modern and modest.

Tourism and The Beach

Koh Phi Phi entered international travel itineraries as improving connections through Phuket and Krabi brought visitors to its beaches and limestone scenery. Phi Phi Don gradually developed guesthouses, restaurants, dive businesses and boat services, while Phi Phi Leh remained principally a natural attraction. The release of The Beach in 2000, filmed partly at Maya Bay, greatly increased the islands’ international profile and accelerated visitor numbers. Tourism consequently became the dominant economic force on Phi Phi Don, reshaping its harbour, accommodation and shoreline activity.

Tsunami and Conservation Management

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004 caused severe loss and disruption across Thailand’s Andaman coast, including Koh Phi Phi, where the low-lying settled area of Phi Phi Don was particularly vulnerable. Reconstruction was followed by continued pressure from large visitor numbers, boat traffic, waste management and damage to coastal and marine habitats. Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park has since used closures, visitor controls and environmental measures at heavily visited sites, including Maya Bay, to allow ecosystems to recover. Regulations remain subject to national-park decisions and seasonal conditions.

Koh Phi Phi in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Koh Phi Phi, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Andaman Coast
More of the region

Explore more of Andaman Coast

Discover the Andaman Coast in Thailand: An idyllic paradise with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage, perfect for every traveler.

Explore Andaman Coast
Thailand
More of the country

Explore more of Thailand

Discover Thailand: A land of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern attractions.

Explore Thailand
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Koh Phi Phi

Discover the best of Koh Phi Phi with Evendo: a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Plan your perfect trip to Koh Phi Phi with Evendo, the free travel guide app that brings you detailed information on attractions, landmarks, dining, and activities.

  • History and travel essentials of Koh Phi Phi
  • Local advice to maximize your visit
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience

Welcome to Koh Phi Phi, Thailand - a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking nature. With Evendo, your trip to this beautiful destination will be unforgettable. From the iconic Maya Bay, made famous by 'The Beach,' to the bustling Tonsai Village, Evendo has you covered. Discover local gems like the Viking Cave, where you can explore ancient paintings, or enjoy a delicious meal at the renowned Phi Phi Don Chukit Restaurant.

Evendo isn't just about finding places; it's about experiencing them fully. The app provides rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location. Whether you're looking to book a hotel, reserve a spot on a tour, or find the best bars and nightclubs, Evendo makes it easy. Imagine walking through Koh Phi Phi and using the 'Near me' feature to find hidden treasures around every corner.

Evendo also includes historical insights and travel essentials, ensuring you're well-prepared for your adventure. With curated local tips, you'll experience Koh Phi Phi like a true insider. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Plus, with coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, Evendo is your go-to travel companion for all your journeys.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.