Koh Phi Phi is a beautiful tropical island located in the southern part of Thailand and in the State of Krabi. The climate is humid and hot and the island is famous for its beautiful beaches and never ending night life.
The island first became globally recognized when the movie The Beach starring Leonardo Dicaprio was released in 2000. The film was filmed on the neighboring island of Koh Phi Phi Lei. The island welcomes hundreds of tourists every week.
How to Get to Koh Phi Phi Island
To get to Koh Phi Phi you can take a ferry from Phuket or from Krabi. The ferry costs roughly 300-400 baht. If you buy it at the pier it will cost more so talk to your hostel about arranging a deal.
Once you arrive on the island you will need to pay an additional 20 baht to enter. This is because Koh Phi Phi is protected as a National Park. To enter Phi Phi Leh you will have to pay an additional 400-600 baht because it is also protected.
Because the island is so small there are no vehicles present besides the occasional scooter. You can practically walk anywhere on the island. In addition, because of the night life, the island has a notorious reputation for throwing extreme parties.
When I travel, a good party every once in awhile is nice, but I don’t search them out. On Koh Phi Phi it can be challenging to avoid the party atmosphere. That being said, there are some things you can do on the island that are worth your time, energy and money that are not party oriented.
10 Things You Can Do on Koh Phi Phi That Are Not Party Orientated
Diving Day
Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous for beautiful coral reefs and sea turtles. Sometimes you can even catch a glimpse of a black tipped shark. Instead of spending the day drinking or sleeping it off book a diving trip and go for an adventure. If you need a recommendation check out Blue View Divers for some great diving experiences.
View Points
Photo by Audrey L.
The view points are beautiful on the island. It costs around 20 baht to see the view point. If you go in the morning for sunrise your ticket will work in the evening for sunset.
Viking Beach
Viking beach is one of the many beach on the island. You can reach it by walking towards Long Beach. Follow the signs until you reach Vikings. There are loads of tourists walking on the path but few stop at this beach. Its quiet, beautiful and free.
Shark Point
A great diving spot you can usually see black tip sharks passing through.
Long Beach
Photo by Julie Moutet
Another great beach away from the party side of the island.
Kayak Adventure
I love Kayaking. You can rent them all over the island and paddle around the ocean. Make sure to stay clear of any passing by ferries, speedboats and long tail boats.
Movie Night at Banana Bar
Every night Banana Bar plays a movie on their rooftop from 8:00 pm to 10:00pm. Yes there is alcohol available but you don’t have to buy something to stay and watch the movie.
Beach Clean Up
Because of the late night parties there tends to be a lot of trash on the beach. Trash Hero is a nonprofit that is working to limit trash around Thailand. On Koh Phi Phi, Blue View Divers runs the operation. They do monthly beach clean ups that you can volunteer for.
Long-Tail Sunset Night Tour
Photo by Julie Moutet
A longtail boat is a famous boat all across southern thailand.You can take one out, paying the driver of course, to watch the sunset on the ocean. Be aware that if you get seas sick easily you shouldn’t try this adventure.
Plankton Tour
Last but not least the Plankton viewing tour. You can book this through multiple companies. You go out on a boat and watch the plankton glow on the water.
Overall, Koh Phi Phi is a beautiful small island. I would recommend staying for two nights and three days. You don’t need much more time than that.
