Phi Phi Islands - Thailand

Destination Breakdown: Must-Sees & Hidden Gems

Iconic Attractions:

Maya Bay – The legendary beach from "The Beach." Recently reopened with strict conservation rules.
Phi Phi Viewpoint – A short but sweaty hike for jaw-dropping panoramic views. Best at sunset!
Viking Cave – A mysterious limestone cavern with ancient drawings, now famous for its bird’s nest harvesting.
Monkey Beach – Home to cheeky macaques. Be careful—they know how to unzip backpacks!
Loh Samah Bay – A dreamy snorkeling spot with vibrant coral reefs.

Hidden Gems:

Bamboo Island – A secluded paradise with powdery white sand, perfect for a quiet escape.
Ao Nui Bay – A hidden cove with incredible snorkeling, usually empty of tourists.
Runtee Bay – A secret beach with calm waters and few visitors.
Phi Phi Leh Lagoon – A surreal, emerald-green lagoon surrounded by cliffs. Best reached by kayak or longtail boat.

brown and red boat on beach during daytime

Tips

Underestimating the Sun – The Thai sun is NO JOKE. I got the worst sunburn of my life after just one hour of kayaking.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and cover up!

Overpaying for Tours – I booked an expensive speedboat tour, only to find out the same trip was half the price when booked directly at the pier.

Negotiate if you can

Budgeting: How Much Does Phi Phi Cost?

💰 Budget Traveler ($25–$50 per day)

🏠 Dorm bed: $10–15
🍜 Street food: $3–5 per meal
🚤 Shared boat tours: $20–30
🍺 Cheap beers: $2 each

Mid-Range ($50–$150 per day)

🏡 Beachfront bungalow: $50–100
🍤 Seafood dinner: $15–25
🚤 Private longtail boat rental: $50+
🍹 Cocktails at a beach bar: $5–8

Luxury ($150+ per day)

🏝️ Private resort villa: $200+
🍽️ Fine dining: $50+ per meal
🚁 Private boat tour: $300+
💆‍♂️ Spa day: $50+

a woman sitting on a step in front of a store

Visa, Packing, & Cultural Tips

Visa: Most travelers get a 30-day visa exemption on arrival (check your country’s eligibility).
Packing: Bring light clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a dry bag for boat trips.

man standing beside yellow auto rickshaw

Best Time to Visit

November to April (Dry Season) – Blue skies, calm seas, and perfect weather.
May to October (Rainy Season) – Cheaper prices, but possible monsoons.