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.

person swims near yacht
person swims near yacht
brown and red boat on beach during daytime
brown and red boat on beach during daytime
brown and brown wooden canoe boat
brown and brown wooden canoe boat
aerial photography of body of water

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

brown primate holding Coca-Cola can
brown primate holding Coca-Cola can

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
a woman sitting on a step in front of a store

Visa, Packing, & Budgeting

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
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.

man walking on road near building
man walking on road near building
Day 1 – Arrival & Exploration

  • Arrive in Phi Phi Don, check into

    a beachfront bungalow

  • Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint for sunset

  • Nightlife at Slinky's Beach Bar or Banana Bar

boat on the ocean
boat on the ocean
Day 2 – Island Hopping Adventure

  • Take a private longtail boat tour

  • Snorkel at Loh Samah Bay & Ao Nui Bay

  • Sunset dinner at The Beach Bar

looking up at a tall bamboo tree in a forest
looking up at a tall bamboo tree in a forest
Day 3 – Relax & Hidden Gems

  • Visit Bamboo Island for quiet beach time

  • Enjoy a traditional Thai massage

  • Seafood feast before taking the ferry back

Phi Phi Islands Itinerary: 3 Days in Paradise

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

Get in touch

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