Koh Phi Phi Island Guide
We Love Koh Phi Phi! It is an amazing place, famous for its rich diversity of marine life . From dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful reefs to the friendly local food and people.
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Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi Islands are six islands nestled in the Andaman Sea and can be reached by ferry. They are approximately two hours from Phuket and Krabi. They form the Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park which boast white sandy beaches, lush coconut palms and stunning coral reefs.
Koh Phi Phi was originally inhabited in 1960s by Muslim fishermen. However, even before that you could find the ‘Moken’ people living here off the land. Also called the ‘Chaolay’ people, you can still see the Sea Gypsy community in Laem Tong Beach to this day.
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Phi Phi Don
This is the main island where ferries arrive and depart from the main Tonsai Pier. The geography of Koh Phi Phi is quite unique with towering limestone karsts and distinctive bays separating the mountainous land. The sandy isthmus in between makes up Tonsai Village where most of the island’s hotels, restaurants and bars can be found.
Furthermore, the north of the island offers quieter beaches and luxurious resorts. Traditional sea gypsy communities live in the heart of Laem Tong which is a short trek from the main village.
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Phi Phi Leh
The famous Koh Phi Phi Ley and Bida Islands are where we take our divers each day. They form part of the National Marine Park and boast beautiful undersea landscapes, hidden lagoons and sandy beaches. Additionally, Phi Phi Leh is famous for Bird’s Nest collecting which is the most lucrative industry on the island. In addition to Maya Bay which was made famous by the movie “The Beach”, you will find Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah Bay.
Visitors from Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang and Koh Lanta make daily trips to dive and snorkel around these islands.
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Accommodation on Koh Phi Phi
We can take care of every aspect of your holiday on Koh Phi Phi including airport transfers, ferry tickets and accommodation bookings.
There are many accommodation options on the island which range from budget guesthouses to deluxe beach front villas. We can book all types of accommodation through our in-house travel agent.
We work with Viewpoint Resort, JJ Bungalow, Chunut House and Charlie Beach Resort. Additionally, we can reserve Princess Resort, P2 Woodloft and Chao Koh Lodge.
For more information about our Koh Phi Phi Dive Packages please contact us!
To make your trip even easier please view our Dive Packages which include diving, accommodation & ferry tickets. We can also arrange custom packages and book your accommodation and ferry tickets separately.
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Koh Phi Phi Activities
Koh Phi Phi offers plenty of activities for all ages whether it is during the day or after dark.
Daytime Activities
There are many daytime activities and adventures to enjoy on Koh Phi Phi. For the more adventurous traveler, there are many activities to choose from! These include scuba diving, jungle trekking, paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling.
Trek to Viewpoint 1, 2 or 3 to enjoy spectacular views at sunrise or sunset! However, don’t forget to bring 30 THB with you for the entrance fee. Water and refreshments are sold at the top.
If you are looking for a more peaceful break there are many things to do to pass your time. There are two gyms for anyone who like to keep fit on their travels or you can enjoy traditional Thai massage by the beach. Additionally you should hire a private longtail boat to the beautiful Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island or Phi Phi Ley. You can trek to find small, secluded beaches or sip a cocktail by the pool at sunset.
Furthermore, you can try your hand at fire-spinning at Carlito’s Bar, or learn to cook local Thai dishes taught in Pum’s Cooking School.
Yoga Koh Phi Phi
Right now there is no Yoga on Koh Phi Phi however if you wish to practice yoga, we do have space at the dive centre should you wish to practice. We provide mats along with a Tea, Coffee and Water station, therefore we ask for 100 THB donation and this money goes to our conservation programs.
Night Activities
There is an increasingly busy nightlife on Koh Phi Phi that caters for everyone. There are several chill out bars like Sunflower Bar where you can relax in a hammock, enjoy the views and chilled music.
The beach bar scene is not as crazy as it once was, however you can still find many places for dancing and drinking with your friends. Catch the Muay Thai Boxing at the Reggae Bar each night from 8pm, and spectacular fireshows at beachfront bars like Carlitos Bar and Hippies Bar.
The lively and packed Live Music Bar starts around 8pm and goes on until late. If you’re looking for a quieter place to enjoy some live music check out Rolling Stones bar.
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Restaurants
You won’t go hungry on Koh Phi Phi, nor will you get bored of the food! There is an amazingly eclectic selection of restaurants on the island from Thai food to Italian, French, Mexican, Vegan and Local Seafood.
Our Favourite Places
The local market stalls offer the most unique Thai food, but beware – it can be spicy! In the morning the market comes alive with local Thais feasting on local delights of fried chicken, fish curry, sticky rice and sweet treats. The Thai Iced Coffee is a great start to your day, and only 25 THB for a large sugary hit of caffeine!
Great Thai food can be found at Pum’s restaurant, where you can also learn how to cook your favourite Thai dishes. For big and cheap portions, Papaya Restaurant is the place to go. Sunflower restaurant is located in a quieter part of Tonsai town overlooking the bay. A very chilled out place to enjoy a nice cold cocktail watching the sunset, or enjoy some tasty Thai food.
For amazing steaks and Scandinavian Food, Unnis will tempt your taste buds. Italian cuisine and fresh pasta and pizzas can be found in La Mamitas, and Cosmic Restaurant.
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2004 Tsunami
On December 26th, 2004 Phi Phi was hit by a Tsunami wave that hit from Sumatra. The island was partially destroyed and massive volunteer efforts helped restore the island. There are few visible signs left from the devastation of the Tsunami.
The National Marine Park of Phi Phi Ley and the Bida Islands minimal damage from the Tsunami. Corals and marine life are still spectacular and beautiful. Most of the devastation was seen in the reefs around Phi Phi Don, where the damage was the most severe.
Rebuilding efforts have made the island once again a popular tourist destination for visitors around the world.
Tsunami Alarm System
Alarm systems have now been set up all over the island, and surrounding islands and seaside towns. They alert people of any forthcoming danger and escape routes have been mapped out to Tsunami safe areas. It is tested every fortnight with the Thai National Anthem at 8am in the morning!
Located around the island are Tsunami boxes that were funded by charity and people on the island. They are situated in safe zones around the island including Viewpoint Resort where we are based. These provide the island with medical, water and radio supplies in the case of another natural disaster.
Community Efforts
Mostly private NGOs, local Thai groups and grass roots organisations came to rebuild Koh Phi Phi. Each NGO found their niche, and successfully brought the island back. HiPhiPhi, Aree Foundation, Krabi Relief, Releive Toi, Help Koh Phi Phi, are to name a few.
Blue View Divers is active in projects such as cleanups, school education projects and funding for charities that benefit the islands, such as Shark Guardian. We also run a Thai Intern Program which teaches local Thais, and our staff, how to dive to Open Water Diver and beyond.
We are very grateful for all the time and hard work so many people put into this island. They have brought together the community of Koh Phi Phi and made the island once again a place that people wish to come back to time and time again.
Nowadays the conservation efforts are ongoing in a different way. Trash Hero Koh Phi Phi is a world wide movement which is present on the island and you can join their cleanups or utilize the water refill project.
