Thailand isn’t short of stunning tropical islands to tempt you. And one of the most popular is Koh Phi Phi. While Phi Phi is not quite on the level of Koh Phangan for party vibes, there is definitely an air of beach party and you’ll have a wild time, if that’s what you’re looking for.

But, there is more to do than party and sun yourself in Koh Phi Phi. If you’re enjoying a south east Asian tour, chances are you’ll have heard all about these islands…

Read our guide: How to plan South East Asia trip.

Let’s find out what there is for visitors with 48 hours on Koh Phi Phi.

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Where is Koh Phi Phi?

The Phi Phi Islands are an archipelago off the southern coast of Thailand in the Andaman sea. They are made up of two islands: Koh Phi Phi Leh (where ‘The Beach’ was filmed on Maya Bay) and Koh Phi Phi Don which is the only inhabited island. They are only a couple hours ferry away from the mainland, a short boat ride from Krabi or Phuket which is where most of the boats leave from.

This short ferry ride means that a 48 hour trip to Phi Phi from Phuket or Krabi is very doable. And while you might want to stay longer to soak up the island vibes, you might find that you’ve done all you need to do after 2 days on Koh Phi Phi.

How to get around on Koh Phi Phi

This is vehicle-free island so bring some comfortable shoes because the only way to get around here is to walk. Yup, no mopeds and no cars.

You can also hire a bike, which is how many of the locals get around.

Luckily, everything is very central on the isthmus. 

Where to stay?

You should bear in mind, Koh Phi Phi is relatively expensive compared to the rest of Thailand. However when I visited, I managed to find a very reasonable hotel for a budget price (even though it was still the most expensive hotel I paid for during my trip in Thailand).

Maiyada Resort is only a 10-minute walk away from the pier, which in my opinion, the perfect distance away from the noisiness of the centre and only a 2-minute walk to Loh Dalum beach. The rooms start at £20 a night with the option to add breakfast. Check out my review of Maiyada Resort.

Zeavola Resort is the islands most luxurious hotel with its aesthetic jungle-themed décor, you’ll truly feel like you’ve just stepped foot into a sandy paradise. It is only accessible by boat which guarantees ultimate tranquillity.  Room starts at £165 a night including breakfast. 

The Cove has an onsite restaurant serving all your Thai favourites overlooking Rantee Beach. The accommodation is set up of several bungalows for you to enjoy that secluded privacy. Rooms start at £47 a night including breakfast.

What to do on Koh Phi Phi?

Beyond lazing on the beach or enjoying a delicious Thai lunch and drinks with a view, there are actually plenty of fun things to do on Koh Phi Phi.

Hike Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints

If you fancy an active afternoon (I say afternoon because it often rains in the mornings), you should hike to the three viewpoints on the island. They provide the most amazing panoramic views of the island but are definitely not for the faint-hearted. 

Kayaking or paddle boarding

You can rent a kayak or SUP at Loh Dalum beach and explore the surrounding bays. Both SUP and kayak are popular here and you’ll be able to enjoy hours exploring the islands hidden corners and maybe even sun yourself on a private beach!

Be careful in the water though, and make sure to wear floatation devices as the tides and currents can be strong.

Monkey Bay is around the western side of the headland where you can watch the wild monkeys chase each other for their precious scraps of food.

Beware of their behaviour since people started feeding them, so now they expect food and may bite or scratch you.

Fire Shows

Also, on Loh Dalum beach there are several fire shows in the evening attached to beach night clubs and bars. Due to the little health and safety measures in place, these shows can be quite dangerous but very entertaining. 

Snorkelling

Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave are only a few impressive snorkelling spots surrounding Koh Phi Phi. With the potential to see bioluminescent plankton at night or the colourful coral during the day, there are several flexible tours you can book onto on the island or online.

Another reason for many to visit Koh Phi Phi is to get their PADI open water diving course certificates. If you’ve been wanting to become a certified scuba diver, Thailand is one of the cheapest and best places to do it, with stunning marine life and low prices.

While many head to the scuba mecca of Koh Tao, which is on the other side of the Thai mainland, a 4 hour ferry ride from Surat Thani, Phi Phi is also great for PADI courses. And you’ll find plenty of options.

If you’re already qualified, or you just want to go diving and see the tropical corals and stunning under sea vistas, you’ll find plenty of day trips advertised.

Beach Massage

For a more relaxing activity, you can experience a traditional Thai massage by the beach. Imagine a peaceful half hour massage whilst you listen to the gentle sound of the water lapping up on the beach with the warm afternoon rays beating down on your back. 

Boat trips

One of the most popular things to do on a 48 hour trip to Koh Phi Phi is to enjoy a boat ride around the islands. These often include a trip to Maya Beach, which is one of the major draws for the islands.

However there are also options for party boats, speedboat trips and more. Check out the boat tour options below.

Where to eat?

As a result of the high demand of visitors this island endures annually, the average prices on Koh Phi Phi are generally higher than the rest of Thailand. However, I found the independent, family-run restaurants, although cheap, were usually the best meals. Such as the restaurants in Tonai Village which sometimes felt like you were eating at their house. 

The Clover House doesn’t look like much on the outside but the bustling atmosphere inside is what drew me in. The food was delicious and the staff were so friendly. After most meals in Thailand, I finished with a nutella roti pancake and The Clover House did not disappoint.

Pirates House serve Indian and Thai food and was where I had one of the best curries I’ve ever eaten! There is occasionally a live band playing here which created a fun ambiance and they also have an extensive cocktail list to choose from. 

Anna’s Restaurant is conveniently located near the pier making the perfect post-ferry meal. They serve European and Thai food. The pineapple fried rice was so flavoursome and creative since it was served in half a pineapple. 

How to get there?

• By ferry from Phuket: £20pp and takes approximately 2 hours
• By speedboat from Phuket: £36pp and takes 1 hour
• By ferry from Krabi: £22pp and takes approximately 2 hours

You can book all ferry tickets online at  https://www.directferries.co.uk/thailand.htm or in person at the pier ticket stalls. 

Enjoyed this guide? Check out Louise’s blog at MyJournalExtracts.