A Quick Guide to Exploring Koh Phi Phi

Exploring One of Thailand’s Islands

Koh Phi Phi is one of the most pictureqsue and relaxing places I’ve ever visited.  It’s an island in Thailand, about a two hour ferry ride east of Phuket and south of Krabi.  I’ve read tons of blog posts about how this island is overrated and touristy, especially compared to some of the other islands in Thailand, but I have to argue that it’s not oversaturated.  Sure, there’s a portion of the island that’s overrun with drunk backpackers, but you don’t have to go there if that’s not your scene!  We were there for about two and a half days, but didn’t feel like we missed out on too much.  Check out some of the tips below to make the most of your visit to Phi Phi Island:

Stay at the Papaya Phi Phi Resort.

We didn’t exactly realize it when we booked the hotel, but it has an absolutely incredible view of the island.  The only other hotel as high up as Papaya was under construction, so we really hit the jackpot.  We had two balconies, our own bathroom, and it was only $20/night/person.  Super gucci.

Hike to the view points.

It only takes about 15 minutes to get to View Point #1, it’s just a lot of steep stairs.  View point #2 is another 15 minute walk uphill from there, but oh boy, it’s stunning.  There are signs all over the island leading you to the view point trails, so they’re relatively easy to find.  It’s about 30 THB (less than $1) to go to the top.

Experience the night life.

Everywhere we went in Thailand had a crazy nightlife.  Koh Phi Phi was no exception, but the element of being on the water made it more relaxed.  There are a ton of backpackers out, and you’ll meet people from all over the world.  There are all kinds of games and contests going on at the bars, like jump roping, musical chairs, Thai boxing, etc.  The bars and restaurants on the island are more expensive than elsewhere in Thailand, but still cheap by American standards.

Stick with the Thai food.

By the end of our trip one of the girls I was traveling with was craving a traditional American breakfast.  However, it wasn’t what she was expecting.  It was….not good.  It was even unappetizing to look at.  The people of Thailand make some bangin’ Thai food, just stick with that, it’s amazing and delicious.

Go on a long tail boat tour.

You have to! It’s amazing! This was my favorite thing we did in Thailand.  Two friends and myself went on a long tail boat tour, just the three of us, for three hours, and it was only 1,500 THB.  Again, kind of pricey for Thailand, but cheap for Americans.  We shopped around a bit, trying to find the balance between getting a good price but not haggling down too much.  We went swimming in Pileh lagoon, snorkeling by the Viking Cave, and got terrified and robbed by monkeys, it was awesome.

I imagine most of these activities are available on any of Thailand’s gorgeous islands, so I doubt you can go wrong with which one you choose.  If you end up on Koh Phi Phi, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!