Pristine Beaches + Party Island | Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

January 22, 2016 Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

White sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and a laid back island vibe, Koh Phi Phi looks like one of those picture perfect postcards but in real life! Here's a few things I recommend while visiting this amazing island in Thailand.

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand.
The world famous Thailand archipelago known as the Phi Phi Islands is one of the most beautiful places in all of Southeast Asia. It's also one of the most popular islands to visit while traveling through southern Thailand. I can see why this island is a sought after travel destination for backpackers families, and travelers of all ages, it's just purely breathtaking. 

Koh Phi Phi consists of two islands. The main island is Koh Phi Phi Don, where you're able to find accommodations, restaurants, shopping and etc. Koh Phi Phi Leh, is an uninhabited island thats's also a national park and can only be accessed by boat tours during the day. Upon arriving in Koh Phi Phi Don, you'll soon realize there's no modes of transportation here. It's a small walkable island and easy to get around.

Getting Here.
There is no airport in Koh Phi Phi. The only way to get here is by boat from either Phuket or Krabi. It's approximately a two hour trip. I recommend buying your boat tickets from a local company that you can find everywhere along the beach and touristy areas. Prices do vary between companies so I would just compare prices before booking. There's also plenty of boats that are constantly making trips back and forth so don't worry you will have a spot onboard. If you tend to get sea sickness I would also recommend bringing pills or medication as a precaution. Depending on the weather the water may be choppy at times.

My Experience.
Many shades of blue beaches, wild monkeys, snorkeling, sunburns, and countless papaya salads pretty much sums up my Koh Phi Phi experience and I mean what more can you ask for?

After the ferry ride over to Koh Phi Phi, I was super excited seeing the view from the window! You can definitely feel the difference in temperature from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi. It was much hotter on this island and you MUST reapply your sunscreen at all times. I got a really bad sunburn even after reapplying many times, so be careful if your skin is very sensitive! Our accommodation was quite a walk from where the ferry dropped us off, btw there are no vehicles on this island, so prepare yourself to walk a lot. I was glad we didn't have to carry our luggage, the guy on the ferry dropped it off at our hotel. As we finally arrived, I noticed it was far away from main area. It was much quieter and secluded but wait for it, our rooms were legit on a hill. That would be my only complaint about the accommodation is the walking up and down the hill, if you aren't physically fit or are not use to walking on an incline on top of hot humid weather, beware! But if you don't mind that, it's a great workout for your legs. I enjoyed this hotel having it right on the beach and buffet breakfast.

The Maya Bay excursion was honestly the best part of the Koh Phi Phi trip. Seeing different beaches, views around the islands, and working on that tan (getting sun burnt for me) was well doing this optional! There was lots of free time here, so it was up to you to make the most of it. The nightlife on this island is on another level! I never experienced a beach party like that before and holds so many memories. Many people from my tour partied a little too hard and never made it back to their rooms (like I said previous, we were kind of far). It was funny hearing their stories the following day, of getting lost, sleeping on the beach, and other crazy shenanigans that happened. I wish we had more time here because I loved the island vibes so much here. I could see myself returning here in the future for sure but until next Koh Phi Phi, you were so good to me! If you want to follow along my Thailand trip, (click here) to read about the 9 day tour I took. As well as my adventures in Phuket (click here), and Krabi (click here).

Arriving on the Island.
Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

Koh Phi Phi Thailand Beaches

Maya Bay Excursion.
This excursion stopped in 5 places that included snorkeling stops, Monkey beach, and Maya Bay (where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed the movie The Beach). A fun-filled boat day mean tons of sunscreen, water, and your bringing out the GoPro! I love snorkeling in every travel destination I go to, it never gets boring. There's so much beauty underwater, it just takes your breath away! Monkey beach was interesting to say the least, the monkeys would steal your drinks or anything they could get their little hands on and run away. Some were friendlier than others, so just be careful when you go near them. A tour guide told us some people have gotten bit so just keep a healthy distance. Maya Bay is unbelievably beautiful. Words can't describe how magical it looks. But if you're expecting a secluded quiet beach, sorry, that isn't happening unless your the first boat group to arrive or the last one to leave. Maya Beach is is one the most visited locations that many boat tours stop at. The amount of people you see being dropped off is insane especially being there during high season. It's still gorgeous though but I would recommend visiting when it's not so busy. All in all, this was a great excursion and loved every minute of it!

Things to do in Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

Snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Things to do in Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Contiki Thailand Tour

Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

Contiki Thai Island Hopper West

Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

Snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Contiki Thailand Island Hopper West

WanderlustBeautyDreams



Contiki Thai Island Hopper West

Boat Tours in Koh Phi Phi Thailand


Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

Boat Tours in Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

Contiki Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

Traveling to Thailand for the First Time

Contiki Thailand



Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

ViewPoint.
There is spectacular vistas at the highest point of the island called the Viewpoint. The hike up there is popular both during the day or sunset hours. The hike can be strenuous for some especially depending on the weather (bring water!) but it includes hundreds of steps and twisty paths but well worth the view!


Koh Phi Phi Eats.
There are lots of restaurants to choose from offering both Thai cuisine and western cuisine. I found myself nibbling on lots payaya salad (my new favorite dish), spring rolls, and trying their fresh juices/smoothies. You also must try Thai ice cream, it's pretty cool how they make it and much more better in your stomach! Papaya restaurant has to be one of my favorite restaurants in Koh Phi Phi. I returned a couple times through my stay and highly recommend it.

Where to eat in Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Where to eat in Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Thai Spring Rolls

Papaya Restaurant Koh Phi Phi Thailand Papaya Restaurant Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Thailand Travel Guide

Ice Cream Koh Phi Phi Thailand Ice Cream Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Magical Sunsets.
Koh Phi Phi Thailand Sunset

Koh Phi Phi Thailand Sunset



Beach Parties/ Night Life.
This island is known for it's major party scene. As soon as the sun goes down, the party begins! There are many chill pubs around but the party is at the beach. Loh Dalum Bay becomes a party-goers dream nightclub running a mile long. There are tons of people, fire performers, loud music, and buckets! Like I said earlier, there are chill bars around that are more low-key if you aren't into the whole party scene. I recommend heading to Banana Bar Rooftop, to watch movies on a big screen from up above the chaos, it's such a chill vibe!








Comment below,
Where in Thailand should I explore next?

Until the next post!

-WanderlustBeautyDreams ♡ 

78 comments

  1. You seem to have had a great time, love all your images!

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    1. Thank you so much, I had a blast! I highly recommend visiting Thailand.

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  2. This is so beautiful. I have been to Thailand, but not here. I love the fact you showed pictures of the food which is soooo good in Thailand. Fantastic blog post.

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  3. This looks like a amazing vacation spot.I can be sitting all day sipping cocktails at the beach and eating pineapples.

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  4. That looks absolutely amazing. I want to go to Thailand!! I would go just for the Ice cream rolls! lol

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    1. Thailand is such a beautiful country to explore. The ice cream rolls were so yummy!

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  5. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand looks like an amazing place to visit. The ocean pics make me want to hop on a plane right now.

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    1. Honestly Koh Phi Phi looks like a postcard in every corner!

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  6. Wow, that beach looks so stunning. My daughter would have a fit to go!

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  7. Oh my, talk about the prfect holiday that has it all. I don't know if it is the clear water, soft sand, wildlife, food or night life i like most!

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    Replies
    1. All of the above sold me haha. I would love to go back and explore more!

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  8. That looks like it would be an amazing adventure. I'm not sure I would ever leave.

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  9. This looks amazing! I hope I get to visit one day. Thanks for sharing!

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  10. Honestly, I don't know. But I recommend any place that has a good "vantage point"! That's a good start. And the water....what beats such a view?

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    1. I love a good vantage point. The beaches in Thailand are just spectacular!

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  11. I've heard so many great things about Thailand! I would love to go one day. Looks like you had a blast.

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    1. I highly recommend visiting! The culture, food, people, and scenery is unbeatable!

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  12. It would be a dream to see these beaches in Thailand. I've always wondered what it would be like to explore the area.

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  13. That sounds like a wonderful place to visit and beautiful as well. I'll be going to Thailand next month and hopefully I can go to this place.

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    1. That's amazing, you will have an amazing time in Thailand!

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  14. I haven't been on this part of Thailand! I hope to see it soon. It looks so amazing!

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    1. You need to, so spectacular! I want to go back and see more of the country, there's so much to explore.

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  15. These are one of the dreamiest travel photos I have seen in a while. That water is so crystal blue!

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    1. It honestly looks like a real life post card in every corner!

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  16. I remember i had the best time at phi phi island and I can't wait to go back there. Glad you had such an amazing time.

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  17. It all looks and sounds beautiful but I want to go to Maya Beach. Its stunning! And I love snorkeling. And I want to see the monies!

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  18. Looks so beautiful over there! I'd love to visit a place like that someday. :)

    Stephanie S.

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  19. Amazing pictures! The water and sand look pristine. I have not been to Thailand, and I have long been debating weather to go by myself or on a private tour.

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  20. The place looks almost as good as the beaches we have. The waters are as blue and the sand white.

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  21. It looks like you had a wonderful time and what amazing photos. I love Thai islands. So far, I think I like Koh Phangan the best, but I haven't been to Koh Phi Phi so I guess I'l have to visit!

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  22. This seems like such an amazing spot to visit! Your pictures make me long for a trip there. I love how the waters look and that sand... deaming of being off on an adventure now!

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    1. Thank you, I'm so happy to hear this. You will love Thailand!

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  23. I've always wanted to visit Thailand, your pictures make it look so amazing! I'll have to add it to my list sooner than later.

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  24. The wild life, the food, the adventure. Such stunning photos - that water! I've lived in Thailand before and so enjoyed the culture and nature!

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    1. So lucky! I want explore more of Thailand, so much to see and explore.

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  25. Oh wow this place is surreal!!! The water is so blue I am so tempted to go there!!! -Krizzia Scollon

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    1. The water is amazing, you have to see it with your own eyes!

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  26. Love those pictures! Makes me want to go visit Thailand!

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    1. I'm so glad to hear this. Hope you get experience Thailand yourself some day :)

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  27. All your pics are very super fantastic love them. I would love to go visit Thailand. It seems like paradise.

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    1. Thank you so much! Hope you get to visit Thailand soon.

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  28. WOW! This island really looks so beautiful. I must say perfect destination to spend quality time with friends and family. I would love to travel with my friends. And you clicked some amazing pictures

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    1. Thank you so much! I agree it's the perfect place to be with your loved ones :)

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  29. Those beaches are really precious! And I the view looks just georgeous. I cannot wait for going to thailand. The country has so much to offer

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    1. I agree, Thailand has so much to offer and so many places to explore!

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  30. Thailand is on my bucket list! This looks like the perfect day - snorkeling and exploring beaches. Great photos!

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    1. Thank you so much! Highly recommend visiting Koh Phi Phi :)

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  31. This look so amazing place to visit. The nature looks beautiful and the monkeys are so cute x

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  32. I'm saving this on my bucket list pin board! It reminds me of Gilligan's Island. The views look absolutely amazing!

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  33. The sand is calling my name. The water is so inviting. Thanks for sharing your adventure with me.

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  34. One of my travel bucket list is to explore Thailand and this is a great reference for me.

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  35. This part of Thailand is beautiful! I'd love to visit sometime.

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  36. Those beaches and especially the sunsets look incredible! Seems like a great trip!

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  37. Goodness. That is paradise on earth! The beaches are so beautiful. Clear blue waters, white sand and a snorkler's heaven! Thanks for sharing your photos. I love them!

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    1. Thank you. I hope you experience it yourself some day!

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  38. I've ALWAYS wanted to visit Thailand!

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  39. Oh my god! was that a bucket margarita? Love it!! The food pics made me super hungry! We have Thailand on the ever growing list of must visit countries. Thanks for the tip of the Maya Bay Excursion!

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    1. Yes, they serve alcohol (freehand) within buckets here lol!

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  40. This island is so gorgeous! It seems so relaxing to stay here for a vacation, the foods looks so delicious..!

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  41. I've been to Thailand, but I never got a chance to go to go to the islands. After reading your article I hope to go back soon. The banana bar rooftop with the movie up high sounds AWESOME! I'm glad I read through the article and there's so much that I learned. I had no idea that one of the islands was only accessibly by boat. Monkey beach sounds like SO much fun! I'll bet you have awesome videos from that experience.

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    1. I want to go back and see more. Thailand is just so beautiful!

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  42. What a great place to spend some time! If we travel back to Thailand, we will definitely go here!

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