Phi Phi (or Phi Phi Leh, as it’s also known) is one of the most well-known islands in Thailand. The Phi Phi Islands are actually two islands: one located in the Andaman Sea and another that’s part of the same chain, which are connected by a series of rocks and sandbars called the ‘backdoor’. In addition to the main island, there’s also a smaller island to the east of the main one called Phi Phi Don.
Phi Phi Island in Thailand is known as a party island and attracts hordes of British and American tourists who come to party at its famous beach bars, as well as explore the neighbouring Phi Phi Islands. It’s almost like getting a holiday in your own private paradise, but when you return to Thailand the reality hits you: you’re just a regular tourist, out on a much shorter holiday.
Phi Phi is also one of the few islands in Thailand to allow girls to legally give tourists ‘Happy Hours’. These Happy Hours mean that if you go to one of the three or four bars on the main island and buy an ‘All You Can Drink’ cocktail for £5.00 you get a second drink for half price for the next hour. Some bars have started charging up to four Happy Hours and charging £10.00 for the main drink! So beware of these rip off prices and always do your research!
Where is Phi Phi Island?
It’s the largest island in the Phi Phi Islands chain. It’s located between two groups of islands and accessible by boat and seaplane from Phuket, Phang Nga or Krabi.
Where to stay on Phi Phi Island?
There are three big hotels in Phi Phi: The First Island Resort, Lucky Beach Resort and The Waves Phi Phi. Although the latter is the most famous as it’s the nearest to the infamous white sand beaches, on the other side of the main island.
What to do in Phi Phi Island?
As with any island in Thailand, the main tourist activity is definitely partying, so Phi Phi is quite a party place. But it’s not all alcohol and hangovers – there are quite a few other activities that you can do on the island.
Rent a bike and cycle around the islands, or take a boat out to some of the more unusual islands that are just a short boat ride away. You can also go elephant riding if you’re into that sort of thing, and to see some of the unusual wildlife you’ll probably see in Phi Phi, you’ll need a boat.
The smaller islands of Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don are home to various marine life, including colourful coral reefs and myriad of fish. You can dive with sharks, or kayak and snorkel around some of the more tropical islands and coral reefs.
Most bars, like the notorious Mango Island, are located on the main island, so don’t bother with the backside – just keep moving until you reach them.
When to go to Phi Phi Island?
This is one of the islands that is the most popular with British and American tourists, so you’re likely to have a lot of the same people there on any given day. This is also the least expensive time of year to go, as it’s not the peak season for tourism and the prices are much lower, especially compared to its off season.
