Thailand's Popular Little Party Island Is A Paradise Of White Sand, Cliffs, And Mountains

To say "Phi Phi" is to say "party party." The Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Phi Phi, make their way onto nearly every list of must-visit beaches in Thailand, which is no small feat considering the remarkable competition. Some would even call them Thailand's most famous islands of all. A dynamite destination beloved by backpackers, rabble-rowsers, and nature-lovers alike, Koh Phi Phi offers one of the best beach party scenes in Southeast Asia and is praised for its ethereal tropical beauty and unique geographical formation.

When it comes to the reputation of Thailand's iconic beaches, the bar is already high, but Koh Phi Phi is a stand out. Floating in the Andaman Sea, this archipelago of six immaculate islands is home to astounding white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, lush forests, and mountainous terrain like you've never seen or set foot on before. Only the largest, main island, Koh Phi Phi Don, plays host to visitors with a plethora of hotels and restaurants, while the other islands are accessed by daily boat trips. 

You'll stay in the lively village of Ton Sai, which rests on a slender strip of land, the width of which takes about 30 seconds to cross between the northern and southern beaches. Both tail ends of Koh Phi Phi Don widen dramatically into rugged peaks and abundantly green forest begging to be explored. Millions of visitors come from all over the world every year to take part in the phenomenal marine recreation and festivities on this little party island — an incredible number considering that Koh Phi Phi Don is less than 4 square miles.

During your stay at one of the best places to visit in Thailand, you simply must participate in some form of aquatic recreation, and you will have your pick of activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, paddleboarding, and beach hopping. The water surrounding Koh Phi Phi is mild and clear, perfect for underwater exploration. If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground for the day, there are beautiful hiking trails close to you. For those desiring tranquility away from the crowds, you can wander to quieter sections of the island, such as Monkey Beach, famous for its residents. Who wouldn't want to make friends with monkeys on the beach in between serene dips into the turquoise sea? (Though, remember to keep your distance from wild animals and never feed them.)

One of the most popular adventures that visitors love is taking a day trip to the nearby Maya Bay, located on the adjacent island of Koh Phi Phi Leh. This secluded lagoon is one of the most highly photographed seascapes in Thailand and was launched into the spotlight when Leonardo DeCaprio's "The Beach" was filmed there. It is an astonishing beach distinguished by towering limestone cliffs climbing 325 feet, surrounded by a large coral reef. In an attempt to allow the ecosystem to recover from the recent strain of overtourism, boats are no longer allowed to go to shore, and swimming is banned. However, boats will dock close by so that you can walk to Maya Bay, and the tour companies offer snorkeling opportunities at equally astonishing locations nearby.

With an infamous reputation for liveliness, Ton Sai Bay is poppin' day and night. From marijuana pop-ups to EDM pool parties to late-night tiki bars to beach bars that start serving at 10 a.m., there is no want for entertainment. The Reggae Bar is a longtime favorite where you can catch a Muay Thai fight, and the Sunflower Beach Bar is the perfect place for tropical cocktails and sunsets. A majority of hostels on Phi Phi are essentially party hostels, but there are affordable outliers if you prioritize a guaranteed solid night's rest. The lively maze of Ton Sai is populated with vibrant, quirky bars alongside sizzling street food stalls, delicious restaurants with coastal views, and intriguing shops to browse. 

If you're not a partier, fear not: Koh Phi Phi can still be a great option for you. There are low-key luxury resorts, hippy beach rental houses tucked away in hidden nooks, and remote beaches. There is plenty to do on the island for nature lovers who prefer to explore this remarkable destination away from the crowds. Just browse for a rental or hotel on the outskirts of Ton Sai.

Hopefully, you've got some steady sea legs because there is only one way you're getting to Phi Phi. Multiply ferry and speedboat companies set out from two popular ports in Phuket and Krabi throughout the day, and the journey across the sea takes between one and two hours, depending on sea conditions. Both Phuket and Krabi have accessible airports that connect with daily Bangkok flights. While getting to the Phi Phi Islands might be considered time consuming, it is relatively accessible since it is a highly trafficked route, and after all, let's remember it is an island. Paradise is worth the trouble.

Once you have arrived in Koh Phi Phi Don, you will have no issue getting around. Everything is within walking distance, and everyone is on foot! You won't find cars, but you will see locals pushing carts through the busy winding streets. Due to its popularity, as well as its proximity to other extremely popular destinations like Phuket and Krabi, visitors can expect prices in Phi Phi to be higher than in other parts of mainland Thailand. That being said, trips to Phi Phi are comfortably and affordably made by solo travelers, budget backpackers, and families. An average weeklong vacation on the Phi Phi Islands for a pair of two is estimated to be around $1,200.

The most popular time of year to visit the islands is December through April, due to the dry climate and calm ocean. The rainy season from May through October brings torrential downpours and choppier seas. No matter what time of year you go, Koh Phi Phi is still paradise.