It took me a very long time to visit the Phi Phi Islands—nearly a decade after my first trip to Thailand, in fact. Which was strange, considering that they were always near the top of my Thailand bucket list.
The thing was, I listened too much to what other people told me. “Koh Phi Phi is past its prime,” one old-timer told me all the way back in 2010. “Go to Koh Lipe or Koh Kood instead.” And you know what? I did end up visiting both those islands first.
By this point, however, I’ve also been to the Phi Phi islands many, many times. And while they aren’t perfect or even closer to it, my answer to the question “is Koh Phi Phi worth it?” is a definitive “yes.” Here’s why.
Is it Worth Staying on Phi Phi Island?
Are the Phi Phi Islands worth it, in terms of an overnight stay? On one hand, accommodations here leave a lot to be desired. From budget hostels like Pier 519, to mid-range resorts like Phi Phi Villa Resort and even up on the high-end (well, to the extent that Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort is high-end), it gives me no pleasure to say that most places on stay in Koh Phi Phi leave a lot to be desired.
On the other hand, with a bit of pre-planning a forethought, it’s reasonably easy to come to Koh Phi Phi on a day trip. Some travelers will book an organized day trip to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi, while others will independently reserve speedboats from Railay, Lanta or even Phuket. I do recommend booking these in advance, however, lest you end up getting stranded instead of island hopping.
Pros and Cons of Koh Phi Phi
Pro: It’s home to one of Thailand’s best views
I’ll be honest: The view from Phi Phi’s Viewpoint 2 (as opposed to Viewpoint 1, which you have to pass through en route; and Viewpoint 3, which isn’t worth the extra trek) is one of my favorites in all of Thailand. Even if everything else about visiting Koh Phi Phi was negative, this view would counteract them.
Con: It’s inundated with crowds
One thing I’m not sure every Koh Phi Phi itinerary makes clear is just how crowded the island is. From the moment you get off your boat at Tonsai Pier, to the walk to wherever you’re staying, to “The Beach” at Maya Bay, the island is completely inundated. Worse, it’s filled with Russians, which feels like a stake in the heart for any freedom lover.
Pro: You can easily day trip to Maya Bay
Crowded or not, there’s a reason that movie footage of Maya Bay has been inspiring travelers to visit Koh Phi Phi for a quarter of a century. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need need book a trip in advance. Rather, you can hire a long tail driver directly, whether via your hotel or right near Tonsai Pier.
Con: So can thousands of others
I’ll be honest that in the post-pandemic era, Maya Bay is a lot less crowded, which makes sense. Since 2018, it’s been allowed to “regenerate” during the rainy season, to say nothing of years of covid closure. It makes sense that authorities would want to manage crowds better so that their work doesn’t end up having been in vain.
Pro: It’s easy to get in—and out
No matter what shape your Phi Phi Islands itinerary takes, it isn’t a lot of work to get there. Frequent speed boats go here both from the west (Phuket and Railay) and the east (Koh Lanta); you can even take a ferry from Khlong Jilad pier on the Krabi mainland. This means you can come when you want—and leave when you’ve had enough.
Alternatives to Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a beautiful place, but it isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for places with the pluses of Phi Phi (but mostly, not the minuses), check out these islands instead:
- Koh Lipe: Though not quite as dramatic in its beauty as Koh Phi Phi, Lipe is smaller and less crowded than Phi Phi, and less stressful to explore.
- Koh Lanta: Tranquil Lanta, with its large community of local Muslims, feels a world away from Koh Phi Phi (even though it’s just over the water).
- Similan Islands: You can’t stay overnight here, but a day trip from Phuket or Phang Nga to Koh Similan might make you feel like you’re in Phi Phi, but 50 years ago.
- Koh Tao: This infamous island isn’t without its downsides, but in terms of natural beauty, it is in some ways the most reminiscent of Phi Phi.
Need personalized help, whether with things to do in Phi Phi islands or your Thailand trip more broadly? Consider commissioning a custom Thailand itinerary!
Other FAQ About Visiting Koh Phi Phi
Why is Koh Phi Phi so popular?
Koh Phi Phi initially gained popularity in the early 2000s after the Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Beach.” Since then, it’s more or less been a self-propagating cycle, fueled largely by social media posts that spotlight the sublime beauty, both of Koh Phi Phi Leh and of Maya Bay (where the aforementioned movie was formed).
Is Koh Phi Phi better than Krabi?
Koh Phi Phi is part of the much larger Krabi province, which has a great deal more to offer than islands, anyway. On the other hand, if you’re comparing Koh Phi Phi to individual Krabi beaches like Ao Nang or Railay, I’d say it’s mostly a wash—there are benefits and drawbacks of each option, and all are sadly far from perfect.
How long should you spend on Koh Phi Phi?
On one hand, if you’re very organized and motivated, you can easily visit Koh Phi Phi on a day trip from Railay Beach (on the mainland) or from Koh Lanta. Conversely, if you are able to compartmentalize and not lose your mind from the crowds (or the sorts of tourists that comprise them), staying a night or two in Phi Phi offers some potential benefits.
The Bottom Line
Is Koh Phi Phi worth it? Yes, absolutely. Look, there are things I dislike about Koh Phi Phi, from how crowded it is, to the types of tourists who crowd it. Many of my least favorite aspects of Phi Phi, to be sure, are getting worse over the years, with no improvement in sight. At the same time, it’s difficult to deny that the Phi Phi Islands won the natural beauty lottery, and are objectively among the best islands in Thailand from that perfective. Two things—many things—can be true at the same time. Need personalized help plotting an island hopping course through southern Thailand? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!
