Ko Phi Phi Islands
Thailand

This article is about two of the Phi Phi Islands
(Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley),
and mostly about Ton Sai Bay on Phi Phi Don.

View of Koh Phi Phi Thailand
"Ko Phi Phi" was last updated on Nov 22, 2010
All information below is subject to change

Ever seen "The Beach" (2000) with Leonardo DiCaprio?

I believe that the popularity of Phi Phi Islands grew after this movie!


So, why are the islands popular?

Well, Phi Phi's white sand beaches are known worldwide because the islands are surrounded by clear, turquoise water and a vast variety of marine life.

This makes the islands excellent for snorkelling and diving, and have attracted backpackers and tourists from all over the world!

The island itself is spectacular as well, because of its limestone cliffs, beautiful bays and delicious sea food.

But Phi Phi has gone through a lot...

In this article you'll find:



Most of us remember the Indian Ocean tsunami that hit Phi Phi Don back in December 2004.

When I walked around in the streets of Ko Phi Phi (Dec 2007), I saw locals building houses, heaps of rocks and blue signs of tsunami evacuation routes located at many restaurants, cafes and roads.

It was hard to imagine that this beautiful island was hit hard by the tsunami!

... But despite the catastrophe, the island has maintained its true beauty!

That's why I think it's important to contribute to the habitants' economy by visiting the island. Good for the local Thai people, and good for your karma! ;-)

Did you know...

...that the Phi Phi island group is actually six islands:

  • Phi Phi Don
  • Phi Phi Ley
  • Yung Island (Mosquito Island)
  • Bamboo Island
  • Bida Nok
  • Bida Nai
"Don" means big, and "Ley" means small.

How to get to Ko Phi Phi

There's no airport in Ko Phi Phi. The nearest airports are located in Krabi and Phuket.

Cheap flights to Krabi/Phuket:

By bus from Bangkok to Krabi:

Take the government bus from Bangkok's Southern bus terminal to Krabi. The trip should take you around 12 hours.

You don't need to book a bus ticket in advance when it comes to government buses. Exceptions are during Thai holidays.

My experience is that I always get a bus ticket, even in the high season.

Here are some of your bus options (opens in a new window)

You can take private buses from Khao san road as well. But frankly, I prefer government buses rather than private buses because of its reliability, comfort and a lot smaller chances of getting scammed.

To survive such a long bus ride I would suggest to invest your money on VIP-buses. You can usually choose between 2nd class air-con and 1st class air-con (VIP-buses) to Krabi.

On 24-seats VIP-buses you get a blanket, snacks and water, more leg room and fewer loud Asian movies. They even have reclining seats ;-)

From Krabi bus station, take a songthaew to Krabi pier.

Ferries from Krabi/Phuket:

From Krabi Pier (Klong Jirad Pier), take the ferry to Ko Phi Phi (Tonsay Bay). If you have bought your ferry ticket through your guesthouse/booking office, the taxi transfer from your guesthouse/office to the pier should be included in the price.

This should apply whether you're taking the ferry to Phi Phi Island or to Koh Lanta.

For example: In 2007 I bought my ferry ticket to Koh Lanta through KR Mansion Hotel in Krabi. There was a free taxi transfer from the hotel to the pier.

Time -- from Krabi to Phi Phi: 90 minutes

Schedule from Krabi to Phi Phi Island:

Dep. 10.00
Dep. 14.30
Dep. 16.00

If you decide to take the ferry from Phuket (Ratsada Pier), the ride takes 1,5 hour to 2 hours depending on the company and ferry you're using.

Schedule from Phuket to Phi Phi Island:

Dep. 08.30 - Arr. 10.00
Dep. 13.30 - Arr. 15.30

By train from Bangkok:

You can take the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani (8,5 hours) -- a 3rd class seat cost approximately 297 B.

Then take the bus (3 hours) or a minibus (2,5 hours) from Surat Thani to Krabi.

For more information on trains from BKK to Southern Thailand, visit Seat61.com (opens in a new window)

Important places to know about:

  • Tourist Police loacted near the pier in Ton Sai Village
  • There's one hospital on Phi Phi where they only treat small injuries. It`s located between Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel and the Beach Club.
  • Several pharmacies inside Ton Sai Village
  • Immigration office in Phuket Address: 482 Phuket Rd, A. Muang. Opening hours: 08:30 am - 04:30 pm. Closed in the weekends and holidays. Phone nr: 076-221 905
  • Many ATMs and banks to be found around Ton Sai Village
  • Post office in the middle of Ton Sai
  • You can get internet access everywhere in the village




Ko Phi Phi Articles



ko phi phi accommodation the rock dorms backpacking tips asia

Koh Phi Phi accommodation

Looking for accommodation in Phi Phi?

Look no further! Here are the guesthouses I tried in Phi Phi (Ton Sai village)

Phi Phi Island accommodation

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ko phi phi food thailand food sniper with garlic and rice backpacking tips asia

Where to eat and relax in Ko Phi Phi

Don't know where to find cheap Thai food in Ko Phi Phi?

Here are some suggestions! :-)

Restaurants in the island (Thailand food)

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ko phi phi nightlife sunflower bar thailand nightlife backpacking tips asia

Where to party in Ko Phi Phi

How is the nightlife in Phi Phi?

How much does alcohol cost?

Here are the bars I tried in Phi Phi!

Koh Phi Phi Nightlife

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ko phi phi activities diving backpacking tips asia

Activities in Ko Phi Phi

Things to do in Ko Phi Phi?

Here are some suggestions to what activities you can do in Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley.

Welcome to Koh Phi Phi Activities

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Stopping by Koh Pha Ngan for the Moon Parties?

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