Phi Phi islands is probably the most blogged about island in Thailand, but here I am adding to the list as it is outstanding in infinite ways. Phi Phi has the party, adventure, relaxation and mesmerising beauty. I believe it is an all rounder, where you can experience the most even with limited time. 

As Phi Phi is a small island, you can pretty much walk from one end to the other. This is ideal as no cars are allowed due to the streets being thin. But this is what makes it feel so magic! In the main area, streets are Packed with restaurants, bars and stalls. Everything feels very close and quaint. 7/11 has 3 shops, prices are higher due to importing, but, surprisingly, restaurant food is not. Go to cosmos for 100 baht pizza and free garlic bread or try Pirate House for 250 baht curry that will serve 2. 

Phi Phi Party

Well known for its nightlife you are likely to have heard of the infamous ‘Slinkys’. Definitely visit here for your taste of all things island. Expect fire skipping, flaming limbo and rodeo bull madness. Of course all of a chance to win free shots and alcohol buckets.

Just wandering around the island you will find awesome individual bars, with almost all seafront establishments offering a fire show. If you’re after cheap alcohol, stop at the street shacks on route to the beach for 100 baht pina coladas and fruity mojitos. Of course everybody’s favourite, reggae reggae bar, the open air establishment where you can take a punch to the face or as a drink. Marvel as volunteer tourists hop into the ring and battle it out for a free cocktail bucket or get your own Muay Thai on if you’re brave enough. 

Phi Phi Paradise

Turquoise waves, blissful mountain reflections and colourful marine life embedded beneath, the stuff computer screens are made of. On my first visit I voyaged on the boat tour and I was blown away. Visiting Maya bay, monkey beach, Viking cave, blue lagoon and stopping to snorkel. I glimpsed at many fish from nemo, saying hi to dory, gill and even bloat! Of course I tried to take a video but just ended up with footage of my snorkelling face. Even with all this excitement it was nothing compared to my second visit…

Booking on the 6am tour in an attempt to avoid the crowds, I got more than I could of dreamt of, with a private boat tour (due to low bookings). The sun rose with pinks and orange across the horizon, the boat steered into the crystal clear blue lagoon. We were the first ones there. I have never felt such peace and gratitude to be able to experience this beauty isolated from others. As I floated in the middle, engulfed by luscious emerald covered formations, I looked up and thought “This is why I travel”. 

Phi Phi Panorama

Viewpoint 1

Hiking on a holiday? Not for everyone I know, but personally I love to hike on holiday because that is how you get the best view. On this island there are 3 viewpoints, consecutively, each at higher points. If you don’t want to get too sweaty, just go to number 1. After climbing the steep mountain staircase you will be rewarded with horizontal views of the island and hammocks to relax. Pay just 20baht to experience this slice of heaven.

Viewpoint 2

You might be tired but you’ve made it this far and must be curious about viewpoint 2, right? No stairs, just a gradual incline for this one but, wow, is it worth it. Full bird’s eye view of the whole island, witness the different levels of blues in the sea and the green vegetation across this odd shaped island. Take in the scenery as you sit on the rocks or get a drink from the cafe.

Viewpoint 3

View point 3 is for regular hikers, a little off road with uneven terrain but upon completion you can see further offshore islands such as mosquito island. There is an additional fee of 10baht, which is around 25p.

Another great hike is walking from the pier to Long Beach. Follow the coast from the pier until you reach the top of a hill, with jungle on the right, go down the steep decline on the right using the rope for stability. At the bottom it will open out into the secluded Long Beach. Here you can, sunbathe and swim but bring supplies as there are no shops nearby. If you’ve had enough hiking you can also reach here by long tail boat from the pier straight to the beach for around 100baht, but boats back are a little sparse. 

Shanni’s Top Tips

1. Ferry tickets are pretty standard prices across companies and it is safe to book with tour stands and often can be 50-100 baht cheaper
2. Restaurants and partying are cheap on this thriving island but accommodation will be high compared to other places in Thailand, so set a slightly higher budget for this stop.
3. McDonalds is very expensive on the island, wait until you are back to the mainland and enjoy the local cuisine instead.
4. If you visit in rainy season, expect flash floods around 5pm and 9pm. I recommend wearing flips flops on your night out, so your soggy shoes do not ruin your vibe.

The world is immense with boundless magnificent sights and there is little time to see them. Consider starting with Phi Phi and you will not be disappointed.

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